Guilin Attractions

The beautiful Guilin always makes people look forward to visiting it. Large and small scenery is also innumerable. If there is plenty of time, it is best to enjoy it one by one. If time is limited, these places are must-see attractions. Among all the landscapes in Guilin, the landscape of this section of the Li River to Yangshuo is the most beautiful, and therefore the landscape of Guilin has such a famous reputation"Guilin's scenery is best among all under heaven". After seeing the mountains and rivers, Yangshuo West Street, also known as Foreigner's Street, will be a good choice. As a person with obsessive-compulsive disorder, Longji Rice Terraces is a good choice. The neat terraces are a very large terraced group in Guilin. Finally, the Lingqu Scenic Area will serve as your last stop. It is a national four-A scenic spot, and Xing'an Lingqu is one of the best ancient canals in the world.

Guilin, located in northeastern Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, is one of China’s most famous landscape destinations, renowned for its karst mountains, crystal-clear rivers, unique caves, and ethnic cultures. With 4 national 5A-rated scenic areas and dozens of 4A-rated attractions, Guilin combines natural landscapes, historical heritage, rural tourism, outdoor activities, and minority cultural experiences.

Guilin tourism is mainly divided into four regions: Guilin City cultural attractions, Yangshuo Lijiang River landscape area, Longsheng Rice Terraces ethnic culture area, and county-level mountains, caves, ancient villages, and cultural destinations.

The core tourism features are beautiful mountains, clear waters, spectacular caves, and unique rocks, together with Zhuang, Yao, Dong, and Miao ethnic traditions, ancient towns, bamboo rafting, cycling routes, hiking, and countryside experiences.

Main Tourism Areas of Guilin

Guilin City Cultural Area

The urban area including Xiangshan District, Xiufeng District, Diecai District, Qixing District, Yanshan District, and Lingui District is suitable for a one-day cultural tour. Main attractions include Elephant Trunk Hill (象鼻山), Two Rivers & Four Lakes (两江四湖), Solitary Beauty Peak Prince City (独秀峰王城), Reed Flute Cave (芦笛岩), East and West Alley (东西巷), Xiaoyao Tower (逍遥楼), Fubo Hill (伏波山), and Diecai Hill (叠彩山).

Yangshuo Landscape Area

Yangshuo is the essence of Guilin scenery, featuring the Lijiang River, Yulong River bamboo rafting, Shili Gallery, Xingping Ancient Town, West Street, caves, and landscape performances. It is the best destination for first-time visitors.

Longsheng Rice Terraces Area

Longsheng is famous for Longji Rice Terraces (龙脊梯田), Red Yao villages, Dong villages, ethnic festivals, wooden houses, and agricultural culture. It is ideal for photography, ethnic culture tours, and countryside experiences.

County-Level Scenic Areas

Ziyuan, Gongcheng, Lingchuan, Yongfu, and other counties offer Danxia landforms, peach blossom villages, forests, hot springs, ancient villages, and local cultural experiences.

Best Time to Visit Guilin

Spring (March–May)

Spring features misty Lijiang River scenery, peach blossoms in Gongcheng, Longji spring farming landscapes, and ethnic festivals.

Summer (June–August)

Summer is suitable for bamboo rafting, waterfall climbing, mountain hiking, and escaping the heat in Longsheng.

Autumn (September–November)

Autumn is the best travel season, featuring golden Longji Rice Terraces, clear rivers, comfortable weather, and colorful Yangshuo countryside.

Winter (December–February)

Winter offers fewer visitors, lower prices, quiet landscapes, hot springs, and traditional ethnic festivals.

Guilin Attractions Ranking

Tier 1: Must-Visit Attractions

Lijiang River Scenic Area (漓江景区)

The symbol of Guilin tourism and one of China’s most famous landscapes. The river flows through hundreds of karst peaks, creating the classic Chinese landscape painting scenery. The Huangbu Reflection section is the famous location shown on the 20 RMB banknote.

Two Rivers & Four Lakes · Elephant Trunk Hill Scenic Area (两江四湖·象山景区)

Guilin’s city landmark combining Elephant Trunk Hill, rivers, bridges, and night cruises.

Solitary Beauty Peak Prince City Scenic Area (独秀峰王城景区)

A historic Ming Dynasty royal residence featuring Solitary Beauty Peak, ancient inscriptions, and cultural heritage. The famous phrase “Guilin’s landscape is the best under heaven” comes from this area.

Longji Rice Terraces (龙脊梯田)

A world-famous agricultural landscape combining mountain scenery and ethnic villages.

Seasonal features:

Yulong River Scenic Area (遇龙河景区)

The most beautiful countryside river near Yangshuo, famous for traditional bamboo rafting, rice fields, bamboo forests, and ancient bridges.

Tier 2: Yangshuo Popular Attractions

Shili Gallery (十里画廊)

A countryside cycling route surrounded by karst peaks, farmland, villages, and photography spots.

Xingping Ancient Town (兴坪古镇)

A thousand-year-old riverside town famous for the Lijiang River First Bend and 20 RMB viewpoint.

Silver Cave (银子岩)

A spectacular karst cave with impressive stalactites and underground landscapes.

Yangshuo West Street (阳朔西街)

A famous nightlife street featuring restaurants, cafés, bars, and local culture.

Guilin Romance Show (桂林千古情)

A large-scale cultural performance showcasing Guangxi ethnic history and traditions.

Tier 3: Guilin City Classic Attractions

Reed Flute Cave (芦笛岩)

A famous national guest cave featuring colorful stalactites and underground scenery. The cave temperature remains around 20°C throughout the year.

East and West Alley + Xiaoyao Tower (东西巷 + 逍遥楼)

Historic streets with traditional architecture, local snacks, and cultural shops.

Fubo Hill (伏波山)

A riverside mountain offering panoramic city views.

Diecai Hill (叠彩山)

A classic viewpoint overlooking Guilin city and Lijiang River.

Guihai Qinglan Scenic Area (桂海晴岚)

A modern countryside scenic area popular for photography.

Tier 4: County-Level Featured Attractions

Hongyan Village, Gongcheng (恭城红岩村)

A Yao ethnic village famous for peach blossoms, oil tea culture, and ancient houses.

Bajiao Village Danxia Landform (资源八角寨)

A spectacular Danxia mountain area known for cloud seas and sunrise photography.

Gudong Waterfall (古东森林瀑布)

A unique waterfall where visitors can climb through flowing water, especially popular in summer.

Maoer Mountain National Forest Park (猫儿山国家森林公园)

The highest mountain in South China, famous for cloud seas, sunrise, forests, and stars.

Ruyi Peak Cableway Scenic Area (如意峰索道景区)

Features cable cars, glass walkways, and karst mountain views.

Lemin Land Resort World (乐满地度假世界)

A large theme park suitable for family vacations.

Guilin Main Attractions English-Chinese Table