Destination Guide
Guilin
China's most poetic landscape — where limestone karst peaks rise from jade-green rivers, and ancient villages cling to terraced hillsides carved over two thousand years.
About Guilin
Guilin has captivated poets, painters, and travellers for millennia. The city sits in the heart of Guangxi province, surrounded by the otherworldly karst topography that has made it one of China's most iconic landscapes — a scenery so celebrated it appears on the back of the 20-yuan note.
The Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is widely regarded as one of the world's great river journeys. Drifting past bamboo groves, water buffalo, and soaring limestone peaks reflected in glassy water, it is an experience that stays with visitors for a lifetime.
Beyond the river, Guilin offers the spectacular Longji Rice Terraces, the cave systems of Reed Flute Cave, and the charming riverside town of Yangshuo — a base for cycling, rock climbing, and deep immersion in rural Guangxi life.
Must-See Attractions
Li River Cruise
The classic 83 km cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, drifting past iconic karst peaks, bamboo forests, and traditional fishing villages. One of China's most breathtaking journeys.
Longji Rice Terraces
Cascading terraces carved into the mountains by the Zhuang and Yao peoples over 700 years ago. Spectacular in every season — emerald green in summer, golden in autumn.
Yangshuo
A vibrant riverside town surrounded by karst peaks. Hire a bicycle, kayak the Yulong River, take a bamboo raft, or simply wander the lively West Street at dusk.
Reed Flute Cave
A 240-million-year-old limestone cave filled with extraordinary stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations, illuminated in vivid colour. A natural wonder on the edge of the city.
Elephant Trunk Hill
Guilin's most beloved landmark — a natural rock formation resembling an elephant drinking from the Li River. The symbol of the city and a perfect spot for sunrise photography.
Impression Liu Sanjie
A spectacular outdoor light show directed by Zhang Yimou, performed on the Li River against a backdrop of twelve karst peaks. The world's largest natural theatre.
Guilin Tours & Programmes
Discover our curated Guilin experiences — from the Li River cruise to multi-day karst landscape adventures. More packages coming soon.
Guilin Packages Coming Soon
Guilin-specific packages are being added. In the meantime, browse our full catalogue or contact us for a bespoke itinerary.
Practical Information
April–October for lush green scenery and the Li River at its fullest. Spring mist creates ethereal photography conditions; autumn brings golden terraces at Longji.
Mandarin is the official language. Local Guilin dialect and minority languages (Zhuang, Yao) are spoken in villages. English is available at major tourist sites and hotels.
Chinese Yuan (CNY / RMB). Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely accepted. Carry cash for rural villages and local markets.
Guilin has a small but useful bus network. Taxis and DiDi are affordable. Yangshuo is best explored by bicycle. The Li River cruise requires advance booking.
Most foreign nationals require a Chinese tourist visa (L visa). We provide full visa assistance for all our programmes and tours.
China Standard Time (CST), UTC+8. No daylight saving time observed.
Ready to Explore Guilin?
Let us plan your perfect Guilin experience — from a Li River cruise to a multi-day karst landscape adventure through Yangshuo and the Longji Terraces.