Top Things to do in Guilin: Best Activities & Must-Sees
Surrounded by the dramatic peaks of limestone karst hills, the southern Chinese city of Guilin is home to lush vegetation, lakes, rivers, and breathtaking landscapes. The second-largest city in the Guangxi region, it’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in the country’s rich culture and traditions. If you’re interested in exploring this side of China, we’ve put together a detailed guide on what to see and do while in Guilin.
Top Things to Do in Guilin
- 🚢 Two Rivers and Four Lakes Night Cruise – A glittering journey through Guilin's illuminated river and lake system.
- ⛰️ Solitary Beauty Peak & Prince City – A historic Ming Dynasty princely residence featuring a striking peak in the city centre.
- 🌾 Longji Rice Terraces – Breathtaking, centuries-old rice terraces cascading down steep mountainsides.
- 🏞️ Li River Scenic Area – China's world-famous karst landscape, featured on the 20-yuan banknote.
- 🛶 Yulong River Bamboo Rafting – A romantic bamboo raft float on the Yulong River, including shuttle transfer.
What to Do in Guilin Based on Your Stay
How best to prioritise your time in Guilin depends on how long you intend to stay and the interests and needs of your travel group. We’ve popped together some example itineraries and recommendations to help you plan your trip.
Length of Stay | Couple | Family | Friends | Solo |
1 day | Enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Li River, and end the day with a romantic stroll around the Sun and Moon Pagodas. | Explore the Reed Flute Cave in the morning, and spend a family-focused afternoon around the Two Rivers and Four Lakes area. | Get adventurous with a bamboo raft on the Li River, and unwind in the evening on Zhengyang Pedestrian Street. | Catch the morning light hiking up Elephant Trunk Hill, and relax with a gentle walk around the Two Rivers and Four Lakes. |
2-3 days | Take time exploring the city’s pagodas and caves, head to Yangshuo to cycle around the Karst hills, and take the trip out to the rice terraces for sunset. | Spend time discovering Guilin’s lakes and caves, go on kid-friendly walks at the rice fields, and go cycling or bamboo rafting near the river. | Take sunrise photos at the rice fields, try local dishes in Yangshuo, and spend quality time exploring the city’s natural hot spots. | Enjoy the landscape, cruising the rivers, cycle through the Yangshuo countryside, and tuck into local delicacies. |
Considering Guilin as your next holiday destination? Keep reading to Learn more about what to do in Guilin.
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Must-Visit Districts in Guilin
The major sights that Guilin is best known for is spread across six different districts, so knowing which neighbourhood is home to those historical buildings or that hill comes in really handy when preparing for your holiday. Here are our recommendations for Guilin’s must-visit districts, whether you’re planning a day tour or spending a good chunk of time in the city.
Xiufeng District: shopping, dining and culture in Guilin
Xiufeng is a great place to start when you first arrive in Guilin, and it makes for a fantastic base for your stay. Not only is it the city centre, meaning this is where you’ll find a whole host of food, drink, transport and amenities, but it also has its own sightseeing draws too. You’ll find the Jingjiang Princes’ Palace here, as well as traditional neighbourhoods to stroll through. The area is also on the border of the popular and scenic Two Rivers and Four Lakes Area.
Diecai District: a backdrop of dramatic Karst Hills
Another of Guilin’s urban districts, Diecai, is special for being flanked by the famous karst hills. The name Diecai translates to ‘stacked colours’, referring to the unique shades, textures, and layers of the surrounding limestone formations. Here you’ll find hills to hike, parks to stroll through, and local neighbourhoods that are a little bit quieter than those found in Xiufeng.
Xiangshan District: Guilin’s spectacular natural formations
The Xiangshan neighbourhood is home to the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill, a karst formation named after its appearance of an elephant trunk drinking from the Li River. In this district, you’ll discover a fantastic mix of natural scenery, historic buildings like temples, pagodas, and pavilions, and local street food spots. It’s also got great transport links and, like many other areas of the city, lots of useful amenities on offer.
Qixing District: Recreation and relaxation in Guilin
Also known as the Seven Star District, after the eponymous park, the Qixing neighbourhood is a great place to head for a spot of relaxation. Not only can you find the city’s most famous park here, but also caves, lakes, karst hills (of course!), and lots of green spaces for recreation.
