Nature
Nestled amongst some of the most breathtaking mountains in the world, Guilin is a paradise for nature lovers. From the limestone karst formations of the Li River to the stunning views from the top of the Seven Star Park, you can find many incredible natural sites to explore in Guilin.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular natural attractions in the city:
Visit the Li River
The Li River is an iconic river that flows through Guilin and Yangshuo, two popular tourist destinations in China. It is one of the most photogenic rivers in the world, offering stunning scenery of crystal-clear water surrounded by karst mountain peaks and traditional villages. A visit to Li River is often at the top of any traveler’s list when exploring Guilin and provides a truly unforgettable experience.
There are several ways to explore Li River, depending on individual preference:
- Boats are arguably the most popular way to travel along the river, as it allows you time to take in all the sights along this otherwise inaccessible stretch of water. Experienced guides can help you locate secret caves and hidden sights just off the beaten path for those willing to stray from their boat convoy for a short time.
- You can also opt for a bamboo rafting tour down some of the tributaries that feed into Li River; or take an electric-powered well-boat cruise upstream from Yangshuo town to Xingping – another excellent option for sightseeing without traveling too far away from civilization.
Whichever method you choose, take your time, as there is much more than meets the eye on the picturesque Li River. There’s something magical here waiting around every corner – be it ancient fishing techniques used by locals, stunning mountains cloaked in fog, or picturesque villages tucked away on private banks – each encounter adds to your unique snapshot of this unforgettable destination.
Explore Reed Flute Cave
Explore Reed Flute Cave, the top natural attraction in Guilin. Located 5 kilometers northwest of the city center and occupying a limestone hill, Reed Flute Cave has been renowned for its spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, and other rock formations created by years of carbonate deposition. Accessible via advanced lighting and expansive pathways, the cave is like an underground palace filled with various landforms and captivating sculptures.
A collection of inscriptions carved onto walls by travelers centuries ago also still exists.
Climb the Elephant Trunk Hill
The Elephant Trunk Hill is a spectacular sight in Guilin in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China. Its unique shape resembles an elephant drinking water from the river below, hence its name. A massive limestone hill composed of large rocks and boulders arranged in a curved manner, Elephant Trunk Hill draws visitors from near and far due to its stunning beauty and exciting activities. Aside from visiting this natural landmark, there are many ways to explore and enjoy it further!
One of the best ways to experience Elephant Trunk Hill is climbing it! This hike will take about an hour but can be done at your own pace. Once up the hill, you’ll witness magnificent views of the Li River with various wildlife darting around – an exceptional experience!
There are several winding paths leading up the hill, so it’s important to bring appropriate gear such as sturdy shoes, long sleeves and trousers (as leeches may be present), sunscreen, and plenty of drinking water. Also, be sure to remain within designated areas for your safety; these are usually well-marked trails cleared by park staff!
Historical Sites
Guilin, China, has a lot of interesting historical sites. These sites are great places to visit and explore the history of the city and its surrounding areas.
Some of the most famous historical sites include:
- Reed Flute Cave
- Seven Star Park
- Elephant Trunk Hill
Let’s look at these and some other historical sites in Guilin.
Visit Seven Star Park
Seven Star Park is one of Guilin, China’s most stunning and well-known public parks. It is located in the city center, covers 350 acres, and warrants a visit. Moreover, it is one of the oldest parks anywhere in China, having been built during the late 14th Century during the Ming Dynasty.
The park is named for its seven massive limestone hills (flowery through Stone Elephant Hill to Pine Valley), which are said to represent the similar stars from Ursa Major – The Big Dipper constellation, representing celestial harmony and balance with nature. Within these seven hills are caves that are more than 1,400 years old and have been lovingly preserved throughout history.
Other attractions include a lake that covers over 8 acres where visitors can take boat rides along tranquil waters surrounded by lush vegetation – indeed, it was initially designed as an imperial garden with pools, pathways, and orchards – or take strolls admiring century’ old trees along stone bridges.
If you are feeling adventurous, you can explore Fairy Cave (Ying Bing Yan), which dates back more than 3 million years! There is also a sculpture garden filled with manicured gardens featuring animal sculptures with impressive detail inspired by traditional Chinese artwork that can be discovered at every turn around Seven Star Park grounds. All this, along with temples like Putuo Zongcheng, which towers above it, all provide stunning views of Guilin as you meander around this majestic ancient site. Visiting here will genuinely allow you to experience some of Guilin’s historical charm while creating lasting family memories that will last a lifetime!
Explore the Ancient South Gate
If you’re looking for a truly unique and memorable experience on your trip to Guilin, look no further than the Ancient South Gate. It was built in 1207 during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279); this revolutionary gate stands as a testament to Chinese culture, showcasing ancient fortification and engineering methods of the period.
The four-story-tall gate stretches over 300 meters, with five defensive walls painted in vivid colors. Its multiple fortifications include five sturdy watch towers where once a thousand guards watched over the safety of Guilin’s citizens. These days it is used as an exit gate for visitors and locals heading out into South Guilin to explore some of its most famous sights.
