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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3532 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
Outstanding4632 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.36km from city centre
I stayed at the Sheraton for two nights. As a well-established five-star hotel, it certainly lives up to its reputation with excellent service. The doormen proactively helped with our luggage and opened car doors. The staff at the front desk, restaurants, and housekeeping were all very polite and warm—thumbs up for your great service! 👍🏻 The hotel breakfast offered a wide variety of choices, including local Guilin snacks. The young man at the rice noodle station was extremely enthusiastic, and the rice noodles were delicious. The hotel butler reached out in advance and proactively resolved any issues. We had a very pleasant two-night stay!From€72
Excellent7607 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|1.31km from city centre
The hotel is conveniently located in the city center, with the Li River right out the back door. The scenery is beautiful, surrounded by small islands in the river and Fubo Hill in the distance. We tried the hotel's photography service, which was excellent; combined with the Li River landscape, the photos turned out great. My parents loved it! The photographer and the photo selection process were both smooth and enjoyable!
We also tried the hotel's restaurant on the sixth floor, which offers fantastic views of the Li River right outside the window! The outdoor area was great, and we even happened to catch a wedding banquet!
The front desk gave us a small souvenir before we checked out, which was a very thoughtful touch.
Thank you! We will definitely come back again!From€77
Good2813 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.25km from city centre
The room was excellent, facing the Li River.
Facilities: Very satisfied.
Hygiene: The sheets were changed daily, and it was clean.
Environment: Located on the central axis of Guilin city, within the core scenic area of the Li River and Elephant Trunk Hill. ”The window frames the flowing Li River, and across the bank, the mountains span a thousand miles in autumn.” (A poetic description of the view).
Service: The service attitude was excellent. We forgot our room card when we went out, and the housekeeping department resolved the issue very quickly. Many thanks!From€50
Very Good4168 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|2.52km from city centre
We stayed here during the October Golden Week holiday, booking a Deluxe Room on the 6th floor with a mountain view. The window offered a great view of the hotel lawn, pool, and distant mountains.
The Deluxe Club Lounge provides light meals. Since we were traveling with seniors and children who can't eat spicy food, we actually had fewer opportunities to try local delicacies outside the hotel, which is typical for family trips. We stayed for five days, and every evening we had dinner at the Club Lounge. The restaurant changed 1-2 hot dishes daily, but most other items remained the same. They always had freshly made Guilin rice noodles. Food quantity and hygiene were definitely not issues. I enjoy drinking tea, and it was available from day to night, conveniently located on the same floor as our room.
During the Golden Week, my child participated in a paid cookie-making activity. There were four children, and the session was well-organized, and the finished cookies were good. My child loved it.
On October 5th, we had booked a day trip to Longji Terraces, and the tour guide informed us we needed to leave at 5:40 AM, which meant missing breakfast. We contacted the hotel in advance, and they offered to pack a simple breakfast for us to take on the road. It included a boiled egg, yogurt, an apple, four types of small bread, and a bottle of water – very good, clean, and hygienic.
Besides the view, the hotel room also had good soundproofing. The shower head had strong water pressure, and I didn't notice any of the yellowing or damage mentioned in some reviews. However, the complimentary bottled water was a bit difficult to open, and there were no disposable toilet seat covers provided.
The hotel gym has a free ping-pong room. My son and I visited it twice and really enjoyed it.
Overall, it was a smooth and pleasant family trip.From€77
Excellent3426 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.76km from city centre
Staying at Jingxiang Hotel again after seven years was still a delightful surprise; the scenery hasn't lost any of its charm at all.
The overall quality of the hotel is fantastic. The signature scent in the lobby and public areas is very pleasant, making for a wonderful check-in experience.
Breakfast is served at the Alice Restaurant on the 7th floor, and its terrace view is simply unbeatable—overlooking the Li River and Elephant Trunk Hill, with the stunning landscape seemingly right within arm's reach.
The hotel service is excellent. The front desk staff are extremely patient, answering all questions, big and small, with genuine care and helping to resolve any issues.
