4 must-see attractions and 5 total things to do.
Guilin's beauty is best experienced outdoors. 4 attractions are absolute must-sees among 5 on my curated list — from iconic landmarks to hidden corners most visitors miss.
Most visitors spend 2–4 days here. With 4 must-see attractions, I recommend pacing yourself — hit 2–3 per day and leave room for spontaneous discoveries.
漓江游船
The 4-hour cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo — one of the most beautiful boat journeys in the world, winding through iconic karst landscapes.
象鼻山
Guilin's iconic symbol — a hill shaped exactly like an elephant drinking from the Li River.
芦笛岩
A spectacular limestone cave with coloured lighting illuminating cathedral-like chambers of stalactites and stalagmites.
龙脊梯田
600-year-old rice terraces carved into steep mountains by Yao and Zhuang farmers — like a dragon's scales from above.
七星公园
Guilin's largest park with a remarkable cave, mini zoo, and scenic Seven Star Mountain.
In Guilin, the food is an adventure in itself. Here are my picks for what to eat — if you skip these, you haven't really been.
桂林米粉 · ¥8–15
Silky rice noodles in a rich bone broth with beef, roasted peanuts, pickled green beans, and chilli oil — the breakfast of champions.
where Any local noodle shop (look for queues of locals)
阳朔啤酒鱼 · ¥60–100
Fresh river carp braised with beer, tomatoes, and spring onions in a clay pot — the signature dish of Yangshuo. The beer gives it a malty depth that pairs perfectly with the tender fish.
where West Street restaurants in Yangshuo or 'Master Chef Beer Fish' on the main drag
酿田螺 · ¥25–40
River snails stuffed with a mixture of pork, herbs, and spices, then steamed in their shells.
where Local restaurants near the Li River
桂林三花酒 · ¥20–50 per bottle
A fragrant rice wine that's been produced in Guilin for centuries. Light, sweet, and surprisingly smooth — often served warm as a digestive.
where Local liquor stores or ask for it at any traditional restaurant
China's winter wonderland — ice festivals, Russian architecture, and the best cold-weather food
Shared interests
The legendary city of West Lake — tea plantations, classical gardens, and poetic beauty
Shared interests
The Venice of the East — classical gardens, silk heritage, and ancient canals
Shared interests
Pandas, hotpot, and the most laid-back city in China
Shared interests
I'm a vegetarian and was terrified about food in China. Peng put together a custom food guide for every city I visited — marked restaurants on a map, taught me how to say 'no meat' properly, and even found Buddhist vegetarian restaurants I never would have discovered.
Yuki
Tokyo, Japan
We took Peng's recommended Guilin-Yangshoo itinerary and it was perfect. The Li River cruise, the rice terraces, cycling through the countryside — every day was a highlight. She booked a hotel with a view of the karst mountains that I'll never forget.
Sarah & Tom
Vancouver, Canada
I've helped hundreds of travellers plan their perfect Guilin trip.
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