City
Guilin
Where limestone peaks rise from jade-green rivers
Li River karst scenery and boat cruisesLongji Rice Terraces (Longsheng)Reed Flute Cave stalactite formationsCormorant fishing on the Li RiverThe 20-yuan RMB banknote landscape
Best Time to Visit:April–October for lush green scenery; April–May misty and atmospheric; winter (November–March) drier and cleaner with fewer crowds
Asia/Shanghai
CNY
Mandarin, Guilin dialect, Zhuang
About Guilin
The Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo — 80 km through towering karst peaks — is one of the world's iconic journeys, depicting the same landscape shown on China's 20-yuan note. Within the city, Reed Flute Cave shimmers with stalactite formations, and Elephant Trunk Hill rises from the river like its stone namesake. Guilin's surrounding countryside — Longsheng's rice terraces, Yangdi village, and Xingping ancient town — extends the adventure far beyond the city limits.
Places in Guilin
Highlights
1
Li River boat cruise to Yangshuo (4–5 hrs)
2
Reed Flute Cave stalactite wonderland
3
Elephant Trunk Hill
4
Cormorant fishing demonstration at dusk
5
Longji Terraces day trip
6
Guilin night food market
7
Xingping ancient town
Climate & Best Time to Visit
Subtropical monsoon climate. Mild winters (avg 8°C in January), warm and humid summers (avg 28°C in July). Rainfall peaks April–July. The region is frequently misty and cloudy, which adds atmospheric beauty to the karst landscape.
Getting There
Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) with domestic connections across China and some Southeast Asian routes. High-speed rail from Guangzhou (~2 hrs), Shenzhen (~3 hrs), Guiyang (~2 hrs). Guilin has two railway stations serving different lines.
Practical Tips
Book Li River cruise tickets in advance during peak season (May–October)
Opt for the full cruise to Yangshuo — not just a short scenic section
Yangshuo is worth 1–2 nights beyond the Guilin day trip
Try local Guilin rice noodles (guilin mifen) for breakfast — the city's signature dish
A private boat or cormorant fishing arrangement at Yangdi village is more personal than group tours
Quick Facts
Best Time to Visit
April–October for lush green scenery; April–May misty and atmospheric; winter (November–March) drier and cleaner with fewer crowds
Timezone
Asia/Shanghai
Currency
CNY
Language
Mandarin, Guilin dialect, Zhuang