The buffet breakfast offers a rich variety with plenty of options. During breakfast, I noticed a large number of foreign guests—outnumbering domestic travelers—giving the place a strong international vibe.
The location is truly impeccable, making getting around very convenient. Elephant Trunk Hill Park is right on the doorstep, the Two Rivers and Four Lakes cruise pier is within walking distance, and all major downtown attractions are easily accessible.
All in all, this remains the top choice for a downtown stay in Guilin, and I will definitely consider staying here again on my next trip to Guilin.From€53
Perfect6406 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|1.77km from city centre
I highly recommend this designer hotel in Guilin! It brilliantly blends Italian aesthetics with the local landscape. The room layout is well-planned and extremely comfortable, and from the river view room, you can enjoy the stunning scenery right from your bed. The glazed ginkgo dome in the lobby is full of artistic flair; the interplay of light and shadow is unique, and every snapshot looks like a masterpiece. The Chinese and Western breakfast options are extensive, including authentic Guilin rice noodles. The SPA, terrace, and infinity pool all offered a fantastic experience.From€73
Business travel
Excellent823 Reviews
Reed Flute Cave/Lujia Village/Peach Blossom River/West Hill Park Guilin|4.11km from city centre
I absolutely loved my stay at Heshe Lakeside Hotel. The service was incredibly personalized—they even asked us the night before what we would like for breakfast the next morning. Every staff member was cheerful, attentive, and genuinely helpful throughout our stay.
One thing we really appreciated was their assistance in booking our tours, which ended up saving us money and a lot of hassle. They even provided transportation to the train station, which was a thoughtful touch.
The hotel’s location and view are simply unparalleled. It truly lives up to its name—right by the lake, with beautiful scenery all around. We especially enjoyed taking leisurely walks outside and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
If you’re looking for warm hospitality, stunning views, and a relaxing stay in Guilin, I highly recommend Heshe Lakeside Hotel.From€43
Outstanding2855 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.1km from city centre
A very nice hotel with an excellent location; the rooms are spacious, comfortable, clean, and well air-conditioned. The included buffet breakfast offers a varied, high-quality, and delicious selection. The staff is polite and helpful; we were welcomed at reception by Anna, who spoke good English. She checked us into a room with a lovely view and explained everything we needed to know.From€28
Perfect4985 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.51km from city centre
Choosing this downtown hotel for my trip to Guilin was a total win! The location is super convenient—Dongxi Alley and Zhengyang Pedestrian Street are right outside the door, and the Two Rivers and Four Lakes scenic area is also within walking distance. What surprised me the most was the service. From the moment I walked in, the front desk staff were incredibly welcoming. Check-in was fast, and they even proactively recommended local food and spots to visit. The room was spotless, the bedding was comfortable, and the soundproofing was great. Being able to sleep so quietly right in the city center is a huge plus. The overall experience exceeded my expectations. I’ll definitely stay here again next time I visit Guilin and will gladly recommend it to my friends!From€64
Outstanding1563 Reviews
Guilin|15.93km from city centre
Jiangjing Hotel boasts an excellent location, nestled by mountains and a clear, emerald Li River flowing gently past. We booked a room with a balcony, and waking up to the thin morning mist drifting over the nearby and distant mountains felt like being in a fairyland.
Before arriving in Lingchuan, I did a little research and learned that the local market (Ganxu) is held on the 2nd, 5th, and 8th of each month, with the 2nd coinciding with a family member's birthday. We specifically wanted to experience the local hustle and bustle. From the hotel's main entrance, a 10-15 minute walk to the right leads to a promenade. At the end of the promenade, turning left takes you to the market, and turning right leads to the ancient town – the directions were very clear. The market was incredibly lively; we bought local mulberries, osmanthus rice wine, and even Ash Alkaline Rice Dumplings, which are popular in Guangdong and Guangxi. We visited the ancient town in the afternoon. Originally built during the Northern Song Dynasty, the most prominent remaining relic is the Longevity Bridge from the Ming Dynasty (Wanli era). The Republican period was likely the ancient town's most glorious commercial era, and I truly hope the modern buildings can be restored and maintained.
