Introduction to Attractions in Guilin City

“If you haven’t climbed the Great Wall, you’re not a true hero; if you haven’t toured the Li River, it’s an even greater regret.” Today, let’s explore the must-visit attractions in Guilin, a city renowned for its breathtaking landscapes. As a famous tourist destination, what are the top sights in Guilin that every visitor should see?

Recommended attractions in Guilin City  distinguish include:

• Li River Cruise
• Elephant Trunk Hill
• Reed Flute Cave
• Fubo Hill
• Diecai Hill
• Seven Star Park
• Two Rivers and Four Lakes
• Duxiu Peak Wangcheng Scenic Area
• East and West Alleys

Must-see attractions in Yangshuo Guilin include:

• West Street
• Yulong River
• Xingping Ancient Town
• Shiwai Taoyuan (The Land of Peach Blossoms)
• Moon Hill
• Silver Cave
• Impression Liu Sanjie
• Romance Park
• Big Banyan Tree
• Butterfly Spring
• Ten-Mile Gallery

Recommended attractions in Longji (Longsheng) Guilin include:

• Longji Rice Terraces
• Longsheng Hot Springs
• Huangluo Yao Village

Below, let’s dive into the details of these spectacular sites:

1. Must-See Sight in Guilin — Li River

“The river winds like a green silk ribbon, while the hills resemble jade hairpins.” Known for its scenic rivers and caves, the Li River stands out with four distinct qualities: lush hills, crystal-clear water, unusual caves, and fascinating rock formations. The 83-kilometer stretch from Guilin to Yangshuo, often called the Li River Essence Tour, features tranquil pools, thrilling rapids, waterfalls, and flowing streams. This stretch embodies the best of Guilin’s landscape, making you feel as if you’re gliding through a painting.

The Li River is one of the most picturesque rivers in the world, spanning 160 kilometers. Its banks are lined with towering mountains in myriad shapes, adorned with delicate shrubs and tiny blossoms that look like garments on the mountainsides from a distance. The perennial green bamboo on the riverbanks resembles the skirts of a maiden, swaying gently in the breeze. The mountains’ reflections cast on the water create a blend of clarity and mystery. Fishing boats with red sails glide across the surface, enhancing the scene’s poetic quality.（6 Ways to Explore Li River）

• The Li River is a classic example of karst topography, often called “The Hundred-Mile Li River and the Hundred-Mile Gallery.”
• The back of the newly issued 20-yuan RMB note features a section of the Li River landscape.
• The scenery of the Li River varies with the weather: on sunny days, you’ll see crisp mountain reflections; on cloudy days, misty mountains; and on rainy days, a dreamy veil of rain.
• Ways to tour the Li River include cruises, bamboo rafting, and hiking. The cruise options cover Essence Tours, Yangshuo River Tours, and City River Tours.

Full-Length Drifting
Since Li River cruise tickets are primarily sold through travel agencies, few visitors buy tickets directly from the Li River Water Transport Company.

1. Independent Ticket Purchase: If you purchase your own ticket, you’ll need to get to the pier by taxi. Mopanshan Pier and Zhujin Pier are both about 20 kilometers from Guilin’s city center, with a one-way taxi fare around 100 RMB.
2. Agency Tickets: When booking tickets through a travel agency or hotel, an additional 35 RMB per person is typically charged for transportation and guide services. With this option, you can wait at your hotel for a tour bus and guide to pick you up, making the journey hassle-free.

• Opening Hours: Open all day
• Location: Guilin to Yangshuo

2. Guilin City Center Must-See Attractions – Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave, Fubo Hill, Diecai Hill, Seven Star Park, Two Rivers and Four Lakes, Duxiu Peak Prince City

1. Elephant Trunk Hill

This park is named after its iconic Elephant Trunk Hill, which resembles an elephant drinking water. Located at the confluence of the Li River and Taohua River, this unique rock formation is a symbol of Guilin. Inside the Water Moon Cave, nestled between the elephant’s trunk and body, there are over 50 cliff carvings, making it a protected cultural site. A famous Tang Dynasty poet, Han Yu, inscribed the line: “The river is like a green silk ribbon, and the mountains are like a jade hairpin.” Reflections of the cave in the water resemble a full moon, earning it the title “Water Moon of Elephant Hill.” The park was voted “China’s Most Beautiful Place to View the Moon” by CCTV News Network in September 2013.

On the hilltop stands the Ming Dynasty Puxian Pagoda, dedicated to the bodhisattva Samantabhadra. The image of an elephant carrying a vase symbolizes good fortune. The site also witnessed significant historical events, including battles during the Taiping Rebellion. Since the Song Dynasty, the hill’s interior has been a natural wine cellar for storing the famous Guilin Sanhua liquor.

