Looking for things to do in Guilin? We visited Guilin right after Chongqing, on our 14-day itinerary through China during our second trip around the world.
After the vibrant chaos of Chongqing – where everything is huge, bright, and bustling – Guilin feels like a more peaceful retreat. But don’t be fooled: although it’s smaller, the city has a special charm and invites you to explore at a leisurely pace.
Guilin is famous for the karst landscapes that surround it, but the city itself also has some points of interest worth discovering.
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How Many Days in Guilin?
We stayed for two days, but one might be enough if you have a more condensed itinerary. It all depends on what you want to do inside and outside the city. If you plan to explore the nearby villages and the Longsheng rice terraces, then consider staying at least two nights.
Where to Stay in Guilin?
The choice of accommodation depends a lot on the type of experience you’re looking for:
- City Center – Perfect for a first visit, with easy access to attractions, restaurants, and shops.
- Yangshuo – A picturesque village by the Li River, ideal for those who want postcard-worthy landscapes and outdoor activities.
- Longsheng – Known for its impressive rice terraces, it offers a more authentic and rural experience.
Things to Do in Guilin?
If you’re short on time, there’s a walking route that passes through the city’s main points, and that’s exactly what we did on the first day. We left Elephant Trunk Hill for the next day to explore it more calmly and enter the cave.
Points of Interest in Guilin
Elephant Trunk Hill
The city’s iconic symbol! This rock formation looks like an elephant drinking water. If you have time, it’s worth entering the park and exploring the cave inside, but the view from the outside is also impressive. Entry was free when we went, and you could just walk in. There are QR codes at the entrance to book tickets, but the app requires a Chinese phone number for registration, so it might not be possible to get free tickets this way. The view from the top of the rock is incredible, but it’s also worth admiring the landscape from the base.
After the visit, you can cross the bridge to the other side and explore the park and views from the opposite bank.
Twin Pagodas (Sun and Moon)
At nightfall, illuminated over the lake, they create one of the most beautiful scenes in Guilin. You can visit them by boat and enjoy the panoramic views.
Walking Street and Night Market
The city’s pedestrian street has everything: shops, restaurants, and a lively night market. It’s the perfect place to try typical snacks or even have dinner on the street, as we did.
Gui Lake and Banyan Lake
Two interconnected lakes that are part of Guilin’s iconic landscape. They’re perfect for a relaxing stroll in the late afternoon, especially at sunset, when the golden light reflects on the water and makes the scenery even more beautiful.
Where to Eat in Guilin
- Night Market – Most restaurants serve similar dishes, so we followed the golden rule: we chose the busiest one! There are also several street food stalls with quick and authentic options.
- 松月日本料理 Songyue Japanese Cuisine – A small restaurant hidden in an alley near the night market. We passed by it on the first day, and it caught our attention, so we returned the next day. The decor is inspired by Studio Ghibli movies (and more), and the sushi we had was excellent. There are also other options for those who don’t want sushi.
- Chunji – One of the region’s typical dishes is roasted goose, which may seem similar to the famous Peking Duck, but the flavor and method are completely different. The goose is less crispy, has bones, and a more aromatic flavor. We weren’t big fans, but it was worth the experience! The restaurant also has other dishes that seem worth trying.
- Kitanoya – On one of the streets in the night market, there’s a small shop specializing in Japanese pancakes. You can choose the traditional version or a sandwich-style one. They’re light, fluffy, and with the first bite, they transport you straight to Japan.
What to Do Around Guilin?
If you have more time, it’s worth exploring the surroundings of the city. Some of the must-do experiences include:
Guilin to Yangshuo Full Day Private Tour
Longji Rice Terraces
4 Star Luxury Li River Cruise
- Li River Cruise to Yangshuo – One of the most scenic trips in China, with karst mountains as far as the eye can see.
- Longji Rice Terraces (Longsheng) – The most impressive rice terraces in the region, especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
- Xingping and Laozhai Hill – One of the best viewpoints over the Li River, ideal for those who enjoy hiking.
- Reed Flute Cave – A cave full of stalactites and stalagmites, illuminated with vibrant colors.
Guilin can be a stopover or a destination to explore at a leisurely pace. It all depends on your rhythm and what you want to see. Either way, you won’t leave without being captivated by the surreal beauty of this region.
Tips for Traveling in Guilin
- Safety: Guilin is a safe city both during the day and at night. However, always keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal, avoiding the heat and humidity of summer and the cold of winter.
- Currency and Payments:
- The official currency is the Chinese yuan (CNY).
- Most payments are made via WeChat Pay and Alipay, and few places accept foreign cards. It’s essential to have these apps to place orders and view menus at certain restaurants and cafes.
- During our trip to Guilin, we never used cash!
- Internet and Connectivity: The Holafly eSIM ensures hassle-free internet without the need for a local SIM card.
- Travel Insurance: Heymondo covers medical expenses, cancellations, and activities like hiking and rafting.
- Transportation in Guilin:
- The high-speed train is the best way to travel between Guilin, Yangshuo, and Longji.
- Buses and taxis are easy to find, but it’s helpful to have your destinations written in Chinese.
- Didi (China’s Uber) is essential for safe taxis. We always used the mini app within Alipay to facilitate payments.
