Location & How to Get There

Guilin Tourism College Yanshan Campus sits in the serene Yanshan District of Guilin, nestled between iconic limestone hills and lush forests. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Guilin Liangfeng Railway Station (the closest train stop) and roughly an hour from Guilin Two Rivers International Airport. If you’re arriving by bus, take routes 35 or 54 from downtown Guilin—they’ll drop you right near the campus gates. For a more scenic route, cycle along Liangfeng Road, which winds through rice paddies and small villages.

Natural Beauty: A Slice of Guilin’s Best

The campus itself feels like a mini national park. Yanshan Campus is wrapped in rolling hills, with paths that lead to hidden lakes and viewpoints overlooking Karst mountains. In spring, cherry blossoms and bamboo forests create a vibrant backdrop, while autumn paints the campus in gold. A favorite spot? The lotus pond near the library, where giant fish swim lazily, and dragonflies dance in the summer. For panoramic views, hike up the “Camel Hill” trail behind the sports field—it’s steep but worth it for photos of the campus and distant peaks.

Cultural Gems: Where Tradition Meets Modernity

Don’t miss the Chinese Garden on campus, designed with rockeries, pavilions, and bonsai trees. It’s a perfect spot for meditation or snapping Instagram-worthy shots. The Art Center hosts free exhibitions by students, showcasing Guilin’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, like paper-cutting and batik painting. If you visit in October, catch the Yanshan Culture Festival, where locals perform lion dances and cook traditional Guo Po rice wine chicken.

Practical Tips: Eat, Stay, Play

The campus has student-run cafes serving cheap but tasty Guilin米粉 (noodles) and oil tea, a local breakfast staple. For a treat, try the mango smoothies at the lakeside stand. If you’re staying overnight, book a room at the Guilin Tourism College Hotel (affordable and clean) or nearby Bamboo House Homestay, run by a former professor. Fitness buffs can borrow bikes from the campus shop or join a tai chi class at dawn on the sports field.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

Avoid the crowds by visiting early morning or late afternoon. Stroll along the “Serenity Path”—a stone walkway lined with lanterns—and listen to students practicing guzheng (traditional instruments) in the music hall. For a quirky photo op, pose with the “Infinity Bridge” sculpture, which looks like a giant ribbon frozen in mid-air. If you’re lucky, you might spot peacocks wandering near the administration building!

Why It’s Worth a Detour

Unlike busy tourist spots, Yanshan Campus offers a chance to see Guilin’s natural beauty and culture without the hassle. It’s especially magical during sunset, when the sky turns pink and the hills cast long shadows over the campus. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a family, or a group, there’s something here for everyone—plus, it’s free to explore!

Pro tip: Wear comfy shoes, bring bug spray, and don’t forget your camera. This place is made for “wow” moments!