Location & Accessibility

Jiulian Village sits in Haiyang Township, Lingchuan County, Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It’s nestled in a valley about 60 kilometers southeast of Guilin city. To get there, you can drive along the Bailu Highway (G321) from Guilin and turn onto rural roads toward Haiyang. The final stretch to Jiulian Village is narrow, so renting a car or joining a local tour group is recommended. If you prefer public transport, take a bus from Guilin to Haiyang Town (~1.5 hours) and hire a taxi for the last 10-kilometer ride.

Natural Landscape: A Golden Wonderland

Every autumn, Jiulian Village transforms into a sea of golden ginkgo trees. Over 1,000 ancient ginkgo trees line its hills and fields, creating a dreamy landscape. The peak season is November to early December, when leaves turn bright yellow. Sunlight filtering through the trees makes the whole village glow like a painting. Even on weekdays, you’ll find photographers everywhere—sunrise at the old stone bridge or sunset by the ginkgo groves are especially popular spots. Outside autumn, the village stays green and quiet, perfect for relaxing walks.

Human Culture: The Ginkgo Queen & Local Life

Jiulian Village is famous for its “Ginkgo Queen”, a massive tree with a 1.5-meter trunk that takes three to four people to hug. This 1,000-year-old tree produces over 500 kilograms of white fruit (bai guo) annually, making it a symbol of the village. Local farmers still grow ginkgo as their main crop, and you might see them drying fruits in front of mud houses. Visiting feels like stepping back in time—villagers are friendly and some homes offer homestays where you can try homemade ginkgo dishes.

Facilities: Simple but Cozy

The village has basic tourist services. Several family-run lodges offer clean rooms and local meals (think smoked pork and ginkgo stir-fries). Bring cash, as not all places accept cards. Public restrooms are available near the main groves, but bring your own tissues. For deeper exploration, hiring a local guide (~100-200 RMB/day) is worth it—they’ll share stories about the ginkgo trees and show hidden photo spots.

Travel Experience: Tips & Highlights

  • Best Time: Late November–December for golden leaves. Morning light is magical.
  • What to Bring: Warm clothes (it gets chilly), a hat to avoid falling leaves, and a good camera.
  • Interactive Fun: Try picking ginkgo fruits (though the smelly outer layer might scare you!) or join a seasonal harvest festival if you’re lucky.
  • Avoid Crowds: Weekdays are better than weekends. Arrive before sunrise to secure prime photography spots.

Jiulian Village isn’t about flashy attractions—it’s about nature’s beauty, quiet moments, and connecting with China’s rural charm. Whether you’re a photographer, nature lover, or culture enthusiast, this hidden gem in Guilin will leave you with unforgettable memories. Just remember: visit before the leaves fall!