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Guilin Hotel Recommendations
5 star
Very Good4865 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.36km from city centre
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent location, great service, slightly dated facilities but still recommended.
🚩 Location & Transport: Right in the city center on Binjiang Road, within walking distance to Elephant Trunk Hill, Sun and Moon Pagodas, and East-West Alley. There's a bus stop and shared bikes right downstairs. For those driving, there's a free parking lot with charging stations, super convenient.
🛏️ Room Facilities: Got an upgrade to a river view room. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer a direct view of the Li River and Elephant Trunk Hill. However, the 4th-floor view isn't great as it's blocked by large trees on the street, obscuring the river. The room was clean and tidy, with comfortable bedding, though the bed was a bit small and the room size was on the smaller side. The decor felt a little traditional. Some outlets didn't have USB ports, so bringing your own charging adapter is recommended.
🍽️ Breakfast: A wide variety of Western pastries. The highlight was the freshly made Guilin rice noodles – both the dry stir-fried and soup versions were delicious. They also had Gongcheng oil tea, desserts, and fruit.
🤝 Service: The front desk staff were warm and professional, proactively upgrading our room and giving us a small gift. Their response time was very quick.
💡 Suggestions: Lower floors facing the street might experience noise, so light sleepers might want to bring earplugs. During peak season, breakfast can get crowded and require queuing, so dining off-peak is advised.
Overall Review: The location and service are impeccable. While the hardware isn't the newest, it's still a reliable choice as an established five-star hotel. Suitable for travelers who prioritize convenience and views.FromUS$77
Good2966 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.25km from city centre
My stay at the Lijiang Waterfall Hotel was absolutely fantastic, a full five stars! The hotel's central atrium is grand and spacious, and the panoramic elevators are a unique feature, really adding to the ambiance. Our room was large and spotlessly clean, with soft and comfortable bedding. The desk had excellent lighting, and the carpets and soft furnishings were exquisite and well-maintained. All the facilities were complete and in great condition. The overall service was attentive and thoughtful; the front desk staff had a wonderful service mindset. The location is superb, making it very convenient for getting around and sightseeing – Elephant Trunk Hill and Sun & Moon Twin Pagodas are right outside. Both the hardware and software definitely meet five-star standards. This is my top choice for accommodation in Guilin, and I'll definitely be back!FromUS$64
Very Good4098 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|2.52km from city centre
The hotel is beautiful, spotless, and the service is incredibly thoughtful and attentive. They introduced us to Guilin's famous rice noodles, and were especially patient in explaining the hotel's mascot, the cormorant, to my child, even taking into account our dietary restrictions.
A special thanks to Daisy in the executive lounge and Emily at the front desk during check-out. They both truly showed their passion for their work and their dedication to guests.FromUS$82
Excellent3451 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.76km from city centre
Although the hotel was built in 2014 and renovated in 2017, the rooms and public areas like the restaurant still feel quite new. The restaurant on the seventh floor offers a direct view of Elephant Trunk Hill, and there's also a lounge area on the sixth floor with large windows that also overlook the hill, plus some pastries and tea available. Elephant Trunk Hill's Gate No. 2 is right across the street, and if you head north, you'll find the pedestrian street and East-West Alley. The surrounding area has very convenient transportation.FromUS$61
Perfect6508 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|1.77km from city centre
I brought my child to Guilin this time and we stayed at the Ciao Hotel throughout our trip. The overall experience far exceeded my expectations, and I highly recommend it for families.
The hotel boasts an excellent location, just a short walk from key attractions like Elephant Trunk Hill and the Two Rivers and Four Lakes. It's incredibly convenient for getting around and finding food, saving a lot of travel time. The rooms are decorated in a simple yet elegant style. The bathroom features a wet/dry separation and a super-large freestanding bathtub, thoughtfully equipped with disposable bath liners, making bath time clean and safe for the kids. The bedding was soft and comfortable, ensuring a peaceful night's sleep. The room also came with a complimentary fresh fruit platter and snacks, a really thoughtful touch.
The outdoor riverside pool offers stunning views. Watching the sunset over the mountains and rivers in the evening was incredibly therapeutic, and my child thoroughly enjoyed swimming and splashing around. It's also a great spot for photos. The hotel has a dedicated intangible cultural heritage craft exhibition area, featuring traditional looms and bamboo woven ornaments, which were very unique. My child loved getting a close-up look at traditional crafts, making it a lot of fun.
