Guilin serves as the perfect base for exploring both its urban charms and surrounding wonders in Yangshuo and Longsheng. After days filled with limestone peaks and river vistas, you might wonder what magic unfolds when night descends and lights glow? Hold still and follow us into the glittering heart of Guilin's after-hours world.
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- Take a Night Cruise on Two Rivers and Four Lakes
- Leisurely Walk Around for the Guilin Night View
- Embark On a Food Adventure in Night Markets
- Unwind Yourself in Local Bars and Nightclubs
1. Take a Night Cruise on Two Rivers and Four Lakes
Ticket Pricing
- One-way Cruise at Two Rivers and Four Lakes: 30 USD/adult, 18 USD/child (1.2-1.4m).
- Return-way Cruise at Four Lakes: 25 USD/adult, 15 USD/child (1.2-1.4m).
* Note: Children under 1.2m are free of charge.
This garden-like urban sanctuary is formed by the Li River, Peach Blossom River, and four shimmering lakes (Banyan, Wooden Dragon, Osmanthus, Fir).
You could tell the city is outdated by day, but as your cruise slowly glides past illuminated pagodas, arched bridges, and lakeside gardens, it's like Guilin's landscape reawakens under a kaleidoscope of lights.
The night tours operate between 7:00 PM–9:30 PM (June–October: 6:00 PM–11:00 PM), with cruises departing every 10 to 30 minutes. We suggest boarding the earliest cruise to witness sunset's golden embrace of the karsts, then the dramatic moment when dark falls and lights ignite, painting the waterways in colorful glows.
Normally, you will need at least one and a half hours to view the Two Rivers and Four Lakes. If you prefer a brief tour, choose the Four Lakes cruise with an hour to admire the system's most exquisite highlights.
The night cruise could depart from four docks: Riyue Bay, Fisherman's Wharf, Wenchang Bridge, or Zhiyin Terrace. Since schedules rotate daily, remember to confirm your departure dock and time at least one day in advance with your guide or the ticket office.
2. Embark On a Food Adventure in Night Markets
Zhengyang Pedestrian StreetIf bustling night markets beckon, follow the scent of barbecues to Zhengyang Pedestrian Street for street-food adventures, while enjoying yourself in one of the decent restaurants in East-West Lane, which is worth your evening.
Zhengyang Pedestrian Street transforms at dusk into a carnival of flavors. As night arrives, treat yourself to snacks like pickled fruits, sticky rice cakes, and osmanthus-scented pastries. Wander down Shangshui Lane, a tributary branching off the main street, where humble eateries serve steaming plates beneath strings of bare bulbs.
East-West LaneMeanwhile, though it is smaller and more touristy than Zhengyang, East-West Lane offers curated charm with intimate bistros and decent restaurants. Descend to its subterranean maze of boutiques and dessert parlors, where you rest for a while with air conditioning and mango shaved ice.
Beyond downtown's night markets, there are three more choices that have more neighborhood spirits, located distant but worth it for the culinarily curious:
Yuexing Tribe Night Market (悦兴部落夜市)
- Location: Jiangdong Bridgehead, Qixing District (20 mins from downtown).
- Hours: 6 PM–2 AM
Near the bar district, live bands thrum with youthful energy, full of skewers of cumin-dusted lamb and mala crawfish.
Shijiayuan Food Street (施家园美食一条街)
- Location: No.142, Shijiayuan Road, Qixing District (10 mins from downtown).
- Hours: 6 PM–2 AM
Famous for Teppanyaki, it draws an older crowd for a feast dominated by offal and fire-roasted ribs, all shared in the open air.
Tiexi Market (铁西夜市)
- Location: Tiexi Third Lane, Xiangshan District (20 mins from downtown).
- Hours: 6 PM–2 AM
Locals come here for affordable oceanic bounty, known for chili crabs, salt-and-pepper shrimp, and scallops fanned over vermicelli.
3. Leisurely Walk Around for the Guilin Night View
For those who prefer pavement beneath their feet, this walking route reveals how Guilin's ancient heart pulses after dark. Begin anywhere you want to explore the city's landmarks and humming nightlife, and let curiosity guide you through layers of history and modernity.