Opening Hours: 7:00–18:30
Location: No. 52 Minzhu Road, Xiangshan District, Guilin

2. Reed Flute Cave

Located on the northwest bank of Taohua River, Reed Flute Cave is named after the reeds that grow around its entrance, traditionally used to make flutes. This cave is famous for its limestone formations and scenic water features. Known as the “Palace of Natural Art,” it comprises beautiful stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations, all enhanced with colorful lighting. As one of China’s premier karst caves, Reed Flute Cave is a popular tourist destination and part of the first batch of national scenic areas designated by the State Council in 1982.

Opening Hours:

• Peak Season: 7:30–18:00
• Low Season: 8:00–17:30
  Location: Ludi Road, Guilin

3. Fubo Hill

Fubo Hill sits on the banks of the Li River and is named after the Han Dynasty general Ma Yuan, who passed through the area. Famous for its scenic cliffs and rock formations, the hill includes attractions like the Listening to Waves Pavilion, Halfway Pavilion, and Pearl Returning Cave. The latter features rock carvings and a self-portrait by Song Dynasty artist Mi Fu. Visitors can also see the “Thousand-Person Pot,” a massive ancient pot, and a 2,700 kg bell, both significant historical artifacts.

Fubo Hill is uniquely situated, with half of it on land and half extending into the river, creating a stunning reflection and the sense of “subduing the waves.”

4. Diecai Hill

Located north of central Guilin, Diecai Hill is known for its layered rock formations, resembling folded silk. Diecai Park includes four peaks—Yue Hill, Siwang Hill, Bright Moon Peak, and Crane Peak—and boasts scenic spots like the Diecai Pavilion and Fengdong (Wind Cave). This area has long been a popular viewing point with breathtaking city and river views.

5. Seven Star Park

Seven Star Park is a diverse city park in Guilin, recognized as a top-rated AAAA scenic area and a recommended site by the World Tourism Organization. The park’s landscape includes rivers, caves, and lush vegetation, with influences from Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, and Confucianism reflected in its layout. Key attractions include the Seven Star Cave, Camel Hill, and Crescent Lake, as well as various historic monuments and temples.

6. Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area

Known as Guilin’s “City Card,” the Two Rivers and Four Lakes area encompasses the Li and Taohua Rivers and four main lakes: Rong Lake, Shan Lake, Gui Lake, and Mulong Lake. This scenic area forms a beautiful waterway around the city center and is particularly captivating at night, with colorful lights reflecting on the water.

Visitors can cruise along the water to view notable mountains and landmarks, such as Elephant Trunk Hill, Fubo Hill, Diecai Hill, and the iconic Sun and Moon Pagodas. The scenic area combines traditional gardens, historic monuments, and natural landscapes, making it one of Guilin’s signature attractions.

Opening Hours: 8:00–22:00
Location: No. 2 Lijun Road, Guilin

7. Duxiu Peak Prince City Scenic Area

Prince City Scenic Area combines the Duxiu Peak with the historic Jingjiang Prince City. The prince’s mansion was established in 1372 by Zhu Shouqian, a royal descendant, predating the Forbidden City in Beijing by more than 30 years. Covering 187,000 square meters, the site includes features such as the Chengyun Gate, Throne Hall, and Crescent Pool. Surrounded by walls, the area once served as a place of residence and meditation for royals and monks.

The scenic area was designated a national 5A tourist site in December 2012, joining three other Guilin sites with this highest rating in China.

Location: Central Guilin, surrounding Duxiu Peak

3，THREE, MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS IN YANGSHUO – WEST STREET, YULONG RIVER, SHIWAI TAOYUAN, MOON HILL, SILVER CAVE, IMPRESSION LIU SANJIE, ANCIENT LOVE (PERFORMANCE)

1. West Street in Yangshuo

West Street is Yangshuo’s historic road, established in 1674. It runs along the Li River, facing East Ridge, with Gaize Peak to the west and Bilian Peak nearby. Approximately 8 meters wide and nearly 800 meters long, the street is paved with locally-sourced areca-patterned marble, with a polished dark green sheen. Low-rise brick houses from the Qing Dynasty with white walls and red windows line the street, exuding the elegance of Lingnan architecture. In the early days, West Street was not as long as it is now. Its name stems from its geographic orientation. After Yangshuo was fortified with stone walls during the Yuan Dynasty, the main street in front of the county office connected with a cross street running east to west. This area became known as the Cross Street, with the western section becoming West Street.

