Top reasons to visit Guilin
- Breathtaking Scenery: Guilin is famous for its stunning karst mountains and picturesque landscapes, offering unforgettable views at every turn.
- Outdoor Adventures: Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, visitors can engage in activities like hiking, cycling, and river cruises.
- Cultural Experiences: Explore vibrant markets and local cuisine, immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the region.
- Charming Urban Parks: Relax in beautiful parks that provide a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
- Diverse Accommodations: Enjoy a wide range of lodging options, from quaint guesthouses to luxurious hotels, catering to all preferences.
Find great hotels in Guilin
Discover a delightful array of accommodations in Guilin, where options range from charming guesthouses to luxurious hotels. Whether you seek a family-friendly stay, a business-oriented environment, or a lavish retreat, Guilin's hospitality caters to all. Explore the picturesque surroundings while enjoying top-notch services and facilities designed to enhance your travel experience in this stunning region of Guangxi.
- Sheraton Guilin Hotel: Set against the stunning backdrop of Guilin's natural beauty, the Sheraton Guilin Hotel offers a luxurious 4.5-star experience with a focus on family-friendly amenities. Rated 8.4 out of 10 by guests, this hotel combines wellness and nature with its outdoor spaces, including a rooftop terrace and barbeque grills. Families can enjoy various facilities such as a children's club, complimentary cribs, and specially designed dinnerware for younger guests. The serene environment makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a relaxing yet engaging vacation experience.
- Shangri-La Guilin: As a prestigious 5-star hotel with a guest rating of 9.0 out of 10, Shangri-La Guilin excels in providing a lavish family-oriented escape. This hotel is designed with children in mind, featuring amenities such as a dedicated children's pool, a babysitting service, and an arcade game room. With its playful playground and shared spaces, it ensures that families can create cherished memories together while enjoying top-notch service and comfort in a breathtaking setting.
- Guilin Lijiang Waterfall Hotel: For those on business or seeking a rejuvenating spa experience, the Guilin Lijiang Waterfall Hotel, boasting a 4.5-star rating and a guest score of 8.0 out of 10, is a distinguished choice. The hotel offers an extensive spa service, including sauna and massage treatments, alongside a refreshing exercise pool and poolside bar. The tranquil atmosphere and elegant design cater to the needs of business travellers while also providing a serene retreat for relaxation after a busy day.
Where to stay in Guilin
Guilin, renowned for its breathtaking scenery, offers a diverse travel experience perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and city explorers alike. Wander through its charming streets, where friendly locals greet you, and relish the tranquil atmosphere that envelops the city. Nearby attractions provide a blend of historical significance and recreational delights, ensuring your trip to Guilin is both relaxing and enriching. Spend nights in this vibrant tourist city, soaking in its unique vibes and captivating landscapes.
- Yangshuo: Nestled in the picturesque karst landscape of Guangxi, Yangshuo is a charming county renowned for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant atmosphere. The area is particularly popular among tourists seeking a city-themed or family experience. Visitors can explore the lively public market and shopping areas, while also enjoying recreational activities amid the breathtaking scenery. Yangshuo boasts several historic landmarks, parks, and buildings, making it a perfect blend of culture and nature. The peak travel months of March to April and July offer the best opportunities to experience the lively local culture and outdoor adventures.
- Guilin City Centre: The heart of Guilin, the City Centre pulsates with energy and offers a dynamic urban experience. This neighbourhood is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and those looking for city-themed and business-related activities. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant public markets and shopping areas, while the surrounding parks, hills, and unique rock formations provide stunning backdrops for exploration. The City Centre sees peak tourist numbers in April, October, and December, making it a great time to immerse oneself in the local culture and enjoy outdoor adventures amidst the iconic landscapes.
- Xiufeng: As a prominent district of Guilin, Xiufeng combines modern amenities with cultural richness, making it an attractive destination for families and business travellers alike. The area is filled with shopping centres and public markets, providing plenty of opportunities for retail therapy. Xiufeng is also home to scenic marinas and water features, adding to its charm. With peak visitor numbers in April, October, and December, this district offers a perfect blend of urban excitement and nature, ensuring a delightful experience for all who come to explore.
