Guilin Travel Guide
Here are Guilin's is reputed as one of the world's most beautiful places. Its idyllic scenery draws millions of tourists from near and far every year.
It is never far to the next colorfully named karst hill or charming vista. You will find a paradise to relax and colorful minority culture to enjoy.
Ranking fourth on China's list of the 10 best tourist destinations, after the "golden triangle" (Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai), Guilin is a popular destination for second trip to China.
Where Guilin Is
Guilin is in northeast Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, South China. It is about 500 km (300 mi) northwest of Hong Kong, one hour away by air.
The Features of Guilin
The beautiful scenery along the Li River.
- Guilin boasts China's most beautiful karst landscapes. There is an old literary saying in China: 'Guilin's hills and water are best under heaven' (桂林山水甲天下). If you are looking for natural beauty in China, you should not miss Guilin.
- Guilin is a perfect place to discover rural life in South China.
- It is a paradise for photographers. Endowed with picturesque natural landscapes and colorful ethnic minorities, Guilin offers a lot of photographic opportunities.
- The primary industry of Guilin is tourism. The city is well managed and clean. With modern facilities and a high percentage of English-speaking locals, Guilin is very convenient for foreigners.
- Guilin offers 72-hour visa-free transit, and is 6-day visa-free for 10 ASEAN countries. Read more on Guilin visa-free travel.
The Highlights of Guilin
Yangshuo countryside cycling
- The Li River, particularly between Guilin and Yangshuo, is one of the most beautiful sights on the planet. It was selected by National Geographic Magazine as one of the world's “Top 10 Watery Wonders”. It is best experienced with a cruise or a leisurely hike along its banks.
- Yangshuo: Get "up close and personal" with the beauty that you have seen in the pictures as you venture out into the countryside. Explore Yangshuo by bicycle, moped, bus, or even on foot, between the rice paddies, to experience rural China at its most charming.
- Longsheng's Rice Terraces: Longsheng County boasts fantastic natural scenery with sprawling terraced rice fields, created about 800 years ago. It is famous for its ethnic mountain villages.
The Best Times to Visit Guilin
Guilin is in a subtropical (bordering temperate) monsoon zone with four distinct seasons and high humidity.
Though Guilin is suitable for traveling all year round, the best time to travel is from April to October when the weather is comfortable and the scenery is charming. See more on Guilin Weather.
Our Most Popular Guilin Tours
Longji Terraced Fields
- China Highlights Guilin earned a Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor in 2017, and generally ranks in the top 3 on Trip Advisor [2018].
Guilin is a popular destination for natural landscapes. Travel with us to enjoy the highlights in this city. Here are our most popular tours for your reference:
- 3-Day Essence of Guilin Tour: most classic Li River and Yangshuo Tour
- 4-Day Guilin Scenery and Minority Culture Discovery Tour
- 7- Day Guilin, Longsheng & Yangshuo Relaxation Tour
Not interested in the above tours? Just tell us your interests and requirements, and we will tailor-make your Guilin tour.
