About Place
- "Heaven on Earth with karst mountains and limpid rivers."
- "A painter's paradise with stunning natural scenery."
- "Home to the majestic Li River, perfect for tranquil boat rides."
Reasons to Visit
- Breathtaking Karst Landscape: Guilin is renowned for its dramatic karst mountains, which create an otherworldly landscape of towering peaks, verdant valleys, and mysterious caves. The unique geological formations make it a top destination for nature lovers and photographers. The beauty of the landscape is epitomized by the Li River, where picturesque scenes unfold with every twist and turn of the waterway.
- Rich Cultural Heritage: Guilin is not only about natural beauty but also boasts a rich cultural heritage. The city and its surroundings are home to various ethnic minority groups, each with their unique customs, festivals, and traditional clothing. Visitors can explore ancient villages like Longsheng, where the famous Longji Rice Terraces are located, offering a glimpse into the traditional agricultural practices and lifestyle of the Zhuang and Yao people.
- Accessible Adventure: Despite its offbeat charm, Guilin is easily accessible and well-equipped for tourists. Adventure seekers can indulge in activities like rock climbing, caving, and hiking in the stunning Yangshuo County. The area is also famous for bamboo rafting on the Yulong River, providing a serene yet exhilarating way to experience the natural beauty up close. The combination of accessibility and adventure makes Guilin an ideal destination for a unique travel experience.
Visa
- United States/Canada: Visa required. Apply at the nearest Chinese consulate or embassy. Multiple entry options are available.
- European Union: Visa required. Schengen area travelers need to apply at the Chinese consulate. Some exemptions apply for Hong Kong and Macau.
- Australia/New Zealand: Visa required. Applications are processed through Chinese consulates. Electronic visas are available.
- Asian Countries: Varies by country. Visa-free or visa-on-arrival options are available for some neighboring countries like Singapore, Japan, and Brunei.
- India: Visa required. Applications should be submitted at Chinese consulates with prior appointments.
Travel Expenses
- Travel to & from destination:
- Airfare (round trip) from a major metro city (e.g., New York) to Guilin: $1,200 per person. Total for two: $2,400.
- Hotel cost:
- Average hotel cost: $100 per night.
- Total for 4 nights for a couple: $400.
- Food cost:
- Average cost per meal: $20 per person.
- Total for 8 meals (lunch and dinner) for a couple: $320.
- Activity cost:
- Li River Cruise: $80 per person.
- Bamboo rafting: $40 per person.
- Impression Liu Sanjie show: $50 per person.
- Reed Flute Cave: $20 per person.
- Total for a couple: $380.
- Near destination travel cost:
- Car rental for 4 days: $60 per day. Total: $240.
Total Estimated Cost: $3,740
Best Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Li River Cruise Arrive in Guilin and check into your hotel. Start your adventure with a Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, a journey that offers some of the most picturesque landscapes in China. The cruise usually starts at 9 AM and ends around 2 PM. Enjoy a delicious onboard lunch while marveling at the limestone karst formations. Spend the evening exploring the charming streets of Yangshuo, visiting local markets, and dining at Cloud 9 Restaurant, famous for its local Guilin noodles. For dinner, head to Rock-n-Grill, known for its western and Chinese fusion cuisine.
Day 2: Explore Yangshuo Begin your day with a cycling tour through the countryside of Yangshuo, starting at 8 AM and exploring the lush green landscapes and quaint villages until noon. Have lunch at Giggling Tree, a cozy spot offering a mix of local and international dishes. In the afternoon, try bamboo rafting on the Yulong River, starting at 2 PM and ending around 5 PM. Relax in the evening with a visit to the Impression Liu Sanjie show, an outdoor night show on the river directed by Zhang Yimou, from 7:45 PM to 9 PM. Dinner at the show venue offers local delicacies.
Day 3: Longsheng Rice Terraces Depart early for a day trip to the Longsheng Rice Terraces, leaving Guilin at 7 AM and arriving by 10 AM. Spend the morning hiking through the terraces and visiting local villages to learn about the traditional lifestyles of the Zhuang and Yao minorities. Lunch at a local restaurant, where you can try bamboo-cooked rice and other regional specialties. Continue exploring in the afternoon, and return to Guilin by 6 PM. For dinner, try local flavors at Lijiang Waterfall Hotel's restaurant, which offers a mix of traditional Guilin and international cuisine.
Day 4: Reed Flute Cave and Elephant Trunk Hill Start your day with a visit to the Reed Flute Cave, a natural limestone cave with multicolored lighting, from 9 AM to 11 AM. For lunch, head to McFound Restaurant, known for its authentic Guilin rice noodles. In the afternoon, visit Elephant Trunk Hill, the symbol of Guilin, from 1 PM to 3 PM. Spend your evening relaxing at the Two Rivers and Four Lakes scenic area, taking a leisurely boat ride from 6 PM to 8 PM. Dinner at Left Bank Café offers a great mix of western and local dishes.
Day 5: Departure Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before doing some last-minute shopping at Zhengyang Pedestrian Street. Check out of your hotel and transfer to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport for your departure.
Safety Tips
- Always carry a copy of your passport and visa.
- Use reputable taxi services and avoid unmarked cabs.
- Stay hydrated and use bottled water.
- Be cautious with street food; opt for busy, well-rated stalls.
- Keep your belongings secure in crowded places.
- Learn basic Mandarin phrases for emergencies.
- Avoid traveling alone at night in unfamiliar areas.
- Respect local customs and traditions.
- Have a local SIM card for emergency contacts.
- Stay updated on weather conditions, especially during the rainy season.
Flights
- Airlines: China Eastern, Air China, Cathay Pacific.
