Top Things to do in Guilin: Best Activities & Must-Sees
Surrounded by the dramatic peaks of limestone karst hills, the southern Chinese city of Guilin is home to lush vegetation, lakes, rivers, and breathtaking landscapes. The second-largest city in the Guangxi region, it’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in the country’s rich culture and traditions. If you’re interested in exploring this side of China, we’ve put together a detailed guide on what to see and do while in Guilin.
Top Things to Do in Guilin
- 🚢 Two Rivers and Four Lakes Night Cruise – A glittering journey through Guilin's illuminated river and lake system.
- ⛰️ Solitary Beauty Peak & Prince City – A historic Ming Dynasty princely residence featuring a striking peak in the city centre.
- 🌾 Longji Rice Terraces – Breathtaking, centuries-old rice terraces cascading down steep mountainsides.
- 🏞️ Li River Scenic Area – China's world-famous karst landscape, featured on the 20-yuan banknote.
- 🛶 Yulong River Bamboo Rafting – A romantic bamboo raft float on the Yulong River, including shuttle transfer.
What to Do in Guilin Based on Your Stay
How best to prioritise your time in Guilin depends on how long you intend to stay and the interests and needs of your travel group. We’ve popped together some example itineraries and recommendations to help you plan your trip.
Length of Stay | Couple | Family | Friends | Solo |
1 day | Enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Li River, and end the day with a romantic stroll around the Sun and Moon Pagodas. | Explore the Reed Flute Cave in the morning, and spend a family-focused afternoon around the Two Rivers and Four Lakes area. | Get adventurous with a bamboo raft on the Li River, and unwind in the evening on Zhengyang Pedestrian Street. | Catch the morning light hiking up Elephant Trunk Hill, and relax with a gentle walk around the Two Rivers and Four Lakes. |
2-3 days | Take time exploring the city’s pagodas and caves, head to Yangshuo to cycle around the Karst hills, and take the trip out to the rice terraces for sunset. | Spend time discovering Guilin’s lakes and caves, go on kid-friendly walks at the rice fields, and go cycling or bamboo rafting near the river. | Take sunrise photos at the rice fields, try local dishes in Yangshuo, and spend quality time exploring the city’s natural hot spots. | Enjoy the landscape, cruising the rivers, cycle through the Yangshuo countryside, and tuck into local delicacies. |
Considering Guilin as your next holiday destination? Keep reading to Learn more about what to do in Guilin.
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Must-Visit Districts in Guilin
The major sights that Guilin is best known for is spread across six different districts, so knowing which neighbourhood is home to those historical buildings or that hill comes in really handy when preparing for your holiday. Here are our recommendations for Guilin’s must-visit districts, whether you’re planning a day tour or spending a good chunk of time in the city.
Xiufeng District: shopping, dining and culture in Guilin
Xiufeng is a great place to start when you first arrive in Guilin, and it makes for a fantastic base for your stay. Not only is it the city centre, meaning this is where you’ll find a whole host of food, drink, transport and amenities, but it also has its own sightseeing draws too. You’ll find the Jingjiang Princes’ Palace here, as well as traditional neighbourhoods to stroll through. The area is also on the border of the popular and scenic Two Rivers and Four Lakes Area.
Diecai District: a backdrop of dramatic Karst Hills
Another of Guilin’s urban districts, Diecai, is special for being flanked by the famous karst hills. The name Diecai translates to ‘stacked colours’, referring to the unique shades, textures, and layers of the surrounding limestone formations. Here you’ll find hills to hike, parks to stroll through, and local neighbourhoods that are a little bit quieter than those found in Xiufeng.
Xiangshan District: Guilin’s spectacular natural formations
The Xiangshan neighbourhood is home to the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill, a karst formation named after its appearance of an elephant trunk drinking from the Li River. In this district, you’ll discover a fantastic mix of natural scenery, historic buildings like temples, pagodas, and pavilions, and local street food spots. It’s also got great transport links and, like many other areas of the city, lots of useful amenities on offer.
