Guilin Travel Guide

Sitting on the west bank of Li River, Guilin literally means “forest of sweet osmanthus” owing to the large number of fragrant sweet osmanthus trees located in the city. It is multinational region where lives 36 minorities. Covering an area of 27,809 km², Guilin is filled up with nature colors.

Like many places in China, its history can be traced further back than many nations in the West. During the Han Dynasty, Guilin became the political and economic center of Guangxi and continues to thrive today.

Attractions

   
                        Li River                                                                 Reed Flute Cave

“East or West, Guilin is the best”, goes a Chinese saying describing the immortal beauty of Guilin. Boats float down the charming Li River as limestone karst mountains just from the ground like dragon’s teeth. Nature can be very artistic. How? Have a look at Elephant Trunk Hill and appreciate the magic by nature. Reed Flute Cave and Crown Cave will make you feel you are inside of a fairytale.

More Guilin Attractions: Daxu Ancient Town, Fubo Hill, Seven Star Park, Diecai Hill.
  

Transportation

As the most significant transportation hubs in China, Guilin has convenient and fast integrated transport systems connecting airline, railway and expressway all together. Meanwhile, the convenient public bus lines bring every corner of the city within the tourist's reach. Moreover, the free public buses provide inestimable service to both domestic and international passengers. More about Guilin Transportation>>
 

Weather

Guilin is located in a low altitude and is monsoon climate in subtropical zone. Annual average temperature is 17.8?. It has distinct four seasons, and the summer and winter is longer, while the rainy days are gathered during April to July. July and August are the hottest months and January is coldest. More about Guilin Weather>>
 

Food

Located in the central part of Ling Nan, Guilin offers dishes with a mixture of Guangdong and Hunan flavors which specializes in sour, spicy and sweet. Rice is the staple food in Guilin due to their habit of growing rice. Guilin Rice Noodles is a daily dish of locals’ diet and it has a long history of three hundreds years. Besides, there are lots of snacks made from rice which can be found in many streets in Guilin, including Sponge Cake (Fagao), Water Chestnut Cake (Mati Gao) and Bowl Cake (Wan Gao). More about Guilin Food>>
 

Restaurants

Restaurants are easily found in Guilin. The special food streets offer all kinds of snacks, such as Stuffed Li River Nails, Sponge Cake, Ciba, Yangshuo Beer Fish, and Yangshuo Beer Fish. The travelers usually go to the Binjiang Road, Jiefang West Street, Putuo Road, Meishi Cheng, and Zhishan Road to experience the delicacies of Guilin. And the most famous one is located near the bell tower in the Center Square. More about Guilin Restaurants>>
 

Shopping

There are lots of interesting stuffs for travelers to take home. Traditional items like combs made from buffalo horns, scrolls, painted fans and umbrellas, ethnic Zhuang clothing, bamboo carvings, jewelry and replica antiques are made by local minorities. Thousands of locals and travelers prefer to rush into the Zhongshan Road Night Market Street for shopping, entertainment and dining. More about Guilin Shopping>>
 

Nightlife

Guilin has colorful nights but they end very late. There are many night activities from modern nightclubs, romantic night cruise to folk customs center on the Li River. Watching local Gui Opera is the most popular activity during the weekends. Gui Opera came into being in Ming and Qing Dynasties and became a popular art form in Guilin Travelers will appreciate the ethnic customs, arts, cuisines and architecture. The performance features Guangxi customs and ethnic color, such as Zhuang, Miao, Dong and Yao ethnics. More about Guilin Nightlife>>

Recommended Guilin Tours:
2 Days Li River & Longsheng
5 Days Guilin, Li River, Yangshuo, Ling Canal & Daxu Ancient Town
10 Days Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Shanghai Selection Tour
More Guilin Tours