Guilin’s Enchanted Landscapes: A Journey Through Nature’s Most Stunning Masterpiece

Guilin is renowned for its unique landscape of mountains and waters, acclaimed as “the scenery of Guilin tops the world”, and it is an ideal destination to experience Chinese traditional culture and natural beauty. Here is a travel guide to Guilin, covering introduction, transportation, attractions, food, accommodation, precautions, and a summary. Let’s take a look!

📑 Introduction

Guilin, located in the northeastern part of Guangxi, is a world – famous scenic and tourist city as well as one of the best tourist cities in China. With a history of over 2,100 years of city – building, it was the earliest cultural and educational center in the history of Guangxi, enjoying the reputation of “the scenery of Guilin tops the world”.

🚄 Transportation

• Arrival transportation: You can fly to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport, take a train to Guilin Railway Station, Guilin North Railway Station, or Guilin West Railway Station. You can also choose to drive or take a long – distance bus.

• Urban transportation: The transportation within Guilin is convenient. You can choose to travel by bus, taxi, ride – hailing service, shared bike, or electric bike.

🌟 Must – visit Attractions

• Elephant Trunk Hill (Xiangbi Shan): Elephant Trunk Hill is one of the must – visit attractions in Guilin. It is a symbol of Guilin’s landscape, resembling an elephant drinking water by the river.

• Two Rivers and Four Lakes (Liangjiang Sihu): The Two Rivers and Four Lakes is one of the iconic landscapes of Guilin, enjoying a reputation comparable to “Little Venice”. The scenery is beautiful during the day, and the night view is equally charming.

• Sun and Moon Twin Towers (Riyue Shuangta): The Sun and Moon Twin Towers are the cultural landmarks of Guilin and an excellent place to enjoy the night view. They are also very photogenic.

• Jingjiang Princes’ Mansion (Jingjiang Wangfu): Jingjiang Princes’ Mansion has a long history and exquisite architecture. It is a window to understand the vassal – prince culture and feng shui culture of the Ming Dynasty.

• Duxiu Peak: Located inside the Jingjiang Princes’ Mansion, the mountain is less than 100 meters high and is known as “a pillar supporting the southern sky”. Climbing to the top, you can overlook the beautiful scenery of the entire Guilin city.

• Chuanshan Hill: It holds two Guinness World Records. It only takes half an hour to climb to the top, and the scenery is breathtaking.

• Yangshuo West Street: Yangshuo West Street is a great place to experience Yangshuo’s charm and nightlife, filled with an exotic atmosphere and a lively vibe.

• Ten – Mile Gallery: The Ten – Mile Gallery is an ideal place for cycling. The scenery along the way is picturesque, suitable for taking pictures and relaxing.

• Xingping Ancient Town: Xingping Ancient Town is well – preserved. It is a good place to explore history and culture, and you can also take an intimate photo with the popular cormorant.

• Lijiang River: The Lijiang River is a landmark landscape of Guilin. You can take a cruise or a bamboo raft to experience the artistic conception of “the boat sails on the blue waves, and people seem to be traveling in a painting”.

🏨 Must – go Restaurants

Guilin not only has enchanting scenery but also mouthwatering cuisine. Here are some must – visit restaurants in Guilin, such as 潘记酒家 (Panji Restaurant), 一品鱼 (Yipin Fish), 油茶故事 (Youcha Story), etc. Come and take a look.

🦆 潘记酒家 (Panji Restaurant)

There is no Guilin local who doesn’t know its 琵琶鸭 (Pipa Duck). Every time I bring friends here to eat, they always praise it. 咸蛋黄老南瓜 (Salted Egg Yolk and Old Pumpkin), 拔丝芋头 (Candied Taro), and 糯香排骨 (Glutinous Fragrant Spare Ribs) are highly recommended, which are very characteristic of Guilin.

