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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Guilin's Top Attractions and Tours
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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 Good4889 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.36km from city centre
This hotel is very nice and modern. It is well kept and smells amazing. We got connecting rooms for us and the kids and it was very spacious. The staff were friendly and courteous. The breakfast buffet in the morning was also delicious. One of the best I’ve had from a hotel. Definitely a must stay in Guilin.FromTRY 3,645
Good2999 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.25km from city centre
We enjoyed our stay, the hotel was located in a very convenient spot to see the sun and moon pagoda. It also included free breakfast with a very nice selection. We appreciated the fact that there was a 24h spa service with very affordable prices (for an American at least). The hotel has a gym, pool, and a daily waterfall show in the back. One thing to note that if you come in the winter, then the AC will not be cold as I suspect it part of a centralized system. Overall, would stay here again in the future!FromTRY 2,806
Very Good4146 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|2.52km from city centre
Always the greatest pleasure staying at the Shangri-La in Guilin. Awesome buffet dinner (all you can eat & drink) available on certain evenings, a must visit for any foodies who enjoy a wonderful selection of dishes. Big thank you to Mr Beck for all of his kind assistance during my recent stays. See you again soon!FromTRY 3,831
Outstanding3479 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.76km from city centre
Great location right in front of Elephant Trunk Hill. We reserved a car pick up at the train station and when arrived, received an upgrade to VIP floor with a room that has direct view of Elephant Trunk Hill. We enjoyed the welcoming afternoon tea, and was delighted to see the welcome treats, free minibar, and took advantage of the VIP Lounge. The room was beautiful and luxurious, with a deep soaking tub, and upscale amenities. The staff were all welcoming and proficient in English. We definitely would stay here again and would recommend to friends.FromTRY 2,744
Excellent2631 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.93km from city centre
My family and I stayed at this hotel due to the convenience of its location. During our stay, Alice was very friendly and offered us a lot of insights as to where to go/ see. She even had our room decorated very beautifully to celebrate a birthday! There were balloons, signs, and a cake! 10/10 would recommenFromTRY 2,689
Excellent5216 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|2.97km from city centre
I had such a wonderful stay here! The room was very clean and comfortable, and the location was great. The front desk staff were extremely cheerful, friendly, and helpful. They were also very thoughtful throughout my stay, which made the experience even more special. Breakfast was not bad and there was a variety - value for money considering that it is included with the room. Overall, I truly enjoyed my time here and would highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Guilin!FromTRY 2,779
Business travel
Excellent912 Reviews
Reed Flute Cave/Lujia Village/Peach Blossom River/West Hill Park Guilin|4.11km from city centre
We had an amazing stay at the HeShe hotel . From the moment we arrived we were treated with such warmth and kindness. The staff go out of their way to make sure you are comfortable . We had the family suite which overlooked the lake and the karst mountains . The view from our room was so serene and beautiful. During our stay we visited the Reed flute cave which is a short walk from the hotel - thank you Ginny for walking us to the cave . We also had a tea ceremony with Jing - with delicious tea and snacks . Hotel staff also arranged a Chinese calligraphy lesson with Master Wu for us . We thoroughly enjoyed our lesson . Melody, also booked us on an adventurous day out taking the boat to Yangshuo and then onto the Ruyi peak . A special thank you to Melody who went out of her way to help get my handbag with passport in it returned to me after I had forgotten it on the boat to Yangshuo . . I highly recommend this hotel to anyone seeking a peaceful, serene ,location but which still has easy access to other areas .FromTRY 2,572
Outstanding2737 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.1km from city centre
The hotel staff were very friendly and helpful. They patiently guided us to the parking lot and even had an attendant park our car for free. The room was clean and tidy, and the housekeeping staff were also very enthusiastic and helpful. Since it's raining in Guilin now, working out in the gym is a great option. The hotel's location is excellent, right next to ZhengYang Pedestrian Street, where you can find all sorts of food and local specialties.FromTRY 1,472
Perfect6561 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|1.77km from city centre
Hands down, the most stunning hotel I've ever stayed at in Guilin! No competition!
Facing the Li River directly, with Elephant Trunk Hill in view, this hotel perfectly blends Italian light luxury with scenic aesthetics. I'm completely hooked – I want to revisit countless times! 🤩🤩
🌊 270° Li River View – Lie Back and Watch a Landscape Painting Unfold
The hotel is right by the Li River, just a 10-minute walk to Elephant Trunk Hill.
