Things to do in Guilin

Q: What are the top things to do in Guilin?

The top things to do in Guilin are: Longji Rice Terraces Li River (Li Jiang) Reed Flute Cave (Ludi Yan) Xingping Town (Xingping Village) Elephant Trunk Hill (Xiangbishan)

Q: What are the top activities in Guilin?

Top activities in Guilin include: Longji rice terraces & minority villages private day tour Li River Cruise to Yangshuo Full-Day Private Tour from Guilin 1-Day Longji Terrace Fields-Pingan village Tour with the English Speaking Driver Li River Cruise Ticket Booking (Free Ticket Delivery & Seat Reservation) Private Day Tour: Longji Rice Terraces and Long Hair Village

Q: What are the top things to do near Guilin?

Check out things to do near Guilin: Southern China Yangshuo Nanning Guangzhou Guiyang

Q: What do I need to know before visiting Guilin?

Check out these top Guilin travel ideas: How to Spend 3 Days in Guillin How to Spend 2 Days in Guilin 4 Must-Visit Night Markets in Taipei Top 6 Foods to Try in Taipei Top 5 Temples in Chengdu

Surreal scenery and a slower pace

With two rivers, four lakes, limestone karst hills, caves in fantastical shapes, and lush green spaces, Guilin is one of the most picturesque cities in China, long renowned for its scenic natural beauty. The vistas and natural attractions are the main highlights, and they're best experienced on a boat cruise down the winding Li River through the surrounding countryside to Yangshuo. As Guangxi’s cultural hub, Guilin also offers history and culinary experiences.

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Top 11 attractions in Guilin

Tours & Tickets

Longji Rice Terraces

147

For the farmers who reside in Southern China’s Longji region, rice terraces are simply a way of life. Yet for the thousands of annual visitors who make the 2-hour journey from the city of Guilin, the Longji Rice Terraces—nicknamed the Dragon’s Backbone—are an iconic symbol of Chinese agriculture and one of the most photographed sites in the country.More

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Li River (Li Jiang)

259

Along the banks of the Li River (Li Jiang) as it winds south from Guilin, dramatic karst peaks, dense vegetation, and the winding river itself create magical vistas that loom large in the Chinese imagination, having inspired art and verse for centuries. From Guilin to Yangshuo, there’s never a dull stretch along China’s most beautiful river.More

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Reed Flute Cave (Ludi Yan)

198

Located 3 miles (5 kilometers) from downtown Guilin, this famous limestone cave is one of the top attractions in Guilin. It’s named for the reeds that grow outside the cave, which are used to make flutes. The cave stretches for 787 feet (240 meters), and is colorfully lit inside to highlight the interesting collection of stone pillars, stalactites, and stalagmites found within.More

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Xingping Town (Xingping Village)

Formerly a sleepy fishing village along the Li River, Xingping town (or Xingping village) is now a popular visitor destination for its rural landscape and well-preserved ancient architecture. Hiking and biking are popular ways to soak in the scenery, and Xingping is also the starting point of many river cruises as it’s on an especially beautiful stretch of the Li River.More

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Elephant Trunk Hill (Xiangbishan)

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A landmark in Guilin since the Tang Dynasty, and considered by many to be a symbol of the city, Elephant Trunk (Xiangbishan) Hill got its name because it’s said to resemble a giant elephant drinking water from the Li River. Towering more than 180 feet (55 meters) above the water, it’s one of the top attractions in Guilin.More

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Seven Star Park (Qixing Gongyuan)

The extensive Seven Star Park (Qixing Gongyuan)—arranged around the seven peaks from which it derives its name—ranks among Guilin’s oldest attractions. A pavilion sits atop Putuo Mountain in the center of the park, while Seven Star Cliff contains several illuminated caves. A fish pond and the Guilin City Zoo are popular with kids.More

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Fubo Hill (Fubo Shan)

Situated in northeast Guilin, beautiful Fubo Hill (Fubo Shan) sits half in and half out of the Li River, causing the passing water to swirl and lending it its other name: “Wave-Subduing Hill.” With a height of 695 feet (213 meters), Fubo Hill offers spectacular views of the city and river views from its summit.More

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Daxu Old Town

Take a step back in time at Daxu Old Town, one of the four ancient towns of Guangxi Province. Located on the eastern banks of the Li River, southeast of Guilin, the town is known for its cultural sights, historic architecture, and traditional artisan shops.More

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Solitary Beauty Peak (Duxiu Feng)

Rising 217 feet (66 meters), Solitary Beauty Peak (Duxiu Feng) has been a famous scenic spot in Guilin since ancient times. Also known as the “Pillar of the Southern Sky,” it’s one of the area’s highest peaks. Climb to the pavilion at the peak to take in sweeping views over the city.More

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#10

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Jingjiang Wangcheng City (Jingjiang Princes' City)

Jingjiang Wangcheng City, also called the Jingjiang Mansion, was the seat of the Jingjiang Family, who reigned in this part of China between 1368 and 1644. The mansion was designed to function as the inner city of Guilin, with extensive halls, pavilions, and more than 40 secondary buildings surrounding the main mansion.More