Qixing District: Recreation and relaxation in Guilin
Also known as the Seven Star District, after the eponymous park, the Qixing neighbourhood is a great place to head for a spot of relaxation. Not only can you find the city’s most famous park here, but also caves, lakes, karst hills (of course!), and lots of green spaces for recreation.
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Guilin Hotel Recommendations
5 star
Very Good4880 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.36km from city centre
The hotel's location is excellent, right in the city center. Our room had a view of the Li River, and the riverfront was just downstairs. It's super convenient, within a few hundred meters walk to Guilin's landmarks like Elephant Trunk Hill, Zhengyang Pedestrian Street, and Jingjiang Royal Palace. As for dining, breakfast was superb, offering both Chinese and Western options, and the Guilin rice noodles were authentic, even having the dry-tossed style. The hotel staff were also very welcoming. The doorman helped open car doors for arriving and departing guests, and when the front desk staff learned that our train departure was late in the afternoon, they proactively offered a two-hour late check-out.FromUS$80
Good3037 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.25km from city centre
I stayed at the Guilin Lijiang Waterfall Hotel for a business trip, and my overall experience was absolutely fantastic, truly deserving of full marks across the board.
First, a special shout-out to the front desk staff. The young lady at the front desk was incredibly gentle and considerate. Check-in was smooth and efficient, with no long queues or waiting times. The staff were warm and polite, patiently and meticulously answering all my questions, and even thoughtfully providing information on local transportation and tour routes.
The room's cleanliness was impeccable; every corner was spotless, with not a speck of dust. The bed was soft and flat, perfect for a refreshing rest after a long day of business travel. I slept incredibly soundly here. The hotel's location is outstanding, right next to the Two Rivers and Four Lakes and Elephant Trunk Hill, making it super convenient for shopping and getting around. The hotel grounds are quiet and beautiful, and the soundproofing is excellent, ensuring no disturbances from outside.
All the hotel facilities are well-maintained, with complete and well-functioning amenities, indicating a high standard of overall provision. My entire stay was relaxing and pleasant, exceeding all my expectations. Whether you're in Guilin for business or leisure, this hotel is an excellent choice. I will definitely book here again on my next visit to Guilin and highly recommend it to everyone!FromUS$57
Very Good4125 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|2.52km from city centre
Guilin Shangri-La, I absolutely, absolutely, absolutely love it!! Is Guilin Shangri-La old? No! While it's a bit older, every single facility is incredibly well-maintained! And the food? Even better!
Perhaps my experience is limited, but my 6-year-old and I have traveled to 129 cities, and the variety and taste of the food in Guilin Shangri-La's Horizon Club (executive lounge) are super, super, super abundant!!
The breakfast is also fantastic, and the Chinese food at Shang Palace is too!!! We stayed here for three days and ate our way through the entire Shangri-La from top to bottom!!
The spa, gym, and pool are all super, super excellent!
Big shout-out and praise to Ivan Yang from F&B, Linda Zhang from the Health Club, and Daisy Chen from the Horizon Club!! They were all absolutely, absolutely wonderful!!!
Every single staff member is super, super nice!!! I love Guilin Shangri-La!!
There are also many animals to see, hahaha, and even peacocks fanning their tails!FromUS$84
Excellent3472 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.76km from city centre
The room's floor-to-ceiling windows offer a direct view of the Li River and Elephant Trunk Hill – an unbeatable location. The entire room features a minimalist luxury wood design, and the marble bathroom is spotless with no dead corners. It's fully equipped with a bathtub and double vanity, and the toiletries are exquisite. For breakfast, you can enjoy authentic Guilin rice noodles. There's also a public laundry room and gym available. The front desk service was attentive, proactively recommending touring routes without any upselling throughout our stay. Away from the main road, it's very quiet. For its price range, the views, cleanliness, and amenities are all well-balanced. It's definitely our top choice when visiting Elephant Trunk Hill.FromUS$72
Perfect6532 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|1.77km from city centre
Stumbled upon Ciao Hotel Lijiang, and it was a perfect experience!