The river-view rooms have huge floor-to-ceiling windows, so you wake up to the breathtaking sight of the Li River, Chuanshan Mountain, and Tashan Mountain. It's truly stunning!
The rooms feature an Italian minimalist style, complete with a King Koil mattress, smart toilet, and Bluetooth speaker.
The large bathtub by the window is absolutely amazing – soaking in it while enjoying the view melts all your fatigue away. 🤗
🏛️ Artistic Dome – Breathtaking Design
The lobby boasts a dome made of 14,000 glazed ginkgo leaves, like bringing a starry sky indoors. Every photo you take looks like it's from an art gallery!
The 3rd-floor 'Light and Shadow Corridor' and the 7th-floor observation deck offer atmospheric photo opportunities everywhere.
🏊 The 'Qin Infinity Pool' on the 1st floor directly faces the Li River.
The water seamlessly blends with the river, creating a natural filter. It feels like swimming right into a landscape painting!
You can also enjoy afternoon tea by the pool, making for a perfect vacation vibe. 💯
🍽️ Chunzhuang · Qiao Banquet River View Restaurant – Dine with the Li River as Your Backdrop
Breakfast includes authentic Guilin rice noodles and oil tea, with both Chinese and Western options available. It's delicious and highly photogenic!
💆🏻 One-Stop Vacation – The Run Spa offers super relaxing SPA treatments.
A gym and kids' play area are also available.
The butler service is incredibly thoughtful and attentive! 💌
✅ Excellent location, beautiful design, great service, and 100% photo-worthy!
Perfect for couples, friends, and family trips.
Just blindly book this hotel when you come to Guilin! 😍😍FromTRY 3,810
Outstanding1918 Reviews
Gaoxing Wanda Plaza/Hi-Tech Zone Guilin|15.93km from city centre
This hotel boasts an excellent location, just a few minutes' walk along a scenic path to the ancient town, with the beautiful Li River winding by. The courtyard is comfortable, relaxing, and offers lovely views. The guest rooms are new, spotlessly clean, and the river view rooms are spacious and bright. The bedding is comfortable, allowing you to enjoy the picturesque river scenery right from your bed. The rooftop 'Sky Mirror' is perfect for photos and watching the sunrise and sunset. They have both Chinese and Western restaurants, with a rich breakfast spread and delightful afternoon tea. Of course, the service was also exceptional; the front desk and restaurant staff were warm, attentive, professional, and thoughtful. Special shoutout to staff members 21, 29, 31, and 14 – they were fantastic! 👍FromTRY 1,355
Excellent12996 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.38km from city centre
This hotel was absolutely the right choice. To put it simply, while it's not a new hotel, it's incredibly well-maintained. The lobby is beautiful, and the reception staff are professional and incredibly attentive. They were always helpful, answering all our questions and resolving any issues we encountered during our stay. The rooms are very spacious, and all the amenities are clean and hygienic. The interior decor is well-preserved, and the bathroom has a great wet/dry separation. The floor-toceiling windows offer fantastic views. The rooftop dining room has an amazing view; we ate there two out of three nights. The prices were even better than the local restaurants outside. A special shout-out to the front desk staff – their service was exceptional!FromTRY 1,616
Excellent10863 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.69km from city centre
The hotel's overall environment is comfortable, and both the open-air pool on the ninth floor and the terrace offer beautiful views. The staff are proactive and friendly, always trying their best to assist with any requests. The front desk provides free tea and fruit, and a simple late-night snack is offered in the evenings. The hotel even gave us a mugwort meridian hammer as a souvenir. What I liked most was the laundry service; they wash and dry your clothes and then deliver them to your room door, saving a lot of time and hassle – very thoughtful. Transportation is also convenient; it's not far to take a taxi to the Two Rivers and Four Lakes, and you can rent electric bikes nearby. The breakfast selection is rich and delicious. Overall, I was very satisfied with my stay.FromTRY 1,609
Family friendly
Very Good713 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!FromTRY 1,967
Outstanding2554 Reviews
Guilin South Railway Station/Too Square/Qintan Bus Station Guilin|2.43km from city centre
The hotel's interior is opulent and grand. The transportation is extremely convenient, making it quick and easy to reach city attractions and shopping centers. The only thing I feel needs improvement is the breakfast, which was too simple and not up to the standard expected of a five-star hotel.FromTRY 2,916
Outstanding5185 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.16km from city centre
The rooms arranged for us were spacious and bright, and both received complimentary upgrades, which made our stay very comfortable. The decor is simple yet elegant, with a cozy tatami area by the window. The bathroom is also designed with a separate wet and dry area, making it very convenient to use. Plus, we even received a souvenir gift upon checkout. Overall, a really great experience!FromTRY 1,238
