Guilin City Guide

Guilin represents the pinnacle of Chinese landscape beauty, centered around the winding Li River and its iconic limestone karsts. A cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo remains the quintessential experience, offering views of verdant peaks that have inspired centuries of ink-wash paintings. Within the city itself, Elephant Trunk Hill stands as the official symbol, appearing like a giant elephant drinking from the water at the junction of the Li and Taohua rivers.

Beyond the riverbanks, the city’s subterranean wonders and historic peaks offer diverse exploration. Reed Flute Cave dazzles with its illuminated stalactites and stalagmites, while Solitary Beauty Peak provides a panoramic vista of the city’s unique urban-nature integration from its limestone summit. As evening falls, the Two Rivers and Four Lakes scenic area comes alive with glowing pagodas and glass bridges, making it a perfect spot for a tranquil night stroll or a boat tour through the heart of the city.

While the Li River cruise is iconic, Guilin’s heart beats in its quiet corners. Locals often prefer the serenity of Chuanshan Park over the more commercialized peaks. Here, you can witness residents practicing tai chi or enjoying the view of the Pagoda on the Hill against the sunset. For a taste of history without the crowds, Daxu Ancient Town offers a glimpse into the Ming Dynasty with its worn cobblestones and traditional wooden architecture. In the evenings, visit the reconstructed Xiaoyao Tower, where residents gather to enjoy the illuminated skyline and the cool breeze from the Li River.

Guilin is widely considered a safe and welcoming destination for international travelers. Violent crime is exceptionally rare, and the local community is generally helpful toward visitors. However, as with any popular tourist hub, it is wise to remain vigilant in crowded spots such as the Central Square or the bustling night markets, where petty theft like pickpocketing can occasionally occur. Keeping valuables secure and staying mindful of surroundings will ensure a smooth experience while enjoying the city’s scenic beauty.

When navigating the streets, exercise caution as electric scooters often share sidewalks and may approach silently. Be wary of overly friendly individuals offering unsolicited tours or invitations to exclusive tea ceremonies, which can sometimes result in unexpectedly high costs. For those exploring the Li River or hiking the surrounding karst hills, always stick to marked paths and monitor weather reports during the rainy season to avoid slippery terrain or sudden changes in water levels.

Guilin is a compact city where much of the central scenic beauty can be explored on foot or by bicycle. The areas surrounding the Li River and the Two Rivers and Four Lakes scenic belt are particularly pedestrian-friendly, offering paved paths and stunning views. For longer distances, an extensive and affordable bus network covers the entire urban area. While there is no metro system, the frequent bus service makes navigating the city straightforward for those with a navigation app, with fares typically costing only 1 to 2 RMB.

Taxis are plentiful and can be easily hailed on the street, though using the Didi app—China’s primary ride-sharing service—is often more convenient for international travelers. Taxis are metered and generally very affordable. A short trip within the city center typically costs between 10 and 20 RMB. For those arriving at Guilin Liangjiang International Airport, a taxi to the city center usually costs around 100 to 120 RMB, while the airport shuttle bus offers a budget-friendly alternative at approximately 20 RMB per person.

When using taxis, it is helpful to have your destination written in Chinese characters, as English proficiency among drivers varies. Shared bicycles are also a popular way to navigate the flat terrain of the city; they can be unlocked via major mobile payment apps for just a few RMB. For excursions to nearby Yangshuo or the Longji Rice Terraces, most travelers opt for the high-speed train from Guilin Railway Station or a scenic river cruise rather than local city transport.

Guilin offers a vibrant mix of shopping experiences, from bustling street markets to upscale malls. For those seeking high-end brands and modern amenities, the area around Cross Street is the city's commercial heart. Niko Niko Do Plaza, also known as Smile City, is a premier destination where shoppers can find international labels and luxury cosmetics in a polished environment.

Budget-conscious travelers and souvenir hunters should head to Zhengyang Pedestrian Street. This lively thoroughfare is perfect for picking up local specialties such as Guilin chili sauce, fermented tofu, and the famous Sanhua liquor. Artistic finds like landscape paintings, hand-painted fans, and intricate embroidery are also staples of the local retail scene, reflecting the city's rich cultural heritage.

For an authentic local atmosphere, the Xicheng Road Night Market provides a colorful window into the region's craft traditions. Bargaining is expected here for items like South China Sea pearls and delicate jade carvings. Whether searching for a simple trinket or a luxury keepsake, Guilin’s diverse shopping districts cater to every taste and budget with warmth and variety.

Tipping is not a traditional practice in Guilin or throughout mainland China, and it is generally not expected in local restaurants, taxis, or shops. Most high-end hotels and restaurants include a service charge in the final bill, so additional gratuities are unnecessary. The local currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY), also known as Renminbi, which currently exchanges at a rate of approximately 7.2 CNY to 1 US Dollar.

In the tourism industry, however, small tips are increasingly appreciated for exceptional service. If you are particularly pleased with a private tour guide or driver after a day exploring the stunning karst mountains, a gratuity of 50 to 100 CNY is a thoughtful gesture. For bellhops at international hotels, 10 to 20 CNY per bag is standard. When offering a tip, it is best to do so discreetly and with a warm smile to show your genuine appreciation.

The ideal window for visiting Guilin is during the spring from April to June and autumn from September to November. Spring brings the region's iconic misty landscapes, transforming the Li River into a living ink painting, though travelers should prepare for high humidity and frequent rainfall. Autumn offers the most stable weather with clear, sunny skies and mild temperatures, making it the perfect season to witness the osmanthus trees in bloom and the Longji Rice Terraces turning a vibrant golden hue.

While summer features lush greenery and bright sunshine, it coincides with intense heat, heavy downpours, and peak domestic crowds, which often leads to higher accommodation costs. To avoid the heaviest tourist traffic and inflated pricing, it is best to steer clear of the National Day holiday in early October. For budget-conscious travelers, winter offers the lowest prices and a tranquil atmosphere, though the weather can be damp and chilly, and the river levels are significantly lower.