As well as being an essential guarded exit way, the Ancient South Gate has great practical significance to those interested in Chinese history or looking to learn more about it. For those who appreciate its value, experts will be willing to give tours and clarify what makes it unique from other defenses common during the Southern Song Dynasty (and demonstrate how it still functions today).
Head over to the Ancient South Gate for an educational and unforgettable experience!
Tour the Solitary Beauty Peak
The Solitary Beauty Peak, or “Duxiu Shan” in Chinese, is recognized as the most beautiful spot in Guilin. Located east of the city, it’s an 1183-meter hill with luxurious forests and almost vertical cliffs which drop off sharply into deep river valleys hundreds of meters below. The Solitary Beauty Peak has many historical and cultural elements that date back over a thousand years.
When visiting the peak, you’ll be able to view some ancient yet well-preserved inscriptions carved into the rock faces of its cliffs. These were left behind by literary figures and scholars from across China who passed through here during their discovery travels around Guilin in ancient times. One such inscription was left by Qi Tianchen (665 – 744 AD), one of the foremost composers of Chinese poetry during his day.
Besides these historic cave carvings, on your tour, you’ll also be able to see some other amazing sights, such as:
- Emerald green waters cascade down from various levels and heights along the cliff faces of this majestic peak.
- An opportunity to perhaps encounter some incredibly colorful birds at up close range within its rainforests.
- A famous temple that is believed to have been constructed during the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907 AD).
- Various platforms offer exceptional views overlooking all four directions of this vast mountain range, including clusters and dense rainforest vegetation moving outwards towards the edges.
These will give visitors breathtaking panoramic views that cannot easily be forgotten!
Shopping
For shoppers, it doesn’t get much better than Guilin! The city is bursting with shopping options, from traditional markets to modern malls. So whether you’re looking for souvenirs, traditional Chinese goods, or something high-end, you’ll find it in Guilin.
Let’s take a look at some of the best shopping spots in this beautiful city:
Shop at the Guilin Pedestrian Street
When looking for a place to shop in Guilin, there is no better place than Guilin Pedestrian Street. Located in the southern part of Zhongshan Road and stretching from Fuqian Road to Diecai Hill, this vibrant street showcases all kinds of shops. You can find anything from cheap souvenirs and clothes to high-end jewelry stores.
At the beginning of Guilin Pedestrian Street, there are huge shopping malls with various departments offering services like Catering and Shopping. In addition, rows of restaurants offer local snacks, and you can also find popular world cuisines such as Japanese, Western, and Korean.
In addition to souvenirs, clothes, restaurants, and jewelry stores, you’ll also find several unique establishments along the pedestrian street. It includes:
- Traditional Chinese tea houses serve up hundred-year-old teas crafted with love over generations.
- Bookstores selling rare editions.
- Antique shops with thousands of artifacts dating back centuries.
- Street art blooms under bridges or around walls.
- Craft stores where you can commission one-of-a kinds made by local craftsmen.
If you’re looking for something unique to take home as a reminder of your visit to China – or enjoy some leisure time – you should visit Guilin Pedestrian Street during your next trip to Guilin.
Browse the Guilin Night Market
The Guilin Night Market, or 桂林夜市, is a vibrant and exciting shopping experience that offers locals and visitors alike a chance to purchase anything from low-priced fashion items to traditional Chinese medicinal products. The market opens in the evening and maintains a bustling atmosphere throughout the night until it closes at midnight.
One of the best features of Guilin Night Market is that many merchants sell goods at meager prices so that shoppers can get great deals just by bargaining. Local snacks, such as oil cakes, sweet potato cakes, and eight-treasure soups, are also available. In addition to these tasty treats, visitors can purchase souvenirs such as jade carvings and handmade bamboo mats. Plus, live music plays across the street from people strumming their guzhengs or playing drums for daily entertainment.
Guilin’s night markets are one of the city’s most beloved attractions due to their immense variety of offerings and affordable prices. Exploring them is something not to be missed during your visit to the town!
Visit the Guilin Silk Market
The Guilin Silk Market is a must-see when shopping in China, as it is renowned for its high quality and low prices. The market is divided into sections where you can find your favorite silk items. There are many types of silk, including spun and dyed hand-crafted handkerchiefs, shawls, quilts, and more.
If you’re looking for unique gifts or souvenirs to take home with you, the Guilin Silk Market has the perfect combination of variety and value.
You can expect excellent customer service at the market; the staff are knowledgeable about the products and provide attentive service throughout your shopping experience. Moreover, many vendors are open to bargaining, enabling shoppers to negotiate prices further. Finally, look out for special offers or promotions, as some vendors offer discounts on certain items.
The best time to visit the Guilin Silk Market is in the early morning when it first opens, as the place can become quite crowded later in the day. So whether you’re hunting for bargains or looking for a unique Chinese souvenir, make sure you pay a visit to this bustling marketplace!
Cuisine
Guilin has plenty to offer if you’re looking for a culinary experience. The region’s cuisine is based on the traditional cooking styles of Southern China but with a unique twist. Local dishes such as Guilin Rice Noodles, Roasted Pigeon, and Salty Teal are all must-have specialties. So whether you’re after street food stalls or a 5-star restaurant, Guilin won’t disappoint.
