Explore Guilin 2025
You’re in the right place!
Here you’ll find everything you need to plan your trip to Guilin in 2025 — from detailed itineraries and practical travel tips to local insights gathered from years of exploring the region.
Get ready to discover ancient villages, winding rivers, and mountain landscapes that look straight out of a painting.
Every guide on this site is written from real experience — where to go, what to skip, and how to enjoy Guilin like a local.
Explore Guilin by Area
Guilin and its surroundings can be explored through a few main areas, each offering its own charm and scenery.
Click on any of the regions below to explore my travel guides for each:
Guilin City – Culture, cuisine, and riverside life.
Yangshuo – Outdoor adventures, cycling, and the Li River.
Longji Rice Terraces – Mountain views and traditional villages.
Xingping & Fuli – Ancient towns and riverside tranquility.
Lipu & Yulong Valley – Hidden gems and peaceful countryside.
Surrounding Areas – Day trips, caves, and secret spots worth the detour.
Content Is Being Updated
Content Is Being Updated
Content Is Being Updated
Content Is Being Updated
Content Is Being Updated
Content Is Being Updated
Guilin Facts at a Glance
Where is Guilin?
Guilin is located in southern China, in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It sits along the Li River, surrounded by iconic limestone karst mountains that have inspired poets and painters for centuries.
Size:
The city covers roughly 27,800 square kilometers, including both urban and rural areas.
Population:
Around 5.3 million people live in the Guilin region, with the city center home to just under 1 million.
Language:
Mandarin Chinese is the official language, but you’ll also hear the local Guilin dialect and minority languages in nearby villages.
Currency:
The Chinese Yuan (Renminbi, RMB), symbol ¥ or CNY. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels, but cash and mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are more common in smaller towns.
Emergency Numbers:
Police – 110
Medical emergencies – 120
Fire – 119
Guilin Travel Guide & FAQ’s
Below is a collection of frequently asked questions to help you plan your trip to Guilin. Throughout this site, you’ll find links to detailed guides and personal insights to make your journey smoother.
Read through from start to finish, or click below to jump directly to your question:
When is the best time to visit Guilin?
How many days should I stay?
What should I pack for the trip?
How can I get a SIM card or stay connected?
Do I need travel insurance in China?
How to get around Guilin and nearby areas?
What local food should I try beyond rice noodles?
What are the cultural customs I should know?
How to visit the Longji Rice Terraces from Guilin?
Is Guilin safe for solo travelers?
When to Visit Guilin?
First, remember that Guilin has a subtropical climate, meaning it’s warm and humid most of the year, with four distinct but mild seasons.
Spring (March–May) brings blooming flowers and lush greenery. The weather is comfortable, though light rain is common. This is one of the best times to enjoy the Li River and the rice terraces before summer crowds arrive.
Summer (June–August) is hot and rainy. It’s the peak tourist season, especially during school holidays in July and August. Expect busy scenic spots like Yangshuo and higher accommodation prices. Still, summer rain often creates dramatic misty views over the karst mountains—one of Guilin’s most magical sights.
Autumn (September–November) is considered the ideal time to visit Guilin. The air is clear, humidity drops, and it’s harvest season in the countryside. It’s perfect for hiking in Longji or cycling around Yangshuo’s fields.
Winter (December–February) is cool but rarely freezing. Crowds thin out, prices drop, and the landscapes stay green. It’s a calm, quiet time to explore if you prefer a slower pace and fewer tourists.
Read in more detail:
Best Time to Visit Guilin: A Complete Seasonal Guide
Guilin in the Rain: How to Make the Most of Wet Weather
Visiting the Rice Terraces in Winter
How Long Do You Need in Guilin?
When packing for Guilin, think layers and comfort — the weather can shift quickly depending on the season and where you go.
In the city and around Yangshuo, casual and practical clothing works best. Light, breathable fabrics for warm days, and a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings. Jeans, shorts, and sneakers are all perfectly fine. Guilin’s cobblestone streets and river paths aren’t ideal for heels, so comfortable walking shoes are a must.
During spring and summer, Guilin can be humid, with light rain appearing almost daily. Bring a small umbrella or a quick-dry rain jacket. Mosquito repellent is also essential, especially if you plan to stay near rivers or rice terraces.