Very Good475 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. .FromTRY 1,018
Outstanding365 Reviews
Guilin South Railway Station/Too Square/Qintan Bus Station Guilin|3.49km from city centre
The hotel environment is very good, the decoration is very new, the facilities are complete, there are gardens, swimming pools🏊♀️, children's playgrounds, parking lots, gyms, laundry rooms, everything is available, and the cost performance is very high! This breakfast is the most abundant when you come to Guilin for a few days, with more varieties, it is really worth recommending!FromTRY 1,094
Very Good579 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!FromTRY 970
Breakfast
Very Good973 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.FromTRY 1,094
Very Good4182 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!FromTRY 1,094
Good428 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.FromTRY 983
Very Good803 Reviews
Guilin North&West Railway StationDiecai Wanda Plaza Guilin|4.92km from city centre
This is the best hotel I've stayed in Vienna. The room is big, the bathroom is also big, and the dry and wet areas are separated. The front desk guy saw that I was with the elderly and children, and he gave me breakfast coupons without saying a word. It's really grand, just like the hotel. In the future, whether I come to Guilin for business or tourism, this hotel will be my first choiceFromTRY 1,169
Good723 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! ! ! ! ! ! !FromTRY 1,272
Very Good901 Reviews
Guilin South Railway Station/Too Square/Qintan Bus Station Guilin|2.9km from city centre
Environment: Very good, a hotel owned by China Southern Airlines.
Hygiene: tidy
Facilities: perfect
Service: Proactive service. When we went out with our children, they proactively brought us children's toothbrushes and slippers. You can see the mountains outside the window, and it's close to Xiangshan Park.FromTRY 1,100
Gym
Outstanding2326 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.2km from city centre
Location: It's right on the busiest pedestrian street, just a few minutes' walk to Qiu Fu Rice Noodles and a few minutes to Elephant Trunk Hill Gate 3. The location is excellent! Surprisingly, the pedestrian street becomes completely quiet after shops close at night. Overall, the location is highly recommended.
Cleanliness: So much dust! I wonder if this room hasn't been occupied for a long time? There was dust everywhere, a layer of it on the toiletries box and the door.
Facilities: Quite old and basic. The air in the room wasn't good; there was a damp, musty smell.
Service: Atour's service is, as expected, excellent.
Summary: The brand and location are overpriced. 800 a day during May Day holiday is not worth it. For the same price, the Sheraton next door would definitely be a better choice, at least the room would be bigger.FromTRY 1,933
Good1075 Reviews
Guilin South Railway Station/Too Square/Qintan Bus Station Guilin|3.25km from city centre
Top quality hotel, a little retro style furnishing design but super modern nonetheless, spacious and clean room, big bathroom, wonderful shower. One of the best breakfast we have had in our trip across china.
Mostly recommended!FromTRY 722
Perfect6372 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.17km from city centre
I came to Guilin with my mom and blindly booked this hotel, which turned out to be surprisingly good! Right outside our door is a lake view, where we could directly see Guilin's Two Rivers and Four Lakes and the Sun and Moon Pagodas. It was so relaxing to stay here! Such a comfortable lake view room! My mom has trouble with her legs, and she said she no longer has to travel far to enjoy the scenic mountains and rivers. From the restaurant, we could also clearly see the Sun and Moon Pagodas right in front of us. I especially love watching the atmospheric night view. I'll definitely book here again next time I visit.FromTRY 6,547
Excellent4479 Reviews
Convention And Exhibition Center/Seven Star Park Guilin|1.82km from city centre
As a senior member of IHG, Accor, and Shangri-La, I stay in many hotels every year, but this was the first time a hotel called me before check-in to explain the pros and cons of different room types based on my booking request – truly astonishing! Upon arrival, a dedicated staff member showed me various rooms, clearly detailing the advantages and disadvantages of each. When the reserved room type had less than ideal availability in terms of floor and orientation, they generously upgraded my room.
Although the hotel is over ten years old, it's still well-maintained. The lobby's decor and design are excellent, with a distinctive charm. The materials used in the room's decoration and the quality of the linens are also good, showing that they spared no expense back in the day. Some room types feature a separate toilet room, which is a fantastic design as it keeps showering and using the toilet separate and reduces odors in the room. The shower water pressure is also very strong, which I really appreciated.
