Guilin Travel Tips: 10 Things to Know Before Your Trip to Guilin

Before setting off to Guilin, it's worth learning a few key tips to make your journey smoother. As a Guilin local, I've compiled my top 10 travel tips to help you plan an unforgettable Guilin trip. Including essential experiences, what to pack and practical advice.

Li River in Guilin

Where's Guilin located?

Guilin is located in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in southwest China. It is quite far from well-known cities like Beijing and Shanghai, with a flight taking about 3–4 hours. However, it is much closer to Guangdong and Hong Kong, and you can reach Guilin in about 3 hours by high-speed train.

Although Guilin has Liangjiang International Airport, there are relatively few international flights, mainly to Malaysia and Vietnam. So if you plan to fly to Guilin, you will usually need to transfer in a major Chinese city first.

Is Guilin safe for travelling?

Yulong River in Guilin

Guilin is a very safe city. The locals are friendly, and daily life is well organized. During the day, people work hard for living. When night falls, the vibrant nightlife begins. You'll find many street performances in the city center, while attractions like Elephant Trunk Hill Park and East-West Alley are beautifully lit up, offering a different kind of charm after dark. Even around 10 p.m., many shops are still open, and late-night food stalls start serving. Some close around 2–3 a.m., while others stay open until dawn.

But if you stay in the countryside of Yangshuo or spend the night in a village at the Longji Rice Terraces, you'll find that the locals go to bed early, and the surroundings become very quiet.

Another layer of safety is that surveillance cameras are installed throughout the streets and alleys, making it difficult for wrongdoers to hide.

Can I travel Guilin without visa?

Yes, you can visit Guilin without visa if you are eligible for the 30-day visa-free entry policy or 10-day visa free transit policy. If you meet the requirements, you can stay up to 30 days in not only Guilin, but also other cities in China. 

What are the top things to Do in Guilin?

Scenery of Yangshuo Countryside

Guilin has many attractions worth visiting, and a large number of them are located in the surrounding counties rather than in the downtown area. Here are some most recommended places to visit in Guilin:

• Li River: The most recommended way is to take a cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, enjoying the stunning scenery along the way, such as the 20 RMB banknote view and Nine Horses Fresco Hill.
• Longji Rice Terraces: This is a scenic spot that combines natural beauty with ethnic minority culture. The Longji Rice Terraces surround many minority villages, home to the Zhuang and Yao people. You can either hike or take a cable car or shuttle bus to the highest point to enjoy the view.
• Yulong River: The Yulong River is a branch of the Li River. Although it’s not on the Li River cruise route, its scenery is equally beautiful. The most immersive way to experience it is by drifting on a bamboo raft. If you plan to spend a few more days in Guilin, consider adding the Yulong River to your itinerary.
• Yangshuo Countryside: This area is close to the Yulong River and West Street in Yangshuo. You can easily start from West Street and pass through this area to enjoy the idyllic scenery on your way to the Yulong River. The field paths are well maintained, making them smooth not only for cycling but also for riding e-bikes.

If you're interested in what else to see in Guilin, find your favourite options in Top 10 Things to Do in Guilin.

Where can I take good photos in Guilin?

Guilin is a paradise for photography enthusiasts, with countless natural landscapes that look stunning in photos.

If you want to take photos of iconic karst landscapes, you don't want to miss the sunrise at Xianggong Mountain by the Li River, sunlight breaks through the clouds, casting a golden glow over the mountains and river.

The Li River is another option for photographing natural beauty, as it's beautiful no matter on sunny days or rainy days. On rainy days, the climate is misty, making the river look just like a traditional Chinese ink painting.

The Longji Rice Terraces, which offer unique views in every season to photograph. In winter, when the fields are filled with water, the terraces look like countless shattered mirrors glistening under the sun.In spring and summer, the rice plants grow taller and greener, painting the terraces in lush shades. By September, the harvest season begins, and the ripened golden rice transforms the entire mountainside into a sea of gold.

When is the best time to visit Guilin?

Longji Rice Terraces

The best times to visit are spring and autumn (March–May and September–November). During these seasons, the weather is pleasant with an average temperature of around 25°C (77°F) And, there is relatively little rainfall in autumn, making it perfect for enjoying Guilin's mainly outdoor scenery.

Summer and winter are also good times to visit. In summer (June to August), the sky is clear blue with water reflecting the sunlight. The trees and flowers are vibrant during this season. However, there is more rainfall in summer. But the rainfall won't last too long. If you plan to visit Guilin in summer, remember to bring fast-dry clothes and scandals for rainy days. Winter (December to February) is the low season for tourism in Guilin. Travel costs are usually lower than in the other three seasons, making it a good choice for budget travelers.

Is Guilin expensive to visit?

It's very affordable to travel in Guilin compare to big cities. A five-star hotel room costs around RMB 400 to 600 (about USD 57 to 85), with stylish décor, full facilities, and spacious rooms. If your budget is lower, you can book a three-star hotel for about RMB 200 (USD 28.5).

For dining, a hearty meal with 3 to 4 dishes costs about RMB 150 to 200 (about USD 21 to 28.5), while the most classic local dish, Guilin rice noodles, costs RMB 5 (about 60 cents) per bowl.

Getting around is also quite affordable. A taxi ride of about 5 kilometers costs around RMB 20 (about USD 2.85). If you prefer to travel by exclusive cars, we can help you solve the problem not only arranging personal cars but also customize a itinerary of Guilin just for you that fits your needs and interests.

What do I need to pack for travelling to Guilin?

The Old Fisherman on Li River

In Guilin, there can sometimes be a noticeable temperature difference between day and night in spring and autumn. For locals, it might mean wearing just a T-shirt during the day but needing a jacket at night. You can pack your luggage according to the forecast. In summer, since there is a lot of rain, it's best to bring quick-drying and waterproof clothing, as well as non-slip shoes. In winter, although the temperatures are not extremely low, it's still recommended to bring a down jacket to keep warm against the damp cold.

Additionally, in spring, summer, and autumn, it's advisable to bring sun protection gear such as a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses, as the sun can be quite strong on clear days in Guilin, and you'll want to avoid getting sunburned.

What to buy as sourvirnor in Guilin?

The three most famous local specialties in Guilin are Sanhua Liquor, fermented bean curd, and chili sauce. Among them, Sanhua Liquor may not be allowed in checked luggage on a plane, while the other two you can taste first before deciding whether to buy.

In addition to these, Guilin also offers many osmanthus-themed souvenirs, such as dried osmanthus flowers, osmanthus perfume, and more.

You'll also find plenty of ethnic-style products, including clothing, bags, and jewelry.

Any fun cities to visit around Guilin?

Guilin is close to many famous tourist cities such as Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chongqing, Chengdu, and Zhangjiajie. It only takes about 3–5 hours to reach these cities by high-speed train.

If you'd like to visit 2 or 3 of these cities but are not sure how to plan your trip, we can help you design a personal itinerary for you. We can settle everything you need during your journey, such as arranging a private English-speaking guide, private transfers, and more. All you need to do is let us know your interests and budget on our Contact Us page, or email your ideas to trip@odynovotours.com. Our experts will get in touch with you as soon as possible to help you plan your trip to China.