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🏛️ History · Ming dynasty · 1368–1644
🌍 Around the time Columbus first set sail across the Atlantic Ocean.
Princes of the Solitary Peak
Imagine standing before a royal complex that predates Beijing's Forbidden City, wrapped dramatically around a soaring limestone peak. Explore the historic stone pathways and ancient courtyards where imperial relatives once ruled.
Jingjiang Princes' Palace and Solitary Beauty Peak独秀峰王城
Imagine standing before a royal complex that predates Beijing's Forbidden City, wrapped dramatically around a soaring limestone karst! Jingjiang Princes' City was the opulent estat
Gunanmen Gate古南门
Gunanmen Gate is a historical landmark that showcases ancient architectural styles and offers insight into Guilin's rich history.
⛰️ Nature · Ancient times to present
Rafting the Jade Waters
Drift down serene emerald rivers on a traditional bamboo raft while towering karst mountains frame the horizon. Experience the tranquil countryside where local life moves at the gentle pace of the flowing current.
Yulong River Ecological Park遇龙河生态公园
Affectionately called the 'Little Li River', the Yulong River Ecological Park is Yangshuo's most poetic and serene slice of heaven. Unlike the grand motorized cruise boats on the L
Bamboo Rafting on Yulong River遇龙河漂流
Bamboo rafting on the Yulong River is a serene experience where you can drift past stunning karst landscapes in silence, enjoying nature's tranquility.
Li River Scenic Area漓江风景名胜区
Cruising along the Li River feels like stepping straight into a traditional Chinese ink-wash painting brought to life. Stretching approximately 83 kilometers between Guilin and Yan
Book ahead — tickets open 7 days beforeBring your passport (real-name entry)
🎬 On screen · 1960 and 2005
Cinematic Karst Landscapes
Walk through the legendary scenery that brought classic cinema and galactic vistas to life on the silver screen. You can stand right where iconic musical numbers and epic science fiction battle scenes were envisioned.
🎬 Third Sister Liu (刘三姐) · 1960🎬 Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (星球大战前传 III：西斯的复仇) · 2005
Li River Scenic Area漓江风景名胜区
Cruising along the Li River feels like stepping straight into a traditional Chinese ink-wash painting brought to life. Stretching approximately 83 kilometers between Guilin and Yan
Book ahead — tickets open 7 days beforeBring your passport (real-name entry)
Elephant Trunk Hill象鼻山
An iconic karst hill that resembles an elephant drinking water from the Li River. It is one of Guilin's most famous landmarks.
Book ahead — tickets open 7 days beforeBring your passport (real-name entry)
Ruyi Peak Cableway Scenic Area如意峰索道
Perched dramatically above the rural hinterland of Yangshuo in Guilin, Ruyi Peak Cableway is an awe-inspiring aerial playground that lifts you into the heart of the world-famous ka
🥢 Food · Every morning
The Soul of Guilin Noodles
Start your day with a comforting bowl of springy rice noodles topped with crisp peanuts, pickled beans, and savory master-stock gravy. Follow the scent of local spices into bustling neighborhood eateries favored by generations of locals.
Chun Kee Guilin Rice Noodles椿记桂林米粉
Chun Kee is one of the most popular places to try Guilin’s famous rice noodles. The restaurant is known for its authentic flavors and reasonably priced dishes.
Jinlongzhai Folk Dining金龙寨民俗食府
Jinlongzhai Folk Dining offers authentic Guilin cuisine with locally sourced ingredients, providing a traditional dining experience.
Zhengyang Pedestrian Street正阳路步行街
✂️ Crafts · Centuries-old traditions
Riverside Artisan Heritage
Wander through cobblestone alleyways where master craftspeople still create traditional painted paper fans and delicate bamboo wares. These riverside communities preserve ancient handicrafts passed down through centuries of village life.
