Top reasons to visit Guilin
- Breathtaking Scenery: Guilin is famous for its stunning landscapes, featuring dramatic karst mountains and serene rivers, perfect for outdoor adventures.
- Cultural Experiences: The vibrant city centre offers rich cultural attractions, historical sites, and welcoming locals eager to share their customs.
- Dynamic Night Markets: Experience Guilin's lively atmosphere by exploring its bustling night markets, offering local delicacies and unique souvenirs.
- Engaging Activities for Families: Families can enjoy various activities at kids' clubs and parks, ensuring fun for visitors of all ages.
- Diverse Accommodations: From luxury hotels to charming guesthouses, Guilin provides a range of lodging options for every traveller's preference.
Find great hotels in Guilin
Guilin offers a diverse selection of accommodations to suit every traveler's needs, from luxurious hotels to charming guesthouses. Whether you're seeking a family-friendly retreat, a business-friendly environment, or a lavish getaway, you'll find numerous options throughout the area. Explore the best hotels and resorts in Guilin to ensure a memorable stay, with stunning views and convenient access to the city's attractions.
- Sheraton Guilin Hotel: Sheraton Guilin Hotel offers a delightful blend of comfort and convenience, rated 4.5 stars with a guest rating of 8.4 out of 10. Nestled in the city centre, this hotel is ideal for families and business travellers alike. The property boasts a range of amenities tailored for children, including free cribs and a dedicated children’s club, making it a family-friendly choice. Guests appreciate the well-appointed accommodations and the hotel’s strategic location, providing easy access to Guilin's vibrant city life.
- Shangri-La Guilin: Rated 5 stars with an impressive guest rating of 9.0 out of 10, Shangri-La Guilin is a luxurious retreat perfect for families seeking a memorable vacation experience. The hotel features a variety of child-friendly amenities, including a supervised children’s club and a pool designed specifically for younger guests. Set in a picturesque locale, this property combines elegant design with exceptional service, ensuring a comfortable stay for families looking to explore the natural beauty of Guilin.
- Guilin Lijiang Waterfall Hotel: This 4.5-star hotel, boasting a guest rating of 8.0 out of 10, is a haven for business travellers and spa enthusiasts. Located in the heart of Guilin, it offers a full-service spa and a relaxing pool area, complete with sun loungers and a poolside bar. Guests can indulge in rejuvenating treatments at the onsite spa or unwind in the sauna after a day of exploring. The hotel’s serene atmosphere and comprehensive facilities make it an appealing choice for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.
Where to stay in Guilin
Guilin, renowned for its breathtaking scenery, offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. Explore the vibrant city centre, where friendly locals welcome you to discover historical sites and relaxing green spaces. Venture into nearby regions to immerse yourself in stunning landscapes, perfect for recreation and relaxation. Whether you're wandering through quaint neighbourhoods or enjoying a serene evening in the city, Guilin promises an unforgettable journey filled with picturesque moments.
- Yangshuo: Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Guangxi, Yangshuo is a county renowned for its stunning karst mountains and scenic rivers. The area attracts a diverse range of travellers throughout the year, particularly during the vibrant months of March to April and July. Visitors can immerse themselves in a variety of experiences, from exploring the bustling public market and recreational areas to enjoying family-oriented activities. The historic sites and tranquil parks offer a glimpse into the region's rich heritage, making Yangshuo a perfect blend of culture and natural beauty.
- Guilin City Centre: As the heart of Guilin, the City Centre is a lively neighbourhood that offers a mix of urban charm and outdoor experiences. With peak visitor numbers in April, October, and December, this area is ideal for those seeking a dynamic city-themed adventure. You can explore the vibrant public markets and shopping areas while also enjoying the stunning parks and rocky hills that surround the city. Guilin City Centre serves as a gateway to the region’s natural splendours, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities amidst a bustling urban environment.
- Xiufeng: This district in Guilin is a vibrant hub for both business travellers and families seeking a blend of urban exploration and leisure. With a steady flow of visitors throughout the year, particularly in April, October, and December, Xiufeng offers a variety of shopping centres and public markets that cater to diverse interests. Key landmarks such as marinas and water features enhance the district's charm, making it an appealing destination for those wanting to experience the local lifestyle while enjoying modern amenities.
Things to do in Guilin
Shopping
In Guilin, visit the local shops at Zhengyang Pedestrian Street for unique souvenirs and handicrafts. If you're up for a drive, head to the Guilin Shopping Centre, offering a range of brands and retail options, or explore the more extensive shopping at the Guilin Wanda Plaza.
Recreation
Guilin's Yangshuo Tea House offers a tranquil setting for tea ceremonies, promoting relaxation and mindfulness amidst stunning karst landscapes. For a rejuvenating experience, visit the Longsheng Hot Springs, where natural mineral waters soothe the body while surrounded by picturesque rice terraces.
Adventure
In Guilin, explore the breathtaking Li River by bamboo raft, gliding through stunning karst landscapes. Experience exhilarating rock climbing at Yangshuo, offering routes for various skill levels, or hike the scenic Longji Rice Terraces, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Zhuang and Yao villages.
Nightlife
In Guilin, the lively Yangshuo West Street is filled with bustling bars and street performances, offering a vibrant atmosphere. The rooftop bars provide stunning views of the karst mountains, while local night markets showcase delicious food and cultural displays, making for an engaging evening experience.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Guilin
Guilin is an excellent destination for budget-conscious travellers, offering free entry to attractions like Moon Water Cave. To save on transport, utilise the affordable bus and bicycle options. For accommodation, consider visiting in March or between December and January for lower prices, and book your stay at least three months in advance. Wednesdays are the cheapest nights to stay, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to compare hotel rates and explore package deals that combine flights and activities for extra savings.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Guilin are March and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to May and August, where prices are slightly higher.
- The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel in Guilin about 3+ months out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Guilin is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay in Guilin is Saturday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can arrange your search results to display prices from the lowest to the highest, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel booking in Guilin with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions in Guilin
Guilin is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and urban explorers alike, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions. Visitors can discover captivating caves, scenic mountains, and lush urban parks, perfect for adventure and relaxation. Key highlights include the best of Guilin and the vibrant city centre, ensuring a memorable experience for travellers seeking both adventure and picturesque scenery.
- Caoye Reading Rock: This natural feature offers a serene atmosphere with historical significance, where visitors can appreciate unique rock formations while soaking in the tranquil environment that has inspired poets and scholars for centuries.
- Jingjiang Princes' Palace: A magnificent palace steeped in history, Jingjiang Princes' Palace showcases traditional Chinese architecture and rich cultural heritage, providing insight into the lives of the princes and their court during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
- Li River: Renowned for its breathtaking scenery, the Li River meanders through dramatic karst landscapes, offering opportunities for leisurely boat rides and stunning views, making it a favourite for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Best time to go to Guilin
The best time to visit Guilin can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Guilin falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Guilin falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Guilin
Flying into Guilin is convenient, with Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) located approximately 13km from the city. Nearby hotel options include the 4-star Hampton by Hilton Guilin Lingui and the 3.5-star Wingate by Wyndham Yangshuo, both about 7 to 13km from the airport. Alternatively, you can consider Liuzhou Airport (LZH), located 138km away, with luxurious accommodations like the 5-star Wanda Realm Liuzhou. For those flying into Shaoyang Airport (WGN), situated 180km from Guilin, there are several 3.5-star hotels, including Vienna International Hotel , just 6km from the airport. Transportation services are available from these hotels to their respective airports.