Guilin Travel Guide, How to Plan a Trip

• Name: Guilin/桂林/guì lín
• Tourist Destinations: Guilin City, Yangshuo, Longsheng Terraced Fields, and Sanjiang Dong Minority
• Time: 2-5 nights

Elephant Trunk Hill

The following is used to describe Guilin, “The scenery of Guilin is the finest under the heaven.” Characteristic of green mountains, crystal clear waters, unique caves, and beautiful stones, Guilin is located northeast of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It is considered the pearl of China’s thriving tourist industry due to its natural wonder. Every year it attracts millions of visitors domestically and abroad.

The name of the city is translated as “the forest of sweet osmanthus trees,” which is true. Visitors can smell the fragrant osmanthus flowers throughout Guilin, particularly in August when the flowers bloom. With a population of about 5 million, it has an area of approximately 27,800 kilometers squared. The many ethnic minorities there include the Zhuang, Yao, Hui, Miao, Mulao, Maonan, and Dong. They’ve all contributed to the cultural fabric of the city.

Guilin is also an important cultural city with a history of more than 2000 years. The city has been the political, economic, and cultural center of Guangxi since the Northern Song Dynasty from A.D. 960 to 1127. In this cultural city, there are many places to explore.

What to see in Guilin

Reed Flute Cave

There are various tourist attractions in Guilin City. Many parks downtown feature Li River, mountains, and caves. The towns near the city center also boast natural wonders. The most famous are Yangshuo,  Xingping, Longsheng, and Sanjiang(Liuzhou).

Li River flows through Guilin and is one of the most beautiful rivers in the world. The crystal water of Li River, together with the gorgeous scenery on both sides, form a perfect view. The karst hills with various shapes stand erect along the river and are reflected in the water. One of the hills is called the Elephant Trunk Hill, which is an important symbol for Guilin. Countless artists, photographers, poets, and tourists have sought to visit. More attractions in Guilin >>

Besides the splendid scenery, the Zhengyang Walking Street of Zhongshan Road in Guilin is the main walking street. There, visitors can experience the leisurely lifestyle of Guilin and enjoy local delicacies. At South Zhongshan Road in the city center, there is a night market after 7:30 p.m. every night. You can find almost anything there like souvenirs at low prices including antiques, scrolls, paintings, perfumes, toys, fans, Guilin specialties, and so on.

The best season to visit Guilin

Best Time to Visit Guilin

In March, April and May, the Misty after Rain of the Li River is worth seeing. June, July and August are hotter months to visit, but acceptable; while from September to November, the air in Guilin gradually becomes a little drier, the rainfall decreases and the water in the Li River becomes clearer and more picturesque. The month from the end of September to the end of October sees the opening of the osmanthus blossoms, and you can smell their fragrance of them wherever you go in the city, which is refreshing. If you visit the Longji terraces at this time of year, you will also be able to experience the magnificent natural scenery and the joy of the harvest in its simplest form.

• Guilin Travel Weather and best time to visit >>

What to eat

Among the local delicacies of Guilin, the Rice Noodles should not be missed. There are many places serving Guilin Rice Noodles in downtown Guilin because it is what local people eat for breakfast. You can choose one of the restaurants to taste Guilin Rice Noodles like locals do and enjoy the unfamiliar taste.

Where to stay

Guilin Shangri La

Guilin accommodation recommendations: international brand hotel recommendations Guilin Shangri-La Hotel, located on the Li River, about 15 minutes by taxi from Zhengyang Pedestrian Street, 20-30 minutes by bike; Sheraton Guilin is located on the Li River, 2 minutes away from Zhengyang Pedestrian Street, easy to wander around freely; Guilin Bravo Hotel is also well located, in front of Rong Lake, 10 minutes walk to Zhengyang Pedestrian Street; and Aroma Tea House boutique hotel is less than 100 metres from Guilin Bravo Hotel is also very popular with international travelers.

Guilin Travel Itineraries

Guilin Travel Itinerary

Best Guilin Travel Itinerary for your reference

• Day 1: Arrive at Guilin
• Day 2: Elephant Trunk Hill, Fubo Hill, Diecai Hill, and Reed Flute Cave
• Day 3: Morning Li River cruise to Yangshuo, West Street in the afternoon.
• Day 4: One-day Yangshuo tour, Yulong River rafting, biking, cooking, taichi learning, rock climbing, or paddle boarding
• Day 5: Drive to Longsheng Terraced Fields, visit the fields and villages, bamboo rice making, and stay overnight.
• Day 6: Morning tour around, visit the Mahai village to learn the traditional paper making and drive to Guilin airport

More Guilin Travel Itineraries for your reference >>

More helpful travel information about Guilin

• Interesting Experiences in Guilin that can be put into your trip!
• Selected travel itineraries in Guilin for your reference
• Customizable Guilin Tours
• The best time and seasons to visit Guilin
• What are the Best Attraction in Guilin worth visiting?
• Quick and time-saving to Customize a Guilin Trip