Location
Guilin is nestled in the northeastern part of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, southern China. Surrounded by karst mountains and crisscrossed by the Li River, it’s often called a “living ink painting” due to its dreamy landscapes. The city sits at the edge of the Hunan-Guangxi Corridor, bordering Hunan Province to the north and Guangdong Province to the southeast, making it a strategic cultural and transportation hub for centuries.
Getting There & Around
- By Air: Guilin Liangjiang International Airport connects to major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, with some international flights.
- By Train: High-speed trains link Guilin to cities like Guangzhou (3 hours) and Hong Kong (4.5 hours).
- Local Transport: Buses and taxis are affordable. For a scenic route, hop on a Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo (4–5 hours) or rent a bike to explore Yangshuo’s countryside.
Natural Wonders
Guilin’s karst landscapes—limestone peaks, caves, and rivers—are legendary:
- Li River: The 83-kilometer stretch between Guilin and Yangshuo is a UNESCO-listed masterpiece. The river’s reflection of jagged peaks, especially on the 20 RMB banknote’s backdrop, is iconic.
- Elephant Trunk Hill: Shaped like an elephant drinking from the river, this symbol of Guilin features a moon-like arch that glows during sunsets.
- Longji Rice Terraces: Dubbed “Dragon’s Backbone,” these 700-year-old terraces cascade down mountains like giant staircases, turning golden in autumn and frosty white in winter.
- Reed Flute Cave: A rainbow-lit underground world of stalactites and stalagmites, formed over 120 million years.
- Laozhai Mountain: A free, rugged hike in Yangshuo rewards climbers with panoramic views of karst peaks and the Li River.
Cultural Gems
Guilin’s 2,000-year history blends Han Chinese and ethnic minority traditions:
- Ancient Towns: Xingping, a 1,700-year-old riverside village, preserves Ming-era architecture and offers serene bamboo-raft rides.
- Ethnic Diversity: The Zhuang, Yao, and Miao communities add vibrant culture. Don’t miss the Zhuang’s “March 3rd” song festival or Yao women’s intricate embroidery.
- Jingjiang Prince’s Palace: A Ming Dynasty fortress at the foot of Solitary Beauty Peak, where you’ll find the original “Guilin’s Scenery is the Best Under Heaven” stone carving.
Amenities
- Accommodation: Options range from budget hostels in Yangshuo (like $10/night guesthouses) to luxury resorts with mountain views.
- Food: Guilin rice noodles (tossed with peanuts, pickled veggies, and chili) are a must. Try beer fish (fresh river fish cooked in local beer) or oily tea, a savory Zhuang breakfast.
- Shopping: Hunt for minority crafts like batik textiles or silver jewelry in Yangshuo’s West Street, a mix of traditional shops and trendy cafes.
Unique Experiences
- Sunrise & Sunset: Watch fishermen with cormorants on the Li River at dawn, or hike Laozhai Mountain for a fiery sunset over karst peaks.
- Nightlife: Yangshuo’s West Street buzzes with live music and bars. In Guilin, the illuminated Two Rivers and Four Lakes cruise reveals bridges and pagodas glowing like jewels.
- Seasonal Magic: Visit in spring for misty “smoke-rain” landscapes or winter for quieter trails and snow-dusted terraces.
Beyond the City
Guilin is a gateway to southern China’s hidden gems:
- Yangshuo: Cycle through rice paddies and bamboo forests, or watch the Impression Sanjie Liu light-and-dance show directed by Zhang Yimou.
- Longsheng Hot Springs: Soak in mineral-rich waters after hiking the terraces.
- Nearby Provinces: High-speed trains connect to Zhangjiajie’s “Avatar Mountains” (5 hours) or Guangdong’s cities.
