Guilin Travel Guide: Best Time to Visit, Top Places & Local Foods

There's a saying in China that "Guilin's landscape is the best under heaven." Its unique karst formations create scenery like a living painting, unmatched not only across China but also in most parts of the world. If you're planning a trip to Guilin, this Guilin Travel Guide will help you. This guide not only introduces the top attractions and local foods, but also highlights the best time to visit and provides a detailed itinerary for your reference.

Guilin Moon Hill at Sunrise

Best Time to Visit Guilin

Guilin Countryside in Spring

Generally speaking, the best seasons to visit Guilin are spring and autumn. Because the weather in these two seasons is mild and quite pleasant, and the view of the Li River and the karst mountains are beautiful.

Spring (March to May): In spring in Guilin, temperatures range from 10 to 25°C, making it a great time to visit. There will be rainy days during this season. However, they are light rains, which hardly affect travel but instead add a misty charm to the Li River.

Summer (June to August): Summer in Guilin is especially beautiful, but it can get very hot, with temperatures ranging from 28 to 33°C. It also rains frequently, so it's important to take sun protection and bring an umbrella and waterproof clothing.

Autumn (September to November): In autumn, Guilin gradually cools down, with temperatures dropping from around 30°C to about 15°C. It's ideal for outdoor activities as the climate is relatively dry with little rainfall. If you visit in October, you can also see osmanthus flowers blooming along the streets.

Winter (December to February): Winter in Guilin is more suitable for travelers on a budget, as it's the off-season, with temperatures ranging from 3 to 8°C. Guilin doesn't see snow in winter, but it does rain, and warming foods like oil tea become especially popular during this time.

Top Places to Visit in Guilin

When people think of Guilin, the Li River is usually the most famous highlight. But in fact, Guilin has many other attractions worth visiting, such as the ones we've listed below.

Li River

Cruise on Li River, Guilin

Keywords: Classic karst scenery on a boat cruise

The Li River is one of Guilin's must-see attractions. The most classic way to experience it is by taking a boat cruise, where you can admire the endless karst mountains and water buffalo along the riverbanks.

There are two types of cruises to suit your needs. You can either depart from a pier in downtown Guilin and enjoy a 4-hour cruise all the way to West Street in Yangshuo, or take a car to Xingping Ancient Town and then board a 1-hour boat cruise or bamboo raft that covers the most scenic stretch of the Li River. Cruises departing from Guilin only leave in the morning, while the shorter Xingping cruises operate from the morning until around 4 or 5 p.m.

Yangshuo

Cycling on a Country Road in Yangshuo

Keywords: Countryside view and karst mountains, outdoor activity

Yangshuo is the final stop of the Li River cruise, where you can enjoy karst scenery beyond the river itself. Near Yangshuo's West Street, you'll find seemingly endless rice fields. You can rent a bicycle to ride along the paths through the fields, pausing to admire the views or take photos.

Apart from fields, another highlight in Yangshuo is Yulong River. It's a major tributary of the Li River, which is famous for its tranquil scenery and bamboo rafting experience. You can take a bamboo raft at any pier along the Yulong River, with trips lasting from half an hour to an hour. These rafts are manually propelled, moving slowly, allowing you to relax and fully enjoy the scenery.

Longji Rice Terraces

Longji Rice Terraces in Longsheng County

Keywords: Rural scenery, ethnic culture

The Longji Rice Terraces in Longsheng County, Guilin, are a must-visit destination. Not only do they feature seemingly endless terraced fields, but the villages scattered among them also offer a glimpse into the daily lives of China's Zhuang and Yao ethnic minorities.

It's a place that's perfect for both hiking and a city escape. If you enjoy hiking, you can wander along the field paths and admire the terraces up close. If you're not a fan of hiking, you can take a cable car or shuttle bus to the highest viewing platforms for sweeping views. Visiting in late September or October, you'll be greeted by a golden sea of ripened rice, and you may even catch the locals harvesting in the fields.

Reed Flute Cave

Reed Flute Cave

Keywords: Karst limestone cave discovery

Guilin is home to several developed karst caves, with Reed Flute Cave being the most recommended. Inside, you'll find stalactites of all shapes and sizes, illuminated by colorful lights that highlight their mysterious beauty.

Other caves, like the Silver Cave and the Crown Cave, have been fully developed, with paved paths and thorough cleaning, so you can explore them without any safety equipment. But if you want to venture into wild karst caves, such as Swallow Cave, you'll need to wear a helmet and protective gear and explore under the guidance of a professional instructor.

Ancient Towns

Xingping Ancient Town in Guilin

Keywords: Cultural sightseeing, photography

Guilin has many ancient towns worth visiting, with Xingping and Daxu being the most representative. Here, you'll find well-preserved old residences, all located near the Li River.

Both towns are great for photography, especially Xingping. The most beautiful stretch of the Li River lies nearby, where you can walk to the riverside for photos. You may even meet an elderly fisherman wearing straw raincoat and hat with cormorants by his side, just like the figures in a traditional Chinese landscape painting.

If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, Daxu Ancient Town is a better choice. It sees fewer tourists, and what's more, you can also join the town's traditional market fair.

Top Foods to Try in Guilin

Guilin foods are famous in China, especially its varieties of rice noodles. We've put together a short list of the top local dishes you should try.

Guilin Rice Noodles

Delicious Guilin Rice Noodles

Guilin rice noodles are the most famous local delicacy in Guilin, and you can get a serving for less than one US dollar. Traditional Guilin rice noodles are served without soup: fresh rice noodles are topped with a special sauce and paired with marinated meat, char siu, or crispy pork belly. You can also add pickles and chili according to your taste. If you prefer, you may pour in a little broth before eating.

