Guilin Introduction & Culture

Duxiu Peak (Solitary Beauty Peak):

Located in the center of Guilin, this steep pinnacle offers stunning views over Guilin and the Lijiang River. The summit can be reached by climbing 306 stone steps.

Elephant Trunk Hill:

This city landmark acquired its name because it resembles an elephant dipping its trunk into the Lijiang River for a drink. It is situated close to the city center with a small park and waterfront promenade where locals exercise and dance. A pagoda was built in the 16th century on top of the hill with impressive views of the river. It is an ideal spot from which to watch the local fishermen with their trained cormorant birds diving for fish as night falls. Lamps on each raft light the way as the cormorants splash about searching for their daily catch.

Diecai Shan (Folded Brocade Hill):

Folded Brocade Hill is one of Guilin's most popular peaks for climbing because of its proximity to the city center in the northeast of Guilin, near the Lijiang River. Many Chinese characters decorate the rocks along the trail leading to the hilltop. From the top you can enjoy the panoramic view of Guilin’s colorful landscape and lush greenery, resembling an intricate brocade fabric.

Fubo Hill:

This is a popular hill to climb for a grand view above Guilin and the surrounding countryside. Like many of the limestone peaks in this area, you can find caves like the Returned Pearl Cave. Legend has it that it was once home to a dragon guarding a huge pearl. The pearl was stolen when the dragon fell asleep, but was later returned by the remorseful thief. The hill is also sacred to Buddhists because of the inscribed giant bronze bell flanked by ancient small shrines.

Reed Flute Cave (Ludi Yan):

One of Guilin's main scenic spots is the magnificent Reed Flute Cave. The natural formation of stalagmites and stalactites form elaborate decorations inside the cave; lights are positioned throughout the cave to illuminate its natural beauty. The formations and lights are reflected in underground pools creating a magical effect.

Seven Star Park:

On the east bank of the Lijiang River, opposite most of Guilin's main sights, lies Seven Star Park, with seven hills resembling the pattern formed by the Big Dipper constellation. This sprawling park includes a number of huge caves, the most impressive of which is the one-kilometer-long (1,100-yard) Seven Star Cave. The park is also home to the picturesque Flower Bridge, a landscaped bonsai garden and a small zoo.

West Hill Park (Xi Shan):

Xi Shan, meaning "West Hill", is a park dwarfed by a set of small peaks surrounding a lake. There were many Buddhist cavern shrines in the park which were destroyed in earlier times, but Xiqinglin Si, the Temple of the Great Buddha, remains more or less intact, with thousands of Buddha statues in various sizes and serene poses.

Guilin Museum:

The three-story Guilin Museum is worth a visit, not only for getting the basic background and history of the city, but also for an overview of the culture of Guangxi's indigenous Zhuang minority.

Li River Cruises:

A day cruise between Guilin and Yangshuo is the most popular way to see the beautiful scenery along the Li River. Cruises take up to six hours, depending on the water level, and a hot lunch is served onboard. You’ll see farmers tending to their fields beside the river, with the spectacular misty mountain backdrop beyond.

Qi Feng Village:

In the southern suburb of Guilin lies a small village surrounded by hundreds of unique hills and peaks. The various heights, vertical drops and interesting hill shapes make for an interesting day trip.

Xingping:

Xingping is a well-known ancient town with a history of more than 1,300 years, located at the foot of the fertile hills lining the Li River. Some feel Xingping to be the most beautiful spot in the entire Yangshuo area.

The Ancient Town of Daxu:

Daxu Town has a history of 500 years and was one of the most populous towns in southern China during the Ming Dynasty. Traditional brick houses line the stone-slab streets and there is a single-arch bridge built about 400 years ago.

Yangdi Village:

Yangdi Village is located among an array of rolling hills. There are many famous sightseeing attractions, such as the Gong-Drum Shoal (Luogutan), White Tiger Hill (Baihushan) and the Yangdi Waterfalls.

Yangshuo:

Yangshuo is located some 90 km south of Guilin, and is the disembarkation point after a Li River cruise. It is a small village located in the midst of one of the world's most stunning landscapes. Guilin has many first class and deluxe hotels, but accommodations in Yangshuo tend to be simpler, with many backpacker guesthouses and one 3-star hotel. The best sections of natural scenery along the Li River are near Yangshuo, with bicycle and jogging paths along the river.

