For centuries, Chinese poets and painters have surrendered their brushes to a singular truth: “Guilin’s scenery is the best among all under heaven”… or so our tour guide repeatedly told us on our tour. :p
Located in the northeast of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (see? I really listened to our tour guide!); Guilin is a living, breathing canvas of classical landscape art. Characterized by dramatic karst limestone mountains rising abruptly from emerald plains, winding jade rivers, and an ancient tapestry of ethnic cultures; it captures the sublime spirit of the natural world like nowhere else I’ve seen so far. It’s no wonder why it was used to set the scene for Kashyyyk in Star Wars.
Whether you’re seeking to become one in nature, step back into imperial history, or just see jaw-dropping panoramic views; Guilin should be at the absolute top of your travel bucket list.
Top 7 Stunning Things to See in Guilin, China
Li River
Photo by Angeline Rodriguez
The absolute centerpiece of any journey to Guilin is the legendary Li River Cruise. Winding approximately 83 kilometers from Guilin to the vibrant town of Yangshuo, this journey feels like floating through a traditional scroll painting come to life. As your vessel glides along the crystalline waters, you will pass iconic karst peaks like Elephant Trunk Hill and Nine-Horse Fresco Hill.
Keep your eyes open for the famous Yellow Cloth Shoal too (or like me, chill and enjoy the scenery while waiting for your tour guide to announce it lol), a vista so breathlessly perfect that it is immortalized on the back of China’s 20-yuan banknote. Along the way, you’ll glimpse an ancient way of river life as well: traditional fishermen rowing past on slender bamboo rafts and water buffalos grazing on the side.
Reed Flute Cave
Photo by Angeline Rodriguez
Guilin’s surreal geometry isn’t just limited to its skyline, by the way. It extends deep underground. Known as the “Palace of Natural Arts”, the Reed Flute Cave is a millions-of-years-old limestone cavern that stretches for over 240 meters. Inside, you can walk through an otherworldly labyrinth of stalactites, stalagmites, stone pillars, and majestic rock curtains.
Artfully illuminated by multi-colored theatrical lighting, the formations cast vibrant reflections upon underground pools, transforming the chambers into a dazzling, subterranean dreamscape. It was so breathtaking, it reminded me of the Kawatche Caves in Smallville once the key activates them.
Historically named after the reeds growing outside the entrance (which are apparently still used to make melodic flutes to this day!), the cave also features over 70 ink inscriptions dating back as far as the Tang Dynasty, proving that wanderers have been marveling at its depths for over a millennium now.
Jingjiang Princes’ Palace
Photo by Angeline Rodriguez
Nestled right in the heart of Guilin city lies a rare bastion of history: the Jingjiang Princes’ Palace. Built during the early Ming Dynasty for the grand nephew of the first Ming Emperor, this sprawling complex predates Beijing’s Forbidden City by several decades. For over 250 years, it served as the opulent home to 14 kings from 11 generations.
Today, it stands as the most completely preserved outer prince palace in China. Walking through its majestic gates flanked by ancient trees and traditional architecture, you can explore old examination halls and even ascend the famous Solitary Beauty Peak, which I sadly wasn’t able to do but apparently offers an unrivaled, panoramic bird’s-eye view over Guilin’s urban sprawl interlocked with natural peaks.
Longji Rice Terraces
Photo by Angeline Rodriguez
Venturing north into the mountainous region of Longsheng reveals a triumph of human endurance and agricultural artistry: the Longji (Dragon’s Backbone) Rice Terraces. Layered intricately up the hillsides like giant ribbons blowing in the wind, these terraces climb from the river valleys up into the clouds.
Initiated during the Yuan Dynasty and completed in the Qing Dynasty, they represent hundreds of years of meticulous hand-sculpted engineering by the local Zhuang and Yao minority peoples.
The Long Hair Village Show
Photo by Angeline Rodriguez
While exploring the Longji terraces, a stop at Huangluo Yao Village, recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the “World’s First Long Hair Village”, is an unforgettable cultural encounter. In fact, as someone obsessed with hair, this was the highlight of our trip for me.
Here, women of the Red Yao ethnic group cut their hair only once in their lifetimes, typically when they turn 18. During the captivating Long Hair Village Show, these women unravel their glistening, jet-black tresses, which frequently exceed 1.5 to 2 meters in length. They perform traditional songs and dances, demonstrate how they maintain their hair’s vibrant health using fermented rice water, and share the profound symbolism behind their intricate updos, which signify marriage, wealth, and good fortune.
Ruyi Peak Cableway Scenic Area
Photo by Angeline Rodriguez
If you are craving a modern adrenaline rush combined with sweeping vistas, the Ruyi Peak Cableway Scenic Area in Yangshuo is a newly minted masterpiece. The adventure begins with a state-of-the-art cableway ride that whisks you high above the canopy, delivering an effortless front-row seat to Yangshuo’s dense forest of karst peaks.
Once at the top, you can test your courage on the thrilling suspended Glass Bridge, walking directly over a yawning chasm with a transparent view of the valley floor far below. If you’re scared of heights, don’t fret because half of the bridge isn’t glass. I thought this was very thoughtful of them so people can still accompany each other, no matter what their courage level. The park also features a winding Cliff Walk and a spectacular Ruyi-shaped cloud deck, offering a majestic 360-degree theater of the rolling landscape.
Impression Liu Sanjie Show
Photo by Angeline Rodriguez
As night falls over Yangshuo, the Li River transforms into the grandest stage on earth for the Impression Liu Sanjie Show. Directed by the visionary filmmaker Zhang Yimou, the mastermind behind the iconic 2008 Beijing Olympics opening ceremony, this outdoor musical spectacular uses the actual Li River as its stage and 12 twelve floodlit karst mountains as its natural backdrop. You will literally gasp in awe. We all did.
Featuring a cast of over 600(!!!) local fishermen and villagers, the production uses state-of-the-art lighting to orchestrate synchronized bamboo rafts, glowing crimson ribbons, and traditional folksongs. Did I understand what the show was about? Not at all, but the transcendent harmony of light, sound, nature, and human emotion proved to be the perfect emotional finale to our Guilin adventure.
Plan Your Journey Well
Guilin is highly accessible, boasting its own international airport and extensive high-speed rail connections tying it seamlessly to major hubs like Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and Chengdu. According to the locals, the best times to visit would be from April to October when the rivers are full and the greenery is at its most vibrant.
Either way, make sure to pack your spirit of adventure, respect for living history, and a camera ready for poetry because Guilin won’t just welcome you with open arms. It may just leave you forever changed.
To make your planning easier and to get the best deals on anything Guilin, China and other destinations have to offer, make sure to book on Trip.com! 🙂