In autumn, the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. A pair of sturdy shoes will serve you well if you plan to hike in Longji or bike around Yangshuo’s countryside. Lightweight layers are perfect as mornings can be crisp while afternoons stay warm.
In winter, Guilin rarely gets freezing cold, but indoor heating can be limited. Pack warm layers like sweaters, a fleece jacket, and socks. A scarf and windbreaker are also handy for breezy days along the Li River.
For outdoor lovers, comfortable hiking shoes or trail sandals are great for exploring caves, village trails, or bamboo rafting on the Yulong River. If you’re visiting rice terraces, waterproof shoes can be helpful after rain — paths can get slippery.
In short, pack for comfort, flexibility, and weather changes. Guilin’s charm lies in being outdoors, so the right clothes make all the difference.
What to Pack for Guilin
When packing for Guilin, think in layers and plan according to the season and type of activities you’ll be doing. The weather can shift quickly, especially between the city and the countryside, so flexibility is key.
In general, Guilin is relaxed and casual. You’ll be fine with comfortable clothes — jeans, shorts, t-shirts, and sneakers. Locals favor simple, practical styles rather than formal wear. If you plan to dine at nicer restaurants or attend cultural performances, a casual dress or a button-up shirt for men will be perfectly fine. There’s no need for a tie or suit jacket.
Spring and autumn are mild but can be unpredictable. Bring a light jacket or sweater for cooler mornings and evenings. A raincoat or small umbrella is useful, as Guilin often has short bursts of rain. The humidity can make the air feel warmer than it is, so breathable fabrics are best.
In summer, Guilin is hot and humid. Pack light clothing made from cotton or quick-dry materials. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen will make a big difference under the intense sun. Comfortable sandals or walking shoes are ideal for exploring the riverside paths and villages.
Winter in Guilin is cool but not extreme. It’s usually damp and cloudy, so a warm jacket, long pants, and waterproof shoes will keep you comfortable. There’s no need for heavy winter gear unless you’re particularly sensitive to the cold.
If you plan to explore the outdoors — such as hiking the Longji Rice Terraces or biking in Yangshuo — bring sturdy walking shoes or lightweight hiking boots. Trails can be slippery after rain, so good traction matters. A small backpack, refillable water bottle, and quick-dry towel will come in handy for day trips.
For river cruises or bamboo rafting, quick-dry clothing is a good idea since you might get splashed. A light windbreaker is also useful on breezy days along the Li River.
In short, pack for comfort, movement, and changeable weather. Guilin is not a place where you’ll need to dress up — it’s a place where you’ll want to move freely, breathe deeply, and enjoy being outdoors.
Read More: My Complete Guilin Packing Guide
How to Get a SIM Card in Guilin
The three main mobile carriers in China are China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. Each offers good coverage in Guilin and across the Guangxi region. Among them, China Mobile generally has the strongest signal in rural or mountainous areas, while China Unicom and China Telecom also provide reliable 4G and 5G service within the city.
It’s most convenient to buy a SIM card upon arrival in Guilin Liangjiang International Airport. You’ll usually find official counters or small shops selling SIM cards in the arrivals hall. Staff can help you register your new number — just be sure to have your passport, as it’s required by law to activate any SIM card in China.
If you prefer to get connected immediately, you can also purchase an eSIM before arriving. This allows you to set up your mobile data by scanning a QR code once you land, saving you the time and language barrier of setting up a physical card. eSIMs from providers like Airalo or Nomad work well in Guilin and major Chinese cities.
No matter which option you choose, make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible with local networks before your trip. Data plans in China are generally affordable, and internet coverage in Guilin — from the city center to scenic spots like Yangshuo — is strong.
For travelers planning to explore the countryside or rice terraces, it’s helpful to download offline maps in advance, as signal can occasionally drop in remote valleys.
Read more: All About SIM Cards in Guilin
Beyond The Blog: Facebook & Consultations
Let’s start at the very beginning, or far enough back that you may be wondering, why do I even care about this random blogger’s childhood? Fair enough. Let’s do it anyway, shall we?
My parents always traveled with me, starting with weekends away to nearby cities. When dad’s job allowed more time and budget the trips got bigger.
The beach to escape the cold in the winter, mountains to escape the sweltering Texas summers, we were simple creatures of habit and it planted the seed of travel early on.
