Why Travel to Guilin ?
"Guilin's hills and water are second to none in the world." Located in the southeast of China, Guilin is reputed as being one of the world's most beautiful places with its karst landscapes, clean rivers, idyllic countryside, majestic rice terraces, and ethnic minorities. Like Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai, Guilin has been the most popular tourism destinations for oversea visitors for years. It's renowned for its iconic attractions like the Li River, Yangshuo, and Longsheng Rice Terraces, and it's also the birthplace of traditional Chinese landscape painting. Guilin is an important cultural city with a history of more than 2,000 years, and has been served as the political, economic and cultural center of Guangxi since the Northern Song Dynasty.
Covering an area of about 27,800 square kilometers (10,734 square miles), Guilin lies in the southwest of Nanling Mountain, with the typical Karst landscape. Through weathering erosion for several eras, limestone all over the city makes the unique landscape that thousands of hills stand, Li River runs around the city and caves and stones are in amazing and extraordinary shapes.
Whether it's your first time or your next time in Guilin, there's so much to see and do that you might want to stay here! From caving in Reed Flute Cave to cycling along the tranquil country paths by the Yulong River, enjoying world famous night shows on Li River to boat cruises and exploring magnificent Longsheng Rice terraced filed, each steps count your way in Guilin! You could find many activities that are unique to Guilin which have still not been promoted to most travelers.
Guilin City Tours
Here are our well-selected Beijing private city tour packages as below.
Guilin Private Tours 2026 & 2027
Our crafted China itineraries will take you to explore the most popular highlights in each city while discovering the hidden treasures that only locals know. Take them as inspiration, and choose your preferred one to tailor-make it.
Customize Your Own Trip
Please share your travel ideas with us below. One of our travel specialists will contact you within 24 hours.
Guilin Travel FAQs
The best time to visit Guilin depends on your preferences for weather and activities.
Spring (March to May): One of the best times to visit, with mild temperatures (15°C to 25°C / 59°F to 77°F) and fewer tourists compared to the summer months. The countryside is lush and green, and the flowers are in full bloom.
Autumn (September to November): Ideal weather for sightseeing, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures (15°C to 25°C / 59°F to 77°F). This is also when the rice terraces in Longji are at their most beautiful.
Summer (June to August): Hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F). Summer is also the rainy season, so expect frequent showers. However, the lush landscapes are very vibrant during this time.
Winter (December to February): Cooler weather, ranging from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F), and fewer tourists. The weather can be damp and chilly, but it's a great time if you prefer quieter, less crowded sites.
Over all, spring and autumn are best time to visit Guilin for mild weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful natural scenery.
Yes, most foreign nationals will need a visa to enter China, including to visit Guilin. The standard tourist visa (L visa) allows for stays of up to 30 days, but the specific requirements may vary depending on your nationality.
Visa-free transit: If you're transiting through Guilin for less than 24 hours, you may not need a visa, but it’s always best to confirm with the Chinese embassy or consulate.
Valid for travelers from ASEAN member(Indonesia, Malaysia,the Philippine, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Burma,Laos and Cambodia) states who can visit Guilin without a visa for a maximum of 6 days when traveling with an approved tour group.
While English is understood at some tourist attractions, in hotels, and by some young people, it is not widely spoken in general. It’s a good idea to learn a few basic Chinese phrases or have a translation app like Google Translate or Pleco handy. Having addresses written in Chinese can also be helpful when taking taxis or asking for directions. There are more people speaking English in Yangshuo, a county near Guilin for more western people living or working there.
By Air: Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) connects Guilin to major cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong. International flights to Guilin are limited but available from some cities.
By Train: Guilin has three railway stations with high-speed trains connecting to other major cities like Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Shanghai. The train system in Guilin is fast and efficient.
By Bus: Long-distance buses are available from nearby cities and towns, though trains or flights are usually more comfortable and faster.
Spring and Autumn: Light jacket, long sleeves, and comfortable shoes for walking. Layering is important as temperatures can vary.
Summer: Light, breathable clothing, sunscreen, and a hat. Be prepared for rain, so packing an umbrella or light rain jacket is a good idea.
Winter: Warm clothing, a jacket, and scarves, especially if you're planning to explore outdoor areas. Layers work best for cooler days.