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Guilin

China

Pace: balanced Scenic Serene Picturesque Cultural
Ideal trip length
3 - 6 days
Busiest
Apr-May, Sep-Oct
Guilin
Destination
Dates
Guests 1 room, 1 adults, 0 children
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Where to stay

Hotels in Guilin

Book direct on our own Guilin hotel pages — no booking fee and instant confirmation.

At a glance

Climate
Humid Subtropical
Languages
Mandarin and Guilin Dialect
Local currency
CNY (CNY)
Local time
(GMT+8)
Ideal trip length
3–6 days
Cost level
2 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Guilin City Center
Tap water
Bottled water recommended
Tipping
Not customary

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 88 · Very good

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Guilin Rice Noodles Beer Fish (Yangshuo) Lipu Taro Pork Stuffed Snail

When to visit Guilin

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: October Busiest: Apr-May, Sep-Oct
  1. Jan
    40

    Cold, often foggy

  2. Feb
    45

    Cold, damp, CNY

  3. Mar
    60

    Cool, often rainy

  4. Apr
    85

    Pleasant, green, popular

  5. May
    80

    Warm, humid, lush

  6. Jun
    65

    Hot, rainy, monsoon

  7. Jul
    60

    Very hot, humid, rainy

  8. Aug
    70

    Hot, humid, busy

  9. Sept
    90

    Pleasant, clear, popular

  10. Oct
    95

    Mild, dry, peak

  11. Nov
    75

    Cool, crisp

  12. Dec
    50

    Chilly, sometimes foggy

Things to do in Guilin

7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

3 places

Li River Cruise

Guilin to Yangshuo 4.5 hrs

Float past iconic karst peaks, buffalo, and fishing villages on a breathtaking journey.

Outdoors Good for children

Visit Elephant Trunk Hill

Guilin 1 hr

See Guilin's iconic natural landmark resembling an elephant drinking from the river.

Outdoors Good for children

Longji Rice Terraces Day Trip

Longsheng 8 hrs

Marvel at the stunning, ancient rice terraces carved into the mountainsides.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the afternoon

1 place

Cycle Yangshuo Countryside

Yangshuo 3 hrs

Pedal through picturesque rice paddies and small villages surrounded by karst mountains.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the evening

2 places

Wander West Street

Yangshuo 2 hrs

Experience the lively pedestrian street with shops, restaurants, and bars.

Outdoors Good for children

Impression Sanjie Liu Show

Yangshuo 1.5 hrs

Witness a spectacular outdoor musical performance on the Li River by local fishermen.

Outdoors Good for children

Any time of day

1 place

Explore Reed Flute Cave

Guilin 1.5 hrs

Wander through a dazzling limestone cave illuminated with colorful lights.

Indoors Good for children

Guilin itineraries

View All itineraries
Culture and history

3 Days in Guilin — Culture & History

Uncover the ancient legends and imperial past amidst Guilin's iconic karst landscapes.

This 3-day itinerary delves deep into Guilin's rich cultural tapestry and storied past, perfect for history enthusiasts and curious travelers. Explore ancient imperial cities, historical caves, and traditional towns, all set against the backdrop of the city's breathtaking natural beauty. Immerse yourself in local traditions and savor authentic Guilin flavors.

3 Days 11 Stops
See the full plan
Things to book

Tours and activities in Guilin

Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.

Practical ratings

Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.

Eating & Culinary

Guilin Rice Noodles 95 · Outstanding
Beer Fish (Yangshuo) 87 · Outstanding
Lipu Taro Pork 78 · Very good
Stuffed Snail 70 · Good

Signature Experiences

Li River Cruise 95 · Outstanding
Explore Reed Flute Cave 91 · Outstanding
Cycle Yangshuo Countryside 87 · Outstanding
Visit Elephant Trunk Hill 83 · Very good
Wander West Street 78 · Very good
Longji Rice Terraces Day Trip 74 · Good
Impression Sanjie Liu Show 70 · Good

Best Suitable For

Families 95 · Outstanding
Couples 90 · Outstanding
Friends 85 · Outstanding
Nature 80 · Very good
Budget 75 · Very good
Adventure 70 · Good

Planning & Tips

Book Li River cruise tickets in advance, especially during peak season. 95 · Outstanding
Learn basic Mandarin phrases; English is not widely spoken. 83 · Very good
Carry small denominations of CNY for local vendors and transport. 70 · Good

Ratings and recommendations are curated from local travel data.

Near Guilin

Straight-line distance from the centre of Guilin.

Getaways from Guilin

Places people from Guilin travel to, from our own travel research.

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