Guilin Travel Guide: Tourist Places & Activities
This city is known for its remarkable karst landscapes, featuring beautiful hills and rivers. It is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, and exploring caves, attracting many visitors for its natural beauty and cultural sites.
- Airport
- Guilin Liangjiang – Int'l & 1 other
- Train Station
- Guilin North & 1 other station
- Est. Visit Days
- 4 days
Overview
Guilin is a city in southern China known for its pleasant karst landscape and the Li River. Pros include its nice natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and river cruises. However, it can be crowded with tourists, especially during peak seasons, which may affect the experience. Additionally, the city's infrastructure is still developing, leading to some transportation challenges. Overall, Guilin offers unique attractions but may require some patience during busy times.
Traffic & Transport
The city features an efficient transportation network that makes it easy for tourists to explore. Public buses are available and offer a cost-effective way to navigate the city's attractions, while renting a bicycle or electric scooter can provide a more personal experience of the scenic surroundings. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also widely used, allowing visitors to travel conveniently between points of interest. Walking is another enjoyable option in certain areas, especially near the pleasant rivers and parks. For reliable taxi services, local companies like Didi Chuxing operate throughout the area and can be easily booked via their app. Additionally, traditional taxis are readily available at designated stands and can also be hailed on the street.
History
The area was first settled over 2,000 years ago during the Qin Dynasty. It became an important military and commercial center due to its strategic location near trade routes. During the Ming Dynasty, it flourished as a cultural hub, attracting artists and scholars. The city experienced turmoil during the Second Sino-Japanese War in the 1930s and 1940s. Post-war, it gained recognition for its scenic landscapes and tourism development.
Itinerary Sample
Here is a suggested 4-day itinerary for exploring Guilin, China.
– First day: Arrive in Guilin, check into your hotel, and visit the Reed Flute Cave for its impressive bright formations. Enjoy a local dinner at a nearby restaurant.
– Second day: Take a Li River cruise to Yangshuo, enjoying scenic views of karst mountains. Explore West Street in Yangshuo before returning to Guilin.
– Third day: Visit Elephant Trunk Hill and Fubo Hill for panoramic city views. Spend the afternoon at Seven Star Park, seeing its gardens and caves.
– Fourth day: Explore Longji Rice Terraces and learn about the local ethnic cultures. Return to Guilin for departure or further exploration.
Near Excursion
This city is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and cultural sites perfect for day trips. Here are some options:
– Longji Rice Terraces at 80 km: Famous terraced fields offering scenic views and insights into local farming traditions.
– Yangshuo at 70 km: Known for its karst mountains, it offers outdoor activities like cycling and bamboo rafting.
– Xingping Ancient Town at 60 km: A picturesque town with old streets and traditional Chinese architecture.
– Silver Cave at 85 km: A large limestone cave featuring impressive stalactites and stalagmites formations.
– Lipu Fengyu Cave at 95 km: A natural wonder with unique rock formations and underground rivers to explore.
Attraction
Known for its gorgeous karst mountains and scenic rivers, it's a popular destination for nature lovers.
– Li River: Famous for its pleasant landscapes, it offers boat cruises showcasing dramatic sparkling peaks and quiet waters.
– Reed Flute Cave: A natural nice cave with colorful lighting, featuring impressive stalactites and stalagmites formations.
– Elephant Trunk Hill: A landmark resembling an elephant drinking water; ideal for photography and leisurely walks.
– Seven Star Park: Known for its beautiful gardens, caves, and the iconic Camel Hill within a large green space.
– Longji Rice Terraces: Offers amazing terraced fields views, especially during planting and harvest seasons.
– Fubo Hill: Provides panoramic city views from the top and features interesting rock carvings.
Activity
Guilin offers scenic landscapes, river cruises, hiking, and cultural experiences in a nice setting of karst mountains and rice paddies.
– Li River Cruise: Enjoy a boat ride through remarkable karst scenery between Guilin and Yangshuo for impressive views.
– Longsheng Rice Terraces: Explore the impressive rice terraces, learn about local farming practices, and enjoy panoramic vistas.
– Yangshuo Cycling: Rent a bike to ride through rural landscapes, experiencing local villages and beautiful countryside.
– Cormorant Fishing Show: Watch traditional fishing techniques using trained cormorants on the Li River during evening performances.
– Hot Springs Relaxation: Visit natural hot springs near Guilin for relaxation amidst easygoing surroundings.
Cuisine
The city offers a distinctive food scene, influenced by its local ingredients and ethnic diversity, featuring rice noodles as a staple. Some of the city's most famous dishes include:
– Guilin Rice Noodles: A popular dish with smooth rice noodles, broth, pickled vegetables, and peanuts.
– Lipu Taro Looped Meat: Braised pork belly with taro, known for its rich flavor and tender texture.
– Beer Fish: Fresh fish cooked with beer, tomatoes, peppers, and ginger for a savory taste.
– Bamboo Rice: Sticky rice cooked inside bamboo tubes, often served as a fragrant side dish.
– Osmanthus Cake: Sweet dessert made from glutinous rice flour and flavored with osmanthus flowers.
Shopping
You can find unique handicrafts, such as silk products and traditional Chinese paintings. Local tea is also a popular gift, especially varieties like Li River green tea. Bamboo products, including baskets and utensils, are widely available. Additionally, you might consider buying carved stone items or wood crafts. Markets often offer good prices and a chance to interact with local vendors. Overall, shopping here can provide memorable gifts that reflect the local culture.
Arts & Culture
The city is known for its traditional Chinese arts, including calligraphy and painting, often inspired by its scenic landscapes. Local festivals, such as the Dragon Boat Festival, showcase traditional performances and folk customs. Additionally, various art exhibitions and cultural events occur throughout the year, highlighting local artists and crafts. The surrounding areas also feature ethnic minority cultures that contribute to the region's artistic expressions.