The Italian minimalist luxury design blends beautifully with the Guilin landscape, creating an incredible atmosphere. Every corner of the hotel is picture-perfect; you can snap stunning photos anywhere. ✨
The panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows in the room offer an unbeatable view. From the comfort of your bed, you can gaze directly at the Li River and the karst mountains – it's like a living landscape painting right before your eyes, and the unedited photos are gorgeous! 📸
The hotel amenities are incredibly comprehensive: a river-view restaurant, spa, lounge bar, gym, and a garden playground. The breakfast buffet is rich and varied, with authentic Guilin rice noodles and a wide array of snacks and pastries. It's both delicious and plentiful.
The location is also fantastic. It's just a 10-minute walk to Elephant Trunk Hill, and the beautiful Li River scenery is right outside your door.
My bestie and I stayed here for a few days, sleeping in, enjoying breakfast with river views, sipping on exquisite afternoon tea, indulging in relaxing spa treatments, and taking leisurely strolls along the Li River in the evening. No need to rush through an itinerary or plan anything; we just relaxed, took photos, and enjoyed the scenery. This hotel is truly perfect for a girlfriends' trip to Guilin—so healing and delightful!FromUS$86
Excellent2603 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.93km from city centre
Staff were generally very friendly and helpful. Met the manager Alice who was very welcoming and suggested a few places of interest. Also met a helpful staff member, Xiao Yuri, during breakfast, in the hotel restaurant. The hotel is located in the tourist heart of Guilin just next to the Elephant Trunk Scenic lake. If you are a coffee addict, LuckIn is just next door. The area is alive and we walked 18 mins to Zhengyang Pedestrian Street market which was interesting.FromUS$65
Business travel
Excellent905 Reviews
Reed Flute Cave/Lujia Village/Peach Blossom River/West Hill Park Guilin|4.11km from city centre
Heshe Hotel stands as one of the finest resorts for accommodation in Guilin. Their hospitality, culinary offerings, ambiance, and staff are all exceptionally delightful and helpful.
Upon our arrival, we were warmly welcomed by amazing front desk attendant, Melody. She assisted us through out our stay and made sure we’re comfortable and well taken care of and our tour guide, Eric, who communicated fluently in English, significantly easing our experience as non-Chinese speakers.
The owner was equally gracious, sharing their barbecue with us, creating a sense of homeliness. This hotel is located just 15 minutes from the main tourist attractions, with rooms that are very clean and offer breathtaking views.
I am definitely coming back again.FromUS$60
Very Good2770 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.1km from city centre
We spent 3 nights at this hotel and it has been a great experience and stay here. The check-in staff was excellent and the service from everyone was great,couldn’t ask for anything more. The breakfast was great, the location is really good for everything. Thanks to Jolin, Kevin and. Jean for the great and wonderful service. You cannot go wrong staying here. The laundry facility is great for us as we are traveling for an extended period in China.FromUS$31
Outstanding1874 Reviews
Guilin|15.93km from city centre
The environment is quite nice, but unfortunately, I visited during the high water season on the Li River, so the water was murky and I didn't get to see a good river view from my room! I'm not sure if it's because the hotel is old or something, but when you open the door, there's a slight odor. Also, the soundproofing of the door isn't great. It would be excellent if these issues could be improved!FromUS$29
Perfect13108 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.38km from city centre
What I loved most about this hotel was its fantastic location. It's right on Zhengyang Pedestrian Street, so you step out straight into the snack street with all sorts of local delicacies and rice noodles. It was super convenient for shopping and picking up souvenirs. We could walk to East-West Alley and Jingjiang Princes' City in just a few minutes, and Xiaoyao Tower was practically on our doorstep – perfect for a leisurely stroll and sightseeing. Elephant Trunk Hill and the Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas at Two Rivers and Four Lakes weren't far either; we enjoyed walking along the lake after dinner, and the night view was absolutely stunning. Transportation around the area was also a breeze, whether by taxi or bus. Most of the city's major attractions were within walking distance, which saved us a lot of hassle commuting back and forth. Overall, it saved us so much time and effort during our trip. For independent travelers, this location is absolutely superb – everything from dining to accommodation and sightseeing is taken care of in one spot. We had a great experience, and if we come back to Guilin, we'll definitely choose this place again.FromUS$43
