Since 1201, there’s been a saying in China: “Guilin’s landscape tops those elsewhere. (桂林山水甲天下)” It means Guilin’s scenery is the best in the world. This phrase is well-known across China, and anyone who mentions Guilin can likely recite it instantly.
Guilin is famed for its picturesque scenery that seems straight out of a painting. Key attractions include Yangshuo, Elephant Trunk Hill, the Li River, and the Longji Rice Terraces. Elephant Trunk Hill, shaped like a giant elephant, is Guilin’s iconic landmark. A Li River cruise is the best way to see Guilin’s essence, with breathtaking hills lining both sides. The Longji Rice Terraces in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region are renowned for their beauty in all seasons, hailed as “the most beautiful curves on Earth.”
Guilin is a melting pot of ethnic cultures, where you can immerse yourself in the traditions of various Chinese minorities. Home to over ten ethnic groups like the Zhuang, Yao, Miao, and Dong, they’ve enriched the region with a vibrant intangible cultural heritage. For instance, Guilin’s folk music features clear, beautiful melodies and lively dances, with light-hearted and humorous plots. Additionally, Guilin’s cuisine reflects this cultural blend, offering unique flavors such as Guilin rice noodles, beer fish, and bamboo rice.
Scenic Photos of Guilin
Ever stepped into a painting? If you want to, head to the Li River. Once you see its natural scenery for yourself, you’ll feel like you’re in a landscape so stunning it doesn’t seem real.
In 1987, U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife cycled through Yangshuo’s Ten Mile Gallery in Guilin. He was effusive in his praise for the breathtaking scenery.
It’s the most beautiful stalactite cave in the world, with every step showcasing nature’s finest art. Both Presidents Carter and Nixon have visited and praised it highly.
5 days is ideal for exploring Guilin. Here’s a sample itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive, check in, and explore the East and West Alleys and Two Rivers and Four Lakes.
Day 2: Visit the Longji Rice Terraces and admire the spectacular view of the rice fields stretching down the mountains.
Day 3: Explore Xingping Ancient Town and take a Li River cruise to enjoy the natural beauty of Guilin.
Day 4: Bike the Ten-Mile Gallery, take a bamboo raft on the Yulong River, visit Silver Cave, and then stroll around West Street in the evening.
Day 5: Visit Elephant Trunk Hill and Fubo Hill in the city before wrapping up your trip.
By plane: Guilin has one airport—Guilin Liangjiang International Airport. Once you arrive, you can take the airport shuttle to either the city center or Yangshuo. A bus to the city costs around 20 CNY (about 3 USD) and takes about 45 minutes. A bus to Yangshuo costs 50 CNY (about 7 USD) and takes about an hour. The shuttle schedule is adjusted according to flight times, so no matter how late your flight is, there will always be a bus to the city.
By train: Guilin has three train stations: Guilin Station, Guilin North Station, and Guilin West Station. Guilin Station is in the city center and super convenient. It’s only a 5-minute walk from the bus station. If you’re coming from Guilin North Station, you can take a bullet train to Guilin Station—it’s fast and cheap. If there’s no bullet train, you can take Bus 100 to the city, which takes around 40-50 minutes and costs 2 CNY (about 0.30 USD).
Guilin is in southern China, located in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
You can check the current time in Guilin here: Time in Guilin.