The 9 things to do in Guilin

Are you going to Guilin in southern China? Discover the 9 must-sees of one of the most beautiful cities in the Middle Empire.

Guilin is located in the northeast of the Guangxi region. Founded more than 2000 years ago under the Qin Dynasty, Guilin allowed to transport food in the provinces of the region through the Ling Canal. In this way, the city occupied an increasingly important place for the Guangxi region. Invaded by the Japanese from 1944, the historical landscape was partly destroyed during the occupation. As early as 1980, the protection of the city’s heritage was considered an absolute priority for the State.

Today, Guilin is one of the most beautiful cities in China and attracts thousands of visitors every year. Surrounded by mountains, rivers and rice fields, the city offers an exceptional natural landscape to its visitors. According to an old Chinese proverb, it is a true paradise on earth.

To help you prepare your stay in this region of South China, Wanderlix has prepared a guide to find out what to do in Guilin.

1. Cruise on the Li River

Between Guilin and Yangshuo, lies the Li River. This is a must when you go to Guilin. This section of river inspired many writers and painters from all over the world. She finds herself on the 20 Yuan bills so she prides the Chinese government.

If you want to fully enjoy the beauty of the landscape, opt for a cruise on the Li River. This is undoubtedly one of the things to do in Guilin during your stay. Several possibilities are available to you: cruise ships or traditional bamboo rafts. Whatever you choose, you can only be subjugated along the Li River. Being on the water, you can admire the vegetation on both sides of the stream.

Another way to visit the Li River is to go hiking directly from the land. For this, the journey between Xingpingping and Yangdi is ideal. This allows you to pass through the small Chinese villages and travel the way at your own pace.

2. Admire the hill in elephant trumpet

If you are looking for what to do in Guilin, don’t pass next to the hill in elephant trumpet! It is one of the city’s symbols. Located south of Guilin, the hill owes its name to its shape; Looking at it, one feels that an elephant plunges his trumpet into the river to drink some water. Between the elephant’s trumpet and his body, there is a rounded cave. Again, his name is inspired by his appearance. This is the cave of the moon in the water. The ideal to admire this wonder of nature is the evenings of full moon. The glitters of the waves offer you a wonderful show. This place also inspired many Chinese poets and painters who gathered to express their art.

On the way up the hill, another cavity appears; It is the cave of the elephant’s eyes. This place is ideal to observe the landscape with a little height. And at the top is the Puxian pagoda that looks like a sword handle.

3. Gravir the Yao Mountain

Ten kilometers from the centre of Guilin is the Yao Mountain. Over 900 metres above sea level, it is the highest mountain in the city and its surroundings. To climb this relief, a cable car was installed. This allows you to have a view of the natural beauty of the decor. When you go to visit Guilin, don’t miss this mountain that is renowned both for its landscape, but also for the temples and tombs it hosts. This is an opportunity to learn more about China’s history. It is possible to observe, among other things, the Yao Temple which was built by the Yao Dynasty or the tombs of the Princes of Jinjiang.

The month of March is the best time to visit the Yao Mountain. At this time, the Azales bloom and bring a tide of colour to the relief.

4. Getting to Yangshuo

What to do in Guilin and around? Yangshuo! This small village in the middle of the mountains has a unique charm. From the centre of Guilin, you can easily get there by train, bus or car. Yangshuo is only 65 km away. It is a must not to be missed when you come to visit Guilin.

On foot or by bike, walk through the city for a day. Start with the Yangshuo market that offers many Chinese handicraft products. Then explore the surroundings. Several circuits are then possible. During a walk along the Yulong River, you will be able to see the typical Chinese villages and the peasants pick the rice. A visit to Yangshuo is especially the opportunity to admire exceptional landscapes. You are surrounded by sugar breads with rice fields in the background.

5. Make rafting on the Yulong River

The Yulong River is located near Yangshuo. Much quieter than the Li River, this one offers a dazzling panorama. On this river there is no motor boat, which provides a certain ease during a walk along the water. The Yulong River offers a bit of calm when you come to visit Guilin. You will discover the typical Chinese farms with buffalo water around the peasants and a wild environment.

And if you're looking for a little sensation, the Yulong River is particularly conducive to rafting. The departure of the rafting takes place next to the bridge of Yulong which dates back to 600 years.

6. Visit the rice fields of Longji

Not to be missed when you go visit Guilin, the rice fields of Longji. These are 80 kilometers from Guilin and offer a dazzling show. They are carved inside the mountains and form stunts of terraces. It also looks like an immense amphitheatre to the natural. This place is quite bluffing! Depending on the seasons, the colors differ. In the spring, the water floods the rice fields and reflects the sky. It is one of the most beautiful periods to admire the rice fields of Longji. In summer, green is omnipresent. The autumn comes where the ears turn and become golden. The winter period follows the monsoon where Longji rice fields lose a little of their splendor.

During your stay in Guilin, you can choose two areas to admire the rice fields on the terrace of Longji. The best known are those in the village of Ping’an and Jinkeng. These are a little less frequented and plunge you into a more ancestral world.

7. Go to the pagodas of the Sun and the Moon

In the centre of Guilin, don’t forget to pass through Lake Shanhu where the sun and moon pagodas reign. The ideal is to admire them once the evening comes. With the reflection of the lights on the water, the pagodas are highlighted for a sublime show. The Sun Pagoda is the most impressive with 41 meters high. As for the moon pagoda, it remains majestic with 35 meters. Note that both towers are connected through a tunnel that passes under the lake.

Pagodas represent one of the most popular structures in Asian culture. It is therefore an obligatory passage when you go to visit Guilin to learn more about Chinese history and Buddhism.

8. Test night barbecue

What to do in Guilin at night? Once the night comes, take a walk to the night barbecue. This is a superposition of street food stands. Very lively, night barbecues attract many travelers who want to taste Chinese specialties. On the stands there is absolutely everything, and even insects. Those who are not cold in the eyes will be able to test the grasshoppers, worms or scorpions.

9. Visit the Cave of the Roseau flute

A few kilometers from the centre of Guilin, the Cave of the flute of roseau and one of the world’s largest cavities. Featuring thousands of colours, the cave reveals the stalactites and stalagmites that occupy it. They represent animals or plants depending on the form they take. During your visit to the cave of the reed flute, it is all your imagination that will develop to enter a world apart.

This one holds its name because of the presence of reeds pushing to its entry when it was discovered. At the time, the villagers used the rose as a flute to make music.

How to go to Guilin?

To get to Guilin, the plane is today the easiest way to transport. Since France, there is no direct line. But flights from Beijing , Shanghai or Hong Kong stops at Guilin Airport. Depending on the period you want to leave, prices may vary significantly. Do not hesitate to compare flights with our partner Ulysses which offers you the best rates. Other opportunities are also available to you if you are already in China. A TGV line exists from Canton, allowing you to be in Guilin in 3 hours. In addition, there are many buses to visit Guilin at less cost.

Where to stay in Guilin?

Before visiting Guilin, it is important to find a place to sleep. There are many neighbourhoods with each one a unique atmosphere. Ideal for its location, Central Square offers a variety of bars, restaurants and activities during your stay. That you prefer luxury hotels, Airbnb or hostels, there are for all tastes. We help you find the cheapest thanks to our hotel comparison so that you can make the most of your stay in Guilin.