Guilin is a city in southern China, famous for its stunning limestone hills and natural beauty. In the center of the city are two lakes, Shanhu and Ronghu, which were once part of an old moat system. Today, boats travel through these lakes and nearby rivers, making it a peaceful way to see the city.
Near Cedar Lake, two tall pagodas called the Sun and Moon Towers glow beautifully at night. In the middle of Guilin stands Solitary Beauty Peak, with stone steps, ancient poems carved in rock, and amazing views from the top. Elephant Trunk Hill looks like a giant elephant drinking from the river and has a small pagoda from the Ming Dynasty.
Just northwest of the city is Reed Flute Cave, or Ludi Yan, filled with colorful lights shining on impressive rock formations. Seven Stars Park has caves and hills arranged like the Big Dipper, giving the park its name. On the north side of Banyan Lake, the Ancient South Gate from the Tang Dynasty still stands, where people gather and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
places to visit in Guilin
Elephant Trunk Hill
Elephant Trunk Hill is one of Guilin’s most famous landmarks. It looks like a giant elephant drinking from the river. The hill is a symbol of the city and appears on many postcards. It’s also part of Guilin’s city emblem along with the osmanthus flower. Visitors can walk around and take photos by the water.
Longsheng Rice Terrace
The Longsheng or Longji Rice Terraces are built on mountain slopes in Longsheng County. The fields stretch from the river up to the mountain tops. Each season brings a new look—water reflections in spring, green plants in summer, golden rice in fall, and frost in winter. The terraces look like stairs carved into the hills. It’s a peaceful and scenic area.
Reed Flute Cave
Reed Flute Cave is a large limestone cave known for its colorful lights and rock formations. It’s called the “Palace of Natural Arts” because of its beauty. The cave is named after the reeds outside, which can be made into flutes. Inside, there are stalactites and stalagmites shaped like animals and people. It’s one of Guilin’s most popular spots.
Moon Hill
Moon Hill is a unique hill near Yangshuo with a big arch through the middle. The hole looks like a crescent moon, giving the hill its name. It was formed from an old limestone cave. Visitors can hike up a trail to reach the top for great views. It’s a favorite stop for hikers and photographers.
Seven-Star Cave
Seven-Star Cave is a large cave inside Seven-Star Park in Guilin. The cave has many rooms with stone formations shaped like animals, flowers, and mountains. It’s well-lit with colorful lights that create a magical look. The cave is named after the nearby peaks shaped like the Big Dipper. It’s fun to explore and full of history.
Jingjiang Princes’ City
Jingjiang Princes’ Palace is a historic site in the center of Guilin. It was once home to a prince from the Ming Dynasty. Today, part of it is used by Guangxi Normal University. Visitors can explore old buildings, city walls, and gardens. The palace area also has Solitary Beauty Peak nearby.
Lingqu Canal
The Lingqu Canal is an ancient waterway in Xing’an County, near Guilin. It was built over 2,000 years ago to connect the Xiang River and Li River. This made boat travel between the Yangtze and Pearl River easier. It’s one of the oldest canals in the world. Today, it’s a peaceful spot with great historical value.
Diecai Mountain
Diecai Mountain is a steep hill in Guilin with great views of the city. There are paths to walk, small temples, and pavilions along the way. A narrow cave on the mountain holds many carved Buddha statues. It’s a good place to enjoy nature and quiet. The mountain is also known for its colorful rocks.
Guilin Yaoshan
Yaoshan is the highest mountain near Guilin. You can take a cable car to the top for amazing views. The area also has ancient tombs and river cruises. In every season, the mountain offers different scenery. It’s a perfect place for sightseeing and enjoying nature.
Guilin Two Rivers & Four Lakes Scenic Area
This area is a network of rivers and lakes in the center of Guilin. It includes bridges, gardens, fountains, and lighted pagodas. At night, the area is beautifully lit and ideal for boat rides. The lakes and rivers connect different parts of the city. It’s a top spot for relaxing and taking in the views.
Best time to visit Guilin
The best time to visit Guilin is from late March to May and from late September to November. During these months, the weather is not too hot or too cold. Most days are sunny and pleasant. Temperatures usually stay between 20°C and 30°C. It’s a great time to enjoy outdoor sights and nature.
