Guilin, China - Travel Guide

Guilin is renowned for its breathtaking karst landscapes, particularly along the Li River, which offers stunning cruises. The city and surrounding areas also provide opportunities to explore ancient caves, picturesque rice terraces, and unique cultural experiences.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay3 days

Budget$50/day

Mid-range$90/day

Luxury$500/day

Known For

GuilinChinaGuangxiLi RiverYangshuoElephant Trunk HillReed Flute CaveLongshengRice Terraces

🇨🇳 Country Information: China

CapitalBeijing

CurrencyChinese yuan (¥)

LanguageMandarin Chinese , Cantonese, English (limited), other regional dialects

Phone Code+86

Electricity220V (Type A, C, I)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is generally not customary and can sometimes be refused or even considered rude in many settings, though it is becoming more accepted in some tourist
oriented services (e
g
, tour guides, bellhops in international hotels)

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available, especially in cities
Credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas, less so in rural areas
Bringing some cash is advisable, especially for smaller vendors
No significant black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites
Public displays of affection are generally not common
Respect personal space, though crowded areas are unavoidable
When eating, avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice (resembles funerary rites)
Remove shoes when entering homes or certain establishments

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. LGBTQ+ rights are limited. While homosexuality is not illegal, there is no legal recognition for same-sex marriage or civil unions, and public discourse can be conservative.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are extremely strict, with severe penalties for even minor offenses, including possession of marijuana

Special Laws

Carrying identification (passport) is often required
Certain websites and apps are blocked; a VPN is often needed for access to many international services
Respect local laws and customs, especially concerning public order and political expression

Common Phrases

NoBù (boo) 不

YesShì (sher) 是

HelloNǐ hǎo (nee how) 你好

Thank youXièxiè (shyeh-shyeh) 谢谢

Excuse me/SorryDuìbùqǐ (dway-boo-chee) 对不起

Climate

Climate Zone: Humid Subtropical

Best Time to Visit

Monsoon season: May
Aug
Floods: Jun
Aug

Getting There

Fly into Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL)
Direct flights from major Chinese cities, connecting flights from international hubs
Costs and times vary widely by origin

Getting Around

Taxis and Didi (local ride
sharing app) are readily available
Buses cover most of the city
Boats for scenic cruises on the Li River
Electric scooters for rent in some areas

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTP, Polio) recommended
Hepatitis A/B recommended
Typhoid recommended
No specific altitude sickness concerns for Guilin city (some surrounding areas might have minor elevation changes)
Consult a doctor for specific recommendations for your travel plans

Staying Connected

eSIMs available from major Chinese carriers (China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom)
Airalo and Nomad eSIMs often work through roaming agreements

Local Cuisine

Guilin Rice Noodles (Mifen) must_try

The signature dish of Guilin, this bowl features silky-smooth rice noodles served in a savory broth. Toppings often include tender beef or pork, pickl

Beer Fish (啤酒鱼) regional_speciality

A famous savory dish where fresh river fish is braised in local beer, often with tomatoes and peppers. The beer tenderizes the fish and adds a unique

Lipu Taro and Pork Loaf regional_speciality

A classic Guilin dish made by steaming layered slices of tender pork belly and creamy taro root. The dish is known for its rich flavor and soft textur

Fried Snails street_food

Snails fried with seasonings, often found in local night markets as a popular snack. They are typically spicy and served in their shells. This is a fl

Guilin Oil Tea non_alcoholic_beverage

A unique, savory beverage made from tea leaves pounded and fried with ingredients like ginger and garlic, then boiled. It is served with various toppi

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Li River Cruise (Guilin to Yangshuo) tour_or_activity

Book 3 weeks to 3 months in advance

The cruise is the primary way to experience the karst landscape, and high-quality boats and preferred sailing times (especially during peak season) often sell out quickly.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Accommodation in Guilin/Yangshuo (Peak Season) Accommodation

Book 1–6 months in advance for peak season

High-demand hotels, especially boutique options in Yangshuo, book out far in advance during major Chinese public holidays and the busy summer travel period.

Fun Facts

1. Guilin's name translates to "forest of sweet osmanthus," due to the abundance of fragrant sweet osmanthus trees in the region.
2. The stunning karst topography surrounding Guilin is formed from Triassic period limestone and dolomite rocks, highlighting the area's ancient geological history.
3. A small settlement was established along the Li River in the Guilin region as early as 314 BC, long before the Qin dynasty formally administered the area.
4. Guilin was known as Guizhou (Gui Prefecture) in AD 507, and it later served as the provincial capital of Guangxi multiple times between 1912 and 1949.

Ready to explore Guilin?

Create a personalized day-by-day itinerary with AI

Start Planning Your Trip