China Trip Guides

Appearance

Exploring Guilin: Your Ultimate Travel Guide ​

Travel Guide to Guilin, China ​

1. Introduction to Guilin ​

Guilin, located in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China, is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, featuring stunning karst mountains, tranquil rivers, and rich cultural heritage. The name "Guilin" translates to "Forest of Sweet Osmanthus," highlighting the region's natural beauty and fragrant flora. A popular tourist destination, Guilin offers a plethora of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and culinary delights.

2. Top Attractions ​

Li River Cruise ​

  • Overview: The Li River cruise is one of the most iconic experiences in Guilin, providing breathtaking views of limestone karsts, lush greenery, and traditional fishing villages.
  • Duration: Typically lasts 4-5 hours, starting from Guilin to Yangshuo.
  • Highlights:
    • Scenic spots such as Elephant Trunk Hill, Nine Horses Fresco Hill, and Xingping Ancient Town.
    • Opportunities for photography and observing local fishermen.
  • Best Time to Visit: April to October, when the weather is mild and the landscape is lush.

Reed Flute Cave ​

  • Overview: A natural limestone cave filled with stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations illuminated by colorful lights.
  • Duration: Around 1-2 hours for a leisurely exploration.
  • Highlights:
    • Unique formations resembling animals and plants.
    • Historical inscriptions dating back to the Tang Dynasty.
  • Tips: Visit in the morning to avoid crowds and ensure good lighting for photography.

Longji Rice Terraces ​

  • Overview: Known as the "Dragon's Backbone," these rice terraces showcase the ingenuity of local farmers and offer spectacular views.
  • Location: Approximately 2 hours from Guilin.
  • Highlights:
    • Terraced fields stretching over 66 square kilometers.
    • Opportunity to hike through villages like Ping'an and Dazhai.
    • Cultural interactions with the Zhuang and Yao ethnic minorities.
  • Best Time to Visit: Late May to June for planting season and late September to early October for harvest season.

3. Local Cuisine ​

Beer Fish ​

  • Description: A local specialty made with fresh fish cooked in a spicy beer sauce, typically served with vegetables.
  • Notes: Best enjoyed in Yangshuo, often accompanied by rice.

Guilin Rice Noodles ​

  • Description: A popular dish made from rice flour, served in a savory broth with various toppings like marinated beef, pickled vegetables, and peanuts.
  • Notes: Available at street stalls and local eateries throughout Guilin.

Stuffed Li River Snails ​

  • Description: A unique local delicacy where snails are stuffed with a flavorful mixture and cooked to perfection.
  • Notes: Often found in night markets and street food stalls; a must-try for adventurous eaters.

4. Practical Tips ​

Booking Trips Using Ctrip and Booking.com ​

  • Ctrip: Ideal for booking transportation, tours, and accommodations; offers competitive prices and user reviews.
  • Booking.com: Great for securing hotel bookings with flexible cancellation policies.

Making Payments with Alipay ​

  • Usage: Widely accepted in restaurants, shops, and for transportation.
  • Setup: Requires a Chinese bank account; consider using a friend’s account or a suitable alternative for tourists.

Using Google Translate for Language Assistance ​

  • Functionality: Can be used for real-time translation and conversation; download the app for offline use.
  • Tips: Familiarize yourself with key phrases before your trip to ease communication.

Using Didi for Taxi Services ​

  • Overview: Didi is China's equivalent of Uber, offering a reliable and convenient way to get around.
  • Usage: Download the app, set up an account, and ensure your phone is charged for navigation.

Internet Access and VPN Considerations ​

  • Internet: Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and cafes; consider purchasing a local SIM card for mobile data.
  • VPN: A VPN is recommended to access blocked sites like Google and Facebook; set it up before arriving in China.

5. Sample Itinerary ​

Day 1: Arrival in Guilin ​

  • Morning: Arrive in Guilin and check into your hotel.
  • Afternoon: Visit Elephant Trunk Hill and take a stroll along the Two Rivers and Four Lakes.
  • Evening: Enjoy a local dinner featuring Guilin Rice Noodles.

Day 2: Li River Cruise ​

  • All Day: Take a cruise along the Li River to Yangshuo, enjoy lunch on board, and explore Yangshuo.
  • Evening: Return to Guilin.

Day 3: Reed Flute Cave and Seven Star ​

Guilin Skyline

Note: This image is for illustrative purposes only and may not represent the exact location.