The breakfast buffet offers a wide variety of options, and the freshly prepared Guilin rice noodles were authentic and delicious. The Chun Zhuang Ciao Yan restaurant also delivered on taste. The staff provided attentive and detailed service, responding promptly to all our needs. Both the facilities and service were impeccable. I will definitely choose this hotel again on my next visit to Guilin.FromUS$72
Excellent2595 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.93km from city centre
The hotel's location is absolutely fantastic, right opposite Elephant Trunk Hill's Gate 1, making it super convenient to get anywhere. The butler was incredibly attentive too! On our first day, we even received a welcome fruit platter with cucumber, plums, and bananas.FromUS$61
Business travel
Excellent888 Reviews
Reed Flute Cave/Lujia Village/Peach Blossom River/West Hill Park Guilin|4.11km from city centre
Heshe Hotel stands as one of the finest resorts for accommodation in Guilin. Their hospitality, culinary offerings, ambiance, and staff are all exceptionally delightful and helpful.
Upon our arrival, we were warmly welcomed by amazing front desk attendant, Melody. She assisted us through out our stay and made sure we’re comfortable and well taken care of and our tour guide, Eric, who communicated fluently in English, significantly easing our experience as non-Chinese speakers.
The owner was equally gracious, sharing their barbecue with us, creating a sense of homeliness. This hotel is located just 15 minutes from the main tourist attractions, with rooms that are very clean and offer breathtaking views.
I am definitely coming back again.FromUS$53
Outstanding2792 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.1km from city centre
I'm usually not one to write reviews, but I just had to for this place – I'm incredibly satisfied! Everything, from the room to the service to the location, deserves five stars. Even though the room wasn't huge, it was exceptionally clean, minimalist, and fully functional, which was all I needed. Getting around was super convenient; I just rented an e-bike or a shared bike and went wherever I wanted.
And then there's the service – oh, the service! What really surprised me was how genuinely enthusiastic *everyone* was. Not just one person, but every single staff member. It honestly felt like coming home. The 7th floor has the restaurant, gym, and laundry room all together, so you don't have to run to different floors. The Guilin rice noodles at breakfast were delicious, and I also tried their local specialty, Youcha (oil tea), which was really tasty! If I get the chance to come to Guilin again, I'll definitely choose this place.FromUS$32
Outstanding1802 Reviews
Guilin|15.93km from city centre
Returned for another stay at this hotel because of its beautiful environment and excellent hygiene. The service was fantastic all around. A special shout-out to the ladies working shifts on the 12th, 27th, and 21st (both day and night) for their exceptional service. I wasn't feeling well due to a cold, and one of the staff members thoughtfully applied medicated oil, massaged pressure points on my head, and even helped upgrade my room. I'll definitely choose this hotel again next time!
Hotel Response: [The 'Sky Mirror' on the seventh floor is a beautiful spot for photos]FromUS$56
Perfect13220 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.38km from city centre
The location is very convenient for a tourist: it is directly across the street from Dongxi (east-west) Alley and is a short walk from Elephant Trunk Hill, Sun and Moon Pagodas, and Qixing park. The entrance is on Zhengyang Pedestrian Street meaning easy access to shops, food stalls and restaurants.
The hotel exceeded my expectations, offering a high standard of comfort and service for the price. I am a frequent traveller who usually views a hotel just as a room with a bed to sleep in, though sometimes I treat myself to something nicer. In this case I chose the Mountain view room. The room was spacious, the largest bed I have ever slept in and floor to ceiling windows that gave a good view over the scenic area. There is a tea table in the window area, in which I enjoyed sitting drinking tea and watching the world go by. Even when lying down in bed I could see a ‘wall’ of sky. It was a very relaxing environment.
While there I made use of the free laundry room which was very handy.
All staff are friendly and welcoming. Even the lobby area is made to feel welcoming with free drinks available and a wall of cards with messages written by previous guests.
The restaurant is on the top floor, which also has an outside seating area with good views. The restaurant had vegetarian options available, which were tasty and reasonably priced.
