Guilin
About Guilin
Guilin is China's living scroll painting: limestone towers rise from mirror-like rivers, mist drifts above terraced rice fields, and every turn feels like stepping into an ink-wash masterpiece. Settled over 2,000 years ago as the heart of the ancient Gui-Yue kingdom, the city later became a Tang-dynasty poets' retreat and a vital stop on the Ling Canal trade route. Today it blends Zhuang, Yao and Han cultures with a laid-back backpacker vibe: bamboo rafts glide beneath cormorant fishermen, night markets sizzle with chilli-laced river snails, and locals still greet the dawn with a bowl of silky rice noodles. Local food is sour-spicy-sweet: river fish steamed in beer, stuffed river-snails, taro braised with pork belly, and rice-flour cakes steamed in bamboo.
漓江 | Li River
Classic 83 km karst corridor; bamboo-raft or cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo. The river winds through stunning limestone peaks, creating one of China's most iconic landscapes.
象鼻山 | Elephant Trunk Hill
City-center karst arch that dips into the Li River like an elephant drinking. This iconic formation is Guilin's most recognizable landmark and symbol.
两江四湖 | Two Rivers & Four Lakes
Night boat tour through illuminated canals and ancient bridges. The city's waterways are beautifully lit up after dark, creating a magical atmosphere.
阳朔西街 | West Street, Yangshuo
1,400-year-old pedestrian lane turned backpacker hub of bars, cafés and beer-fish stalls. The heart of Yangshuo's vibrant nightlife and cultural scene.
龙脊梯田 | Longji Dragon-Back Terraces
Layered rice paddies carved into mountain spines; sunrise above sea-of-clouds villages. A spectacular example of human ingenuity and natural beauty combined.
银子岩 | Silver Cave
Multi-level karst cavern lit in neon blues and golds; 2 km of stalactites. One of the most beautiful and accessible caves in the region.
靖江王府 & 独秀峰 | Jingjiang Prince City & Solitary Beauty Peak
600-year Ming palace plus climb for 360° city views. Historical site with stunning panoramic views of Guilin's karst landscape.
七星公园 & 七星岩 | Seven-Star Park & Cave
Urban park with karst hill, panda enclosure, and underground river cave. A perfect combination of natural beauty and wildlife viewing.
芦笛岩 | Reed Flute Cave
Color-lit underground palace known as the 'Art Gallery of Nature'. Stunning limestone formations illuminated with colorful lights.
遇龙河竹筏 | Yulong River Bamboo Raft
Calm tributary of the Li River; drift past water buffalo and ancient bridges. A peaceful alternative to the more crowded Li River.
世外桃源 | Peach Blossom Land
Theme park recreating Tao Yuanming's utopia: cormorant fishing and folk dance. A cultural experience showcasing traditional Chinese ideals.
古东瀑布 | Gudong Waterfall Forest Park
Asia's only climbable waterfall; metal ladders through tropical jungle. An adventurous way to experience the region's natural beauty.
恭城文庙 & 武庙 | Gongcheng Confucian & Martial Temple
Best-preserved Ming-dynasty twin-temple complex outside Beijing. Important historical and cultural site showcasing traditional Chinese architecture.
猫儿山 | Mao'er Mountain
Highest peak in South China; sunrise above sea of clouds and WWII Flying Tigers relics. Offers spectacular views and historical significance.
正阳步行街 & 东西巷 | Zhengyang Pedestrian Street & Dongxi Alley
Night bazaar of snacks, street art and riverside cafés. The perfect place to experience Guilin's modern urban culture and cuisine.
崇善米粉 | Chongshan Rice Noodles
1943 stall famed for rich bone broth and crispy pork; 24-hour queue. A local institution serving authentic Guilin rice noodles.
老东江马肉米粉 | Old Dongjiang Horse-Meat Noodles
Tender horse slices in spicy soup—rare local delicacy. A unique dish that showcases the region's distinctive culinary traditions.
