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
My stay at the Sheraton Guilin truly showed me what 'excellent service' means.
The hotel's beautiful scenery goes without saying. The Li River is right outside the window, and at night, the lights along the river combined with the distant mountain silhouettes create a picturesque view. Just being in the room felt like a treat.
What touched me the most was Mia Peng at the front desk. My travel plans were quite flexible, and I only decided to extend my stay on the day itself. Being peak season, I was a bit worried. Manager Peng calmly helped me coordinate a room, saving me the hassle of moving. She also thoughtfully noticed we were a family traveling and specifically asked if we needed a bed rail and children's toiletries, even sending extra bottles of water to the room. This kind of meticulous and considerate observation is far more impactful than any luxurious decor.
Thanks to Manager Peng's thoughtfulness, this trip to Guilin left me with an extra warm memory.FromTHB 2,550
Good2999 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.25km from city centre
The hotel is within walking distance to scenic spots like Elephant Trunk Hill and Jingjiang Palace, and right next to ZhengYang Pedestrian Street, making it super convenient to find food. You take an escalator up to the second floor, and the atrium with its high ceiling feels really grand. The 17th-floor rooftop offers fantastic photo opportunities with the Twin Pagodas and Elephant Trunk Hill. The rooms are quite spacious, though the shower is a bit small, and the hotel shows its age a little.FromTHB 1,963
Very Good4146 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|2.52km from city centre
Booked a room at Shangri-La Guilin via Trip.com, and my experience far exceeded expectations! The river-view room offered an amazing vista, with floor-to-ceiling windows directly overlooking the breathtaking Li River scenery. Waking up to the misty morning view felt like stepping into a painting – absolutely enchanting. Although the hotel has been open for many years, it's exceptionally well-maintained, exuding an elegant charm without feeling dated, truly showcasing the quality of a seasoned five-star establishment. I was pleasantly surprised to encounter peacocks on the grounds and even got to see one display its stunning feathers up close – it was both graceful and therapeutic. The breakfast is arguably the best among hotels in Guilin; it boasts a rich variety of both Chinese and Western options, with authentic freshly made Guilin rice noodles and quick replenishment of fresh items. The service was attentive and thoughtful throughout, making my entire stay comfortable and hassle-free. This is definitely a must-stay when visiting Guilin; I'll choose it again on my next trip!FromTHB 2,680
Outstanding3479 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.76km from city centre
It was a memorable and value for money stay at the hotel. There was deals that the hotel threw in that makes the stay the perfect set up for those are going for a short stay in Guilin. The location is just few steps away from the main Guilin attractions and there is even a free tour at the elephant hill. Also a free photo session was available (shout out to the photographer who is diligent and helpful with pose) plus a free pick up from the train station, we utilised all the mentioned items. We also got a room upgrade with a picture perfect view of the elephant hill. The roof terrace also offers fantastic view of the elephant hill and the free breakfast there feature all Guilin’s fav street food. Strong shower water pressure strong and the shampoo is luxurious. Perfect stay for us.FromTHB 1,920
Excellent2631 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.93km from city centre
The hotel's location is truly convenient. Elephant Trunk Hill Park is right outside the door, and the Wenchang Bridge cruise terminal is next to it. Within a 3-10 minute walk, you'll find various popular restaurants, department stores, and the Sun and Moon Pagodas. Jingjiang Prince City is also just a 20-25 minute walk away. A stroll around Shan Lake and Banyan Lake is also a great option. In short, the geographical location is excellent. The waitstaff at the breakfast restaurant were also very enthusiastic, constantly busy, and always ready to help. The front desk staff, travel department, and car fleet personnel were all very warm and professional, answering every question we had. The housekeeping staff were also very polite, and they quickly assisted us with our requests. Overall, we are very satisfied and will recommend it to friends and colleagues.FromTHB 1,882
Excellent5216 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|2.97km from city centre
I am indeed impressed by BOYARD Hotel’s（桂林漓江泊雅酒店～两江四湖店) customer relationship management. They really reserved my requested guest room 1206 upon my return trip from Yangshuo. Many thanks to the customer service staff, namely [晶晶&小萍] for their attention to details. Credits also go to the previous two hotel staff who attended to me on Dec 27 Saturday morning.