I would defiantly stay here again and highly recommend it.FromUS$43
Outstanding2194 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|1.02km from city centre
This is my second time staying here. The hotel's location is excellent. The decor is grand and impressive, and the bellhops proactively open car doors and help with luggage. The front desk staff are warm, attentive, and efficient with check-ins. The room decor is exquisite, the views are beautiful, and the bedding is comfortable. The soundproofing is also very good. The breakfast offers a wide variety of choices, and the freshly ground coffee is delicious. I'll definitely come back if I have the chance.FromUS$129
Excellent10768 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.69km from city centre
😅 I thought I booked a room with a view, but it turns out the 'view' was *inside* the room 😂, not outside. Plus, there's a hospital right next door 🏥🫣😓
**Facilities:** The room's facilities are very well-designed. The shower, toilet, and sink are all separate, which is great for a family with different needs using them simultaneously. The breakfast buffet didn't have a huge variety of dishes, but the taste was decent. The freshly made Guilin rice noodles were delicious, and the takeaway coffee was a nice touch (saved me some money 😁).
**Cleanliness:** The hygiene was spot on, but I do have one small suggestion: the sofa cover in the living room was a bit scratchy 🥲.
**Environment:** The view outside the window wasn't great. The room I booked must be one of those 'influencer' rooms 😉, as I took some great videos and photos inside (they turned out really well)! 😊
**Service:** After checking in at the front desk, a butler helped me with my luggage and showed me to my room. They also explained the hotel's facilities and services, which was very thoughtful. The butler's responses to messages were also very prompt 😊. Very, very, very, very satisfied!
They even washed my little one's clothes and delivered them back to the room! 😚😚
Overall, the experience was pretty good. And they even gave me some Luo Han Guo tea when I checked out 🍵😊. Thanks a lot!FromUS$48
Family friendly
Excellent5097 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|2.97km from city centre
I've stayed here many times and it's always a very satisfying experience. The overall service is incredibly warm and attentive. The hotel was upgraded and rebranded as a Hilton Garden Inn, which really makes it excellent value for money. The rooms are spacious, comfortable, and very well-equipped. The hotel's location is also fantastic and very convenient. Whenever I come to Guilin, I always choose the Hilton.FromUS$55
Very Good683 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.95km from city centre
We stayed one night at The Grand Link hotel a wuick stop in Guilin before we moved on to the Longji rice terraces.
Check in was smooth, passports copies taken paid an extra deposit to be refunded when we left.
Our room was average, dark decor and very minimal lighting - which come dark this was abit of a nightmare!
Lots of damp areas in the decor in the main bedroom and bathroom walls. The room did have everything we needed but glad we only had one night here.
The children enjoyed an hour in the pool, a welcome break from the heat.
Check out wasn’t the best, we got up at 5am to be on our way to Longji by 6am but when we went to check out the man asked us to wait 5 minutes for the room to be checked for the deposit to be refunded - but this in the end took 35 minutes! I’m just glad we weren’t up early for a flight or something like or I would have panicked more about missing it with how long it took!FromUS$47
Very Good2431 Reviews
Guilin South Railway Station/Too Square/Qintan Bus Station Guilin|2.43km from city centre
This hotel has over a hundred rooms on the first floor, all well-designed. The lobby is grand, the breakfast is excellent, and the price is very reasonable. The location is superb, making it easy to get to attractions and the train station. Plus, there's a huge parking lot! And I loved the full-length mirrors in the hallway – perfect for quick touch-ups and checking your outfit.FromUS$63
Outstanding5206 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.16km from city centre
The hotel offers self-service tea and coffee. The room comes with a mini-fridge stocked with complimentary drinks. They even honored my request for the room and gave me a free upgrade! The room itself was very spacious, and I appreciated the separate wet and dry areas in the bathroom, along with the independent vanity, which was quite convenient.FromUS$31
Very Good486 Reviews
Gaoxing Wanda Plaza/Hi-Tech Zone Guilin|4.12km from city centre
The location of this beautiful hotel is very good and convenient. The size of the hotel room is also very suitable. All the waiters in the hotel are warm, polite and solve the problems immediately. The hotel is well-equipped.
The price of the hotel is very suitable. The hotel's location is convenient for transportation.
I give full marks to all the hotel's performance, praise, praise, praise, praise.
