Guilin

Travel Guide
Yangshuo Park showing mountains, a lake or waterhole and a gorge or canyon
Set amid mist-covered limestone mountains and a river winding through an idyllic rural landscape, this city has inspired painters, poets and dreamers for centuries.

“East or West,” the Chinese saying goes, “Guilin’s scenery is the best.” And truly, the landscape in and around Guilin is breathtaking. Rivers, lakes and rice fields meet at the base of sheer karst cliffs and mist-shrouded peaks. These scenes have inspired and charmed visitors for centuries.

The area’s stunning landscape is the consequence of its unique situation and geology. Guilin’s otherworldly hills formed underwater, millions of years ago, and were eventually revealed through erosion. Now they stand dramatically above the rivers and lakes that nourish the city.

Head to the Seven Star Park and discover the many hills, caves, bridges and relics that continue to inspire artists, photographers and poets. Explore Reed Flute Cave to see incredible limestone stalactites and stalagmites lit up in vibrant colours. Pay your respects to Elephant Trunk Hill, which is named for its resemblance to a large elephant bathing. Fubo (Wave-Subduing) Hill is also worth a visit due to its remarkable combination of natural features and cultural history. It’s also where you can see the giant pot that is said to be able to cook rice for a thousand people.

Marvel at the dramatic terraced rice paddy fields around nearby Longsheng. Take a cruise down the picturesque Li River, which is lined with bamboo groves and ancient villages. Feel the soft breeze on the river that once led President Nixon to call Guilin the world’s most beautiful city. Four memorable hours on the water will bring you to the town Yangshuo, home to popular West Street. This 1,400-year-old street is lined with an incredible array of restaurants, craft shops, calligraphy emporiums and kung fu academies.

Guilin is famous for the its distinctive sweet-and-spicy cuisine, which combines elements of Hunanese and Cantonese cooking. Local specialties include Guilin rice noodles and, of course, fish.

Guilin is best navigated with a tourist map. Buses and taxis are available in town, as is bicycle rental. The city is well connected by air, bus and train to the rest of China.

Where to stay in Guilin

Guilin showing interior views

Guilin City Centre

4/5(10 area reviews)

Be sure to enjoy the river views and gardens while you're in Guilin City Centre, and make a trip to Guangxi Guilin National Forest Park if you have time to see some sights in the nearby area.

Guilin City Centre
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Xiufeng

Unique features of Xiufeng include the river views and shopping. Make a stop by Guilin Museum or Shan Lake while you're exploring the area.

Xiufeng
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Ten Mile Gallery

4/5(1 area review)

Ten Mile Gallery is noteworthy for its mountain views, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Moon Hill and Yulong River Scenic Area.

Ten Mile Gallery
Seven-Star Park showing a bridge and a lake or waterhole

Qixing

You'll enjoy the mountain views and museums in Qixing. You might want to make time for a stop at Wanda Plaza or Seven-Star Park.

Qixing
Elephant Trunk Hill featuring a ferry

Xiangshan

Unique features of Xiangshan include the gardens and river views. Make a stop by Guangxi Guilin National Forest Park or Elephant Trunk Hill while you're exploring the area.

Xiangshan
Guilin which includes caves

Diecai

Unique features of Diecai include the river views and bars. Make a stop by Reed Flute Cave or Mulong Lake while you're exploring the area.

Diecai
Secret Courtyard Resort Hotel
Secret Courtyard Resort Hotel
4.5 out of 5
No. 32 Lujia Cun, Taohua Jiang Road, Xiufeng District, Guilin
The price is S$56 per night from 11 Apr to 12 Apr
S$56
per night
11 Apr - 12 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Guilin. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Reed Flute Cave and Guilin Museum are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (125 reviews)
"The owner was so nice! He welcomed us with complementary fruit tea and fruits, and helped us plan our car ride route to see the most beautiful scenarios in Xinpin. His hospitality really made us feel at home. Highly recommend!!!"

Reviewed on 9 Jan,2024

Secret Courtyard Resort Hotel
Sheraton Guilin Hotel
Sheraton Guilin Hotel
5 out of 5
15 Bin Jiang Road, Guilin, Guangxi
The price is S$138 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
S$138
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this luxury hotel in Guilin. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions Guilin Arts Museum and Shan Lake are located nearby. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (352 reviews)
"First time in Guilin and this hotel has offered its best to us. Room was very spacious. Staffs were very helpful which made our stay even better. Minute walk to 步行街 with lots of shops and dining option. Will definitely book again."

Reviewed on 24 Jan,2024

Sheraton Guilin Hotel
Banyan Tree Yangshuo
Banyan Tree Yangshuo
5 out of 5
No. 168 Zhengdong Street, Fuli Town, Yangshuo, Guilin, Guangxi
The price is S$431 per night from 11 Apr to 12 Apr
S$431
per night
11 Apr - 12 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Guilin. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (68 reviews)
"Very much a resort 👌 feels very relaxed"

Reviewed on 16 Mar,2024

Banyan Tree Yangshuo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Kayumanis Yangshuo Private Villa & Spa
Kayumanis Yangshuo Private Villa & Spa
3 out of 5
Fenglou Village, Gaotian Town, Yangshuo County, Guilin, Guangxi
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly villa in Guilin. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Julong Lake of Yangshuo and Jinshui ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
一間真正充分放鬆的度假村
"一間舒適,服務到位,與十里畫廊風景區融合一體的度假村!適宜放鬆度假。每天吃完可口的早餐後,可以隨意騎酒店的免費自行車在景區及村莊遊蕩。品嚐免費下午茶後,在別墅的私家游泳池邊曬太陽。"

Reviewed on 8 Sep,2019

Kayumanis Yangshuo Private Villa & Spa
Green Forest Resort
Green Forest Resort
3.5 out of 5
Bishuijiayuan Residential Zone, BinBei Rd, DieCai District, Guilin
Stay at this 3.5-star villa in Guilin. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Guangxi Guilin National Forest Park and 1001 Paradise ...
Green Forest Resort
Rockabond Family Inn
Rockabond Family Inn
3.5 out of 5
No 74 Pan Tao Road, Guilin, Guangxi
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Guilin. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Yangshuo Park and Yangshuo ...
Rockabond Family Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Guilin

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
2
" "5 - Excellent 33.333333333333336%
4 - Good
4
" "4 - Good 66.66666666666667%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
7 Oct 2019

The Karst mountains and scenery are outstanding, but most tourist attraction are somewhat tacky.

4/5 - Good

CHI
14 Aug 2019

nice city and we would go there again