Where to go in Guilin? Let’s visit 15 best places to visit in Guilin as Beautiful as Ink Paintings, including Elephant Trunk Mountain, the Li River, and the ancient village of Xingping. If you’re still wondering where to go on your upcoming Guilin trip, check out this list!
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Guilin is often likened to a giant ink painting on earth, with the ethereal beauty of its majestic karst mountains alongside the tranquil Li River. This journey south through China will take you through thousand-year-old villages, sparkling stalactite caves, and mountain peaks offering panoramic views of the entire city.
If you’re dreaming of a trip to find peace amidst majestic nature, let Living Nomads guide you through 15 must-see Guilin tourist destinations below!
Best places to visit in Guilin: Li River – An Iconic Scenic View of Guilin
An interesting fact that few people know is that the scenery of the Li River is the same landscape depicted on the Chinese 20 yuan banknote. The river, over 80km long, meanders through characteristic karst limestone mountains, creating a landscape that the Chinese often describe as a “living ink painting.” For centuries, it has been considered the soul of Guilin tourism.
The most popular experience is taking a cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, a journey lasting about 4 hours. As the boat slowly glides along, you will see small fishing villages, rice paddies, and limestone cliffs reflected in the turquoise water. Many tourists enjoy standing on the deck to take photos as the boat passes through beautiful stretches of the river. If you go in the early morning, the thin layer of mist on the water makes the scenery even more like an ink painting.
Where to go in Guilin: Yangshuo – A Tourist Town in the Magnificent Karst Valley
While Guilin is famous for its majestic mountain scenery, Yangshuo captivates visitors with its peaceful yet vibrant atmosphere. This small town nestled in a karst valley has long been a favorite stop for international tourists. Small roads winding through rice paddies, villages, and lush green mountains create a very characteristic southern Chinese landscape.
Guilin Li River Four-star Cruise Ticket
In Yangshuo, you can spend the whole day exploring nature in many different ways. Cycle through the rice paddies in the morning, kayak on the Wulong River in the afternoon, and stroll through the bustling Western-style streets with their bright lights and cafes in the evening. The pace of life here is both relaxed and dynamic, easily making visitors want to “stay longer than planned.” Perhaps it is this feeling of freedom amidst majestic nature that makes Yangshuo a must-visit destination for anyone coming to Guilin.
Elephant Trunk Hill – A Symbol of Guilin’s Natural Beauty
Amidst the majestic mountains of Guilin, Elephant Trunk Hill stands out with its unique shape, resembling a giant elephant bending down to drink water by the Li River. This limestone mountain has been a familiar symbol of the city for centuries, appearing in countless landscape paintings and Chinese poetry.
From afar, the “elephant trunk” curves down to the water, forming a perfect arc, creating a scene that is both fascinating and poetic. This distinctive shape has made it the most famous photo spot in Guilin.
Following the riverside path in the park, we found many different viewpoints to fully admire the unique shape of Elephant Trunk Hill. Occasionally, small stone steps leading up the hillside opened up a wider view, where the Li River meanders through the city and the distant limestone mountains.
Many tourists enjoy lingering by the riverbank to admire the changing scenery throughout the day. At sunrise or sunset, the water’s soft reflection of the light makes the “elephant trunk” rock formation curving down into the river even more striking.
Reed Flute Cave – A Magnificent Palace of Stalactites and Stalagmites
Hidden behind the deep green limestone mountains of Guilin is Reed Flute Cave, a magical world created by millions of years of geological formation. This cave, over 200 meters long, is famous for its unique system of stalactites and stalagmites, sculpted by nature into various bizarre forms. The cave’s name comes from the reeds growing outside, a type of plant that locals used to make flutes. Over time, it has come to be likened to an “artistic palace within the mountains.”
Upon entering the cave, we were almost overwhelmed by the gigantic stalactites shimmering under the multicolored lights. The winding path led through each chamber, each area possessing a different shape and story. Some sections resembled crystal palaces, while others looked like frozen rock waterfalls suspended in mid-air. As we ventured deeper inside, visitors could clearly feel the wonder of nature, as if exploring a secret world hidden beneath the Guilin mountains.
Longji Rice Terraces
Besides its limestone mountains and rivers, Guilin is also famous for the Longji Terraced Fields in Longsheng County. These terraces were cultivated by locals over 600 years ago and stretch along the mountain slopes. From above, they look like ribbons of silk winding around the mountains.
One-day tour to Longji Rice Terraces in Guangxi (round trip from Guilin)
Each season, the scenery here changes completely. In spring, the flooded fields reflect the sunlight like mirrors; in summer, they are covered in the green of young rice plants; and in autumn, they turn into a vibrant golden color. Many tourists enjoy trekking through the Yao and Zhuang ethnic villages to admire the panoramic view of the terraced fields. Walking amidst this scenery gives us a very relaxing feeling.
Xianggong Mountain, Guilin – The Best Sunrise Spot
If you like landscape photography, Xianggong Mountain is definitely a place not to be missed when visiting Guilin. From the mountaintop, you can see the entire Li River winding through the karst mountain ranges. This viewpoint is considered by many photographers to be one of the most beautiful scenes in Guangxi.
