Guilin / 桂林
Guilin is a city in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, southern China, and is famous for its limestone mountains, rivers, and beautiful natural scenery. It is a great destination for visitors who want to enjoy river cruises, caves, mountain landscapes, and local culture. Guilin is suitable for families, children, adults, elderly visitors, photographers, and nature lovers because many attractions are easy to visit.
Highlights:
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Li River (漓江) – The most famous attraction in Guilin, known for its beautiful limestone mountains and river cruises between Guilin and Yangshuo.
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Elephant Trunk Hill (象鼻山) – Guilin's most famous landmark, shaped like an elephant drinking water from the river.
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Longji Rice Terraces (龙脊梯田) – Beautiful rice terraces located about two hours from Guilin, offering scenic views and local minority culture.\
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Yangshuo (阳朔) – A popular nearby town known for its countryside views, cycling routes, bamboo rafting, and West Street.
Best Time to Visit:
April to October (spring or autumns) - the weather is warm good for sightseeing.
Note: winter is cool but less crowded but some rivers and mountain is less beautiful.
Ideal Stay:
3 days and 2 nights
Suitable For:
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All ages
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Visitors that enjoy river cruises, caves, mountain , and local food.
Airport Name (distance to city centre):
- Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (桂林两江国际机场), 18 km to the city centre, 30 minutes by car and 1 hour by metro.
Train Station Name (distance to city centre):
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Guilin North Railway Station (桂林北站), 23 km to the city sntre, 40 minutes by car and 1 hours 10 minutes by metro/bus.
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Guilin Railway Station (桂林站), 13 km, 30 minutes by car and 1 hours by metro/bus.
- Guilin West Railway Station (桂林西站), 20 km to the city centre, 35 minute by car and 1 hours 20 minutes by metro/bus
Where to go
Guilin Museum / 桂林博物馆
Elephant Trunk Hill (Xiangshan Park) / 象鼻山景区
Li River (Lijiang Scenic Area) / 漓江风景区
Impression Liu Sanjie (Evening Show) / 印象·刘三姐
Silver Cave (Yinjian) / 银子岩
Sun and Moon Pagodas (Riyue Shuangta) / 日月双塔
Zhengyang Pedestrian Street / 正阳路步行街
Diecai Mountain (Folded Brocade Hill) / 叠彩山
Yulong River (Bamboo Rafting) / 遇龙河竹筏漂流
Jingjiang Princes' City (Duxiu Peak) / 靖江王府·独秀峰
Fubo Mountain (Wave-Subduing Hill) / 伏波山
Longji Rice Terraces (Longsheng) / 龙脊梯田
East-West Lane (Dongxi Xiang) / 东西巷
Xiaoyao Tower (Tower of Leisure) / 逍遥楼
Guihai Qinglan (Sunny Blue Landscape) / 桂海晴岚
Reed Flute Cave (Ludi Yan) / 芦笛岩
Xingping Ancient Town / 兴坪古镇
Two Rivers and Four Lakes (Liangjiang Sihu) / 两江四湖
Seven Star Park (Qixing Gongyuan) / 七星公园
What to eat
Zhengyang Pedestrian Street / 正阳步行街
Guilin's most famous pedestrian food street, offering a wide variety of authentic Guangxi street food, local snacks, desserts, barbecue, and souvenir treats. A must-visit destination for first-time travelers looking to experience Guilin's vibrant food culture.
Wangjianglou Restaurant & Bar (Yangshuo West Street Branch) / 望江楼餐吧（阳朔西街店）
One of the most popular restaurants in Yangshuo, offering authentic Guilin cuisine with beautiful views of the Li River. Renowned for its signature Beer Fish, fresh river seafood, and relaxing riverside atmosphere, making it a favorite among both locals and tourists.
Xin Guichu Guilin Restaurant (Wenming Road Branch) / 欣桂厨(文明店)
A popular local restaurant serving authentic home-style Guilin dishes in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Known for generous portions, traditional recipes, and excellent value, making it a favorite among local families.
Baiji Halal Wonton Restaurant / 白记清真馄饨店(西城路步行街店)
A long-established halal restaurant specializing in handmade wontons and traditional Chinese Muslim comfort food. Popular among both locals and Muslim travelers, the restaurant is known for its freshly made dumplings, rich broths, and authentic halal flavors at affordable prices.
Gui Ren Yu Guilin Cuisine (East-West Alley Branch) / 桂人语·桂林菜（东西巷店）
A highly rated restaurant specializing in authentic Guilin cuisine with a modern presentation. Conveniently located in the historic East-West Alley, it's well known for serving classic Guangxi dishes made with fresh local ingredients in a stylish setting.