Excellent10824 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.69km from city centre
The staff were incredibly warm and accommodating, almost anticipating our needs. The decor is simple and clean, and the smart devices and bathtub were definite bonuses – the kids absolutely loved them. The hotel's location is also excellent, very close to Elephant Trunk Hill and other attractions, with plenty of dining options nearby. Even though it rained for two days, we still had a wonderful experience at the hotel. Our clothes were dried and folded and then returned to our room. Breakfast was also fantastic, with 'lao fen' (noodle soup) that tasted just as good as what you'd find outside, local specialty oil tea, fresh milk, and a wide variety of other dishes. They even had high chairs and kids' cutlery, and offered coffee to-go. It's clear a lot of thought and care went into everything.FromUS$47
Excellent5158 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|2.97km from city centre
The lobby on the 13th floor is beautiful and offers panoramic views of Guilin. The front desk staff kindly upgraded us to a larger room for free. The welcome snacks at the front desk weren't the usual mints, but hawthorn slices and mini fried dough twists, which my child absolutely loved and was thrilled about. The hotel's location is also very convenient. It's just a 3-stop bus ride to Elephant Trunk Hill, 1 stop to Jingjiang Princes' City, and only 6 stops to Guilin North Station. Taxis never cost more than 20 yuan.FromUS$61
Family friendly
Very Good704 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.95km from city centre
We stayed one night at The Grand Link hotel a wuick stop in Guilin before we moved on to the Longji rice terraces.
Check in was smooth, passports copies taken paid an extra deposit to be refunded when we left.
Our room was average, dark decor and very minimal lighting - which come dark this was abit of a nightmare!
Lots of damp areas in the decor in the main bedroom and bathroom walls. The room did have everything we needed but glad we only had one night here.
The children enjoyed an hour in the pool, a welcome break from the heat.
Check out wasn’t the best, we got up at 5am to be on our way to Longji by 6am but when we went to check out the man asked us to wait 5 minutes for the room to be checked for the deposit to be refunded - but this in the end took 35 minutes! I’m just glad we weren’t up early for a flight or something like or I would have panicked more about missing it with how long it took!FromUS$47
Outstanding2513 Reviews
Guilin South Railway Station/Too Square/Qintan Bus Station Guilin|2.43km from city centre
This hotel has over a hundred rooms on the first floor, all well-designed. The lobby is grand, the breakfast is excellent, and the price is very reasonable. The location is superb, making it easy to get to attractions and the train station. Plus, there's a huge parking lot! And I loved the full-length mirrors in the hallway – perfect for quick touch-ups and checking your outfit.FromUS$68
Outstanding5194 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.16km from city centre
There were three of us traveling together, and they kindly upgraded us to a family room for free. The room was spacious and comfortable, the beds were wide enough, and the tatami by the window was a really nice touch – perfect for sitting, relaxing, or eating, which was very convenient. Right outside the hotel is Guilin Food Street, full of delicious food and super close by. We could also store our luggage for free after check-out and even received a souvenir.FromUS$33
Very Good487 Reviews
Gaoxing Wanda Plaza/Hi-Tech Zone Guilin|4.12km from city centre
The location of this beautiful hotel is very good and convenient. The size of the hotel room is also very suitable. All the waiters in the hotel are warm, polite and solve the problems immediately. The hotel is well-equipped.
The price of the hotel is very suitable. The hotel's location is convenient for transportation.
I give full marks to all the hotel's performance, praise, praise, praise, praise.