Highly recommend BOYARD Hotel to all travellers intending to visit Guilin. Not only they have clean and spacious guest rooms, they also have a beautiful Sky Garden where you can get a good view of the surrounding mountains. Well done BOYARD Hotel for enhancing Guilin’s good reputation as a desired travel destination in China.FromTHB 1,944
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 .FromTHB 1,800
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.FromTHB 1,030
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! 😍😍FromTHB 2,666
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! 👍FromTHB 948
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!FromTHB 1,131
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.FromTHB 1,126
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!FromTHB 1,376
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.FromTHB 2,040
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!FromTHB 866
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. .FromTHB 712
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!FromTHB 765
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!FromTHB 679
Breakfast
Very Good973 Reviews
Guilin South Railway Station/Too Square/Qintan Bus Station Guilin|2.61km from city centre
The location is excellent, next to the Vientiane City, very close to Guilin Station, and there are many restaurants nearby. The front desk service is warm, the room is clean and hygienic, there is a Bluetooth speaker, you can listen to music while taking a shower, and the stay is very comfortable!FromTHB 765
Very Good4182 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.97km from city centre
This hotel was such a pleasant surprise! For 20€ a night we weren’t sure what to expect. However, we got a free upgrade from the hotel team and the room was spacious, modern, clean and comfortable. We slept really well. In the morning, the hotel staff also helped us to find our way to our tour. We would definitely stay here again. Special thanks to Xiao Yu and Xiao Xue for the excellent service!FromTHB 765
Good428 Reviews
Guilin North&West Railway StationDiecai Wanda Plaza Guilin|6.04km from city centre
The hotel has a great location, the rooms have a wide view, and the front desk service is very patient. If you are traveling with a group of people, you can consider booking a suite. The space is large enough and there are partitions, which is convenient for a family to live in. It is recommended that the boss consider launching a parent-child room to capture the parent-child customer group.FromTHB 688
Very Good803 Reviews
Guilin North&West Railway StationDiecai Wanda Plaza Guilin|4.92km from city centre
The hotel is the best choice for accommodation in Guilin. It has a good location, convenient transportation, good hotel facilities and is warm. It is quiet for sleeping. The front desk service is warm and thoughtful, and the room is clean and well-planned!FromTHB 818
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! ! ! ! ! ! !FromTHB 890
Very Good901 Reviews
Guilin South Railway Station/Too Square/Qintan Bus Station Guilin|2.9km from city centre
Our stay here was absolutely fantastic! The room was spotless, and the bedding was so comfortable I slept like a log. The front desk staff were incredibly warm and helpful, patiently answering all our questions. The attention to detail was impeccable, and I'll definitely choose this place again next time!FromTHB 770
Gym
Outstanding2326 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.2km from city centre
Excellent hotel in terms of location and service. Thoughtful touches throughout my stay. At point of check out, the hotel offered bottle of water to take along. Laundry service was excellent - fast and efficient. Felt safe and looked after ..yummy bakery and eateries along the stretches of streets.FromTHB 1,352
Good1075 Reviews
Guilin South Railway Station/Too Square/Qintan Bus Station Guilin|3.25km from city centre
very clean and good location, rooms very clean would recommendFromTHB 505
Perfect6372 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.17km from city centre
The location of the hotel is just by the River and easy to take nice pictures right from the hotel or in front of the hotel. Upon our arrival, the doorman immediately grabbed our bags and welcomed us. Although we told him that our bags are heavy and offered to take some of the luggage by ourselves, he insisted to help us and helped to carry everything inside. The reception staff did the check in quickly and also informed us of their hotel facilities and services. They told us that we have a complimentary professional photography session to have our photos taken. They also introduced the local tourist attractions and we took the river boat trip that evening, which was very pleasant and nice way to see Guilin during the evening. The following day we went for the photo taking sessions and we got some beautiful memorable pictures taken. Our room was very beautiful and large and we wish we would have had more time to stay. We even had a separate room for drinking tea which was so cozy. The breakfast restaurant is located on the top floor of the hotel so the guests can have a nice view of the surroundings. Upon our departure the reception staff asked how our stay had been and bid us farewell and they had prepared some very cute gifts for us. I highly recommend this hotel for anybody who would like to visit Guilin leisure. Perfect location, perfect service and facilities!FromTHB 4,581
Excellent4479 Reviews
Convention And Exhibition Center/Seven Star Park Guilin|1.82km from city centre
We loved this hotel. The members of the staff are great, the room is very nice, good amenities and breakfast!FromTHB 1,761
Outstanding5310 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.5km from city centre
This hotel's greatest strength is its outstanding location. Being just a few minutes' walk from many of Guilin's main attractions made sightseeing incredibly easy and convenient. A definite must-do is booking a room with a river view—the scenery from the window is spectacular and truly enhances the stay. The room itself was clean and well-maintained. We also found the breakfast to be varied and satisfying, and the service was consistently friendly and welcoming. The only minor area that could be improved is the pool area. It seemed quite neglected and was unused during our stay. The conditions were simply not inviting for a swim, though this may be common, as outdoor pools might not be very popular in this region of China.FromTHB 1,015
Outstanding1468 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.46km from city centre
Very nice hotel and good service. The receptionist upgraded my booking for a bigger room without an extra charge. The hotel has a free dessert at 20.00 pm and they can be served into your room. Also when I checked out, The receptionist gave me a free water bottle. The location is good, just right away the 2 pagoda. But a small negative is that the pillow is too soft and low even though I use 2 pillows but it still soaks my head down too low.FromTHB 958
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
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