Guilin, revered as the epitome of natural beauty in Chinese landscape depictions, is a mesmerizing blend of emerald green karst mountains, serene rivers, and ancient caves. The picturesque Li River, which has inspired poets and artists for centuries, meanders gracefully through the city and its surroundings. Beyond its famed landscapes, Guilin is steeped in history with relics like the Ancient South Gate and Jingjiang Princes’ Palace. As travelers cruise down the Li River or explore the Reed Flute Cave, they are treated to a visual feast that has solidified Guilin’s reputation as one of the most enchanting destinations in all of China.
Quick facts
– Population: Approximately 5 million (as of 2022)
– Area: 27,809 km² (roughly equivalent to the size of Albania or nearly five times the size of Greater London!)
– Language Spoken: Mandarin and Zhuang.
Most important spots to visit & how long to stay
– Major historical sites: Li River, Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave, Longji Rice Terraces, Fubo Hill, Moon Hill, Yangshuo County, Impression Liu Sanjie Show, Daxu Ancient Town, Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area.
– Recommended duration for exploration: A minimum of 2 days is essential to cover the basics.
Where to stay
For luxury travelers, Banyan Tree Yangshuo and Kayumanis Yangshuo are the perfect options. For boutique hotel lovers, we recommend Yangshuo Sugar House (Former Alila).
Unique and exclusive experiences
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Culinary Delights
– Guilin Rice Noodles (Guilin Mifen): Famous noodles served in a soup with pickled beans, peanuts, spring onions, and chili.
– Lipu Taro Looped Meat: Pork belly slices looped with taro, then stewed.
– Stuffed Li River Snails: Large snails stuffed with minced meat and herbs, a delicacy in the region.
– Yangshuo Beer Fish: Fresh fish from the Li River braised with beer, peppers, and tomatoes.
– Horse Meat Rice Noodles: Noodles served in a rich broth with horse meat, a local specialty
Local Tips & Recommendations
– Best modes of transport within the city: Due to the distances between visits, having a car and a driver is indispensable in the area.
– Weather: Guilin features a subtropical monsoon climate, with mild winters experiencing temperatures ranging from 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F) and hot, humid summers with temperatures between 28°C to 35°C (82°F to 95°F). Spring and autumn are typically warm and wet, but they’re particularly picturesque and are popular times for visitors, especially for the beautiful landscape scenery.
A few curiosities most people don’t know about the city
– Name Origin: The name “Guilin” translates to “Forest of Sweet Osmanthus” in English. This is because the city has an abundance of sweet osmanthus trees, and when they bloom, the fragrance fills the air.
– Cormorant Fishing: Traditional cormorant fishing, which involves training birds to catch fish, has been practiced in Guilin for centuries. Although it’s now more of a tourist attraction than a main fishing method, the practice is a unique cultural sight.
– A Currency’s Scenic Tribute: Guilin’s iconic karst landscape graces the back of the 20 Yuan banknote, underscoring its significance in China’s natural heritage.
Final thoughts & conclusion
Nestled amidst iconic karst mountains and the serene Li River, Guilin stands as a testament to China’s entrancing natural beauty. This city, celebrated on China’s 20 Yuan note, harmoniously blends nature with culture. While urban landscapes might attract many, Guilin’s tranquil splendor and poetic vistas remain unparalleled. Landmarks such as the Elephant Trunk Hill and the Reed Flute Cave showcase the city’s captivating natural wonders. Here, rather than the hustle and bustle of urban life, travelers are serenaded by the timeless beauty of landscapes, beckoning them to delve into China’s breathtaking nature.