However, parents with children who have breakfast noodle soup should pay attention. The place where the soup is placed is very dangerous. I have reported it to the waiter, but he said it is safe. However, I have objected to his statement and it seems that he will not improve. Everyone should pay attention. .FromUS$26
Outstanding350 Reviews
Guilin South Railway Station/Too Square/Qintan Bus Station Guilin|3.49km from city centre
This was one of the best hotels that we stayed during our trip in China. The room is so elegant and the staff are really helpful. Despite the quality of the room there is no toilet paper but there is tissue. If toilet paper matters to you I recommend bringing your own. The beds and the pillows were one of the softest compared to the hotels we stayed at throughout China which were very firm. One complaint that we have is the size of the shampoo, conditioner, and body gel is that they are too small and can break easily if dropped. Overall it was a pleasant stay. I would definitely come back to stay at this hotel.FromUS$23
Breakfast
Very Good956 Reviews
Guilin South Railway Station/Too Square/Qintan Bus Station Guilin|2.61km from city centre
A very satisfying experience. The hotel is in a moderate location, not far from any tourist attractions, and it is convenient to eat and shop nearby. The facilities are very warm and considerate, and the service is warm and thoughtful. I originally booked two nights, but changed my itinerary temporarily, and I got a refund in less than two minutes.FromUS$23
Very Good4111 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.97km from city centre
An excellent stay! First, since I was traveling with elderly family members, the lovely lady at the front desk kindly upgraded our room for free. The room was huge, the facilities were brand new, and it even had a bathtub, which made my mother's stay very comfortable. Second, the hotel's location is superb. It's just a 10-minute walk to Elephant Trunk Hill and the Sun and Moon Pagodas (part of the Two Rivers and Four Lakes scenic area). During the day, we hiked Elephant Trunk Hill and took photos with the 'elephant' and Guanyin's vase-shaped hill. At night, the illuminated Sun and Moon Pagodas were incredibly beautiful, and the air was so fresh. Just across the street is the famous A Gan Restaurant, and a 15-minute walk brings you to Haitan Changfen, which always has a long queue! Third, the hotel breakfast was incredibly rich, with delicious rice noodles and siumai – no need to go out for breakfast. Finally, parking at the hotel was very convenient, and they even prepared ginger date tea and monk fruit tea for us. All in all, I want to thank the hotel and the front desk staff. I will definitely recommend this place to my friends and family!FromUS$27
Very Good423 Reviews
Guilin North&West Railway StationDiecai Wanda Plaza Guilin|6.04km from city centre
Located next to Guilin North Railway Station, it boasts convenient transportation and is within easy reach of shopping and dining options. The facilities are complete, clean, and hygienic. The environment is comfortable and quiet. Breakfast is plentiful, and the service is warm and welcoming.FromUS$23
Very Good811 Reviews
Guilin North&West Railway StationDiecai Wanda Plaza Guilin|4.92km from city centre
Facilities: The hotel facilities are quite good; there's a robot that can deliver items, and other facilities are complete.
Cleanliness: The rooms are clean and spacious.
Environment: It's quite close to the North Railway Station, just a few minutes by taxi. There's a bus stop and shared bikes right outside. It's not too far from attractions.
Service: The front desk staff (014) were very helpful and welcoming. Thumbs up! 👍FromUS$25
Good717 Reviews
Guilin North&West Railway StationDiecai Wanda Plaza Guilin|6.29km from city centre
The hotel has a very good service attitude, beautiful environment, good location, clean and tidy rooms, high floors, good lighting, good sound insulation, very satisfied! ! ! ! ! ! !FromUS$22
Very Good872 Reviews
Guilin South Railway Station/Too Square/Qintan Bus Station Guilin|2.9km from city centre
I've stayed here multiple times. The location is excellent, with a mall nearby and plenty of dining options. The soundproofing in the rooms is great, making them quiet and comfortable. The staff are always responsive and quick to assist. The value for money is outstanding, making it my top choice for business trips. Highly recommend!FromUS$23
Gym
Excellent2294 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.2km from city centre
Every stay at Atour leaves me impressed by the thoughtful details. From the moment you check in, you're offered tea, and there's hot congee late at night. The bedding is soft, and the rooms are clean and quiet. They have everything you need, including a public reading lounge and a laundry room. The service is gentle and appropriate, not overly enthusiastic, but full of subtle thoughtfulness. Whether I'm traveling for business or leisure, it feels like having a comfortable and secure temporary home. Highly recommended!FromUS$51
Good982 Reviews
Guilin South Railway Station/Too Square/Qintan Bus Station Guilin|3.25km from city centre