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#11

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Yao Mountain (Yao Shan)

The highest of the bizarre rock formations that jut up from either side of the Li River is Yao Mountain at nearly 3,000 feet (900 meters. Views from the peak extend out over the hills, rice fields, and rural villages outside of Guilin. The peak was named after the Yaoshan Emperor Temple, which can be found about halfway up the mountain.More

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Top activities in Guilin

Longji rice terraces & minority villages private day tour

From

$84.22

Li River Cruise to Yangshuo Full-Day Private Tour from Guilin

From

$200.00

1-Day Longji Terrace Fields-Pingan village Tour with the English Speaking Driver

From

$78.54

Li River Cruise Ticket Booking (Free Ticket Delivery & Seat Reservation)

From

$54.00

Private Day Tour: Longji Rice Terraces and Long Hair Village

From

$130.00

Full/Half-day Xingping Photographic Sunset tour with the Fisherman

From

$110.00

Half-Day Yangshuo Hot Air Ballooning Sunrise Private Tour

From

$300.00

1 Day Yangshuo private Day Tour with the Scooter

From

$104.72

Full-Day Guilin Li-River Cruise and Yangshuo Liusanjie Show Private Tour

From

$240.84

1-Day Guilin Tour to Reed Flute Cave, Xianggong Hill, Bamboo Boat and Night Show

From

$89.01

Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo plus Jiuxian Village and Yulong River

From

$194.77

Yangshuo Old Town and Li River Cruise from Guilin

From

$96.85

Longji Rice Terraces with the Dazhai Cable Car Private Day Tour

From

$165.00

Yangshuo Xianggong hill & Silver Cave Private Day Tour

From

$89.01

1-Day Relaxing Li River Cruise Private Tour With the English Speaking Driver

From

$151.84

Private Guilin Half Day Tour: Fubo Mountain, Reed Flute Cave and Elephant Hill

From

$128.80

Guilin Four lakes night cruise with the English speaking driver from Guilin hotel

From

$47.13

Mini Group: Longji Rice Terraced Fields and Minority Villages Tour

From

$148.00

One Day Private Longshen Rice Terraces Tour Including Lunch

From

$72.64

Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Village Day Tour

From

$179.00

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Li River Hiking & Yang Shuo Country Two-days Tour

2 days
Free Cancellation

From

$560.00

Longji rice terraces & minority villages private day tour

10 hours
Free Cancellation

From

$84.22

Private Guilin Full Day Tour including Fubo Hill, Reed Flute Cave, Elephant Hill and Seven Star Park

8 hours
Free Cancellation

From

$174.87

Price varies by group size

2-Day Private Guilin Highlights Tour to Yangshuo and Longji

14 hours
Free Cancellation

From

$408.00

Price varies by group size

Private Guilin Day Tour Including Xianggong Hill And Li River With Raft Ride

5 hours
Free Cancellation

From

$260.00

Price varies by group size

Full/Half-day Xingping Photographic Sunset tour with the Fisherman

4 hours
Free Cancellation

From

$110.00

Price varies by group size

Private Day Tour: Longji Rice Terraces and Long Hair Village

9 hours
Free Cancellation

From

$130.00

Price varies by group size

Yangshuo Old Town and Li River Cruise from Guilin

6 hours
Free Cancellation

From

$96.85

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All about Guilin

When to visit

Spring (Apr. and May) and fall (Sep. and Oct.) offer the best weather for sightseeing and for outdoor activities. It can be cold and rainy from Dec. to Feb. Avoid Guilin on major public holidays in China, including Chinese New Year and the golden week holidays in May and October, as the region will be incredibly crowded.

Getting around

You can navigate the city of Guilin by taking buses, though taxis will be the easiest option for visitors. Buses also connect Guilin to neighboring towns and cities. For longer distance travel, it’s best to take the train (there are three railroad stations) or fly (there’s one major airport). Traveling by boat is an ideal way to get from Guilin to Yangshuo and other area highlights.

Traveler tips

Under the right conditions, rafting on the Li River provides an alternative to regular boat cruises. With favorable weather, visitors can board a motorized raft in Yangdi, around an hour away from Guilin, and enjoy a two-hour cruise to Xingping, passing by the most famous and scenic section of the Li River, featured on the 20 yuan note. The rafts seat four people, and you can have a private tour by buying out the other seats.

Guilin information

Number of Attractions	11
Number of Tours	387
Number of Reviews	421
Currency	CNY

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

What are the top things to do in Guilin?

The top things to do in Guilin are:

What are the top activities in Guilin?

Top activities in Guilin include:

What are the top things to do near Guilin?

Check out things to do near Guilin:

What do I need to know before visiting Guilin?

Check out these top Guilin travel ideas:

Things to do in Guilin

Surreal scenery and a slower pace

Top 11 attractions in Guilin

Explore Guilin by interest

Trip ideas

Top activities in Guilin

Explore our promoted experiences

All about Guilin

When to visit

Getting around

Traveler tips

People Also Ask

Guilin information

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Number of Reviews

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