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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3339 booked![Guilin Longji Rice Terraces + Jinkeng Terraces + Huangluo Red Yao Village 1-day tour [small group/private tour]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images//0584812000necx193D136_C_568_320.jpg)
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 Good4794 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.36km from city centre
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐👍👍👍I was deeply touched by the excellent service at the Sheraton Guilin. It truly shows genuine understanding and empathy for guests' difficulties, which is particularly rare and comforting during a trip. I highly recommend it for families.
Our stay at the Sheraton Guilin far exceeded our expectations. I have to give a huge thumbs-up to the hotel's considerate service! As a family traveling with a child, the hotel was very thoughtful, proactively offering complimentary breakfast vouchers for the little one, making it incredibly family-friendly. When my spouse suddenly developed a fever and felt unwell during our trip, the hotel staff promptly delivered several bottles of drinking water upon learning of the situation. This kind of humanistic care is truly heartwarming when you're far from home.
We had a night train, and the normal check-out time would have been quite stressful. However, the hotel was incredibly accommodating, offering us a complimentary late check-out until 6 PM. This allowed my family to rest comfortably without the hassle of rushing with our luggage, solving our biggest problem.
The room was clean, hygienic, tidy, and comfortable. Breakfast was plentiful, the location was excellent, and the service was absolutely outstanding, making sightseeing and getting around very convenient. This established five-star hotel not only provides excellent facilities but, more importantly, offers warm and empathetic service, especially when guests encounter unexpected situations. I sincerely recommend this hotel for family trips. Next time we visit Guilin, the Sheraton will definitely be our top choice.FromPHP 4,762
Good2825 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.25km from city centre
This is an old-school five-star hotel with a prime location. It's directly opposite Elephant Trunk Hill Park and the Sun and Moon Pagodas, and two docks are within walking distance. The hotel boasts a very large atrium with a glass ceiling and a scenic elevator, which is quite unique. Breakfast is also good, offering fresh meat noodle soup or Guilin rice noodles. The tatami room seems to have been recently renovated and even has a small bathtub. The service is excellent, with all staff members greeting you warmly. The price isn't too expensive either. If the facilities weren't a bit dated, I would definitely give it five stars.FromPHP 3,548
Very Good4106 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|2.52km from city centre
The hotel's location is decent, and the greenery is excellent, being very close to the Li River. However, room cleaning was very slow; by almost 2 PM, the room still hadn't been cleaned. They also didn't provide water unless explicitly asked. Food delivery was handled by a robot, but the delivery person wrote down the wrong room number, and someone in another room, who clearly wasn't paying attention, took it and ate it! When I called concierge, they actually blamed the delivery person and said they couldn't help, nor would they let the delivery person come up to find it. Luckily, lobby manager Xiao Chen helped me sort it out, and I finally got to eat dinner after 8 PM – it was really frustrating. The hotel's children's play area was very hidden; I only found out where it was after checking out, and there weren't many activities. Overall, there seemed to be a shortage of staff, but Auntie Wan, who watered the lawn, was wonderful. She even offered to spray insect repellent for guests, which was a very thoughtful gesture.FromPHP 5,117
Excellent3414 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.76km from city centre
The hotel's location is excellent, right at the exit of Xiangshan Park, making it super convenient to walk to Dongxi Alley and the Twin Pagodas! There are also plenty of local specialty shops and restaurants nearby, so it's very easy to find food, accommodation, and transportation. The breakfast is a buffet with a good variety of options, and the Guilin rice noodles are especially delicious. The restaurant is on the 7th floor and offers views of Xiangshan. The hotel also has an underground parking garage and EV charging stations, which I really appreciate!FromPHP 3,725
Perfect6537 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|1.77km from city centre