The Guilin Zhongshui Hotel is located next to Nanxi Mountain Park, very close to Guilin Railway Station and Elephant Trunk Hill Park, making it convenient to reach by electric bicycle. A slight drawback is that the hotel entrance is about 150 meters from Zhongshan South Road. Booking during the National Day holiday, the price was reasonable and offered good value. As a 4-star hotel, it's an older establishment, but the facilities are decent, and the hot water is excellent.FromUS$18
Good551 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|1.29km from city centre
The front desk lady was super nice and upgraded my room. It has a pool, perfect for a summer trip. You can swim, and there's also a gym, which is a great choice for fitness enthusiasts. The gym overlooks the beautiful backyard garden, which is absolutely stunning. A hotel definitely worth staying at!FromUS$24
Perfect6452 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.17km from city centre
The balcony view was absolutely stunning; I just wanted to lie there all day. It's a peaceful retreat in a bustling area, and the service was incredibly attentive. The security guard at the entrance was so helpful. Aside from the weather being uncooperative and the Li River scenic area being closed, I really loved everything else. The breakfast restaurant also had a beautiful view and delicious food. It truly lives up to its reputation as the top-ranked hotel. I'll definitely stay here again if I get the chance.FromUS$141
Excellent4479 Reviews
Convention And Exhibition Center/Seven Star Park Guilin|1.82km from city centre
The hotel exceeded my expectations overall! The room was spotless, the bathroom had no strange smells, and the bed was soft and comfortable. The front desk staff were quick and friendly during check-in. It was convenient for getting around and finding places to eat, and the soundproofing was excellent, so I had a great rest. Five-star rating!FromUS$55
Outstanding5629 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.5km from city centre
This hotel is truly excellent! They upgraded us to a river-view room, and we could even see Xiaoyao Tower. Plus, they kindly included breakfast for both rooms. The lobby is clean and upscale, and there's complimentary orange juice and plum juice available downstairs. It's super close to Dongxi Alley and Zhengyang Pedestrian Street, just a short walk, making it very convenient for getting around. The room views are also lovely, and it's clean, bright, and well-equipped with all amenities. I'd definitely come back if I have the chance. The only minor issue is that there might be some renovation work happening downstairs recently, as it was quite noisy. But that's really out of the hotel's control, just an unfortunate circumstance.FromUS$31
Top 5 Activities and Landmarks in Guilin
Guilin’s unique geography makes it a fantastic destination for nature lovers who still want access to city amenities and conveniences. The landscape on its own is a sight to behold, but if you’d like to delve deeper into what Guilin has to offer, here are our recommendations for the best things to see and do.
Two Rivers and Four Lakes: Natural charm on the waterfront
Beautiful to take in day and night, Two Rivers and Four Lakes is a network of different waterways found in Guilin. Passing by dramatic scenery, pagodas, and bridges, you can while away the hours just taking it all in. Great for both nature and history lovers, every angle is a picture-perfect scene. Don’t forget to visit the famous Sun and Moon Pagodas, which come to life every evening when lit up.
Solitary Beauty Peak and Prince City Scenic Area: History in the hills
The area surrounding the Solitary Beauty Peak and Prince City, also known as Duxiufeng Wangcheng, is positively alive with history and culture, nestled amongst the stunning limestone karst hills. Here, you can explore the Solitary Beauty Peak, soaring into the sky from its city centre location. This area is also home to the Jingjiang Princes’ Palace, which dates back to the Ming dynasty, along with ancient city walls, gates, temples and more.
Longji Rice Terraces: Serenity in rural China
About a two-hour drive away from the centre of Guilin, the Longji Rice Terraces are well worth the journey. It’s also known as the Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces for the dragon spine-like appearance of the tiered landscape. With changing colours throughout the year, these centuries-old terraces are the perfect backdrop for a relaxing trip to the countryside.
Li River Scenic Area: A display of natural majesty
Carving its way through 51 and a half miles through Guilin to Yangshuo, the winding Li River is a must-see. Whether walking on its banks or cruising its waters, the scenic areas surrounding the river showcase some of the best landscapes Guilin has to offer. Take a bamboo raft downstream and understand why the Li River has captured the imagination of so many artists.
Yulong River: The heart of rural southern China
Around 20 miles south of Guilin lies the Yulong River, a tributary of the aforementioned Li River. For travellers looking for fewer crowds, a trip down the scenic Yulong River is guaranteed to recharge the batteries. Hire a bike, go for a gentle walk, or cruise along the water as you pass traditional villages and the region’s famous karst peaks.