- Route Overview: Elephant Trunk Hill Park - Jiefang Bridge - Xiaoyao Tower - Jingjiang Royal Residence - Cross Street Underground Passage - Guilin Wei Xiao Tang Plaza - Glass Bridge - Ancient South Gate - Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas
- Distance: 5km (approximately 2 hours to complete)
Start at Elephant Trunk Hill, the city's business card and landmark. Head northward along Binjiang Road for 800 meters, tracing the bank past Jiefang Bridge and Xiaoyao Tower. You can pause for a while to appreciate the bustling traffic and electric night views.
Continue north 500 meters, then cross into Donghua Road from the west. This hushed lane leads to the Jingjiang Royal Residence's East Gate, where you can see Ming Dynasty walls thick with moss, against East-West Lane's lively vibe.
Trace the Jingjiang Royal Residence's western flank along flagstone paths. Beneath centuries-old banyan trees, vendors display river-stone paintings, showcasing delicate landscapes drawn onto rocks gathered from Li River shallows.
Exit through the West Gate, turning south 150 meters to descend into the underground passage to cross the road, where browsing snack carts and sundry shops.
From Guilin Wei Xiao Tang Plaza, walk 500 meters south, then turn west, where you will meet the Crystal Bridge materialize like frozen starlight over Banyan Lake.
Follow the lakeshore west 300 meters to the Ancient South Gate. This Tang Dynasty remnant stands here, witnessing locals gather during the Mid-Autumn Festivals under the colorful paper lanterns to try to solve riddles.
From Ancient South Gate, retrace steps eastward along the lake or venture southeast across bridges to Fir Lake. Gradually, you will meet the Sun-Moon Twin Pagodas rise, with one gilded in solar gold, the other sheathed in lunar silver.
Normally, your walk concludes here. But if the time is near 8:00 PM, detour to Central Square to witness the Li River Waterfall Hotel unleashing its nightly spectacle: a thundering, human-engineered cascade. Though no match for nature's artistry, this 45-meter curtain of water offers a dazzling urban scenery.
4. Unwind Yourself in Local Bars and Nightclubs
For lively nightclubs, head directly to Xingjin Tashan Yuefang Entertainment Block(兴进塔山悦坊), where is 20 minutes drive away from downtown, and being the city's dedicated bar street housing popular spots like Drip Club, Superstar Club, and Fe Play.
But if daytime sightseeing has left you weary, or you simply prefer unwinding with drinks after dark, the following Guilin bars offer varied vibes.
Public House: Back Garden Irish Pub (后园爱尔兰酒吧)
- Location: 1F, Mingcheng Hotel, 4 ZhengYang Pedestrian St, Xiufeng District
- Hours: 6 PM–2 AM
- Average Cost: 15 USD/person
A long-standing pub in downtown's bustling core, yet surprisingly relaxed inside. While wine and cocktails are available, their beers shine brightest. From crisp lagers to aromatic craft brews, all are affordably priced. It also offers solid Western pub food, which makes it ideal for late dinners.
Cocktail Bar: Cats & Rabbits (猫兔酒吧)
- Location: No.9, Donghua Road, Xiufeng District
- Hours: 11 AM–2 AM
- Average Cost: 12 USD/person
By day, a low-key café, but after dark, it transforms into a spot with a rock-and-roll vibe. Besides those on the menu, their bartenders could craft creative cocktails: try to describe your preferences and let them surprise you. You should not miss out on its Indian food menu: butter chicken, naan, and biryani served alongside drinks.
Whiskey Bar: Unico Bar (英之)
- Location: No.66, Binjiang Road, Xiufeng District
- Hours: 12 PM–2AM
- Average Cost: 12 USD/person
A casual, American-style space perfect for group hangouts. Music leans toward fusion, funk, and sometimes reggae. It usually opens from noon, serving coffee cocktails (or pour-overs) for daytime drinkers, transitioning smoothly into evening cocktails and whiskey.
Visit Guilin With China Highlights
China Highlights offers tours to cover Guilin City and the surrounding areas. Our itineraries are flexible, which allows you a lot of free time to explore the city on your own if you like. Visit the Guilin tour page to see what we offer, or you can customize your own itinerary by following our travel advisors' suggestions.
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