This hotel is exceptionally clean and spacious, with a fantastic separate wet/dry bathroom and a standalone toilet. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful; they upgraded our room and even created a group chat to offer travel tips. One small gesture really touched me: when I ordered takeout that included oily tea for a late-night snack, the hotel specially provided two sets of utensils – a big thumbs up! Another detail I greatly appreciate is the quality of the tissues in the vanity area. I've stayed in many hotels, and very few pay attention to this, but here, the tissues were wonderfully thick and didn't shed at all. This is definitely a hotel I'd recommend to friends and family. Thumbs up!👍FromPHP 4,566
Outstanding2121 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|1.02km from city centre
This is my second stay this year, and I absolutely love it. As an established four-star hotel, its quality is consistently excellent. The cleanliness, service, and facilities are all impeccable. It's right next to attractions, and parking is convenient; there's always someone at the main entrance to assist you. The breakfast is abundant and delicious. I'll definitely choose this hotel again next time I'm in Guilin. The swimming pool is fantastic, with clean water and not too many people, so the kids didn't want to get out!FromPHP 5,275
Business travel
Excellent854 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.FromPHP 3,249
Outstanding2828 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.1km from city centre
I genuinely recommend this hotel! The location is absolutely perfect, really close to the scenic spots in Guilin city, making it incredibly convenient for sightseeing. The rooms were spotless, and the soundproofing was surprisingly good; I slept wonderfully undisturbed at night. All the staff were very enthusiastic, and Anna and Jolin provided excellent service, responding quickly to any requests. The breakfast tasted great, and there was a good variety to choose from. My entire stay was very comfortable, I honestly can't find anything to fault. This is my top choice when visiting!FromPHP 1,970
Outstanding1626 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]FromPHP 3,445
Excellent2569 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.FromPHP 3,091
Excellent13538 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.38km from city centre
Zhengyang Pedestrian Street perfectly occupies a prime location in the heart of Guilin, offering an unbeatable advantage! Situated in the core area of Xiufeng, it's west of Central Square, south of the Fir Lake and Sun and Moon Pagodas, north of Jingjiang Prince City, and directly east to the Li River, seamlessly connecting with East and West Alleys. Popular attractions like Elephant Trunk Hill are within walking distance, making it a one-stop destination for sightseeing and dining.
The bluestone ancient street is full of local flavor, boasting a variety of local snacks such as rice noodles, 'suan ye' (sour fruits), and osmanthus cakes. It's bustling with numerous shops, making it lively and prosperous. Its excellent location makes it a must-visit for tourists, offering great convenience whether you're strolling and dining during the day or enjoying the illuminated street and local atmosphere at night.FromPHP 2,456
Excellent10670 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.69km from city centre
This hotel is located right in the heart of the scenic area, offering fantastic views and superb convenience. You can easily walk to several city attractions like Elephant Trunk Hill and Sun and Moon Pagodas.
The staff are very friendly and communicative, coordinating everything beforehand, and there's parking available, making check-in a breeze. The 'influencer-worthy' pool is great for photos. What really stood out to me was the seasonal ”pearl plums” at the front desk – so crispy and sweet!! And surprisingly, the Guilin rice noodles at breakfast were the best I had during my entire three-day trip to Guilin…!
There are no major downsides; it offers great value for money. Highly recommend staying here!FromPHP 2,717
Family friendly
Excellent5030 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|2.97km from city centre
This stay exceeded my expectations. The hotel staff were incredibly warm and attentive, making the check-in process smooth and efficient. They were consistently polite and helpful, responding promptly to any requests. The room featured a KingKoil mattress, which was just the right firmness – I could feel the travel fatigue melt away as soon as I lay down, ensuring a perfectly comfortable night's sleep. The room itself was clean and tidy, with all amenities well-maintained and easy to use.
The breakfast buffet offered a rich variety of options, balancing both Chinese and Western dishes. Everything was fresh and the diverse flavors catered to all preferences. The hotel facilities were comprehensive, and the overall environment was elegant and peaceful, creating a wonderful relaxing atmosphere. The location was convenient for getting around, making it suitable for both leisure travel and short trips.
