Guilin, nestled in China’s southern Guangxi province, is one of those places that looks like it’s been ripped straight from a traditional Chinese ink painting. Towering limestone karsts, winding rivers, misty mornings — it’s legendary for its scenery and utterly unique vibe. Guilin may not be the biggest city, but it’s a must-see if you want to experience rural China’s natural beauty mixed with a bit of city convenience.

Whether you’re passing through on the way to Yangshuo or just here for a quick visit, Guilin has plenty to offer. So, here’s a straightforward Guilin Guide for 2025 to help you make the most of your trip.

What the Guilin Guide?

Sitting on the banks of the Li River (漓江, Lí Jiāng), Guilin is the gateway to one of China’s most famous landscapes. The city’s history stretches back over 2,000 years, but its scenery is what truly defines it. The limestone karsts that surround Guilin formed over millions of years and are considered some of the most spectacular in the world.

Despite growing tourism, Guilin manages to keep a relaxed, small-city feel. The city itself is home to around 1.5 million people and acts as a regional hub for Guangxi province. You’ll find a mix of ethnic minorities like the Zhuang (壮族, Zhuàngzú) and Yao (瑶族, Yáozú) people alongside Han Chinese, which adds a cultural richness to the area.

What is There to Do in Guilin Guide

With its stunning natural backdrop and growing urban comforts, Guilin offers a variety of things to do — from nature treks to cultural experiences. Here are the top ten essentials to tick off your Guilin trip.

Top 10 Things to Do in Guilin

1. Li River Cruise (漓江游船, Lí Jiāng Yóuchuán)
The absolute must. This two- to four-hour river journey from Guilin to Yangshuo is iconic. You’ll float past the surreal karst peaks, fishermen with cormorants (鸬鹚, lú cí), and tiny villages that look untouched by time. Book a day cruise or an overnight boat to experience sunrise on the river.

2. Elephant Trunk Hill (象鼻山, Xiàngbí Shān)
Right in the city centre, this is Guilin’s symbol. The hill looks like an elephant dipping its trunk into the Li River. Great for photos and a short hike, especially around sunset when the light turns golden.

3. Reed Flute Cave (芦笛岩, Lúdí Yán)
A limestone cave just outside the city, filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and colourful lighting that makes it feel like a natural cathedral. It’s a popular spot but well worth the visit.

4. Seven Star Park (七星公园, Qīxīng Gōngyuán)
This large park in Guilin includes caves, karst hills, and a small zoo. It’s a nice spot for a stroll and a little nature without leaving the city.

5. Fubo Hill (伏波山, Fúbō Shān)
Another iconic karst hill you can climb for panoramic views over Guilin and the Li River. The climb isn’t too tough, and the view at the top is worth it.

6. Jingjiang Princes’ City (靖江王城, Jìngjiāng Wángchéng)
A historical site with Ming dynasty walls and traditional architecture, perfect if you want to break up nature sightseeing with some culture.

7. Yangshuo Town (阳朔县, Yángshuò Xiàn)
Technically just outside Guilin, but many visitors stay here or take day trips. Yangshuo has a hip, backpacker vibe and offers biking, rock climbing, and nightlife against a stunning karst backdrop.

8. Seven Star Cave (七星洞, Qīxīng Dòng)
One of the largest cave systems in the region with breathtaking natural formations and an underground river.

9. Longji Rice Terraces (龙脊梯田, Lóngjǐ Tītián)
A bit further out but worth it for hiking and photography. The terraces are spectacular, especially in autumn when the fields are golden or after rains when they fill with water.

10. Local Markets (市场, Shìchǎng)
Explore Guilin’s bustling food and craft markets to try local snacks, teas, and handicrafts made by ethnic minorities.

Eating in Guilin Guide

Guilin cuisine is famous for one thing above all else — Guilin rice noodles (桂林米粉, Guìlín Mǐfěn). They are a delicious, simple staple served in broth with various toppings, and locals swear by them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can’t visit Guilin without trying a bowl or two.

Beyond noodles, the cuisine here is fairly mild compared to Sichuan or Hunan but still rich with fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and river fish. Expect lots of pork, tofu, and fresh greens. Street food is plentiful around the city, with snacks like luosifen (螺蛳粉, Luósīfěn) — a famously pungent but beloved snail noodle soup, grilled meats (烤肉, kǎoròu), and steamed buns (包子, bāozi).

Unlike some Chinese cities, Guilin has a growing number of Western-style cafes and bars, especially near the Li River and in Yangshuo. So if you’re craving a pizza or latte, you won’t be left wanting.