In high school, I was obsessed with reading and wanted to visit the land of Bronte and Shakespeare. I got a little cocky, hopping into the car after school one day and asked if we could go to London next summer instead of the mountains. Just like that, as if I was asking to go to McDonald’s for some McNuggets.
Do You Need Travel Insurance in Guilin?
While travel insurance isn’t mandatory for traveling to Guilin, it’s always a smart idea to have it. You never know what might happen while abroad — from unexpected medical expenses to lost luggage or sudden flight changes. Having coverage ensures that any surprises along the way don’t turn into major problems.
For a relatively small cost, travel insurance can save you a lot of money and stress. Whether you’re hiking in Longji Rice Terraces or taking a bamboo raft along the Li River, it’s good to know you’re protected if plans go off course.
Airlines & Transportation in Guilin
There are several ways to reach and travel around Guilin. The main airport, Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL), offers both domestic and limited international flights. Major Chinese airlines like Air China, China Southern, and China Eastern connect Guilin with cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Guangzhou.
If you’re traveling within China, high-speed trains are another excellent option — clean, efficient, and often faster than flying once you factor in airport transfers. For example, you can reach Guilin from Guangzhou or Shenzhen in just a few hours.
Once you arrive, public transport and taxis are easy to find, and car rentals are available if you prefer to explore at your own pace. Just remember that travel times between scenic areas like Yangshuo, Longsheng, and the city center can vary — so plan ahead to make the most of your days in Guilin.
How to Get Around Guilin
Guilin may not be vast like Argentina, but getting around its mountains, rivers, and rural landscapes takes some planning. Here’s how to move from one scenic spot to another with ease:
FLY | If you’re coming from other parts of China, the easiest way is to fly directly into Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL). It connects to most major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Guangzhou. Once you arrive, the airport is about a 40-minute drive from downtown.
HIGH-SPEED TRAIN | China’s high-speed rail network makes reaching Guilin incredibly convenient. Trains from cities like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Changsha take just 2–3 hours. There are three main train stations in the region — Guilin Station, Guilin North, and Yangshuo Station — so double-check which one your ticket lists.
ROAD TRIP | Driving around Guilin is a joy. The routes between Guilin City, Yangshuo, and the Longji Rice Terraces wind through rural landscapes and karst peaks. Renting a car or hiring a private driver allows you to explore remote villages and scenic viewpoints that buses can’t reach. Just keep in mind that foreign drivers need a Chinese license, so hiring a local driver may be easier.
TAXIS & DIDI | Taxis are affordable and easy to find in the city, and Didi (China’s Uber) works well for shorter trips. In Yangshuo, taxis are less common, but e-bikes and small local vans (known as tuk-tuks) are everywhere.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION | Guilin’s city buses cover most attractions within town, including the Two Rivers and Four Lakes area. For destinations outside the city, like Longsheng or Xingping, buses depart from the Guilin Bus Terminal. Tickets are inexpensive, and buses are generally comfortable.
CYCLING & WALKING | In Yangshuo, renting a bicycle or e-bike is one of the best ways to explore. You can pedal through rice paddies, along the Yulong River, or down country lanes lined with karst hills. It’s slow travel at its best — perfect for soaking in Guilin’s calm, scenic charm.
Beyond The Blog: Facebook & Consultations
To use public transportation in Guilin, you’ll need a Guilin Bus IC Card. Cash payments are not accepted on most city buses, so having a card will make your travel much smoother. You can buy or recharge the card at major bus terminals, convenience stores, or customer service windows near the main stations. If you’re planning to stay longer or use the buses frequently, keeping one on hand is very convenient.
Updates: In 2025, Guilin began supporting digital wallet payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay for most city buses and public bike systems. Just scan the QR code when boarding or renting. There are plans to expand this system to intercity routes and scenic area shuttles in the coming years, so travelers can look forward to an even easier, cash-free experience soon.
How to Get Around Guilin
Is there more to Guilin than just rice noodles and osmanthus wine?
Absolutely — though both are as iconic as they sound.
From grilled fish by the Li River to stuffed snails in Yangshuo, and taro-based local dishes in smaller towns, there’s an impressive range of flavors waiting to be discovered. The food here reflects not just Guangxi traditions, but also touches of Cantonese and minority ethnic influences, creating a cuisine that feels both comforting and adventurous.