Sample the Local Specialty Dishes
No trip to Guilin would be complete without sampling the local specialty dishes. The cuisine in this area of China is known for its bright flavors, featuring lightly steamed vegetables and fish with a hint of spice. It’s not like you’ll find anywhere else, and it’s highly recommended that travelers take the time to enjoy regional cuisine during their stay.
Favorite dishes from the region include:
- Zongzi (rice and chestnut porridge)
- Ming tables (cold platters made with seasonal ingredients like chicken and mushrooms)
- Li River fish soup (matured for 12 hours in a ginger-flavored broth and served hot)
- Li River duck (baked with 13 different spices)
These culinary delights can be sampled at traditional restaurants or street stalls throughout the city, where locals and visitors come together to enjoy meals.
Try Street Food
Street food, sometimes called fast food, is a type of ethnic cuisine vendors generally sell on the street. It’s known for its quickness, affordability, and flavorful dishes. Street food is found worldwide, from regions like Mexico and India to countries like Thailand and Indonesia. Street vendors offer dishes with various flavors — from sweet to savory.
Street food can be a great way to try local delicacies or sample new flavors without committing to a full restaurant meal. Instead, vendors often specialize in one or a few dishes. It enables them to perfect their craft and provide customers with affordable prices. Eating street food can also give travelers an authentic experience by immersing themselves in new cultures.
To find street food near you, take some time out and explore your city or town – chances are you’ll find some delicious treats! Look for areas with large crowds or lines in front of vendors – these are usually the signs that something yummy is nearby!
Taste the Local Tea
Tea drinking has been an essential part of Chinese culture for centuries. There are countless varieties of tea to try, but the area around Guilin is primarily known for its green and black teas.
Head to one of the many tea houses in town to sample some local tea. Longjin Cha (Dragon Well Tea) is a locally-famed green tea said to have been created by Buddhist monks centuries ago. Guilin Rich Tea, or Maofeng Cha, is a light golden-green oolong tea that has also earned its reputation in this region. Black teas include Keemun Congou, with its distinctive high aroma and dimpled leaves, and Zhuyeqing, with its long twisted dark leaves, rich flavor, and lower caffeine content.
You can find local organic strains at most tea houses from nearby mountain ranges surrounding the city. So taking the time out of your day to go and taste some local green or black teas may result in discovering your new favorite cup!
Nightlife
Guilin offers a vibrant nightlife for those looking for a good time. There are numerous bars and pubs in the city that cater to a variety of tastes. You can find everything from a quiet beer to an all-night rave. The city also offers a wide range of outdoor activities to enjoy during the night. Let’s take a look at some of the best options for nightlife in Guilin:
Enjoy the Night View of the Li River
The Li River is the signature waterway of Guilin and adds to the city’s unique charm. After dark, you can enjoy a boat cruise on the Li River to take in its winding ways and crescent moon-shaped bridge. So whether you’re taking an evening stroll along Yangshuo West Street or want to relax and enjoy the night breeze on your boat tour, savor the beauty of this picturesque river by night.
Stop for a delicious dinner of flavorful local cuisine at specific stretches along the river and admire postcard-worthy landscapes of limestone mountains under starry skies. On special event nights like New Year’s Eve or Mid-Autumn Night Festival, you can even expect performances with accompanying music and fireworks – ask around your hotel or check with local sources to stay current on these occasions.
Or why not visit Fuli Bridge — one of Guilin’s oldest bridges — to soak in its vintage charms after dark?
Listen to Live Music at Bars
Listen to some live music at one of Guilin’s lively bars. The city is known for its vibrant nightlife, and with a variety of bars and pubs to choose from; there’s no shortage of options when it comes to places to go out and enjoy a night on the town.
From cozy craft beer spots where you can sample local brews to classic dive bars that feature live rock performances and chic lounges where DJs spin electronic music – Guilin has something for everyone. Explore the city today and find a bar that suits your tastes. Don’t forget to bring your friends along for a night out full of drinks, fun conversations, and great music – plus all the enchanting sights and sounds Guilin offers!
Watch Traditional Chinese Opera
Watching traditional Chinese opera is an enjoyable and memorable experience in Guilin. Also known as Beijing or Peking opera, it’s one of China’s most famous theater arts and has been passed down for centuries. Traditional Chinese opera has its singing and performance style, combining dance, song, drama, acrobatics, and martial arts into a visually stunning display.
Traditional Chinese opera usually performs outdoors with ornate costumes, intricate makeup, and live musical accompaniment. You won’t have to look far to find performances – local street stalls often stage their shows, while Guilin has larger venues dedicated to traditional Chinese opera. Catch a show at Xiaohu Park and enjoy an unforgettable cultural performance while taking in stunning views of the city’s iconic landmarks and karst mountains. For an even grander spectacle, visit the Seven Star Park Theatre, where you can admire the spectacular scenery and some of China’s best operatic performances!