Fuli Ancient Town福利古镇
Tucked quietly along the scenic banks of the Li River just east of Yangshuo, Fuli Ancient Town is an enchanting, over 1,000-year-old gem that feels worlds away from tourist-packed
Daxu Ancient Town大圩古镇
A historic town with well-preserved architecture and cobblestone streets, showcasing traditional Chinese life.
⛰️ Nature · Millions of years in the making
Subterranean Crystal Palaces
Descend into illuminated limestone caverns filled with towering stalactites, glowing stalagmites, and underground pools. Nature has spent millennia sculpting these breathtaking chambers into glowing underground wonderlands.
Reed Flute Cave芦笛岩Bring your passport (real-name entry)
Crown Cave冠岩
Crown Cave is famous for its rich stalactite formations. Visitors can explore the vast cave system, enhanced by fascinating lighting that adds a mysterious ambiance.
Gudong Waterfall古东瀑布
Gudong Waterfall is renowned for its naturally formed multi-layered waterfalls. Visitors can hike along the paths through the falls and immerse themselves in nature.
🏮 Culture · Imperial era to modern nights
Two Rivers and Four Lakes
Glide along ancient city moats that wrap seamlessly around a modern skyline illuminated by glowing pagodas. This historic waterway network connects the heart of the city with tranquil lakeside pavilions.
Two Rivers and Four Lakes桂林市两江四湖
Imagine gliding along ancient city moats that seamlessly wrap around a modern city set against towering karst peaks! The Two Rivers and Four Lakes (Li River, Taohua River, Ronghu L
Banyan and Cedar Lakes榕杉湖
Ronghu (Banyan Lake) and Shanhu (Cedar Lake) form the shimmering heart of downtown Guilin, serving as the crown jewel of the famous 'Two Rivers and Four Lakes' scenic system. Datin
Elephant Trunk Hill象鼻山
An iconic karst hill that resembles an elephant drinking water from the Li River. It is one of Guilin's most famous landmarks.
Book ahead — tickets open 7 days beforeBring your passport (real-name entry)
First time in China? Four things to sort out
🛂 Visa
Many passports can now enter China visa-free for short stays, and many nationalities can transit visa-free for up to 240 hours when flying on to a third country. Rules depend on your passport — check yours before you book.
📱 Paying
China runs on Alipay and WeChat Pay. Both accept foreign Visa and Mastercard after a passport check — set one up before you fly, and carry a little cash as backup.
🎫 Booking sights
Many major sights must be booked in advance under your real name. Foreigners book with their passport number and must show the same passport at the gate. Popular ones sell out.
🌐 Internet
Google, WhatsApp and Instagram don't work on Chinese networks. Most visitors use their home roaming or a travel eSIM.
Turn Guilin into a trip that actually works
Pick the stories you love and we'll build a day-by-day route — with opening days, passport bookings and transit checked — plus local experiences you can book in one place.
For a first visit, plan 3 days. That covers the essentials: Li River cruises, Karst mountain peaks, Cormorant fishermen.
How do I get to Guilin?
From Beijing: Flight, about 3 h. From Shanghai: High-speed train, about 8 h.
When is the best time to visit Guilin?
Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov usually has the most comfortable weather.
Which Guilin sights need to be booked in advance?
Elephant Trunk Hill (tickets open 7 days ahead), Li River Scenic Area (tickets open 7 days ahead). Foreigners book with their passport number and must bring the same passport on the day.
What films or shows are set in Guilin?
Third Sister Liu (刘三姐) (1960), Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (星球大战前传 III：西斯的复仇) (2005).
Jingjiang Princes' Palace and Solitary Beauty Peak 独秀峰王城Imagine standing before a royal complex that predates Beijing's Forbidden City, wrapped dramatically around a soaring limestone karst! Jingjiang Princes' City was the opulent estat
Gunanmen Gate 古南门Gunanmen Gate is a historical landmark that showcases ancient architectural styles and offers insight into Guilin's rich history.
