Guilin Tours

Guilin Travel FAQs

• 1. When is the best time to visit Guilin?  

  Guilin enjoys a subtropical monsoon climate characterized by four mild and distinct seasons. Spring (March-May) brings warmth and increasing rainfall, often enveloping the Li River, Yangshuo countryside, and surrounding peaks in a mystical mist.

  Summer (June - August) is hot, humid, and rainy, with temperatures between 25°C and 38°C, but the natural beauty compensates. Autumn (September - November) offers cooler weather, with Longsheng's Terraced Fields turning golden during the harvest. Winter (December-February) is cold, and moist yet rarely snowy, with January being the coldest month (average 7.6°C), offering fewer crowds and lower travel costs.

  Overall, Spring and Autumn are the best times to visit Guilin, when pleasant weather and lush landscapes are perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

• 2. Do I need a visa to visit Guilin?  

  Most international travelers need a visa to visit China, including Guilin. However, some nationalities are able to enjoy some benefits. 
  Visa-free entry for ASEAN Member States to Guilin: ASEAN member states can visit Guilin without a visa for a maximum of 6 days (144 hours) when traveling with an approved tour group.
  Visa-free transit for 51 countries: Travelers from 51 countries with an onward flight from Guilin to the third country/region can travel in Guilin within 3 days (72 hours), including Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

• 3. How can I get to Guilin?  

  Guilin can be reached by air, with flights to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL), which offers domestic flights from major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, and Chengdu, as well as direct international flights from cities like Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).
  Alternatively, you can take a high-speed train from many cities, including Guangzhou (2 - 3 hours), Hong Kong (3 - 3.5 hours), and Zhangjiajie (7.5 hours), arriving at Guilin, Guilin North, or Guilin West Railway Stations.

• 4. What are the must-see attractions in Guilin?  

  Guilin's iconic karst landscapes, best admired on a Li River cruise, have inspired Chinese art for centuries. The Reed Flute Cave invites you into a magical underground world, adorned with grotesque stalactites and stalagmites illuminated by colorful lights.

  For a peaceful rural retreat, venture to the vast Yangshuo countryside for cycling through quaint villages, bamboo rafting on the Yulong River, and other outdoor activities. In Longsheng, layered paddy fields, carved by the Zhuang and Yao ethnic groups, create a breathtaking mosaic across the hillsides, changing colors with the seasons.

• 5. What are the good ways to explore the Li River?  

  Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, normally lasting 3-4 hours, provides ample photo opportunities and a relaxing way to enjoy breathtaking views of the iconic karst peaks and lush countryside.

  Cycling along the Li River allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty, stop for photos, and interact with locals. The paths are generally well-maintained and suitable for all levels.

  Hiking along Li River rewards you with stunning vistas on your walk along the river or up to nearby hills, for a slower, more intimate exploration and deeper connection with the local flora, fauna, and people. 

• 6. What are other unique experiences I can expect in Guilin?  

  Guilin offers an array of unique activities tailored to various needs.
  Cultural immersion: Try your hands at preparing traditional Chinese dishes, follow a Taichi master to practice the slow-motion exercise in scenic surroundings, or create your artwork using pebbles collected from the Li River. Such engaging activities promise enjoyment and enrichment, especially during a family vacation. 
  Outdoor adventure: Outdoor enthusiasts can hike the Longji Rice Terraces, cycle through the picturesque countryside of Yangshuo, tackle the climb up Moon Hill for breathtaking views, and kayak on the Yulong River alongside towering peaks. For the more daring, wild cave exploration unveils hidden underground landscapes, and renowned limestone cliffs provide routes for climbers of all levels. Besides, camping by the Li River allows you to sleep under the stars, serenaded by the gentle river flow. 
  Lifestyle experiences: You can also expect to engage in several traditional practices. Learn how to make Oil Tea by roasting and blending tea leaves with spices, cook rice by steaming it inside bamboo tubes, join the locals to transplant rice seedlings or harvest rice in the terraced fields, and even go fishing in rice paddies. 
  Festivals: Time your visit during the colorful Zhuang Song Festival in April to celebrate local heritage through music and dance, or attend the Red Clothes Festival in July which showcases the traditional attire and customs of the Zhuang people.

• 7. How many days are needed to visit Guilin?  

  The number of days you need in Guilin depends on your travel preferences and how deeply you wish to explore. 
  Typically, please have at least 3 days to experience key highlights, such as a Li River cruise, Reed Flute Cave, and the Yangshuo countryside.
  For a more comprehensive Guilin tour, plan for 5 days or more to explore downtown Guilin, Yangshuo, Xingping Ancient Town, and Longsheng.
  If you have more days to spend, extend your journey to nearby destinations like Huangyao, Sanjiang, and Zhaoping, or even venture further to the neighboring provinces of Guizhou and Yunnan.

• 8. What are hotel accommodations like in Guilin?  

  Hotels in Guilin can meet the travelers' needs of different budgets, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable visit.
  Within downtown Guilin, you'll find a wide range of hotels from three to five stars, conveniently located along Li River, by the Four Lake, and near attractions like Elephant Trunk Hill. Luxury options include the Shangri-La Hotel Guilin, offering elegant rooms and stunning river views. 
  Yangshuo has hotels concentrated on West Street, near the lively center and the Impression Liu Sanjie show, or along the Yulong River for a more rural experience. Banyan Tree provides high-end experiences with beautiful river and karst views. For age-old charm and Xianggong Hill sunrise, consider staying in Xingping Ancient Town by the Li River. 
  Longsheng's rice terraces area features hotels primarily in Ping An Village, Dazhai Village, Tiantouzhai Village, and Ancient Zhuang Village. Star-rated accommodations are not available, but staying in a boutique lodge or local guesthouse is quite a unique experience. Ping An Village is the most popular, with numerous hotels, restaurants, and modern amenities.

• 9. How about dining in Guilin?  

  Guilin cuisine is known for its unique flavors, often characterized by a balance of sour, spicy, and savory tastes. Signature dishes include Guilin rice noodles, beer fish, and oil tea. For those craving familiar tastes, Guilin also boasts a variety of restaurants and cafés serving Western-style meals, including pizzas, pastas, steaks, and salads.