Overall, both the hardware quality and service standards were excellent, providing a truly comfortable and relaxing stay. With superior bedding, a fantastic breakfast, and attentive service, the overall value for money is outstanding. I highly recommend staying here and will definitely choose this hotel again on my next visit to Guilin.FromPHP 3,772
Very Good635 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!FromPHP 2,586
Very Good2206 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.FromPHP 3,782
Outstanding5235 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.16km from city centre
The hotel has a great environment, and the rooms are quiet and centrally located. It's only a few minutes' walk from the hotel to the popular Xiangshan Scenic Area (Elephant Trunk Hill). Downstairs, just outside the lobby, there are plenty of delicious local snacks, including Guilin rice noodles, which is very convenient.FromPHP 1,643
Very Good484 Reviews
Gaoxing Wanda Plaza/Hi-Tech Zone Guilin|4.12km from city centre
This hotel is super conveniently located near the Wanda commercial area. The room was fantastic, quite spacious, clean, and the bedding was really comfortable. The front desk service was incredibly attentive; they asked about my room preferences during check-in and gave me a quiet room facing the residential area. The hotel also has a breakfast restaurant, a gym, and a laundry room, so the facilities are quite comprehensive. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, you can't go wrong choosing this place!FromPHP 1,475
Very Good347 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.FromPHP 1,251
Breakfast
Very Good945 Reviews
Guilin South Railway Station/Too Square/Qintan Bus Station Guilin|2.61km from city centre
Ha, the advantage of Lefeng is the fine decoration and 20+ square meters. It seems not as stable and practical as other cheaper brands.
1. There is a pull rod outside the bathroom door but not inside. In fact, it can be pushed open in both directions.
2. The faucet design is difficult to understand and control, and the wash basin is very small and splashes water.
3. The toilet paper holder is crooked and the paper fell to the ground.
4. There is no shelf in the shower. The toiletries are placed on the old crooked big bottle, which also fell to the ground.
5. The shower adjus**ent knob seems convenient but is actually difficult to understand. It is inevitable to be showered with a lot of cold water first. The top shower leaks and has a rotten hole.
6. The disposable slippers are small and dirty, and should be cancelled.
Repair the bathroom quickly!FromPHP 1,485
Very Good419 Reviews
Guilin North&West Railway StationDiecai Wanda Plaza Guilin|6.04km from city centre
This hotel stay was a great experience and added a lot of comfort to my trip. The location is excellent, not far from the main commercial areas and attractions. Getting around by taxi was easy with minimal traffic delays, and there are plenty of convenience stores and restaurants nearby, making dining and getting around very convenient.
Check-in was quick, and the front desk staff were very friendly and proactive, explaining the hotel's public facilities and breakfast times. They were happy to answer all my questions and responded promptly. The room itself was clean and tidy, with good natural light and ventilation. The bedding was soft and comfortable, and the bathroom had a great wet/dry separation, with no strange odors or water stains. The soundproofing was better than expected, ensuring a peaceful night's sleep without any disturbance from outside.
The breakfast offered a rich variety, from hot dishes to pastries and freshly squeezed juices. The ingredients were fresh, and the taste was just right. Overall, it's excellent value for money. If I visit this area again, I'll very likely choose this hotel, and I'd definitely recommend it to friends who are planning to visit.FromPHP 1,298
Very Good834 Reviews
Guilin North&West Railway StationDiecai Wanda Plaza Guilin|4.92km from city centre
The luckiest thing about this Guilin trip was booking this hotel! The location is impeccable; I was able to see the Two Rivers and Four Lakes, the Sun and Moon Twin Towers, and the riverside night view was absolutely stunning. The room was spotless, the bedding was soft and comfortable, and the soundproofing was excellent, so I slept very soundly after a day of sightseeing. The receptionist at 019 was exceptionally attentive, proactively offering tips on avoiding tourist traps, recommending authentic local cuisine, and patiently helping with luggage storage. The stay was incredibly relaxing and a top choice for any trip to Guilin; I've already recommended it to friends!FromPHP 1,690
706 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! ! ! ! ! ! !FromPHP 1,223
Very Good824 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!FromPHP 1,494
Excellent3700 Reviews
Lingui New Area/Liangjiang Airport Guilin|14.16km from city centre
The room was simple and elegant. The TV in the entrance was quiet, unlike other hotels that have a constant voice loop. Xiao Hua and Xiao Ying at the front desk were very friendly and responsible. Taxis can pull right up to the entrance, and there are a few restaurants nearby, which is quite convenient.