The mountains, the water, and the people. After admiring the scenery, let's talk about the staff at Jiangjing. Team members 12 and 27 were particularly attentive. One sent us navigation details before we even arrived and helped us upgrade our stay. The other's massage technique was exceptionally professional; it greatly relieved the shoulder and neck fatigue from a long drive, even though the process was quite 'intense.' I highly recommend dining at the hotel; not only is the ambiance pleasant, but the food is also delicious, and most importantly, the oil and rice are safe. The kitchen even prepared a longevity noodle dish for us upon learning it was a family member's birthday. Lastly, I must mention Mr. Tu, an elderly hero who participated in the Sino-Vietnamese War. At over 70, he's still hale and hearty, wearing a military cap, and his eyes are sharp as an eagle's. I wish everyone the good fortune to meet this elder, hear his stories of fierce battles, and appreciate the beautiful life we have today 🙏From€49
Excellent2511 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.From€36
Perfect13663 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.38km from city centre
I've been travelling around china for 3 weeks now and this might have been my favourite hotel of my entire stay. The room was very modern and spotlessly clean and the mattress was very comfortable which isn't always easy to find in china. The front desk staff were very polite and helpful. The hotel was perfectly situated in Guilin, right in the middle of shops and restaurants.From€35
Family friendly
Excellent10535 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.69km from city centre
The hotel is fully equipped with comprehensive facilities, and the rooms are clean and tidy. The bathroom features a wet-and-dry separation design. The buffet offers a wide variety of choices, and there is a nice outdoor area by the restaurant for relaxing and enjoying the view. Free parking spaces are available downstairs, and popular attractions like the Sun and Moon Pagodas and Elephant Trunk Hill are within walking distance.From€39
Excellent4950 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|2.97km from city centre
Facilities: Well-equipped, with its own parking lot and a self-service laundry room.
Cleanliness: Spotless and hygienic, with comfortable bedding.
Environment: Great surroundings; you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Guilin karst landscape from the 14th floor.
Service: Exceptional service—attentive, warm, and makes you feel right at home.From€46
Very Good610 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!From€37
Very Good2178 Reviews
Guilin South Railway Station/Too Square/Qintan Bus Station Guilin|2.43km from city centre
I stayed at two hotels in Guilin this time: the Grand Palace Hotel and the Shangri-La. I stayed at the Grand Palace first. For over 400 yuan a night, I was quite surprised upon entering. Such luxurious decor, plus a swimming pool and gym – it felt like a full five-star setup. The value for money was incredible.
Since it was a family trip, we booked two rooms. We arrived a bit late, and couldn't find adjacent rooms on the lower floors. The front desk even helped by calling the housekeeping staff to communicate. After some discussion, they managed to get us two rooms right next to each other. I'd like to thank the ladies at the front desk for being so warm and polite. I've forgotten their names, but I think one of them was surnamed He?
The hotel's swimming pool is great. The children's pool is a suitable 1.2 meters deep, while the adult pool is 1.5 meters, separated by steps. The gym faces the outdoor pool, so it doesn't feel cramped, and the kids had a blast.
The next day, we went to Shangri-La and immediately felt it wasn't worth it. For over 980 yuan a night, the room wasn't even as big as the one at the Grand Palace, and all the facilities were old and worn. My wife said she didn't even want to use the bathtub after seeing it. The front desk staff were also very robotic, constantly saying 'we cannot provide that.' It really made me feel that Shangri-La has declined, from its hardware to its service.
