Guilin Travel Guide
Famous for its unique karst landscape, Guilin is widely regarded as one of the most picturesque cities in China. There is a well-known Chinese saying: “Guilin’s scenery is the best under heaven.”
Located in southern China, Guilin lies within easy reach of major cities such as Hong Kong and Guangzhou. It takes only about two hours to travel from Guangzhou by high-speed train, and around three hours from Hong Kong.
The name “Guilin” means “Forest of Sweet Osmanthus” (“Gui” refers to the osmanthus tree, and “Lin” means forest). In autumn, the fragrance of blooming osmanthus flowers fills the air across the city.
Guilin is home to some of China’s most iconic natural attractions, including the Li River, the Longji Rice Terraces, and Yangshuo County. Need ideas for your Guilin our plan? feel free to contact us.
Guilin Climate and Best Time to Visit
Located in southern China, Guilin enjoys a subtropical monsoon climate characterized by mild temperatures, abundant rainfall, plenty of sunshine, and ample warmth throughout the year.
Guilin is a year-round destination, with each season offering its own unique charm. On rainy days, the city transforms into a dreamlike landscape—lush green mountains, winding rivers, and blooming flowers are gently veiled in mist, creating an atmosphere that is both enchanting and mysterious. Click to see more information about Guilin weather.
Top Things to Do in Guilin
While Yangshuo is undoubtedly a highlight of any Guilin trip, the surrounding areas also offer incredible experiences that shouldn’t be missed. From breathtaking natural landscapes to rich cultural sites, Guilin has much more to explore beyond Yangshuo. Based on our local expertise, here are the top things to do in Guilin.
1. Take a Li River Cruise to Yangshuo
The Li River is the highlight of any trip to Guilin and the main reason many travelers visit. A cruise along the river is the best way to fully appreciate its breathtaking scenery.
As the river winds through the landscape, dramatic karst peaks rise on both sides, each with its own story and charm. Along the way, you may spot fishermen gliding on bamboo rafts, practicing traditional fishing methods, while every bend in the river reveals a new and unexpected view. Read more on Li River
2. Cycle around Yangshuo Countryside
Yangshuo’s countryside is renowned for its idyllic charm, where uniquely shaped karst hills rise dramatically against the sky and traditional rural life unfolds at a gentle pace. The landscape is breathtaking, with lush rice fields, winding rivers, and groves of swaying bamboo creating a picture-perfect scene.
Cycling through the countryside is one of the best ways to experience Yangshuo. It allows you to soak in the scenery at your own pace while getting an up-close glimpse of authentic rural China.
3. Hike the Longji Rice Terraces and Visit a Local People's House
Guilin is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Beyond its famous mountains and rivers, it also offers stunning terraced fields and rich ethnic cultures waiting to be explored.
Hiking through the Longji Rice Terraces is a truly rewarding experience. Along the way, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of layered fields, traditional villages, and scenes of everyday farming life.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the peaceful countryside and experience an authentic rural lifestyle. You can also visit a local minority family, offering a unique chance to connect with the people and learn about their traditions and culture.
- Read more on Top Things to Do in Guilin.
Top Attractions in Guilin
Guilin has a lot to see and do, with its exotic culture and traditions, including nature parks, minority inhabit villages, and interesting outdoor activities as we list below.
- Li River
- Yangshuo County
- Yulong River
- Longji Terraced Fields
- Reed Flute Cave
- Elephant Trunk Hill
- Daxu Ancient Town
How to Travel to Guilin?
Guilin is one of China's most famous tourist cities. It is located in south China's Guangxi Province. It is very convenient to travel to Guilin from China's gateway cities such as Beijing and Shanghai. There are also bullet trains and flights connecting Guilin with China's other major cities. Read more on How to Get to Guilin
What to Eat in Guilin?
The food in Guilin has a sour and spicy flavor and is mainly adopted in the stir-frying and steaming cook ways. Fish and rice noodles play an important role in people's life in Guilin.
Guilin was one of China's first cities to develop tourism and open to overseas visitors. There are vegetarian, Muslim, Western, and Indian restaurants in Guilin and Yangshuo. Read more on the best dishes to eat in Guilin
Stay in Guilin or Yangshuo
Although Guilin and Yangshuo are relatively close to each other, it’s difficult to fully experience both in just one day. So where should you stay—Guilin or Yangshuo? Most travelers choose Yangshuo. Discover why Yangshuo is considered a better place to stay and enjoy a more immersive travel experience.
Travel Guilin with Us
As a team of native Guilin travel experts who know every corner of Guilin, we provide you with private Guilin tours with the most flexibility, to enhance your tour with extra experiences. Here are the top 3 of our Guilin itineraries.