Suggestion: The laundry room could provide bags with the hotel's logo for guests to easily carry their dirty clothes, which would also serve as promotion.FromPHP 2,110
Gym
Excellent2306 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.2km from city centre
The location is truly unbeatable, right in the heart of the pedestrian street, making it incredibly convenient to walk to nearby attractions. The only minor downside is that vehicles can't access the pedestrian street directly, which can be a bit inconvenient when you have a lot of luggage and it's raining. The hotel's interior design follows Atour's consistently thoughtful style, but with only one elevator, waiting times can be quite long. The late-night congee is quite basic, with no other snacks available. Our room faced the parking lot instead of the street, so we expected it to be quiet, but we were woken up by the noise of the garbage truck in the early hours. Overall, the location adds a lot of points, but some of the facilities and environmental details could use improvement. It's suitable for travelers with convenient itineraries who aren't too bothered by the issues mentioned above.FromPHP 3,240
Good879 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.FromPHP 896
Good529 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|1.29km from city centre
There were too many guests checking in, so I had to wait a little while, but thankfully I wasn't disappointed once I got to the room. It was clean and spacious, and there's a gym, which is great for those who like to work out. The hotel is very close to the Two Rivers and Four Lakes scenic area, and the night view is beautiful. Guilin's scenery is picturesque 🖼️, and it's great for taking photos in traditional ethnic costumes. It's a pretty good hotel with a convenient location. There are many attractions and great food nearby.FromPHP 1,326
Perfect6521 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.17km from city centre
This hotel boasts an excellent location, right in the heart of Guilin city. Both the top-floor restaurant and the rooms offer the best views of the Sun and Moon Pagodas. Downstairs, you'll find the Fir Lake, part of the Two Rivers and Four Lakes scenic area. Elephant Trunk Hill is just a 5-minute walk away.
I received a complimentary room upgrade to a spacious 80-90 square meter room, complete with a separate walk-in closet, a huge terrace, and a double vanity. The welcome fruit and minibar items could be replenished upon request. The service was exceptional; staff were patient and helpful, offering bottled water when I left the hotel, and I even received essential oils as a farewell gift.
The hotel breakfast was also excellent, featuring Guilin rice noodles, grilled steak, stewed chicken soup, freshly squeezed passion fruit juice, and many other made-to-order dishes. It's also rated as the top restaurant in Guangxi.
The hotel offers a fantastic travel photography experience where you can choose from Miao or Zhuang ethnic costumes, enhanced by the surrounding beautiful scenery.
They also offer intangible cultural heritage workshops like making traditional Chinese herbal sachets. Staying multiple nights includes a complimentary foot massage. While the swimming pool is a bit small, it's a wave pool, which is great for kids.FromPHP 8,936
Excellent4547 Reviews
Convention And Exhibition Center/Seven Star Park Guilin|1.82km from city centre
Thumbs up, this place definitely deserves a huge compliment! The breakfast was delicious 😋, and after eating, I could hit the gym every day and pump some iron, which kept me energized. The beds at this hotel are incredibly comfortable, and they offer a personalized butler service, bringing fresh fruit 🍉 to my room daily, which was super sweet and fresh 😋. Before bed, the butler would even bring drinks based on the weather. I was only supposed to stay for two nights, but I really didn't want to leave; I'd gladly stay for a week! The location is super convenient, and food delivery was incredibly fast. A big thank you to all the staff for their hard work. On my last day, before checking out, I couldn't resist checking out the famous infinity pool; the water was crystal clear, and after showering, there were complimentary towels to wrap myself in – super thoughtful!FromPHP 3,333
Outstanding5901 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.5km from city centre
Hygiene: The room was very clean and spacious, with complete facilities. The breakfast was rich and varied. The location is very close to the Elephant Trunk Hill scenic area, and transportation nearby is convenient. There's a children's pool on the rooftop, and the breakfast area has panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows with great views.FromPHP 1,886
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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