Overall, the hotel (Grand Palace) was excellent, exceeding expectations in terms of value for money, and highly suitable for family trips. If I had to point out any issues, a few breakfast dishes could use improvement. The milk lacked flavor, and the grapefruit yogurt was excessively, sickeningly sweet – very unhealthy.From€53
Outstanding5360 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.16km from city centre
The hotel is in a great location, very convenient for getting around. It's just a 1-2 minute walk from the pedestrian street, right next to the Jingjiang Princes' Palace, East and West Alleys, Elephant Trunk Hill, and the Sun and Moon Pagodas, making sightseeing extremely easy. The service is excellent—warm and attentive. Highly recommended!From€23
Very Good497 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!From€21
Breakfast
Outstanding924 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!From€30
Very Good3782 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!From€41
Good426 Reviews
Guilin North&West Railway StationDiecai Wanda Plaza Guilin|6.04km from city centre
Booked same day. Great 5 star hotel for under $30. Big room, floor to ceiling windows, bath tub, sitting area. Wish the water for the tub was hotter. Good location. Great valid for the money and would book again if I come back to GuilenFrom€18
Very Good871 Reviews
Guilin North&West Railway StationDiecai Wanda Plaza Guilin|4.92km from city centre
Choosing this hotel for a worry-free trip to Guilin with kids is so convenient! The rooms are spacious with separate wet and dry areas and are equipped with children's toiletries. The front desk proactively provides warm water. Nearby scenic spots are within walking distance, the environment is quiet, children sleep soundly, and adults can relax and enjoy themselves at the same time.From€22
663 Reviews
Guilin North&West Railway StationDiecai Wanda Plaza Guilin|6.29km from city centre
The hotel is very close to Guilin North Station, with beautiful environment, complete facilities, clean rooms, delicious breakfast and rich variety. It is a very good hotel, highly recommended!From€20
Very Good783 Reviews
Guilin South Railway Station/Too Square/Qintan Bus Station Guilin|2.9km from city centre
The location is great, right across from MixC shopping mall. There's a large parking lot downstairs. It's very convenient to go anywhere, and there are plenty of places to eat nearby. The only downside is that the hotel is stingy with water; you have to ask for two extra bottles.From€19
Gym
Outstanding2289 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.2km from city centre
Nowadays, I only trust Atour when I travel. Atour truly gives us a home-like feeling. Guilin, with its beautiful mountains, waters, scenery, and food, is truly a paradise on earth. In my opinion, this Atour located near the Two Rivers and Four Lakes is the perfect accommodation for a trip to Guilin. In the evenings, you can immerse yourself in the bustling pedestrian street, enjoy the city attractions during the day, and then have a very quiet sleep at night. The combination of liveliness and tranquility is just right. We felt a bit unwell during our trip, and the staff provided a lot of help. Many thanks to the staff, especially the cleaning aunties!From€41
Good774 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.From€13
Outstanding382 Reviews
Guilin South Railway Station/Too Square/Qintan Bus Station Guilin|3.49km from city centre
First off, the location is excellent. It's quiet, being just outside the scenic area. You can reach Mixc City in 3-5 minutes on a shared bike, and Elephant Trunk Hill Park is about 3 km away. The hotel environment is fantastic – clean, tidy, spacious, and bright, with a particularly beautiful garden. The service is great; the staff are warm and attentive. They also offer free laundry and drying facilities. Overall, it was a wonderful experience, and I'll definitely choose this hotel again next time!From€17
Very Good526 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|1.29km from city centre
It was my mistake; I booked the wrong room type. We were traveling as a family and I booked a king bed, but the staff proactively helped us switch to a twin room. Their service was very thoughtful. Although the hotel is quite old, it has been renovated and is still very good. It has a laundry room, a gym, and a garden for guests to enjoy. It's great for kids to watch the fish 🐟. I'll bring the kids back again during the summer break for a swim 🏊🏻♀️.From€18
Perfect6574 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.From€127
Excellent4612 Reviews
Convention And Exhibition Center/Seven Star Park Guilin|1.82km from city centre
Welcome amenities: They provided complimentary fruit, biscuits, and a refreshing herbal tea to beat the heat. Minibar drinks: It was hot, so we drank a lot of water. Room service was very quick to replenish our water supply, which was great. Guaranteed late check-out until 2:00 PM: Since we checked in quite late, the hotel extended our check-out to 2 PM, which was very thoughtful. The front desk also upgraded our room, and the swimming pool was nice. My family was very satisfied with this stay. It would have been even better if breakfast was included, but overall it was good and worth recommending. We'll definitely come again.From€48
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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