The hotel clearly pays great attention to operational details. For example, light switches are tied to the lamps with zip ties, making them easy to find and operate without fumbling along the wires. Air conditioner vents have deflectors to prevent direct drafts, something many hotels ten times more expensive don't offer. Plus, every evening, a special herbal tea is delivered to the room, and after check-in, they send recommendations for good nearby restaurants via WeChat.
The hotel's location isn't in the absolute core of the tourist area, but it's not far either. You can walk to Seven Star Crags, and while it might take a bit longer, it helps avoid the dense holiday crowds. Two large shopping malls and Shijiayuan Food Street are within walking distance, making dining and shopping very convenient. A small, unassuming steakhouse near the hotel is a hidden gem for meat lovers. However, close to the hotel, in Jiatiashang Square, residents sing until past 10 PM, which can be a bit disruptive, though acceptable. Higher floors facing east and south offer better views.
The view from the rooftop infinity pool is excellent; I only looked at it this time and didn't get a chance to swim. The breakfast has a strong local flavor, and the oil tea and rice noodles are just as good as those from old street stalls. Western options could be improved, and the table and chair arrangement feels a bit cramped and could be optimized. I'd suggest either removing or lowering the elevator's arrival chime, as it can be a bit disturbing for rooms located near the elevators.FromTRY 2,517
Outstanding5310 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.5km from city centre
I had a very satisfying stay! The location is unbeatable: it's just a street away from Zhengyang Pedestrian Street and Dongxi Alley, and you can walk to Elephant Trunk Hill and the Sun and Moon Pagodas in about 10 minutes. The hotel staff, from the front desk to the cleaning ladies, were all incredibly polite and attentive to guests' needs. My room was upgraded for Thursday and Friday, and this 180° river view is truly something – just look at the photos! The front desk even gave me a complimentary breakfast for one day. The breakfast is quite simple; if you're in a hurry, it's fine for 20 yuan, but if you're on vacation, you might prefer to eat out. I do have one small suggestion for improvement, as I had high expectations: the hot and cold (C and H) on the shower head were reversed. While I figured it out myself, it didn't affect usability.FromTRY 1,451
Outstanding1468 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.46km from city centre
Stayed at Manxin Hotel and had a very comfortable experience overall.
The hotel feels modern, clean, and well-designed, with a more premium atmosphere compared to many standard city hotels. The room was well-maintained, comfortable, and thoughtfully arranged, making it easy to relax after long days of exploring.
The staff were polite and efficient, and the check-in process was smooth. Facilities and amenities also felt well managed throughout the stay.
One thing that stood out was the overall cleanliness and attention to detail, which made the stay feel reliable and comfortable.
Overall, a solid choice if you’re looking for a modern and comfortable stay experience. For more from my China travel journey, you can also check my YouTube channel travelwithshreya where I’ve shared more from this trip.FromTRY 1,369
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
How many days do I need in Guilin?
Guilin is not a very large city, so travellers do not need to allocate a huge amount of time in order to explore its highlights. To fully immerse yourself and not go at a rushed pace, a couple of days will be plenty.What are the best things to do in Guilin?
Whilst what is considered ‘best’ can be very subjective, there are a few attractions that frequently top ‘must-see’ lists when visiting Guilin. These are Elephant Trunk Hill, Solitary Beauty Peak and Jingjiang Princes’ Palace, Two Rivers and Four Lakes, and taking a cruise down the Li River.What are cultural things to do in Guilin?
There’s a huge amount of cultural attractions and sights to see when in Guilin. Our top recommendations are to prioritise Duxiu Feng Wangcheng, Seven Star Park and of course the Longji Rice Terraces. Throughout the year, there are also local festivals that take place, so do check events calendars to see what’s going on nearby.What are free things to do in Guilin?
When it comes to visiting Guilin on a budget, there are plenty of things to do that don’t cost anything. A lot of the bases of the major karst hills can be explored for free, as well as local parks and riverside walks by the Two Rivers and Four Lakes. Wandering around local markets is also free, although you might be tempted to spend a little for yummy street food!What is the best time to visit Guilin’s rice terraces?
The rice terraces transform all year round, from being flooded in spring to turning gold in autumn. There’s no one particular time that’s best to visit, as they look beautiful in all their seasons. However, you might want to consider the weather when planning your visit, as well as crowd levels. Guilin’s position means it can get very humid and hot, as well as damp and chilly, so it’s best to think ahead!
Explore More Travel Guides
Guilin Guides
South China
Central China
North China
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