Planning a trip to Guilin? As a foreign traveler, you’ll generally need a Chinese visa to enter. Most visitors apply for a tourist visa (L visa) at a Chinese embassy or consulate before departure. Good news: If you’re transiting through China to a third country, you might qualify for Guilin’s 144-hour visa-free transit at Guilin Liangjiang International Airport! Eligibility depends on nationality, so verify requirements via China’s immigration website. Ensure your passport has 6+ months’ validity and blank pages. Always check for updates—rules can change!

Second Paragraph (Visa Details):

For non-transit travelers, the L visa application requires:

  1. A completed form with a recent photo.
  2. Proof of accommodation and return flights.
  3. Itinerary details (e.g., Guilin hotel bookings, tours). Processing takes 4-7 days, but expedited options exist. Costs vary by nationality; Americans pay around $140. If you’re exploring beyond Guilin (say, Hong Kong), double-check if your visa allows re-entry. For visa-free transit, you CANNOT leave Guilin’s region—venturing to Chengdu or Beijing voids the exemption!

How can I get to Guilin and around smoothly?

Reaching Guilin is straightforward: Fly into Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL), which connects to major Asian hubs. Alternatively, hop on a high-speed train from Chengdu (6 hours) or Shanghai (8 hours). Once in Guilin:

  • Use apps like DiDi (China’s Uber) for taxis.
  • Public buses cost under ¥2 ($0.30) but get crowded.
  • Rent bikes to zip through city streets!

What are the top attractions to prioritize in Guilin?

Guilin’s landscapes are legendary! Must-dos:

  1. Li River Cruise: Float from Guilin to Yangshuo past karst mountains.
  2. Reed Flute Cave: Illuminated limestone wonders (¥90/$12 entry).
  3. Elephant Trunk Hill: Guilin’s iconic riverside rock formation. Pro tip: Hike Diecai Hill at sunrise for misty valley views!

How do I travel from Guilin to Yangshuo?

Yangshuo is just 65km south—here’