However, parents with children who have breakfast noodle soup should pay attention. The place where the soup is placed is very dangerous. I have reported it to the waiter, but he said it is safe. However, I have objected to his statement and it seems that he will not improve. Everyone should pay attention. .FromUS$24
Outstanding360 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!FromUS$21
Good563 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|1.29km from city centre
The front desk lady was super nice and upgraded my room. It has a pool, perfect for a summer trip. You can swim, and there's also a gym, which is a great choice for fitness enthusiasts. The gym overlooks the beautiful backyard garden, which is absolutely stunning. A hotel definitely worth staying at!FromUS$22
Breakfast
Very Good968 Reviews
Guilin South Railway Station/Too Square/Qintan Bus Station Guilin|2.61km from city centre
A very satisfying experience. The hotel is in a moderate location, not far from any tourist attractions, and it is convenient to eat and shop nearby. The facilities are very warm and considerate, and the service is warm and thoughtful. I originally booked two nights, but changed my itinerary temporarily, and I got a refund in less than two minutes.FromUS$25
Very Good4165 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.97km from city centre
An excellent stay! First, since I was traveling with elderly family members, the lovely lady at the front desk kindly upgraded our room for free. The room was huge, the facilities were brand new, and it even had a bathtub, which made my mother's stay very comfortable. Second, the hotel's location is superb. It's just a 10-minute walk to Elephant Trunk Hill and the Sun and Moon Pagodas (part of the Two Rivers and Four Lakes scenic area). During the day, we hiked Elephant Trunk Hill and took photos with the 'elephant' and Guanyin's vase-shaped hill. At night, the illuminated Sun and Moon Pagodas were incredibly beautiful, and the air was so fresh. Just across the street is the famous A Gan Restaurant, and a 15-minute walk brings you to Haitan Changfen, which always has a long queue! Third, the hotel breakfast was incredibly rich, with delicious rice noodles and siumai – no need to go out for breakfast. Finally, parking at the hotel was very convenient, and they even prepared ginger date tea and monk fruit tea for us. All in all, I want to thank the hotel and the front desk staff. I will definitely recommend this place to my friends and family!FromUS$27
Good425 Reviews
Guilin North&West Railway StationDiecai Wanda Plaza Guilin|6.04km from city centre
Comfortable hotel, suitable for all traveller types. The staff were friendly and helpful. The location is about 10km from the city centre, but it is close to the Guilin North station, helping you on your journey to mountain views further south. The hotel's short comings were not everything worked (power sockets, the overhead shower feature, and supposedly the onsite launderette dryer - though it did for me) and the breakfast, while okay, was monotonous each morning.FromUS$20
Very Good811 Reviews
Guilin North&West Railway StationDiecai Wanda Plaza Guilin|4.92km from city centre
Facilities: Excellent
Cleanliness: Excellent
Environment: Excellent
Service: Excellent
🏨This stay at Vienna International Hotel truly exceeded my expectations✨. The room was spacious and bright, with complete and modern facilities💡, and the bedding was soft and comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep😴. The hotel was spotlessly clean, even the corners were immaculate🧼. The view from the window was expansive, offering panoramic views of the distant mountains and the nearby city🌄. The front desk service was warm and attentive, and check-in and check-out were very smooth👏. Overall, a perfect experience, I will definitely choose this hotel again next time! 🎉FromUS$24
Good720 Reviews
Guilin North&West Railway StationDiecai Wanda Plaza Guilin|6.29km from city centre
The environment of this hotel is comfortable and pleasant, and parking is super worry-free if you drive. The breakfast is rich in variety and delicious, and the overall rating is good.FromUS$28
Very Good890 Reviews
Guilin South Railway Station/Too Square/Qintan Bus Station Guilin|2.9km from city centre
Environment: Very good, a hotel owned by China Southern Airlines.
