Destination Guide
Get on the Li River. That is Guilin
The river takes the mountains apart; the mountains hold the city in. Welcome to Guilin. Peaks stand up from the Li River one after another, and the town sits in the gaps between them. This is not a capital you decode. It is landscape you board. What is Guilin like? Clear. Strange. Winding. All karst temperament. The Li River cuts south through limestone and leaves a forest of peaks; fields on the banks, mountains in the water, caves opening inside the stone. The Qin built the Lingqu Canal and joined the Xiang to the Li, linking Lingnan with the heartland. That waterway is still here. You just take a different boat. The culture is on the river and on the ridges. Liu Sanjie’s songs come off Zhuang paddies; Yao villages at Longji coil rice up into the clouds. In town, the Jingjiang Princes’ City; out of town, Yangshuo’s West Street and the evening fish lights. Eat first: a bowl of Guilin rice noodles (brine, pickled beans, peanut), then beer fish in Yangshuo. Then get on the river and watch the peaks walk through the water. Guilin is not a city you step into. It is a river the mountains open on.
Guilin Cuisine & Regional Specialties
Guilin’s food scene is defined by fresh river ingredients, aromatic spices, and a rich noodle culture. Indulge in world-famous rice noodles, taste fresh river catches, and explore lively local night markets.
Iconic street food · Centuries-old recipe
Guilin Rice Noodles (Mifen)
Silky rice noodles tossed in aromatic spiced gravy, topped with crispy pork, pickled beans, and peanuts. Guilin’s ultimate comfort food and a local breakfast staple.
Yangshuo specialty · Savory & tangy
Yangshuo Beer Fish
Fresh river fish braised in local beer with tomatoes, peppers, and garlic. A savory, tangy dish that captures the authentic culinary essence of the Li River.
Ethnic heritage · Refreshing blend
Oil Tea (You Cha)
A traditional herbal brew cooked with tea leaves, ginger, and garlic, served with puffed rice. A distinctive Yao ethnic drink renowned for its restorative taste.
Local delicacy · Spiced flavor
Stuffed River Snails (Tianluo)
Jumbo river snails stuffed with seasoned minced pork and mint, simmered in a spicy, aromatic broth. A popular night-market savory treat.
Popular Attractions in Guilin
Guilin blends magnificent nature with deep historic heritage. Marvel at iconic rock formations inside the city limits or venture out to explore ancient limestone caverns.
Li River Scenic Area
Cruise along emerald waters framed by dramatic karst peaks and bamboo groves. The ultimate iconic landscape of China, celebrated in art for centuries.
Longji Rice Terraces (Longsheng)
Layered rice terraces cascading down mountain slopes like giant green ribbons. Home to vibrant Yao and Zhuang ethnic minority traditions.
Elephant Trunk Hill (Xiangbi Shan)
Guilin's famous city symbol—a natural rock formation resembling a giant elephant drinking water from the river.
Reed Flute Cave (Ludi Yan)
A subterranean wonderland packed with ancient stalactites and stalagmites, brilliantly illuminated by multicolor artistic lighting.
Guilin After Dark
The heartbeat of Guilin tourism lies in its natural surroundings. Drift past immortalized mountain scenery along the Li River or bike through quiet rural villages.
Two Rivers and Four Lakes Night Cruise
Glide through illuminated urban waterways passing glowing pagodas, glass bridges, and traditional riverside performances.
Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas
Admire the stunning gold and silver pagodas glowing on Banyan Lake, reflecting brilliantly over the water in the heart of downtown.
Yangshuo West Street (Xi Jie)
A lively 1,400-year-old street blending traditional architecture with modern bars, open-air cafes, international dining, and bustling market stalls.
Arts & Outdoor Performances
Guilin’s performing arts leverage its breathtaking natural landscapes as stage backdrops, combining local ethnic folklore with cutting-edge theatrical production.
Impression Liu Sanjie Outdoor Light Show
A spectacular night performance staging hundreds of performers on the waters of the Yulong River against actual karst peak backdrops.
Cormorant Fishing Demonstration
Witness local fishermen use trained cormorant birds and bamboo rafts at dusk—a traditional fishing art preserved for generations.
Unique Guilin Experiences
Yulong River bamboo rafting, world-class karst limestone climbing, and Yangshuo countryside biking. Visit Longhair Village in Huangluo to meet Red Yao women with record-breaking floor-length glossy black hair and folk embroidery. Your essential guide to the best things to do in Guilin and Yangshuo.
Serene outdoor adventure · Unplugged experience
Bamboo Rafting on the Yulong River
Drift peacefully down a quiet tributary on a non-motorized bamboo raft, taking in rustic stone bridges and serene countryside scenery.
Active travel · World-class climbing
Yangshuo Countryside Biking & Rock Climbing
Pedal through rice paddies and lime peaks, or challenge world-class karst limestone cliffs with expert rock-climbing guides.
Guinness record · Red Yao heritage
Longhair Village Cultural Tour (Huangluo)
Meet the Yao women famous for their floor-length shiny black hair, discovering ancient natural hair care customs and folk embroidery.
Tour Packages That Include Guilin
Private China journeys with Guilin on the route — every itinerary can be tailored to your dates.