West Street has flourished for over 1,400 years, remaining one of the oldest and busiest streets in Yangshuo and an important tourist attraction. Historical structures, such as Ming Dynasty city walls, stone carvings, ancient temples, pavilions, and former residences of renowned individuals, are well-preserved here. Sun Yat-sen delivered speeches on this street, and artist Xu Beihong once resided here. Over 150 national leaders have visited, leaving their footprints on West Street.

Opening Hours: Open all day
Location: Yangshuo Town Center, Guilin

2. Yulong River

Yulong River, located in Yangshuo County, is a section of river stretching from Shiwai Taoyuan to Gongnong Bridge, about 16 kilometers long, with a width of 38-61 meters and a depth of 0.5-2 meters. It is known for its clear, slow-moving waters all year round. The riverbanks feature graceful, undulating peaks and lush greenery. The water of Yulong River resembles a translucent green gem, where fish swim leisurely, and rafts drift peacefully. A gentle breeze creates ripples, like musical notes from a violin, serene and soft.

Yulong River, the longest tributary of the Li River within Yangshuo, spans 43.5 kilometers and flows through five townships and over 20 villages. Often called the “Little Li River,” it rivals the beauty of the Li River itself. From Yulong Bridge to Gongnong Bridge, a 15.36-kilometer stretch, there are 28 dams and over a hundred scenic spots. Free from modern buildings or urban noise, Yulong River presents an untouched, natural, and rustic landscape, making it one of the largest unspoiled natural scenic areas in Guilin. Experts agree that “Yulong River is a world-class natural heritage shared by humanity.” Along its banks, you will find tranquil oases, lovers embracing, and reflections on peaceful lakes, creating an idyllic harmony between nature and humankind.

3. Shiwai Taoyuan

Just a few minutes’ drive from Yangshuo along the Guiyang Highway lies the serene “Shiwai Taoyuan” (Paradise Beyond the World). This charming spot combines a lotus pond, Swallow Lake, Swallow Cave, Dong ethnic culture, and an ancient village. At Swallow Lake, visitors are greeted by tranquil and clear waters, bordered by rural villages, fields, and willows. At Lusheng Mountain, the friendly locals invite visitors to dance together. Shiwai Taoyuan recreates the idyllic beauty of “lush grass and scattered blossoms” and showcases ancient red maples, drum towers of the Dong people, and traditional song and dance performances by locals.

In Eastern cultures, Shiwai Taoyuan symbolizes an ideal earthly paradise, akin to the concept of a utopia in the West. Near the Guilin landscape, this “paradise” offers a peaceful retreat close to the city.

4. Moon Hill

Moon Hill is a renowned natural wonder in Yangshuo, located beside Fenglou Village in Gaotian Township, rising over 380 meters high. Its distinctive feature is a large, round hole near its peak that resembles a full moon, giving it the name “Moon Peak,” commonly known as Moon Hill.

Visitors can climb an 800-step trail to reach the Moon Cave. This massive cave spans about 50 meters in both height and width, with thin walls only a few meters thick. Its smooth, wall-like sides are adorned with various stalactites hanging from the ceiling. On clear days, the sky and clouds can be seen through the hole, resembling a round mirror hanging in the mountains. When it rains, mist surrounds the cave, and the moon appears hazy and dreamlike. For those driving along the scenic road, the stone arch of Moon Hill gradually transforms from a crescent to a half-moon and finally a full moon, creating a magical sight.

5. Silver Cave

Located in Malin Town, Lipu County, about 85 kilometers from Guilin and 18 kilometers from Yangshuo, Silver Cave opened to the public in 1999 and is a 4A national scenic area. Surrounded by mountains, peach orchards, and ancient villages, Silver Cave is an immense natural landscape, featuring karst formations that are “majestic, mysterious, beautiful, and unique.” The cave houses stalactites from different geological periods, glowing like silver and diamonds under the lights, giving it a dazzling, crystal-clear appearance that has earned it the title of “world’s karst wonder.”

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Malin Town, Lipu County, Guilin

6. Impression Liu Sanjie (Performance)

“Impression Liu Sanjie” is a grand open-air performance staged along a two-kilometer stretch of the Li River, with 12 mountain peaks and the sky as a backdrop. Directed by Zhang Yimou, the show combines the folk songs of Liu Sanjie with Guangxi’s ethnic customs and Guilin’s scenic beauty. Since its premiere in 2004, “Impression Liu Sanjie” has captivated over 3 million visitors, achieving a box office revenue of 600 million yuan.

Using large-scale environmental lighting and smoke effects, the performance creates a poetic and dreamlike visual experience. Guilin’s iconic scenery is presented in a stunning new light, capturing the beauty and elegance of the landscape.