Things to do in Guilin
Shopping
In Guilin, explore the bustling Zhengyang Pedestrian Street for local handicrafts and souvenirs. For a more extensive shopping experience, if you're up for a drive, visit the Guilin Shopping Mall or the more distant, modern Wanda Plaza, both offering a variety of shops and dining options.
Recreation
In Guilin, the Yangshuo Mountain Retreat offers a serene atmosphere with spa treatments that incorporate local herbs. The Banyan Tree Yangshuo features a tranquil spa with signature therapies inspired by traditional Chinese medicine, set against stunning karst landscapes that enhance relaxation and rejuvenation.
Adventure
Experience the stunning landscapes of the Li River with a bamboo raft ride, gliding past karst mountains and traditional fishing villages. For thrill-seekers, tackle the hiking trails of the Longsheng Rice Terraces, where breathtaking views and rich cultural encounters await among the terraced fields.
Nightlife
In Guilin, the vibrant night market offers a lively atmosphere with street food and local crafts. The Lijiang River provides romantic boat cruises, while bars along the waterfront serve refreshing drinks. For entertainment, traditional music performances at local theatres capture the essence of Guangxi's rich culture.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Guilin
To save money on your trip to Guilin, consider visiting during the off-peak months of March and December to January for lower accommodation rates. Opt for public transport options like buses or bicycles to explore the city economically. Take advantage of free attractions such as the Moon Water Cave. Book your hotel three months in advance for the best prices, and utilise Expedia's search tools to find budget-friendly options, particularly on Wednesdays, which are the cheapest days to stay. Look for package deals to combine hotel, flights, and activities for added savings.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Guilin are March and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to May and August, where prices are slightly higher.
- The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel in Guilin about 3+ months out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Guilin is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay in Guilin is Saturday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to choose your budget, desired location, and various other preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring that you view the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will reveal sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy significant savings by combining your Guilin hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions in Guilin
Guilin offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventures and urban exploration, making it ideal for various vacation types. Key attractions include stunning mountains, intriguing caves, and beautiful urban parks, providing scenic experiences for travellers. While in Guilin, don't miss the vibrant city centre and the best spots the region has to offer, ensuring a memorable stay filled with adventure and breathtaking scenery.
- Xianggong Mountain: Experience breathtaking vistas as you hike to the summit of Xianggong Mountain. Known for its stunning scenery, this location offers adventurous trails that reward visitors with panoramic views of the picturesque karst landscape surrounding Guilin.
- Longsheng Hot Springs National Forest Park: Immerse yourself in relaxation at Longsheng Hot Springs, where natural thermal waters provide a soothing retreat. Set in a serene forest environment, this park combines wellness with outdoor beauty, allowing visitors to unwind amidst nature.
- Shan Lake: Discover the rich cultural heritage surrounding Shan Lake, a historic site that showcases traditional architecture and tranquil waters. Enjoy leisurely walks along the waterfront, where the scenic views and cultural ambience create a peaceful escape.
Best time to go to Guilin
The best time to visit Guilin can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Guilin falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Guilin falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Guilin
Flying into Guilin, Guangxi, is convenient with Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL), located 12.9km from the city. Notable hotels nearby include the 4-star Four Points By Sheraton Guilin, Lingui, and Hampton by Hilton Guilin Lingui, both offering airport shuttle services. Alternatively, Liuzhou Airport (LZH), situated 138.4km away, has luxurious options like the 5-star Wanda Realm Liuzhou and Radisson Blu Hotel Liuzhou, providing various transportation services. For those considering Shaoyang Airport (WGN), located 180.2km away, the Vienna International Hotel (Wugang Shaoyang) offers comfortable accommodation just 6.4km from the airport. Each hotel ensures easy access to their respective airports for a hassle-free travel experience.