Top 5 Restaurants in Guilin Guide

• Guilin Rice Noodle King (桂林米粉王, Guìlín Mǐfěn Wáng)
  Cheap, local favourite for authentic rice noodles.
• Two Rivers and Four Lakes Restaurant (两江四湖餐厅, Liǎng Jiāng Sì Hú Cāntīng)
  Upscale dining with excellent river fish dishes and views.
• Vegan Guan Yin Temple Canteen (观音素斋, Guānyīn Sùzhāi)
  Simple vegetarian meals inside a temple setting.
• Yangshuo Brewing Company (阳朔酿造公司, Yángshuò Niàngzào Gōngsī)
  Craft beers and western-style food, great for chilling after a day on the river.
• McFound (麦克芳德, Màikè Fāngdé)
  Local chain serving modern Chinese dishes and snacks — a good safe bet if you’re unsure about street food.

Street Food Guilin

The street food scene here is lively but not overwhelming. You’ll find vendors from early evening selling everything from grilled corn (烤玉米, kǎo yùmǐ) and fried rice cakes (炒米饼, chǎo mǐbǐng) to spicy tofu (麻辣豆腐, málà dòufu) and sticky rice cakes wrapped in lotus leaves (糯米鸡, nuòmǐ jī). The key highlight is rice noodles stalls, where cooks prepare fresh bowls right in front of you.

Head to Zhengyang Pedestrian Street (正阳步行街, Zhèngyáng Bùxíng Jiē) at night to sample street food and soak in the atmosphere with locals.

The Guilin Nightlife Guide

If you’re expecting massive clubs or wild nights, Guilin isn’t exactly that kind of place. But it’s no sleepy town either. Nightlife here is low-key but enjoyable, with riverside bars, live music venues, and a few lively spots popular with young locals and tourists.

Most bars focus on beer and cocktails rather than hard liquor. The craft beer scene is growing, and Yangshuo in particular has some fun brews on tap.

Top 5 Bars in Guilin Guide

• Soho Bar (苏豪酒吧, Sūháo Jiǔbā)
  Live music and cocktails right on the Li River promenade.
• The Green Lotus Bar (绿莲酒吧, Lǜ Lián Jiǔbā)
  A chill riverside spot with good beers and views.
• Moonlight Bar (月光酒吧, Yuèguāng Jiǔbā)
  Popular for meeting locals and backpackers alike.
• Bar Street (酒吧街, Jiǔbā Jiē) (Yangshuo)
  Just outside Guilin, a cluster of bars with karaoke (卡拉OK, kǎlā OK), beers, and cheap cocktails.
• Jingjiang Brewpub (靖江酿酒馆, Jìngjiāng Niàngjiǔguǎn)
  Craft beer and a relaxed vibe in downtown Guilin.

Where to Sleep in Guilin

There are options for every budget and style, from budget hostels near the train station to luxury hotels with spa services overlooking the river. Most visitors prefer staying near the city centre or the Li River area for easy access to the main sights.

If you want nature and quiet, consider staying in nearby Yangshuo (阳朔, Yángshuò) or around the Longji Rice Terraces.

Recommended Guilin Hotels

• Sheraton Guilin Hotel (桂林喜来登酒店, Guìlín Xǐláidēng Jiǔdiàn)
  Modern comfort with excellent views of the Li River.
• Guilin Bravo Hotel (桂林佰悦酒店, Guìlín Bǎiyuè Jiǔdiàn)
  Central, clean, and affordable with friendly staff.
• Yangshuo Mountain Retreat (阳朔山间度假村, Yángshuò Shānjiān Dùjiàcūn)
  Boutique stay surrounded by karst hills, perfect for a nature escape.

Getting In and Out of Guilin Guide

Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (桂林两江国际机场, Guìlín Liǎngjiāng Guójì Jīchǎng) connects the city to major Chinese hubs like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Domestic flights are frequent and reliable, making Guilin easy to reach from elsewhere in China.

If you prefer land travel, Guilin is well connected by high-speed rail (高铁, gāotiě), with trains from Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and even as far as Beijing. The train station is right in the city, making it convenient for transfers.

For the adventurous, river cruises from Guilin to Yangshuo are a highlight — a scenic way to travel and explore the region.

Buses (公交车, gōngjiāo chē) and taxis (出租车, chūzū chē) cover local travel well, though if you want flexibility, renting a motorbike or bicycle (自行车, zìxíngchē) to explore surrounding countryside is popular.

Conclusion on Guilin

Guilin isn’t just a pretty face. It’s a city where natural wonders meet rich culture, with enough urban comforts to make your stay comfortable. Whether you’re here for the legendary Li River, the jaw-dropping karsts, or the tasty noodles, Guilin rewards those who take the time to soak it all in.

If you’re planning a trip to southern China, Guilin deserves more than just a quick stop. It’s a place to breathe, explore, and appreciate the ancient landscapes that have inspired countless generations.

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