To reach the summit, you only needs to climb a few hundred stone steps, so it’s quite easy. Many people often come here early in the morning to watch the sunrise. As the sun begins to rise, the light shines down on the river and the thin layer of mist in the valley, creating a very impressive scene. This is the ideal time to take panoramic photos of the Li River.
Nine-Horse Mural Hill (Jiuma Huashan) – Legendary Cliffs on the Li River
Guilin Yulong River & Yinziyan Cave& Peach Blossom Land One Day Tour
There is an interesting folk tale that tells of celestial horses, captivated by the beauty of the human world, transforming into the cliffs on the banks of the Li River. This unique landmark, Nine Horses Hill, attracts attention with its skillfully arranged natural rock formations, resembling a giant ink painting depicting a herd of magnificent horses striding along.
Our journey down the Li River became even more captivating when we were immersed in the crowds enthusiastically pointing and counting the glimpses of horses between the layers of rocks. Not only does this cliff stand majestically against the sky, but it also offers a fascinating connection between humans and nature through folk games played right on the boat.
Xingping: Where Time Stands Still Amidst Magnificent Limestone Cliffs
Have you ever tried holding a 20 Yuan banknote and comparing it to the actual scenery? If not, visit the ancient village of Xingping, which boasts a priceless view once chosen to be printed on this popular currency. With a history spanning over 1,000 years, the village, once a bustling trading port on the picturesque Li River, still retains its nostalgic charm through its smooth cobblestone streets and moss-covered roofs.
Strolling through the village, visitors can easily find charming little tea houses or souvenir shops imbued with the spirit of time. The riverbank is as beautiful as a traditional ink painting, with towering limestone mountains clearly visible, creating an unusually peaceful atmosphere. This is also the starting point for many boat trips down the Li River, taking you through the picturesque landscape that has been immortalized in poetry, music, and art.
Yulong River in Guilin – A Peaceful Bamboo Raft Experience
Try leaving the large tourist boats behind and exploring the Yulong River on bamboo rafts. Without engine noise or strong waves, this small river chooses a slower, more pristine pace of life compared to its famous neighbor, the Li River.
Here, you can take in the tranquil countryside with its lush green rice fields and majestic karst mountains reflected on the calm, mirror-like water.
“Impression of Liu Sanjie” Landscape Live Performance
Instead of rushing to keep up with packed schedules, sitting on a raft and letting the water carry you naturally will allow you to truly appreciate the pristine beauty of Guilin’s nature. This trip will surely be an unforgettable experience for those who want to find the tranquility and rustic charm of this land.
Silver Cave – The Giant Crystal Cave
Stepping through the entrance of Silver Cave, a cool breeze immediately rushes in, opening up a world completely separate from the dazzling sunshine outside. Giant stalactites appear right before your eyes, the traces of millions of years of meticulous sculpting by groundwater seeping through each geological layer.
Wandering through every nook and cranny, it’s hard to suppress the amazement at the fantastical rock formations, as if strolling through an art exhibition where nature is the greatest architect.
The deeper we went inside, the more our eyes were drawn to the incredibly sophisticated lighting system arranged along the pathways. It’s hard to take your eyes off the colored lights reflecting off the rock surface, creating a sparkling effect like mysterious galaxies drifting lazily beneath the mountain.
Seven Star Park – A Refreshing Stop in the City
Ruyi Peak Cableway Scenic Area
Right in the heart of the bustling city, Seven Star Park emerges as a tranquil green oasis of vast scale and long history. Its most captivating feature is the story of seven naturally formed limestone hills arranged seemingly randomly but precisely resembling the legendary Big Dipper constellation.
Beyond its scenic beauty, this place also boasts enchanting caves and vibrant botanical gardens, creating a complex full of surprises. The feeling of strolling along the smooth stone paths, breathing in the scent of plants and listening to the birdsong is a soothing balm for the soul after hours of continuous travel. After a long day exploring Guilin, this is undoubtedly the ideal space for you to rest and recharge for the next leg of their journey.
Mount Fubo: A Majestic Stone Wall Beside the Romantic Li River
Guilin & Yangshuo One-Day Small Group Mountain & River Tour
Located in the heart of Guilin, the towering limestone mountain of Fubo, over 200 meters high, creates a striking landmark. From afar, this sheer cliff resembles a sturdy wall shielding the tranquil Li River. Beyond its majestic appearance, the mountain also conceals natural caves with unique historical traces, awaiting exploration by those eager to discover.
The journey to the summit, conquering the stone steps, offers an exhilarating experience as each step reveals a new and breathtaking view. From the top, the entire city unfolds before you, with the Li River gently winding through bustling streets and the undulating mountain ranges on the horizon.
Spending time exploring the small caves or breathing in the fresh air at the mountaintop is the best way to fully experience the interplay between nature and humanity in Guilin.
Diecai Hill: Brilliant Sunset Moments on Stacked Rocks
Possessing a unique topography with layers of rocks stacked like silk ribbons, Diecai Hill has long been a favorite stop for those who want to admire Guilin from above. Each layer of rock offers a different perspective, making the journey to the summit feel like exploring a giant landscape painting.