- Estimated Cost: $1,200 round trip per person.
- Flight Duration: Approximately 14-16 hours from New York to Guilin.
Hotels
- Shangri-La Hotel, Guilin
- Sheraton Guilin Hotel
- Guilin Bravo Hotel
- Yangshuo Mountain Retreat
- Lijiang Waterfall Hotel
Contacts
- Indian Embassy in Beijing: +86 10 8531 2500
- Police: 110
- Ambulance: 120
- Firefighters: 119
Country
Closet Airport
- Guilin Liangjiang International Airport
Nearest City
- Guangzhou
Heritage Sites
- Longji Rice Terraces
Airlines
- China Eastern
- Air China
- Cathay Pacific
- Hainan Airlines
Currency
- Chinese Yuan (CNY)
Languages Spoken
- Mandarin Chinese
- local dialects
Real Story
The Battle of Guilin–Liuzhou: One of the most significant historical events in Guilin is the Battle of Guilin–Liuzhou, part of the larger Japanese invasion of China during World War II. This battle occurred between August and November 1944 and was a crucial part of the Japanese Army's Operation Ichi-Go, aimed at establishing a land and rail corridor from Manchuria to Southeast Asia.
The Japanese forces, seeking to cut off Chinese supply lines and strengthen their control over southern China, launched a massive offensive against Chinese positions in Guilin and Liuzhou. The Chinese Nationalist Army, although heavily outnumbered and outgunned, put up a fierce resistance. Guilin, with its rugged terrain and karst mountains, provided natural defensive advantages but was also difficult to defend due to the lack of fortifications.
The battle saw intense fighting, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. The Japanese forces employed brutal tactics, including widespread use of air raids and artillery bombardments, which caused significant destruction to the city and civilian casualties. Despite the valiant efforts of the Chinese defenders, Guilin eventually fell to the Japanese on November 10, 1944, followed by Liuzhou a few days later.
The fall of Guilin and Liuzhou was a severe blow to the Chinese Nationalist forces, but it also marked the beginning of the end for the Japanese in China. The resistance put up by the Chinese forces, although ultimately unsuccessful in this battle, contributed to the overall weakening of the Japanese military position in the region. The aftermath of the battle saw significant rebuilding efforts in Guilin, and the city has since risen from the ashes of war to become a symbol of resilience and cultural heritage.
Cuisine
Guilin's cuisine is renowned for its distinctive flavors and the use of fresh, local ingredients. Here are some key aspects and notable dishes that define the culinary landscape of Guilin:
- Guilin Rice Noodles (桂林米粉):
- Description: A staple dish in Guilin, these rice noodles are typically enjoyed for breakfast. The noodles are made from rice flour and are known for their soft and smooth texture. They are served in a savory broth, often flavored with pork or beef, and garnished with slices of meat, peanuts, pickled vegetables, scallions, and chili sauce.
- Unique Aspect: The broth is the heart of this dish, usually simmered with a variety of spices and herbs, giving it a rich and aromatic flavor. Each vendor has a unique recipe, making it a must-try from multiple places.
- Lipu Taro Pork (荔浦芋头扣肉):
- Description: This traditional dish features slices of pork belly and taro, steamed together to perfection. The pork belly is usually marinated with soy sauce and fermented bean paste before being layered with taro slices.
- Unique Aspect: The combination of the fatty, flavorful pork belly and the soft, slightly sweet taro creates a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. It is often enjoyed during festivals and special occasions.
- Steamed Li River Fish (清蒸漓江鱼):
- Description: Fresh fish from the Li River is steamed with minimal seasoning to highlight its natural taste. Common seasonings include ginger, scallions, and soy sauce, which complement the delicate flavor of the fish.
- Unique Aspect: The fish's freshness is paramount, often caught the same day, making it exceptionally tender and flavorful. This dish epitomizes the simplicity and purity of Guilin's culinary style.
- Yangshuo Beer Fish (啤酒鱼):
- Description: A specialty of Yangshuo, this dish is prepared by frying fresh fish (usually carp) and then simmering it in beer along with tomatoes, green peppers, ginger, and garlic.
- Unique Aspect: The use of beer in the cooking process gives the fish a unique, slightly malty flavor, and the combination of vegetables adds a vibrant, tangy twist.
- Guilin Pickled Vegetables (桂林酸菜):
- Description: A variety of pickled vegetables that are often used as condiments or side dishes. Common ingredients include mustard greens and radishes, which are pickled in a mixture of salt, vinegar, and spices.
- Unique Aspect: These pickled vegetables add a refreshing crunch and tanginess to meals, often used to balance the richness of other dishes.
Culture and History
Guilin, located in the northeastern part of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in southern China, is celebrated for its stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The city's name means "Forest of Sweet Osmanthus," reflecting the abundance of these fragrant trees in the region.
Culture: Guilin's culture is a blend of Han Chinese traditions and the unique customs of the region's ethnic minority groups, including the Zhuang, Yao, Miao, and Dong. These groups contribute to a vibrant cultural tapestry that is evident in local festivals, traditional dress, music, and dance. The Zhuang people, the largest minority group in Guangxi, are known for their folk songs and colorful festivals, such as the Zhuang Song Festival, where participants engage in singing competitions. The Longji Rice Terraces, cultivated by the Zhuang and Yao people, are not only an agricultural marvel but also a testament to the area's deep-rooted cultural heritage.
Traditional Chinese festivals, such as the Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival, are celebrated with great enthusiasm in Guilin. During these times, the city comes alive with dragon and lion dances, fireworks, and family gatherings. Guilin's local cuisine is an integral part of its culture, with famous dishes like Guilin rice noodles and Lipu taro pork showcasing the region's culinary heritage.