Guilin, a Landscape That Continues to Inspire
An awe-inspiring landscape of verdant peaks, winding waterways, and mist-topped karst hills awaits. Guilin offers all the conveniences of a modern city, yet its natural splendour is what keeps travellers returning. It’s the perfect place to take a breather from the urban rush and discover wild China at its most serene.
For centuries, this dramatic scenery has stirred the imaginations of poets and artists. Tang dynasty masters like Li Bai and Wang Wei wrote verses inspired by the region’s ethereal beauty, while celebrated painter Qi Baishi captured its mountains and rivers in expressive ink strokes. Their works immortalised Guilin’s landscapes, transforming them into cultural icons.
Today, you can follow in their footsteps by exploring the city’s grandest natural landmarks. Wander through the illuminated chambers of Reed Flute Cave, shaped by millennia of limestone formations, and climb to viewpoints around Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin’s most emblematic karst peak. As you stand before these scenes, it becomes clear why generations of artists have found endless inspiration here.
Then, see art and nature merge at Yuzi Paradise sculpture park, where contemporary works are framed against lush mountainsides. The result is a living gallery that blends creativity with the landscape that has inspired so many before.
Best Time to Visit Guilin
Each season in Guilin offers a different and unique experience. However, it’s best to be prepared for the weather, as things can get pretty hot and pretty wet! Our table below outlines what to expect, as well as some fun festivals celebrated throughout the year.
Season | Weather | Notes | Activities & Festivals |
🌸 Spring (Mar–May) | Starting cool and damp and warming up as the season progresses. | Mid-to-late spring is a great time to visit, as the temperatures are pleasant for exploring the city’s many outdoor sights. | Flower festival, Tomb-sweeping day, and the flooding of rice terraces ahead of the growing season. |
☀️ Summer (Jun–Aug) | Moving from warm to hot, increasing humidity and thunderstorms. | Pack your brollies and a water bottle to stay dry and hydrated. It’s due to get pretty hot! | Dragon Boat Festival, and Impression Liu Sanjie night performances, |
🍁 Autumn (Sep–Nov) | Cooling down and drying up throughout autumn. | A great time to go sightseeing, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. Would recommend avoiding Golden Week if possible, as could get quite busy. | Golden week, Mid-Autumn Festival, Chongyang Festival, and Longji Rice Terraces Harvest Season, where the rice terraces turn golden. |
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Day Trips from Guilin
Guilin’s central location in the heart of Southern China’s picturesque landscape makes it a fantastic base for those looking to venture further afield. With river and road transport links, local buses and private taxi services available, it’s easy to discover more of this beautiful area.
Yangshuo
Located in the nearby Guangxi province, Yangshuo is a little quieter than Guilin. Meet up with the Li River further on its journey and take in the karst hills in a more rural setting. Yangshuo is perfect for travellers who like to get active, with cycling, rock climbing, walking, and bamboo rafting activities readily available.
- Average travel time: around 1-1.5 hours from Guilin
- Transport: High-speed train from Guilin train station (🎫Guilin to Yangshuo trains from £2.36)
- Must-sees: Moon Hill, Silver Cave, and the historic West Street for regional eats.
Daxu Ancient Town
One of the history buffs, the waterside Daxu Ancient Town has cobblestone streets, stilted river houses, and historic bridges to explore. A fantastic day trip option from Guilin, this millennia-old town is the perfect place to immerse yourself in traditional Chinese culture.
- Average travel time: around 1-1.5 hours from Guilin
- Transport: Bus from Guilin East Bus Station
- Must-sees: Historic landmarks and temples, riverside walks, and local snacks.
Sanjiang
A little way out from Guilin, the town of Sanjiang is best known for its celebration and display of southern Dong culture. Here, you’ll find examples of this Chinese ethnic minority’s heritage, including wooden drum towers, wind and rain bridges, and stilted homes. Ideal for an overnight stay, this peaceful, rural town is a great way to explore more of China’s rich cultural heritage.
- Average travel time: around 3-4.5 hours from Guilin
- Transport: Bus from Guilin Bus Station
- Must-sees: Zhaoxing Dong Village, wooden wind and rain bridges, and local dishes.
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FAQ – Things to Do in Guilin
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