Gaotian:

This popular scenic spot in Yangshuo boasts spiked peaks, colossal caverns and picturesque rural scenery. Famous attractions include the Ancient Ferry, Tunnel Crag (Chuanyan) and Crescent Moon Hill (Yueliangshan).

West Street in Yangshuo:

West Street in Yangshuo’s town center attracts a large number of young international travelers, and is filled with small shops and cafes selling all kinds of souvenirs and snacks. Chinese teenagers mingle with young Western bicyclists and backpackers in Internet cafes, such as Mickey Mao's, Hard Rock Cafe or at Lisa's Cafe eating apple pie, beefsteak, french fries, and ice-cream sundaes. These comfort foods from abroad are difficult to find in China. International tourists feel at home here because everyone speaks fluent English with restaurants and bars providing menus in several languages

Crescent Moon Hill:

This is a natural attraction about one kilometer away from the banyan tree in the center of Yangshuo. Many people are intrigued by the strange hole (with a diameter of 11 meters) half way up the mountain that resembles a full moon. As you move along to view it from different angles, the moon changes its shape just as the real moon does during its phases. The view from the hilltop is also breathtaking.

Other Area Attractions:

Temples:

Gongcheng Autonomous County of Yao Minority is 108 km to the south of Guilin. The county's Confucian Temple is one of the four biggest temples in China commemorating the life of Confucius. The Marshall Temple is also a sacred sight of Buddhists. Other temples such as the Zhouwei Memorial Hall and the Guild Hall for Folks from Hunan Province are buildings in traditional Chinese architecture

Fengyu Cave (Lipu):

Fengyu Cave is located in Lipu County, 100km to the south of Guilin. Fengyu Cave, the largest one of its kind in Asia, runs through nine hills and holds not only beautiful stalactites and stalagmites but also an underground river five kilometers long. This is recommended for those looking for someplace a bit different, off the tourist track.

Ling Qu Canal:

In 214 BC (at the same time construction of the Great Wall commenced), Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, ordered the excavation of the Ling Qu Canal. This 34 km canal connected a tributary of the Yangtze River to a tributary of the Pearl River, thereby connecting two of China’s major waterways. The canal made Guilin a major hub for traffic between southern and central China. Ling Qu Canal is the oldest in the world, and one of three major Chinese irrigation projects going back to ancient times. A visit to the canal starts at Xing’an town, 88 km north of Guilin.

Longji Rice Terraces:

A three hour drive on winding roads through the countryside brings you to Longsheng County, site of the spectacular Longji Rice Terraces. The terraces, which were carved out centuries ago, cover the hillside to an elevation of 880 meters. The tender green of the young rice shoots and the light reflected in the glistening water creates a beautiful panorama which is popular with photographers.

Minorities of Longsheng County:

Longsheng County is home to several ethnic minorities, each with their own colorful traditions. Costumes are multi-colored and decorated with many personal adornments. The Zhuang are known for their shoulder pole dance, the Dong for their harmonious folk songs as well as their playful Water-carrying of the Bride, and the Yaos in turn are known for their Long Drum and Long Hair Combing dances.

Octagon Mountain and Treasure Vessel Waterfall:

Ziyuan County, 107 km to the north of Guilin, is known for its unique and scenic landscape created by the Karst rock formations. The most picturesque of all is a red sandstone formation which covers about 150 square kilometers. The Octagon Mountain and the Treasure Vessel Waterfall are most impressive.

Zijiang River in Ziyuan County:

Whitewater enthusiasts will enjoy rafting down the Zijiang River, with 45 shoals and 31 bends it is quite a challenge to navigate.

Yuzi Paradise Park:

Yuzi Paradise, a public park and sculpture garden surrounded by picturesque mountains, is located in Dabu, approximately halfway between Guilin and Yangshuo. Freedom of expression is encouraged in these natural surroundings, making the park a creative haven for artists from home and abroad.

Traditional Chinese landscape paintings of the scenic river region are the most popular purchase. Folklore crafts are very colorful souvenirs made by indigenous minorities.

The Yangshuo crafts markets is renowned for antiques, with a few shops specializing in ethnic minority handicrafts, such as ethnic jewelry, embroidered textiles, carvings, etc.

Weather Chart: