Things to Do in Guilin
Guilin, located in Guangxi Province, China, is renowned for its stunning karst mountain landscapes and picturesque scenery along the Li River. The city offers a blend of natural wonders, cultural sites, and outdoor activities that attract visitors from around the world.
Known for its unique limestone formations, lush greenery, and tranquil waters, Guilin provides a serene escape with opportunities for river cruises, hiking, and exploring traditional villages. The city also has a rich history reflected in its ancient architecture and local culture.
Things to Do and Top Attractions in Guilin
Li River Cruise
The Li River Cruise is the quintessential Guilin experience, offering spectacular views of the region’s famous karst mountains and rural landscapes. The cruise typically runs from Guilin to Yangshuo, passing through picturesque villages, bamboo groves, and dramatic limestone peaks.
This scenic boat ride is renowned for its postcard-perfect scenery, making it a favorite for photographers and nature lovers alike.
Reed Flute Cave
Reed Flute Cave is a natural limestone cave known for its stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations illuminated by colorful lights. The cave has been a popular tourist attraction for over 1,200 years and features inscriptions dating back to the Tang Dynasty.
Visitors can explore the cave’s chambers and marvel at the intricate natural sculptures formed over millennia.
Elephant Trunk Hill
Elephant Trunk Hill is a famous landmark in Guilin, named for its shape resembling an elephant drinking water from the Li River with its trunk. The hill is a symbol of the city and offers scenic views of the river and surrounding karst formations.
The site includes a park with walking paths, pavilions, and cultural relics, making it a popular spot for both sightseeing and photography.
Seven Star Park
Seven Star Park is the largest park in Guilin, featuring karst hills, caves, rivers, and a zoo. The park is named after the seven peaks that resemble the Big Dipper constellation.
Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, explore the Seven Star Cave, and relax in the scenic surroundings that blend natural beauty with recreational facilities.
Fubo Hill
Fubo Hill is a prominent karst hill in Guilin offering panoramic views of the city and the Li River. The hill is dotted with ancient inscriptions, caves, and pavilions, including the famous Fubo Cave.
Climbing to the top rewards visitors with sweeping vistas and a chance to appreciate the geological and cultural significance of the area.
Yangshuo County
Yangshuo is a popular destination near Guilin known for its stunning karst landscape, outdoor activities, and vibrant nightlife. It offers opportunities for rock climbing, cycling, bamboo rafting, and exploring rural villages.
The town is also famous for its West Street, a lively area filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants catering to tourists.
Longji Rice Terraces
The Longji Rice Terraces, also known as the Dragon's Backbone, are located outside Guilin and showcase breathtaking terraced fields carved into the mountains. These terraces are a marvel of agricultural engineering and offer spectacular views, especially during planting and harvest seasons.
Visitors can hike through the terraces and experience the culture of local ethnic minority groups such as the Zhuang and Yao people.
Diecai Hill (Folded Brocade Hill)
Diecai Hill is known for its colorful rock formations and panoramic views of Guilin city and the Li River. The hill features several caves and is a popular spot for hiking and photography.
The name 'Folded Brocade' refers to the hill’s vibrant, layered appearance, which resembles a piece of brocade fabric.
Seven Star Cave
Seven Star Cave is a large karst cave located within Seven Star Park, famous for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is well-lit and has pathways for visitors to explore its chambers safely.
It is one of the most beautiful caves in Guilin and offers insight into the region’s geological history.
Guilin Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area
This scenic area encompasses a network of rivers and lakes in the city center, connected by bridges and lined with parks, historic sites, and illuminated at night for a magical atmosphere.
Visitors can enjoy boat rides, stroll along the waterfront, and experience the blend of natural beauty and urban culture in Guilin.
"Key Takeaways"
Visitors to Guilin can expect breathtaking views of dramatic karst peaks, serene river landscapes, and vibrant local culture. The Li River cruise is a highlight, offering panoramic vistas of the region’s iconic scenery.
In addition to natural attractions, Guilin features historic sites, caves with impressive stalactites and stalagmites, and parks that showcase the area's botanical diversity. The city is a gateway to exploring the broader Guangxi region and its ethnic minority cultures.
Nearby Cities
All cities in China