Tailor made China holidays

Use our 'add to Travel Planner' button to save itineraries, hotels and places to your wish list. Then send them to us for a tailor made quote.

 Speak to our experts

Let's start creating your adventure today. Call to discuss your holiday with one of our personal travel experts on 0844 4880116.


Request a quote online
  • Li river at dawn
  • Rice terraces on mountain in Guilin
  • Guilin landscape with ancient stone bridge

Guilin holidays

The modern town of Guilin is an oasis of colour with lush gardens, colourful flowerbeds and osmnathus trees lining the streets. However the attraction of Guilin is really the stunning scenery that surrounds it. Famous for its majestic limestone karts and crystal clear waters, the natural beauty found along the Li River make it an essential part of any visit to China.

Do nothing more than relax on a leisurely cruise, absorb the captivating scenery and enjoy life at a leisurely pace.

Time difference / local time

GMT +8 hours

Language

Mandarin

Currency

Renminbi

Safety

Beware of pickpockets in busy areas.

Highlights

Elephant Trunk Hill
Discover the city’s stunning emblem where Peach Blossom River and Li River meet. The greenery-topped limestone looks just like an elephant dipping its trunk into the water.

Reed Flute Cave
Explore this breathtaking cave of stalagmites and stone curtains, magically illuminated and reflected in the glass-like pool.

Diecai Hill
With layers of rock that look like folded brocade, this famous landmark is steeped in history. Take in beautiful views and see rock carvings.

Silver Cave
Make your way around this awe-inspiring cave, taking in popular spots such as Deep Moon Palace and Pearl-Decorated Umbrella.

Shangri-La
In this natural paradise you can see waterways, caves and old trees; watch tribal and folk performances; and discover miniature totems and Guangxi-minority buildings.

Yaoshan Hill
Travel by cable car or tram to admire this beautiful hill’s natural landscape, which changes with the season.

Guilin Prince City
Dating back to the 14th century, Jingjiang Prince's Residence has been wonderfully preserved and features the magnificent Solitary Beauty Peak.

Scenic Garden of the Third Sister Liu
At this picturesque attraction, see singing, dancing and reed pipe playing.

The Mausoleum of Princes Jingjiang
Discover this imperial burial site, where 11 Jingjiang princes were buried during the Ming dynasty.

The Relics of Zenpiyan Cave
This southern Guilin cave dates back to the Neolithic period and was a burial site for both people and animals.

Shopping

Guilin is famous for its chilli sauce, fermented bean curd and three-flower liquor. You’ll also find other local produce and souvenirs such as jade and stone sculptures, combs and chopsticks.

Flying time to destination

10 hours

Sports

Go kayaking, play golf, explore by bicycle and try rock climbing.

Eating/Drinking

Food
• ‘Guilin rice noodles’ is a staple dish of rice noodles and meat in a delicious soup, commonly eaten for breakfast or as a snack during the day.
• Another popular breakfast dish is glutinous rice with mung bean paste.
• Glutinous rice dumplings are filled with local ingredients such as coconut paste or osmanthus flower sugar and boiled.
• Fengli is lumps of rice cut into noodle-like strips and fried with ham, green garlic, celery or cauliflower.
• Nun vegetarian noodles are served in a delicious soup with extras including tofu and spices.
• A well-known snack is ‘Guilin water glutinous rice cake’, eaten with sugar or cooked bean flour.
• Water chestnut cake is a popular dessert or snack that you can buy from street stalls and nibble as you walk along.

Drink
•  Avoid tap water and ice – stick to bottled water.

Good to know

Dialling code
+86 773

Museums

Guihai Forest of Steles Museum
Visit historic grottoes in Seven Star Park and discover a ‘forest’ of rocks marked with stone inscriptions.

Guilin Museum
Found in Xishan Park, this amazing museum’s collections include Ming and Qing Dynasty relics.

Excursions

Lijang River
Cruise down this beautiful river taking in breathtaking sights such as the waterfall near Yang Causeway and the nine-horse fresco.

Seven Star Park
Explore this National Tour Attraction and see sights including Camel Hill, Natural Stone Hall, Seven Star Cave and Crescent Pavilion.

Crown Cave
Journey to Caoping Hui Nationality Village and explore this natural wonder by elevator, train, sampan and rollercoaster, marvelling at its underground river system.

Longsheng Hot Springs
In Guangxi you’ll find these therapeutic springs, made from curative water that flows from cracked mountain rocks.

Yulong River
Float down this waterway, discovering landmarks including Rhinoceros Pond and Five-Finger Hill on its banks.

Big Banyan Park
Head south of Yangshuo to this mystical area of natural beauty, admiring the 1,400-year-old banyan tree, the clear waters of Jinabau River and the changing phases of the moon.

Longmen Waterfall
Found in Lingchuan County, this cascading waterfall is truly breathtaking as it tumbles down to earth.

Jianshan Temple
Guilin’s oldest temple dates back to 713 AD and its magnificent palaces are open to visitors.

Tipping

Tipping is officially discouraged – even frowned upon. However, it’s becoming more readily accepted in top hotels and restaurants, and is even expected by Chinese guides and bus drivers on tours.

Climate data for this region

Best time to visit

Between April and October.

Loading forecast...

Loading Weatherforecast...

  • Reed Flute Cave, Fubo Hill & Elephant Trunk Hill:

    Visit Reed Flute Cave, a natural limestone cave nearly 800ft deep and scattered with beautifully coloured stalactites and stalagmites. Next head to Fubo Hill on the River Li’s west bank and climb its stone steps for stunning views of Guilin and karst hills. Half on water and half on land, the hill blocks the river and...


    More information...
  • River Li Cruise: A scenic journey

    Cruise down the River Li from Guilin to Yangshuo, passing dramatic limestone karsts rising from the glistening water. Watch fishermen float by in bamboo rafts and admire life on the river banks as locals work the rice paddies and water buffalos graze. Stop off to explore scenic Yangshuo – perhaps by bicycle – discover...


    More information...
  • River Li Cruise (Private): Float past stunning scenery

    Cruise down the River Li from Guilin to Yangshuo, passing dramatic limestone karsts rising from the glistening water. Watch fishermen float by in bamboo rafts and admire life on the river banks as locals work the rice paddies and water buffalos graze. Stop off to explore scenic Yangshuo – perhaps by bicycle – discover...


    More information...