Guilin
The landscape that inspired a thousand paintings — karst peaks, emerald rivers, and timeless rural China
At a glance
- Nearby destinations
- Guangzhou, Macau, Hong Kong
About Guilin
Guilin has been considered the most beautiful landscape in China for over a thousand years. The classic image — jagged limestone karst peaks rising sharply from flat plains, reflected in the mirror-still Li River, with bamboo groves and water buffalo in the foreground — is not a fantasy constructed for tourists. It is simply what this part of Guangxi looks like, and it is breathtaking.
The Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is one of the great river journeys in Asia. Over four to five hours, the boat drifts through a landscape that appears painted rather than real — each bend in the river revealing new formations of peaks with names like Nine Horses Fresco Hill and Yellow Cloth Shoal. The journey ends at Yangshuo, a small town that has evolved into one of China's most popular traveller destinations, with a lively West Street, excellent cycling routes through rice paddies, and rock climbing on the karst peaks.
Guilin city itself is pleasant but less remarkable than its surroundings — most visitors use it as a base. The real draws are the countryside: cycling the countryside around Yangshuo, hiking in Longji Rice Terraces (two hours north), and exploring the caves and waterways of the broader karst landscape. This is a region best experienced slowly, ideally with a bicycle and no fixed agenda.
Things to do in Guilin
Top attractions
A classic cruise through karst peaks from Guilin to Yangshuo — on China's 20 yuan note.
DiscoverA serene bamboo raft ride through karst countryside around Yangshuo.
DiscoverThe best way to explore Yangshuo — pedalling past rice fields and karst peaks at your own pace.
DiscoverDragon's Backbone terraces — sweeping steps carved into mountain slopes over 700 years ago.
DiscoverZhang Yimou's spectacular outdoor light show performed on the Li River itself.
DiscoverA quiet riverside village with the most iconic karst view in all of China.
DiscoverA 240m cave of stalactites and stalagmites lit in vivid colour near Guilin city.
DiscoverTop experiences
Best time to visit Guilin
April to October is the best time to visit Guilin. April and May bring mist and rain that create an extraordinarily atmospheric landscape — the karst peaks emerging from low cloud is one of the iconic China images. June to August is the peak tourist season, warm and occasionally rainy. September and October offer clear skies and lower crowds. Winter (November–February) is cool and dry — fewer tourists, lower prices, but the Li River cruise may have low water levels.
Getting There
Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) receives direct flights from major Chinese cities and some Southeast Asian destinations. The airport is about 30 kilometres from the city centre (40–50 minutes by taxi, ¥80–100). No direct metro connection currently exists.
By high-speed train, Guilin is connected to Guangzhou (2.5 hours), Shenzhen (3 hours), Changsha (2 hours), and Beijing (7–8 hours). Guilin has two railway stations: Guilin Railway Station (older, in the city centre) and Guilin North Railway Station (high-speed services, further from centre). Check which station your train uses before booking.
The Li River cruise to Yangshuo is the most famous way to arrive in Yangshuo — boats depart from Zhujiang Wharf (about 30 minutes south of Guilin by bus or taxi) and take 4–5 hours to reach Yangshuo. Tickets (¥210–310 depending on cabin class) should be booked in advance during peak season.
Plan your visit
Suggested itinerary
Where to stay
Most visitors divide their time between Guilin city and Yangshuo — staying in Guilin for the first night (for airport or train arrival) then moving to Yangshuo for 2–3 nights. Yangshuo offers far more atmosphere and is the better base for exploring the countryside.
In Yangshuo, West Street (Xi Jie) and the surrounding area has the most guesthouses, hostels, and boutique hotels. For a quieter, more rural experience, guesthouses in the villages surrounding Yangshuo — particularly Moon Hill and Yulong River area — offer stunning countryside settings. In Guilin city, hotels near the Two Rivers and Four Lakes area are well-located and pleasant.
Local Tips
The Li River cruise is weather-dependent — in heavy rain or fog, boat services may be reduced or the views obscured. Low water levels in dry season (November–March) can also affect operations. The most reliable months for the cruise are April to October.
Yangshuo is excellent for cycling — flat terrain, quiet roads through rice paddies and karst valleys, and bicycle hire available everywhere (¥40–80 per day). The route along the Yulong River is particularly beautiful and far less crowded than the Li River main corridor.
Longji Rice Terraces (Longsheng) are a half-day drive north of Guilin — best visited in May (young green rice) or late September to October (golden harvest season). An overnight stay in one of the Zhuang or Yao minority villages on the terraces is highly recommended.
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Guangzhou
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Hong Kong
Asia's world city — where East meets West in a spectacular harbour of steel, glass, and dim sum
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Guilin
Browse all activities and private tours in Guilin — bookable with licensed local guides.
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