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 dramatic karst landscapes, clear rivers, and lush greenery. The city is often described as one of the most picturesque places in China, with ancient history and rich culture adding to its charm. Guilin serves as a gateway to breathtaking natural scenery, making it a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers.

2. Top Attractions ​

Li River Cruise ​

  • Overview: The Li River is famous for its stunning scenery, with limestone peaks, bamboo groves, and traditional fishing villages lining the banks.
  • Experience: The cruise typically starts in Guilin and ends in Yangshuo, lasting about 4-5 hours. Travelers can enjoy breathtaking views from the deck and capture stunning photographs.
  • Highlights: Notable sights along the route include the Elephant Trunk Hill, the Nine Horses Mural Hill, and the picturesque fishing villages.

Reed Flute Cave ​

  • Overview: Known as "the Palace of Natural Arts," this limestone cave is filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations illuminated by colorful lights.
  • Experience: Visitors can walk through the cave on a well-lit path, marveling at the intricate formations and the various themed sections, such as "The Crystal Palace" and "The Dragon's Cave."
  • Tips: Guided tours are available, and it's advisable to visit during the late afternoon to avoid crowds.

Longji Rice Terraces ​

  • Overview: Located about two hours from Guilin, the Longji Rice Terraces are an extraordinary sight, showcasing the agricultural ingenuity of the local Zhuang and Yao ethnic minorities.
  • Experience: Hiking trails are available for visitors to explore the terraces, with stunning views available from various viewpoints. The best time to visit is during the rice planting season (May-June) or harvest season (September-October).
  • Cultural Insight: Visitors can also experience local culture by visiting nearby villages and trying traditional food.

3. Local Cuisine ​

Beer Fish ​

  • Description: A local specialty of Yangshuo, beer fish is made with fresh river fish, cooked with beer, ginger, and chilies, resulting in a flavorful dish.
  • Where to Try: Look for local restaurants near the Li River for the freshest version.

Guilin Rice Noodles ​

  • Description: This dish consists of rice noodles served in a rich broth, accompanied by various toppings such as beef, pickled vegetables, and peanuts.
  • Where to Try: Local noodle shops throughout Guilin serve this dish, with many offering unique variations.

Stuffed Li River Snails ​

  • Description: A popular street food, these snails are filled with various ingredients and spices, providing a savory snack.
  • Where to Try: Vendors along the riverbanks and in local night markets offer stuffed snails that are a must-try for adventurous eaters.

4. Practical Tips ​

Booking Trips Using Ctrip and Booking.com ​

  • Ctrip: A leading travel booking platform in China, ideal for booking hotels, tours, and transportation. Create an account for easier management.
  • Booking.com: Use this international platform for a wide range of accommodation options, often with free cancellation.

Making Payments with Alipay ​

  • Overview: Alipay is widely accepted for payments in China. Download the app, link your bank account, and use it for cashless transactions at restaurants, shops, and attractions.
  • Tip: Some vendors may not accept foreign cards, so having Alipay set up is beneficial.

Using Google Translate for Language Assistance ​

  • Download Offline: Before your trip, download the Chinese language pack for Google Translate to use offline. The app can translate text and images, facilitating communication.
  • Phrasebook: Familiarize yourself with essential phrases for greetings and common inquiries.

Using Didi for Taxi Services ​

  • Overview: Didi is China's most popular ride-hailing app, similar to Uber. It offers various ride options and is user-friendly.
  • Tip: Ensure you have a Chinese phone number for registration and use the app's built-in translation feature for communication with drivers.

Internet Access and VPN Considerations ​

  • VPN: Download a VPN service before arriving in China to access blocked websites like Google and Facebook.
  • Wi-Fi: Many hotels and cafes offer free Wi-Fi, but having a local SIM card can enhance connectivity.

5. Sample 1-5 Day Itinerary ​

Day 1: Arrival in Guilin ​

  • Arrive and check into your hotel.
  • Explore the city center and visit Elephant Trunk Hill.
  • Enjoy dinner

Guilin Skyline

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