Guilin

Karst Mountains and River Scenery

Guilin's limestone karst peaks rising out of the Li River have been a subject of Chinese landscape painting for centuries, and seeing them in person is the main reason most visitors come. It's a slower-paced stop built around river cruises and rural scenery rather than dense urban sightseeing.

Best time to visit: April-October

Explore Guilin by theme

Highlights

Li River Cruise
A scenic boat journey along the Li River past the limestone karst peaks that have defined Chinese landscape painting for centuries, typically running between Guilin and the town of Yangshuo.
Reed Flute Cave
A large limestone cave system with naturally formed stalactites and stalagmites, named for the reeds growing near its entrance that were once used to make flutes. Illuminated with colored lighting that highlights the rock formations.
Longji Rice Terraces
Centuries-old terraced rice fields carved into steep mountainsides, cultivated by local Zhuang and Yao ethnic communities. The terraces change appearance dramatically by season, from flooded mirrors in spring to golden fields at harvest.
Yangshuo West Street
A pedestrian street in the town of Yangshuo, ringed by karst peaks, lined with cafes, bars, and shops that have catered to international backpackers for decades alongside local visitors.

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