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From $20/night hostels to $250+/night luxury — Yangshuo Green Lotus, Lijiang River View Boutique, Longji Terrace Yao Village and 800+ more. Filter by tier on Trip.com.
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桂林 · Travel Guide
Guilin for foreigners
Karst peaks, the Li River, and the rice terraces of Longji.
Guilin and the surrounding Guangxi region have a landscape unlike anywhere else in China: sharp limestone karst peaks rising out of flat river plains, mist hanging over the water at dawn, and rice terraces terraced into mountainsides for 600 years. Most travelers base themselves in Guilin city, then take a 4-5 hour Li River cruise to Yangshuo — the cruise is one of China’s classic journeys and the highlight of any Guangxi trip. The Longji (Dragon’s Backbone) Rice Terraces, two hours north of Guilin, are worth a separate day; built by the Zhuang and Yao minorities in the 13th century, the terraces flood with water in May and turn gold in October. Guilin is also a jumping-off point for a side trip to the Reed Flute Cave, a 240-meter karst cave lit with colored lights since the Tang dynasty.
Top things to do in Guilin
The must-see places locals will tell you are unmissable, with photos and a direct link to the in-depth guide for each.
Li River cruise to Yangshuo
4-5 hours, Mopanshan Pier to Yangshuo. The stretch from Xingping to Nine Horse Fresco Hill is the most-photographed. Bring a zoom lens for the cormorant fishermen.
Read full guide →
Longji Rice Terraces (Dragon’s Backbone)
Two hours north of Guilin. Stay overnight in a Yao village to catch sunrise. Best in May (flooded, mirror reflections) or October (golden harvest).
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Reed Flute Cave
A 240-meter karst cave 5 km north of Guilin city. Lit with colored lights since the 1940s. ¥90 entry; allow 1.5 hours.
Read full guide →
West Street, Yangshuo
A 1,400-year-old stone-paved pedestrian street lined with cafés and craft shops. Lively every evening; quieter before 6pm.
Read full guide → Elephant Trunk Hill
Guilin’s symbol — a karst peak shaped like an elephant drinking from the Li River. ¥55 entry, 30 minutes is enough.
Read full guide →
Where to stay in Guilin
We only list hotels that accept foreign guests and accept international credit cards.
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Hotels from $35/night · HSR from $7
Search Guilin on Trip.com →When to visit Guilin
April–May and September–October. April brings mist and high water; October gives clear skies and golden rice terraces. Avoid Chinese New Year (huge crowds at Yangshuo).
FAQ
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Do I need a visa for Guilin?
Guilin has a dedicated international airport (KWL). 55 nationalities can transit visa-free for 240 hours; everyone else needs an L-visa before flying. -
Is the Li River cruise worth it?
Yes — it’s the most iconic China experience outside the Great Wall. Choose the 4-hour Xingping cruise over the 8-hour full route if you’re short on time; the scenery is identical. -
Can I use Alipay in Guilin?
Yes. Guilin is fully cashless. Link a Visa/Mastercard to Alipay before you arrive; even the Yao village homestays accept it.
Need help in China?
12 bilingual phrase cards for emergencies. Show the Chinese to locals, read the English for context.
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Alipay Payment Failed
My international card payment failed. Can I pay cash or transfer privately to you?
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Didi Driver Cancelled
Hello, the Didi drivers cancel my ride when they see my passport. Where nearby can I hail a regular taxi?
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Hospital Emergency
Please help! This is an emergency. I need a doctor. Here are my passport and insurance. Please call an ambulance or get a translator.
Get our Guilin itinerary
A day-by-day plan, the metro lines you need, and the one restaurant locals love.