Recommended Places to Try:

Shijiayuan Food Street (施家园): This food street is packed with options, especially at night when late-night snacks are everywhere. Here you can find 24-hour rice noodle shops, including Lao Dongjiang Rice Noodles, where locals come not only for breakfast but also for midnight bites.

Lequn Market (乐群市场): Around Lequn Market, there are plenty of popular rice noodle spots, too. Many locals enjoy having breakfast there before heading into the market to buy groceries.

Beer Fish

Guilin Beer Fish

Beer Fish is one of Guilin's specialties. During cooking, beer is added to the fish, giving the dish a subtle malty aroma. In Guilin, Beer Fish is sold by the whole fish - once you place your order, the restaurant will prepare it fresh on the spot.

The overall flavor is savory and aromatic, with a slightly salty note, while the tomatoes cooked together add a hint of sourness. Chili peppers are usually included by default, so if you don't eat spicy food, be sure to let the owner know when ordering.

Recommended Places to Try:

Agan Restaurant (阿甘酒家): Agan is one of Guilin's long-established restaurants. In addition to its signature beer fish, there are many other Guilin dishes worth trying.

Gui Xiao Yu (桂小鱼): At Gui Xiao Yu, not only is the beer fish delicious, but the location is also excellent. It's right near Elephant Trunk Hill and offers a view of the Li River in downtown Guilin.

Oil Tea

Guilin Oil Tea

Oil tea is a traditional snack that originated in Guilin and later spread to many cities across Guangxi. Unlike regular tea made with hot water, oil tea is prepared by crushing tea leaves, stir-frying them with ginger and lard in a wok, and then simmering them with water. You can drink the oil tea directly, or enjoy it with additions such as fried rice grains, peanuts, or rice noodles in the bowl, which helps balance out its bitterness.

Recommended Places to Try:

Xin Guo Ji (新郭记): This restaurant serves not only oil tea but also a variety of stir-fried dishes. There are many branches in Guilin, so you can pick any one, but it's best to book a table in advance.

Tao Tao Ji (陶陶记): This restaurant has great flavors, but there are relatively few branches in Guilin, so it's also recommended to book a table in advance.

Dessert Soup

Guilin Dessert Soups

If you have a sweet tooth, don't miss out on dessert soups in Guilin. There are many varieties to try, such as fresh fruit with coconut milk, clear jelly with brown sugar syrup, or sweet tofu pudding. You can also choose classic chilled sweet soups or shaved ice versions, depending on your preference. The latter is especially popular in summer and makes for a refreshing treat.

Recommended Places to Try:

Shijiayuan Food Street (施家园): Shijiayuan's dessert soup shop is very popular thanks to its delicious flavors. Even if there's a line, don't worry; the service is quick, and you can also get your order to go.

Yuexing Food Club (悦兴美食部落): There are plenty of snack stalls here, including dessert soups. Along with the food, you'll also enjoy a lively atmosphere with cheerful music - it feels more like a party.

For more kinds of Guilin foods, please refer to: Top 10 Guilin Foods to Have

Where to Stay in Guilin

A Hotel Room in Guilin

In most cases, we recommend staying in the downtown area. Guilin has many 4- to 5-star hotels with well-developed facilities, and even in the city center, it's not noisy. Some hotels are located near the urban section of the Li River, where you can also enjoy the natural scenery.

If you're heading to Yangshuo, good options include staying near West Street, the Yulong River, or Xingping. These areas offer large international chain hotels as well as 3-star hotels to suit different budgets. For a trip to Longji, consider spending the night in a hotel at Ping'an Village or Jinkeng Dazhai in the scenic area. There are rooms with balconies have beautifully decorated hotels built in traditional wooden houses, often featuring folk-style decorations.

We have personally visited the hotels in Guilin and can help you choose one that suits your preferences and budget.

How Many Days to Spend in Guilin

Guilin has 3 major train stations and an airport, which means traveling to Guilin from other cities in China is convenient.

However, a 3-day tour is enough to visit 2 or 3 highlights of Guilin, like the Li River, Yangshuo, and the Longji Rice Terraces. If your schedule allows, plan 4-5 days in Guilin. This gives you time to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

Here's a classic 3-day itinerary for your reference. We can also customize one based on your preferences and schedule.

Day 1: Arrival & Guilin City Discover

After settling into your hotel, you can either take a good rest or enjoy a riverside stroll to admire the views of Elephant Trunk Hill, Peach Blossom River, and the Sun and Moon Twin Towers.

Day 2: Li River Cruise to Yangshuo

Take a cruise to Yangshuo and spend the afternoon sipping coffee in the scenic countryside or wandering through lively West Street at your own pace.

Day 3: Yangshuo Countryside Tour & Departure

There are two highlights on your last day in Yangshuo: riding a bike through the fields in the Yangshuo countryside or taking a bamboo rafting to enjoy the view of Yulong River. After that, you will set off for your next journey.

Explore Guilin With Us

Guilin is waiting for you to explore. Our team has visited most of the attractions in Guilin and knows the city inside out. If you travel with us, we promise to give you an unforgettable Guilin experience. We can not only help you choose the right hotels, but also arrange a dedicated English-speaking guide, transfer services, and more. Feel free to leave us a message or write to us at trip@odynovotours.com. Our experienced consultants will respond within 24 hours.