Performance Highlights: Grand open-air show merging ethnic and modern elements, creating a visual feast
Duration: Approximately 1 hour, usually starting at 8:00 PM during peak season

7. Guilin Ancient Love (Performance)

The large-scale song and dance performance “Guilin Ancient Love” tells the story of Guilin’s history and culture through various scenes, including “The Legend of Guilin,” “Flying Songs of the Land,” “The Eternal Ling Canal,” “Love Song of the Li River,” and “Searching for Liu Sanjie.” With hundreds of performers, thousands of stage machines, and innovative spatial effects, the show transports the audience across time and culture through a unique and immersive experience.

Location: Guilin Ancient Love Avenue, Yangshuo, Guangxi Province
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (closing time based on the end of the last performance)

4. MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS IN LONGSHENG — LONGJI TERRACES & LONGSHENG HOT SPRINGS

1. Longji Terraces

The Longji Terrace Scenic Area is located in Ping’an Township, Longsheng County, Guilin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Covering an area of 70.1 square kilometers and located 75 kilometers from Guilin, the site is easily accessible via National Highway 321. It is designated as a national AAAA scenic area and an Agricultural Tourism Demonstration Site.

The Longji Terraces boast a long history and vibrant ethnic culture. Construction began in the Yuan Dynasty, took shape in the Ming Dynasty, and was completed in the early Qing Dynasty, giving it nearly 700 years of history. The terraces are magnificent, embodying the beauty of terrace formations worldwide, with graceful, flowing lines that crown it as a unique spectacle. The scenic area highlights rice farming culture through terraces, blending natural scenery with minority cultural experiences. Visitors can explore areas such as the Ping’an Zhuang Terraces, the Jinkeng Red Yao Terraces, and the Longji Ancient Zhuang Village Cultural Viewing Area.

Opening Hours: Open all day
Address: Longsheng, Guilin

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2. Longsheng Hot Springs

The Longsheng Hot Springs area centers around its hot springs and includes sites such as the Longsheng Hot Springs Scenic Area, Longsheng Hot Springs Forest Park, Yanmen Gorge Rafting, Tianying Bridge Monkey Viewing, and numerous ethnic villages. Notable attractions include Saimen Red Yao Village, Ximen Red Yao Village, Baimian Red Yao Village, Yanmen Miao Village, Red Army Rock, Tian Bridge Monkey Viewpoint, Ailing Hot Springs, the Hot Springs Forest Park, and Yanmen Gorge Rafting.

The area has over 20 open-air hot spring pools, including features like a fish spa pool, high-temperature reservoir pool, Serenity Pool, Quiet Rain Pool, Herbal Bath Pool, Emerald Pool, Bell Pool, Drum Pool, Children’s Pool, Sky Sound Pool, and a swimming pool.

Immerse yourself in these steamy open-air pools, enjoying views of misty forest peaks and listening to the soft murmuring of water amid birdsong and floral aromas. This tranquil haven invites poetry and reflection: “Green mountains and waters blend with the blue sky, a miraculous spring flows in harmony,” or “A paradise of beauty beyond words.” Visitors often compose verses to celebrate the beauty of this secluded paradise.

The scenic area also acts as a “giant air conditioner,” providing spring-like warmth in cold weather and coolness in the summer heat. During summer nights, blankets are needed due to the pleasant chill, and there’s no disturbance from mosquitoes. The peacefulness and charm here will make you want to visit again.

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM — 11:00 PM
Address: Longsheng, Guilin

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5. OTHER POPULAR ATTRACTIONS — GUDONG WATERFALL, CROWN CAVE, LEMANDI

1. Gudong Waterfall

Located to the east of Daxu Ancient Town in Lingchuan County, 26 kilometers east of Guilin City and close to the Li River Wharf, Gudong Waterfall is recognized as a “national model for eco-tourism.” It is a key scenic spot along the Guilin Li River and serves as an environmental education site for youth in Guangxi, featured on CCTV.

The area is known for its serene waterfalls, emerald pools, red maples, and native charm. With a blend of pristine ecology, geological wonders, and fresh air, it exudes a rich rural atmosphere with historic relics and folklore.

CCTV News describes it as “a waterfall you can touch!”

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM — 5:00 PM
Address: Gudong Scenic Area, Daxu Town, Guilin

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2. Crown Cave

The Crown Cave Scenic Area includes attractions like the Baicao Garden, Taoli Garden, Elephant Juggling, Folk Crafts, Water Mill, Carp Pond, Farmhouse, idyllic scenery, and rural customs, creating a paradise-like atmosphere of tranquility and charm. The light rail train connects the Crown Cave Wharf, Yunwu Villa, the underground river viewing area, and the Caoping Ancient Town shopping area, offering convenient access between sightseeing, dining, lodging, and shopping points. It enhances the visiting experience and enriches Crown Cave tourism, adding brilliance to this Li River gem.