阿甘酒家 | A Gan Restaurant
'Braised duck with beer' and crispy taro in a retro courtyard. Traditional Guangxi cuisine in a charming setting.
椿记烧鹅 | Chunji Roast Goose
Michelin-plate chain; half-goose crackling with plum sauce. High-quality Cantonese-style roast goose with local touches.
大师傅啤酒鱼 | Master Chef Beer Fish
CCTV-featured beer-braised Li River carp with crispy skin. Guilin's most famous dish, prepared with local beer and fresh river fish.
小南国 | Little South China
Affordable set menus: taro pork, crispy river fish, rice-wine chicken. Great value for sampling multiple local specialties.
尚水美食街 | Shangshui Food Street
200-m covered lane of snail pots, stinky tofu, and osmanthus rice cakes. A food lover's paradise with endless local snacks.
明桂米粉 | Minggui Noodles
5-yuan bowls with DIY pickled toppings; open till 3 a.m. Perfect for late-night cravings with customizable toppings.
金龙寨 | Jinlong Village
Old-school Guangxi canteen; beer snails and taro pork in bamboo buckets. Authentic local flavors in a traditional setting.
桂林田螺王 | Guilin Snail King
Giant river snails stir-fried with chilli and perilla; eat on plastic stools. A must-try local delicacy for adventurous eaters.
老奶汤圆 | Granny Tang-yuan
Hand-rolled glutinous balls stuffed with black sesame in sweet osmanthus soup. Traditional dessert with local osmanthus flavor.
十八酿小馆 | 18-Stuffing Bistro
Tasting platter of 18 stuffed veggies: tofu, eggplant, river snails. A comprehensive introduction to local stuffed dishes.
荔浦芋扣肉 | Lipu Taro Pork
Homestyle taro layered with five-spice pork belly. A classic Guangxi dish showcasing the region's love for taro.
恭城油茶 | Gongcheng Oil Tea
Savory pounded tea with peanuts & puffed rice; served in clay pots. A unique local beverage with cultural significance.
正阳路马蹄糕 | Zhengyang Road Water-Chestnut Cake
Griddled rice cakes with taro & brown sugar; 2-yuan snack. A simple but delicious local street food favorite.
High value, low price local experiences
漓江竹筏清晨 | Dawn Bamboo Raft on Li River
Private 2-hour raft from Xingping to Nine-Horse Fresco Hill; ¥80 pp. Experience the magical morning light on the Li River.
侗族长桌宴 | Dong Long-Table Banquet
Home-cooked feast with rice-wine toasts and bamboo-pipe dance; ¥60. Immerse yourself in local ethnic culture and cuisine.
手工桂花酱 | Osmanthus Jam Workshop
Pick petals, boil with rock sugar; 30-min class, ¥40. Learn to make Guilin's signature osmanthus products.
侗族银饰DIY | Dong Silver DIY
Hammer a silver bracelet in a village forge; ¥120 incl. material. Create your own traditional ethnic jewelry.
鱼鹰夜捕 | Cormorant Night Fishing
Watch birds dive by torchlight, then dine on the catch; ¥100. Experience traditional fishing methods on the Li River.
西街啤酒鱼课堂 | Beer-Fish Cooking Class
Market tour + cook your own beer-braised carp; ¥150. Learn to prepare Guilin's most famous dish from local experts.
喀斯特岩壁速降 | Karst Abseil
30-m rappel down limestone cliff; ¥90 with guide. Adventure activity in Guilin's stunning karst landscape.
民族服饰旅拍 | Ethnic Costume Shoot
Rent Zhuang or Yao outfits, photographer included; ¥100. Capture memories in traditional ethnic costumes.
龙脊梯田日出露营 | Sunrise Camping on Rice Terraces
Tent rental + local breakfast; ¥120. Spend a night under the stars at the spectacular Longji Terraces.