The higher you go, the more expansive the view becomes, revealing a panoramic vista of Guilin city with the lush green Li River winding through the undulating limestone mountains. Along the way to the summit, many tourists often stop at the rock steps to take photos, as each bend offers a very photogenic scene.
The most beautiful moment on Diecai Hill usually comes in the late afternoon. As the sun gradually set behind the distant mountains, the sunset bathed the sky in golden light and reflected shimmeringly on the tranquil river. Standing on the mountaintop at that moment, we just wanted to slow down a little to admire the changing scenery and capture the memorable moments of our Guilin exploration journey.
Moon Hill – A Unique Moon-Shaped Arch Near Guilin
Have you ever seen a mountain with a “moon” right in the middle of its body? In Yangshuo, Moon Hill stands out with a giant natural rock arch, forming a perfect circle like a moon hanging in the sky. This unique detail makes it one of the most characteristic landscapes of the Guilin karst region and often appears in many famous travel photos.
To reach that rock arch, we followed a stone staircase winding through the lush green forest. Along the way up, many sections open up to views of rice paddies and small villages nestled in the karst valleys characteristic of Yangshuo.
Standing right under the giant rock arch, it feels like being in a natural window overlooking the entire distant mountain range. Many tourists often stop here for quite a while, resting after the uphill climb and taking advantage of the opportunity to capture some truly “priceless” photos of their trip.
Yangshuo West Street – A Vibrant Old Town at Night in Guilin
In the peaceful town of Yangshuo, there exists a street that is always brightly lit and filled with music. Yangshuo West Street has a history of over 1,000 years, once an ancient trading road along the Li River. Today, it has become the most bustling tourist center in the area, where ancient Chinese architecture blends with international bars, cafes, and restaurants.
When night falls, the entire street seems to come alive with a constant stream of people. On our last night here, we strolled among the brightly lit souvenir shops, enjoyed street food, or stopped at a small bar to listen to live music.
We also noticed that many tourists liked to sit on the cafe balconies, sipping drinks while watching the bustling crowds below. After a day exploring Guilin’s natural beauty, the vibrant atmosphere of the Western Quarter offered a very different and memorable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Guilin Tourist Attractions
1. What is the most famous tourist attraction in Guilin?
The Li River is considered the tourism symbol of Guilin. A boat trip from Guilin to Yangshuo offers the characteristic karst limestone mountains and emerald green river scenery of the region.
2. How many days should I spend exploring Guilin’s tourist attractions?
Generally, tourists should spend about 2-3 days exploring the highlights such as the Li River, Elephant Trunk Mountain, Reed Flute Cave, and Guilin city. If you want to visit Yangshuo, Wulong River, and Longji Terraced Fields, a 4-5 day itinerary will be more comfortable.
3. What is the best time to visit Guilin’s tourist attractions?
The ideal time is from April to October when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is lush and green. Spring and early summer often bring a thin mist to the Li River, creating a beautiful, ink-painting-like scene.
4. Are Yangshuo and Guilin the same place?
Not entirely. Yangshuo is a county within the Guilin region, located about 60-70km from the city center. However, it is often considered the most important tourist destination when exploring Guilin.
5. Is it possible to visit Guilin tourist attractions in one day?
If only exploring the city, visitors can visit Elephant Trunk Mountain, Fubo Mountain, Dietai Mountain, and Seven Star Park in a single day. However, places like Yangshuo or Longji Terraced Fields require more travel time and are usually arranged as separate trips.
6. What are the most popular activities when traveling to Guilin?
The most popular experiences include cruising on the Li River, rafting on the Wulong River, cycling through the Yangshuo countryside, and trekking to admire the karst mountains. 7. Are the Longji Terraced Fields worth visiting?
Yes. These are some of the most beautiful terraced fields in China, with scenery that changes with the seasons. Many tourists enjoy trekking through ethnic minority villages to admire the terraced fields from above.
8. Are Guilin tourist spots suitable for photography?
Guilin is considered one of the most beautiful scenic regions in China, especially famous for its karst limestone landscapes. Places like Xianggong Mountain, the Li River, and Moon Hill are all very popular spots for landscape photography.
Which Guilin tourist spot impressed you the most?
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Guilin and Yangshuo you can refer to
- Yangshuo and Li River Highlights Day Tour with Transfers
- Guilin Yangshuo Outdoor Rock Climbing Experience Half Day Tour
- 4 Day Guilin and Yangshuo Private Tour
- Li River Cruise and Yangshuo Private Day Tour
- Lijiang River & Yangshuo County One-day Nature & Cruise Tour
- Yangshuo Butterfly Spring Park Ticket in Guilin
- Guilin Li River Three Star Cruise. Reed Flute Cave. Elephant Trunk Hill. Yangshuo Yulong River.
- Guilin Complete Sightseeing Private Day Tour
- 3 Day Guilin Highlights & Rice Terraces Private Tour
- Li River Four-Star Cruise Ticket in Guilin
- Ling Canal Admission Ticket Guilin
- Elephant Trunk Hill Ticket Guilin
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