• Recommended dishes: 琵琶鸭 (Pipa Duck), 咸蛋黄老南瓜 (Salted Egg Yolk and Old Pumpkin)

• Average cost per person: About 40 yuan

• Address: No. 51, Lijun Road, Lijun Sub – district (near Xishan Park)

🐟 一品鱼 (Yipin Fish)

It’s a hidden gem among Guilin aunts. 一品鱼 (Yipin Fish) and 鸭下巴 (Duck Chin) are must – order dishes every time! It seems that there are no disappointing dishes in this restaurant. My family and I have been dining here for several years.

• Recommended dishes: 一品鱼 (Yipin Fish), 鸭下巴 (Duck Chin), 一品豆腐 (Yipin Tofu)

• Average cost per person: About 80 yuan

• Address: Inside Anxin Community (can be reached by navigation)!

🍵 油茶故事 (Youcha Story)

This place has almost become the canteen of local friends. It’s the No.1 youcha (tea – oil tea) restaurant strongly recommended by friends. *

*Address: No. 6, Ronghu Road, Xiufeng District, Guilin

🐎 王城马肉馆 (Wangcheng Horse Meat Restaurant)

Horse meat has no special smell and is very tender (quite similar to beef). Although it seems light, it’s extremely sweet and delicious. Especially when paired with rice noodles, it becomes a bowl of 马肉米粉 (horse – meat rice noodles) that can only be eaten in Guilin!

• Recommended dishes: 清汤马肉 (Clear – soup Horse Meat), 马肉卷饼 (Horse – meat Burrito), 乱刀马肉 (Chopped Horse Meat)

• Average cost per person: About 40 yuan

• Address: D305, Dongxi Lane, Xiufeng District, Guilin (Enter through the archway entrance of Dongxi Lane Main Street and go to the third floor)

🥘 随缘小馆 (Suiyuan Bistro)

Moms really like to gather here. The food is not only delicious but also served in such large portions that you might suspect they can multiply. 一品鱼 (Yipin Fish), 招牌卷饼 (Signature Burrito), 肉末茄子煲 (Minced Meat and Eggplant Casserole), etc. are all very good.

• Average cost per person: About 40 yuan

• Address: No. 1, Building 4, Anxin South District

📝 Tips • Many restaurants in Guilin offer free youcha, jelly, porridge, etc. You can give them a try.

• The price of Guilin rice noodles is relatively affordable. However, be careful as some unscrupulous merchants may overcharge customers. It is recommended to choose time – honored brands or shops with a good reputation.

🌿 Cultural Experience

• Minority ethnic customs: Experience the culture and traditional customs of ethnic minorities such as the Yao ethnic group, and enjoy ethnic song and dance performances.

• Historical relics: Visit historical buildings such as Jingjiang Princes’ Mansion and Duxiu Peak to understand the history and culture of Guilin.

🛍️ Shopping Guide

• Souvenirs: Guilin Rice Noodles, Fermented Bean Curd, Sanhua Liquor, Osmanthus Cake, Chili Sauce, Lipu Taro Chips.

• Scenic – area souvenirs: Pay attention to the price when buying souvenirs in the scenic area. Usually, they are more expensive than those outside.

🏨 Recommended Accommodation Areas

• In Guilin urban area: You can stay in hotels near Dongxi Alley, which is close to various attractions; or near the railway station, which is convenient for traveling.

• In Yangshuo: Staying near West Street allows you to visit the lively West Street at night; staying near Yulong River enables you to enjoy the beautiful river view.

• In Longji Terraced Fields: Accommodation is mainly concentrated in Ping’an and Jinkeng. The higher the location, the more beautiful the scenery, and the facilities are relatively complete.

❗ Precautions

• It is not recommended to buy fruits sold near the scenic area. They are not only un – fresh but also relatively expensive.

• Some attractions need to be reserved in advance, especially during the peak tourist season. For example, the bamboo raft on the Lijiang River.

• Be aware that the souvenirs in the scenic area are usually more expensive than those outside. It is recommended to buy them carefully.

🌟 Summary

Guilin is a charming tourist city with rich natural landscapes and profound cultural heritage. Whether you like natural scenery or are interested in history and culture, Guilin can meet your needs. I hope this guide can help you better plan your trip to Guilin and enjoy an unforgettable journey.