The karst limestone peaks rising from the Li River look like a Chinese ink painting. Because that's exactly where the tradition came from โ and the scene is on China's 20 yuan note.
Check Visa-Free Policy โGuilin has been considered China's most beautiful natural landscape for over a thousand years. The karst limestone peaks that erupt from flat plains around the Li River create a landscape unlike anywhere on earth โ thousands of cone-shaped hills draped in mist, reflected in jade-green water. Seeing it in person is one of travel's genuinely transcendent experiences.
The iconic 83km river cruise through karst peaks โ 4-5 hours of continuous natural wonder. Official tourist boats depart Zhujiang Pier at 9am (ยฅ210-350). Budget travelers can take local bamboo rafts.
Must-DoBook AheadCascading rice terraces carved into steep mountain slopes by Zhuang and Yao minorities over 700 years. Most spectacular in May (planting) and October (harvest). 2 hours from Guilin by bus.
Day Trip2hrs AwayThe small town at the end of the Li River cruise, surrounded by the best karst scenery. Rent a bicycle and spend a day cycling through rice paddies and bamboo groves. Better than staying in Guilin.
CyclingStay OvernightGuilin's symbol โ a limestone hill shaped exactly like an elephant drinking from the Li River. Located right in the city, entry ยฅ75. Best photographed from across the river at dusk.
IconicIn CityA 240-million-year-old cave of spectacular stalactites and rock formations illuminated in color like a natural cathedral. 1 hour from central Guilin, entrance ยฅ100.
Natural Wonderยฅ100Yangshuo's main tourist strip โ backpacker bars, local restaurants, and craft shops. Lively at night. The surrounding countryside is the real attraction but West Street is useful for bookings.
NightlifeYangshuoThe city's breakfast institution โ silky rice noodles in a 12-hour pork bone broth, topped with your choice of meats. Locals eat this daily. Find it at any street stall for ยฅ8-15.
Fresh river fish steamed with pickled vegetables or braised in a tangy sauce. Try it in Yangshuo's local restaurants away from West Street โ ask for 'local fish' (ๆฌๅฐ้ฑผ) for the freshest catch.
Yangshuo's signature dish โ river fish braised in local beer with tomatoes and peppers. Invented in Yangshuo in the 1980s, now found everywhere. Order the whole fish for ยฅ60-100.
River snails stuffed with pork and black bean paste then braised. A Guilin street food classic sold at night markets for ยฅ15-25 a plate.
Guilin means 'forest of osmanthus' โ the flower flavors everything from cakes to tea to wine. Try osmanthus jelly at any bakery for ยฅ5-8.
The Longji area is home to Zhuang people with distinct cuisine โ bamboo-tube rice, wind-dried pork, and fermented sour fish. Try it at farmhouse restaurants in the terrace villages.
Take the official tourist boat from Zhujiang Pier at 9am to Yangshuo (4-5 hours, ยฅ210-350). Arrive in Yangshuo, check into a guesthouse, rent a bike in the afternoon and cycle Moon Hill road. Dinner: Beer Fish at a local restaurant.
Full day cycling: Yulong River bamboo raft (ยฅ120), Big Banyan Tree, Moon Hill limestone arch. Return to Yangshuo for West Street evening. Optional: cooking class for local Guilin cuisine.
Early bus to Longji Rice Terraces (2 hours). Hike between Ping'an Zhuang and Dazhai Yao villages for the best terrace views. Stay for sunset. Return to Guilin or overnight in a terrace guesthouse.
Top travel creators share their experiences visiting Guilin.