Hygiene: tidy
Facilities: perfect
Service: Proactive service. When we went out with our children, they proactively brought us children's toothbrushes and slippers. You can see the mountains outside the window, and it's close to Xiangshan Park.FromUS$25
Gym
Outstanding2314 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.2km from city centre
The hotel management is very organized. The front desk contacted me before check-in to provide information about the hotel's location and nearby amenities. They even arranged our room in advance according to our needs, completely avoiding the issue of no available rooms during peak check-in times. 😄 That was incredibly helpful! The parking attendant patiently guided me with parking, which was a huge help and much appreciated for a new driver like me. 🙏🏻 Even more thoughtful, the hotel staff promptly came to greet us and helped with our luggage. There's a snack street downstairs and scenic spots are also very close by, making the location quite excellent. 😊 In the evening, the artificial waterfall next door was spectacular, and my child was thrilled to see it. We'll definitely be back next time! 😊FromUS$60
Good1028 Reviews
Guilin South Railway Station/Too Square/Qintan Bus Station Guilin|3.25km from city centre
The location of the hotel is good, next to Nanxi Mountain, one of the eight scenic spots in Guilin. The environment is quiet and it is very quiet to rest at night. The front desk and room service are good!FromUS$15
Perfect6422 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.17km from city centre
Right from the start, a security guard helped me with my luggage, and he was really enthusiastic, even suggesting I park my car closer to the hotel entrance for better security. They upgraded my room for free to one on the 7th floor with a large balcony, perfect for enjoying the scenery, especially the Sun and Moon Pagodas standing majestically in the lake. The room itself was well-equipped, very clean, and completely satisfying in every aspect. The bathroom facilities were excellent and comfortable. Before I left, they even gave me a thoughtful souvenir. My only minor complaint is that the chairs and table on the balcony, presumably for guests to relax and enjoy the view, were wet from the rain the past two days. The fabric cushions were soaked. It would have been nice if someone had warned me, as I didn't notice myself and ended up sitting in a puddle.FromUS$141
Excellent4511 Reviews
Convention And Exhibition Center/Seven Star Park Guilin|1.82km from city centre
My stay at Guilin Exhibition International Hotel was excellent. The room was incredibly spacious, and the bathroom design was very well thought out, with the toilet and shower areas completely separate, ensuring a thorough dry-wet separation which was super convenient to use. Due to a flight delay, the hotel kindly extended my check-out time to 4:30 PM, which was a really human-centered service. The entire hotel boasts high-quality facilities, and the room rate was also very affordable, offering fantastic value for money. Highly recommended!FromUS$59
Outstanding5425 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.5km from city centre
Staying at the Universal Hotel in Guilin this time was quite a pleasant surprise!
I think its location is among the best for star-rated hotels in Guilin, right by the Li River. You can enjoy river views from the room, and Elephant Trunk Hill is just a 5-minute walk away. There's a bus station right across the street, making it convenient to go anywhere.
The room was much larger than I expected and exceptionally clean, and the service was excellent – that really was a delightful surprise. The front desk staff met every request I made.
What surprised me the most was the food! There's a coffee shop and a Japanese restaurant downstairs. I visited them three times during my five-day stay. The coffee was so convenient, and they offer a wide variety. You can also enjoy a drink in the evening. It feels suitable for all ages, and they have late operating hours, fresh ingredients, and a very pleasant atmosphere. I chatted with the owner, who mentioned they have five stores in Guilin and have been around for nine years. Initially, I thought it was just a regular chain, but it has a very personal touch.
It's also super convenient to get Guilin rice noodles. There are 24-hour shops and ones open late into the night nearby, so you can slurp down a bowl even if you're hungry late at night – truly delightful! You absolutely must try the 5-yuan Guilin rice noodles!! Don't get the set menus!! There's no real difference~ If you have a small appetite, you can ask for just one liang! It's great!
I'll definitely choose the Universal Hotel again next time I visit, hoping for more new surprises~FromUS$30
Outstanding1495 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.46km from city centre
Stayed at Manxin Hotel and had a very comfortable experience overall.
The hotel feels modern, clean, and well-designed, with a more premium atmosphere compared to many standard city hotels. The room was well-maintained, comfortable, and thoughtfully arranged, making it easy to relax after long days of exploring.
The staff were polite and efficient, and the check-in process was smooth. Facilities and amenities also felt well managed throughout the stay.
One thing that stood out was the overall cleanliness and attention to detail, which made the stay feel reliable and comfortable.
Overall, a solid choice if you’re looking for a modern and comfortable stay experience. For more from my China travel journey, you can also check my YouTube channel travelwithshreya where I’ve shared more from this trip.FromUS$33
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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