Guilin

Introduction

You will find yourself in a landscape defined by dramatic karst topography, a geological feature that has earned the region international renown. Located on the west bank of the Li River in the northeast of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the city's name translates to "forest of sweet osmanthus," reflecting the abundance of fragrant trees found throughout the area.

Before you go

Prepare for your trip by understanding the cultural landscape of Guangxi, an autonomous region home to the Zhuang ethnic group and several other minorities like the Dong. While standard Mandarin is used for education and governance throughout China, you will notice a local variant influenced by Cantonese in this southern region. Because English proficiency is limited outside of major tourist shops and hotels, you should carry a bilingual map and phrasebook or have your accommodation staff write down your destinations for taxi drivers.

To ensure a safe experience, remain vigilant regarding your belongings in the central city and at the bus station, where pickpocketing is common. You should avoid carrying your wallet in your pocket and be wary of individuals approaching you to sell tea or artwork under the guise of being teachers. Additionally, do not accept samples of "honey" from people at highway rest stops, as these products can be impure and unsafe to consume.

Getting there

You can reach the city by air via Guilin Liangjiang International Airport, which hosts daily flights from major mainland cities as well as international destinations in East and Southeast Asia. If you are traveling from ASEAN countries, you may enter the region for a set period without a visa provided you join an approved group tour, arrive and depart through this specific airport, and remain within Guilin, Yangshuo, and Longsheng.

Train travel offers multiple connections from cities such as Beijing, Kunming, Nanning, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. While most trains terminating in the area stop at Guilin North Station, those passing through typically arrive at Guilin Station in the city center. To reach your destination from the outlying stations, you can bypass touts and take public buses to the heart of town. For regional travel, a bus terminal near the railway station provides links to nearby destinations like Yangshuo or further afield to cities such as Kunming and Guangzhou.

Getting around

You can navigate the city by bus, which serves as an economical way to reach various river spots and parks. Certain routes starting with 5# are free, while other lines provide access to many local attractions. For a more direct experience, you can hail a taxi within the city limits, though these may be harder to find during peak hours.

For excursions to scenic areas surrounding the city, you can hire a driver for a half or full day. Your accommodation can help arrange this service and coordinate your itinerary with the driver if you do not speak Chinese. You might also consider purchasing a local map from a shop or guide to help you navigate bus routes and locate sights.

Where to stay

Guilin offers a wide range of accommodations to suit your preference for either the bustle of the city or the tranquility of nature. You can choose from numerous high-rise hotels, stay in a homestay nestled in the farmland on the outskirts of the city to soak up the peaceful countryside, or find a mountaintop homestay to enjoy a magnificent sunrise.

For those seeking specific atmospheres, you can find options ranging from large luxury hotels with man-made waterfalls and extensive health clubs to boutique stays. Some locations offer views over the Li River and Elephant Trunk Hill, while others are situated in remote rural locations within parks filled with modern art. If you prefer a more communal experience, several hostels provide amenities like common areas, bicycles, and organized tour packages.

Food & drink

Guilin cuisine blends Cantonese and Hunanese influences, characterized by a heavy use of fish, spices, and preparation methods like steaming or stir-frying. You can sample local staples such as Daxu Clear Water Fish cooked with salt and ginger, Duck Wrapped in Lotus Leaf, or the savory Fenli rice paste. For breakfast, look for roadside vendors selling sweet tofu infused with flower or try Rice with Mung Bean Paste. Other notable dishes include Roast Suckling Pig, Snail prepared with sour peppers and sanhua wine, and Nun Vegetarian Noodles, which feature a golden-colored broth with mushrooms and bamboo shoots.

Explore the city's diverse culinary landscape by wandering through various districts:

• Binjiang Rd for riverside dining
• Guilinren Wangjiao Food Street for an abundance of snack vendors
• Nanhuan Rd, where some restaurants display live animals to showcase their menu
• Ximen Bridge Area for a large selection of Muslim-style cuisine
• Yiren Rd for a mix of trendy cafes and buffet-style eateries

What to see and do

Explore the historic landmarks and cultural sites scattered throughout the city center. You can visit the Jingjiang Princes' City, a former forbidden city that now houses museum exhibits, or walk through the grounds of the Official Residence of Li Zongren to see displays regarding his life as a military leader. For a different perspective on local history, the Eighth Route Army Guilin Office Museum showcases political and military activities from the Second World War, while the Museum of Guihai Stele Forest preserves a collection of stone steles dating back to the Tang Dynasty.

Experience the local scenery and nature through various parks and nearby landscapes:

• Central Square offers a large gathering space where you can view an artificial waterfall and a giant atlas.
• The Sun and Moon Pagodas provide a peaceful retreat from city noise, especially at night, while Elephant Trunk Hill features a natural arch resembling an elephant's trunk dipping into the river.
• Nature lovers can explore the Black Hill Botanic Garden, one of the oldest in China, or visit Diecai Mountain to climb stone staircases between peaks and view a butterfly museum.
• Cultural highlights include the Guilin Art Museum, the Ronghu Art Gallery, and the Jade Culture Museum, alongside specialized sites like the Guilin Guanshitang Chicken-Blood Stone Museum.
• For historical exploration, visit the Zengpiyan National Archaeological Park to see neolithic artifacts or the Guilin Flying Tigers Heritage Park, which commemorates American pilots from the Second World War.

When to go

You can experience a variety of climates throughout the year in Guilin. The winter is short and mild, starting out dry before becoming progressively wetter and cloudier as it transitions into spring. If you visit during the spring, expect overcast conditions and frequent rain, particularly during the plum rains which bring significant rainfall and a risk of flooding.

Summer brings long, hot, and humid conditions with persistent rain despite being one of the sunniest periods of the year. For a more pleasant experience with clearer skies, you should visit during the autumn when the weather turns sunny and dry.

Day one, you begin your journey in the heart of the city where you can visit Elephant Trunk Hill. You may also explore the local area to experience the unique atmosphere of Guilin.

Day two, you travel toward Yangshuo to experience the scenery of the region. You can enjoy traditional flavors such as Daxu Clear Water Fish or Duck Wrapped dishes while exploring the landscape.

Day three, you head toward Longsheng to see the local sights before your departure from the area.