You’ll also find delicate desserts infused with osmanthus flowers, and plenty of seasonal fruits from the surrounding mountains. Whether you’re eating at a riverside stall or a quiet teahouse overlooking karst peaks, Guilin’s food scene will surprise you in the most pleasant ways.
Read more of my local food guides to explore Guilin’s culinary side:
What to Eat in Guilin
Best Guilin Rice Noodle Shops
Where to Find Authentic Street Food in Yangshuo
A Sweet Guide to Osmanthus Desserts
Local Drinks to Try in Guilin
Is Guilin Safe?
Overall, Guilin is a very safe destination for travelers. After years of exploring both the city and the countryside, I’ve rarely seen any serious issues. Most visitors find it peaceful, friendly, and easy to navigate — a place where life moves at a relaxed pace, surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery in China.
Guilin City is modern and well-organized, but like in any other urban area, it’s best to keep an eye on your belongings in busy places such as the train station, night markets, or popular viewpoints. Tourist scams are rare, though occasionally you might encounter overpriced taxis or souvenir stalls — nothing out of the ordinary for a tourist hub.
Once you leave the city and head into Yangshuo or Longji, you’ll be surrounded by small towns and rural villages. People are kind, curious, and often go out of their way to help travelers. Even with a language barrier, you’ll find that a smile or gesture goes a long way here.
Guilin Safety Tips:
Public protests or demonstrations are rare, but if you do see one, it’s best to observe from a distance and avoid crowds.
Small towns and scenic villages are extremely safe, though you should still avoid leaving your bags unattended.
If you plan to rent a scooter or bicycle in Yangshuo, wear a helmet and drive cautiously — mountain roads can be narrow and winding.
When hiking in areas like the Longji Rice Terraces, bring water, wear proper shoes, and start early to avoid getting caught after dark.
Mobile signal is generally good, but in remote areas, it can be spotty — download your maps before heading out.
Guilin’s charm lies not just in its landscapes, but also in how safe and welcoming it feels to wander freely, from the limestone peaks to the riverside paths.
GuilinTravel Resources
TRAVEL CONSULTATION | I offer one-on-one travel consultations to help you plan your trip to Guilin. Whether you’re unsure how to arrange your route or want insights from someone who knows the region well, I can help you create a smoother experience. Think of it as chatting with a local friend before you go.
MY MAP | Explore Guilin the way locals see it with my interactive map — filled with over 200 pins marking viewpoints, restaurants, hiking trails, and hidden photo spots. It’s designed to help you explore without missing the small details that make Guilin so special.
AIRPORT TRANSFERS | For a relaxed start, arrange a private transfer from Guilin Liangjiang International Airport. Having a driver waiting after a long flight can make arrival stress-free, especially if it’s your first time in the city.
TRAVEL INSURANCE | It’s always wise to travel insured. Even though Guilin is safe, unexpected things can happen — from lost luggage to sudden illness. A reliable insurance plan can turn a major headache into a minor inconvenience.
SIM CARDS | Staying connected in Guilin is easy. Local SIM cards are available at the airport and convenience stores, or you can set up an eSIM before you arrive. Data coverage in Guilin and Yangshuo is excellent, even in many rural areas.
ACCOMMODATION IN GUILIN | Booking.com and Trip.com are the most commonly used hotel platforms here. From boutique guesthouses with mountain views to riverside resorts, you’ll find plenty of options across Guilin and Yangshuo.
RENTAL CARS & BIKES | While most visitors prefer buses or bikes, renting a car can be useful if you plan to explore beyond the main attractions. In Yangshuo, bicycles and electric scooters are ideal for short scenic rides along the Yulong River.
BUS & TRAIN TICKETS | Use 12306 (China Railway’s official site) or Trip.com to check train times and book your seats. For buses between Guilin, Yangshuo, and Longji, tickets can be purchased at terminals or online through regional transport apps.
VPN | Many websites and apps are restricted in China. To stay connected securely and access the tools you’re used to, a VPN is essential. I personally recommend using one before your trip so it’s set up and ready when you arrive.
FLIGHTS | Guilin Liangjiang International Airport connects with most major Chinese cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu. Check Google Flights, Trip.com, or Skyscanner for both domestic and connecting routes.