Guilin, nestled in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, is one of China's most celebrated travel destinations. Famous for its dramatic karst landscapes, serene rivers, and rich cultural heritage, Guilin is a paradise for nature lovers, photographers, and cultural enthusiasts alike.
How to Get There
Guilin Liangjiang International Airport connects Guilin to major domestic cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and international destinations such as Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. The airport is about 28 km from the city center, accessible by shuttle buses and taxis.
Top Attractions in Guilin
Li River
The Li River is one of Guilin's iconic attractions and is famous for its picturesque landscape. When you take a cruise on the Li River, you can enjoy the overlapping peaks and rippling water waves on both sides, as if you are in a fairyland on Earth. The Li River Scenic Area is also the location of the back of the 20-yuan RMB, which makes people feel very familiar.
Guilin Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area
The Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area is a water system for Guilin's city tour, including the Li River, Taohua River, Shan Lake, Rong Lake, Gui Lake, and Mulong Lake. When you tour the Two Rivers and Four Lakes at night, the lights are bright, as if you are in a dream world. Take a boat around the lake to enjoy the Guilin city view and experience a different nightlife.
Longji Terraces
The Longji Terraces are another spectacular natural landscape in Guilin. The terraced fields here are as smooth as flowing clouds and water and are layered and magnificent. It is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. In addition, you can also taste authentic farm dishes, experience ethnic culture, and quiet homestay life.
Duxiufeng Wangcheng Scenic Area
Duxiufeng Wangcheng Scenic Area is an important carrier of Guilin's history and culture. By exploring the history of the Ming Dynasty, you can feel the ancient charm of the birthplace of Guilin culture. Duxiufeng is soaring into the clouds, and you can overlook the beautiful scenery of the entire Guilin city from the top of the mountain.
Cultural and Ethnic Experiences
Impression Liu Sanjie Show
A mesmerizing outdoor performance on the Li River, blending Guangxi's ethnic culture with stunning visual effects and karst scenery.
Ethnic Villages
Visit Zhuang, Yao, and Dong minority villages to experience unique traditions, costumes, and cuisines. Longsheng is a popular area in which to explore ethnic culture.
Tea Plantations
The region’s tea plantations provide insight into China’s tea culture. Tours often include tea-tasting sessions and workshops. Guilin has long spring and summer, short autumn and winter, distinct four seasons, sufficient sunshine, abundant rainfall, mild climate, deep soil, fertile soil, and suitable pH and organic matter content for making high mountain tea, which has a mellow taste and deep and unique aroma. Liudong tea contains rich pectin and theanine, which guarantees its advantage of producing high-quality tea, which is also unmatched by tableland tea.
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Local Cuisine and Must-Try Dishes
1. Guilin Rice Noodles
Guilin Rice Noodles is a traditional snack with a long history in Guangxi and is famous for its unique flavor. It uses high-quality rice noodles, is finely processed and cooked, and is paired with rich soup and rich ingredients. Every bite is an ultimate enjoyment of taste.
2. Yangshuo Beer Fish
Yangshuo Beer Fish is a local specialty dish made from fresh carp and beer. The fish is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, fresh and spicy, and is one of the top ten classic dishes in Guangxi.
3. Gongcheng Oil Tea
Gongcheng oil tea is a must-try delicacy for local breakfast in Gongcheng. It is made of old-leaf black tea as the main ingredient and is carefully brewed with ginger, garlic, peanuts, etc. The oil tea has a mellow taste, not too astringent, rich tea fragrance, and spicy taste of ginger and garlic. During the Tang Dynasty, the Yao people moved to Gongcheng from Hunan, Guangdong, Jiangxi and other places. Due to the humid local environment and heavy miasma, the Yao people used ginger and tea to make early oil tea to fight against the harsh natural environment. According to the "Guilin Customs", when Zhou Wei, the censor of the Northern Song Dynasty, returned to Gongcheng to visit his relatives, he used tea leaves and ginger to beat them together, added oil and salt, and boiled them with water to make oil tea soup to treat patients who inhaled miasma. The first taste is the bitterness of the tea, and then it is sweet and fresh, which is the endless aftertaste.The picture below is Gongcheng Tea Oil Culture Festival
Outdoor Activities
Cycling
Rent a bike in Yangshuo and explore the countryside, passing through rice paddies, bamboo groves, and quaint villages.
Hiking
The Longji Rice Terraces and Xianggong Hill offer rewarding hiking trails with panoramic views.
Rock Climbing
Yangshuo is a global hotspot for rock climbing, with numerous routes suitable for beginners and experienced climbers.
Bamboo Rafting
Drift along the Yulong River or Li River on a traditional bamboo raft for a tranquil experience.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March to May): Mild temperatures and blooming flowers. Ideal for outdoor activities and photography.
Autumn (September to November): Clear skies, pleasant weather, and golden hues in the rice terraces.
Avoid: Summer (June to August) can be hot and rainy, while winter (December to February) is cold and less scenic.
Practical Tips
Currency: The local currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). Credit cards are not widely accepted outside large hotels, so carry cash or use mobile payment apps like WeChat Pay.
Language: Mandarin is widely spoken. In tourist areas, some English is understood. A translation app can be helpful.
Transportation: Guilin has a well-connected public bus system, while taxis and ride-hailing apps like DiDi are convenient for short trips.
Packing: Comfortable walking shoes, an umbrella, and a lightweight jacket are essentials due to Guilin's variable weather.
Guilin offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re marveling at the karst peaks, tasting local delicacies, or exploring ethnic traditions, Guilin promises an unforgettable journey.