Hotels in Guilin
Discover your perfect stay in Guilin.
Guilin(China) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions
Popular Landmarks in Guilin
Discover the most iconic attractions in Guilin
Recommended Hotels in Guilin
Find the perfect place to stay in Guilin
Best Hotels in Guilin
Discover curated hotel collections in Guilin
Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling to Guilin
Questions You Might Need to Know About Traveling to Guilin
Guilin Overview
City Summary
Guilin, located in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China, is renowned as the "finest scenery under heaven." The city is famous for its unique karst landscape, with breathtaking natural sights like the Li River and Elephant Trunk Hill. The rustic countryside and ethnic minority culture blend seamlessly, creating a distinctive cultural experience. Visitors can cycle through Yangshuo to enjoy the tranquil rural life or take a boat ride on the Li River to marvel at the surreal limestone peaks. Don’t miss local delicacies such as Guilin rice noodles and beer fish. It’s a perfect fusion of nature and culture.
Must-See Attractions
Guilin, located in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China, is renowned for its karst landscape and often described as having the "finest scenery under heaven." The Li River is one of Guilin's most iconic attractions, where bamboo rafting or cruise trips offer breathtaking views of limestone peaks like Elephant Trunk Hill and Nine Horses Fresco Hill. The West Street in Yangshuo exudes a vibrant mix of local culture and international flair, perfect for savoring regional cuisine and shopping. Additionally, the Longji Rice Terraces showcase the harmonious coexistence of human ingenuity and nature, especially during the golden harvest season, when the terraces resemble waves of gold, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
Food Guide
Guilin, located in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China, is renowned for its karst landscape and scenic rivers and mountains. The local cuisine reflects the diverse ethnic cultures of Guangxi, featuring spicy, sour, and aromatic flavors. A must-try dish is Guilin rice noodles, known for its tender noodles and flavorful broth. Another highlight is beer fish, made with fresh Li River fish braised in beer for a unique taste. Guilin’s culinary culture also includes various pickled bamboo shoots and chili sauces, offering a bold and distinctive local flavor.
Transportation Guide
Guilin, located in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China, is renowned for its stunning karst landscapes and the Li River scenery.
Transportation
- By Air: Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) offers domestic and international flights. Airport shuttles or taxis can take you to the city center in about 40 minutes.
- By Train: Guilin Railway Station and Guilin North Station are major hubs with high-speed rail connections to many cities.
- Local Transport: The city has an extensive bus network, and taxis or shared bikes are convenient options.
Travel Tips
- Best Season: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer pleasant weather.
- Must-See Attractions: Li River, Elephant Trunk Hill, and Longji Rice Terraces. Book tickets in advance.
- Notes: Summer can be hot and rainy, so prepare for sun and rain. Respect local ethnic minority customs.
Best Time to Visit
Guilin, located in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China, is renowned for its karst landscape and the breathtaking Li River scenery. The best time to visit is during spring and autumn (March to May, September to November), when the weather is mild and perfect for outdoor activities like bamboo rafting on the Li River and cycling in Yangshuo. In spring, the rapeseed flowers bloom, painting the landscape with vibrant colors, while autumn offers crisp air and stunning views of Moon Hill and the Ten-Mile Gallery, a paradise for photographers. Summers (June to August) can be hot, but they provide a chance to see the lush greenery of the Longji Rice Terraces. Winters (December to February) are quieter, ideal for travelers seeking tranquility.
Travel Tips
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Weather Prep: Guilin has a subtropical monsoon climate. Pack sunscreen and rain gear for hot, rainy summers; bring warm layers for occasional winter chills.
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Safety Tips: When visiting the Li River or karst caves, follow guides closely to avoid unmarked areas—watch for slippery paths.
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Local Cuisine: Try iconic dishes like rice noodles and beer fish, but prioritize hygienic eateries over street stalls.
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Transport: Buses are efficient, but taxis near attractions may overcharge—use ride-hailing apps or negotiate fares upfront.
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Cultural Etiquette: Seek permission before photographing locals or ethnic sites (e.g., Zhuang villages) to respect traditions.
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Shopping: Buy specialties like Sanhua liquor and fermented tofu at licensed stores to avoid counterfeits.
Useful Information
Essential Travel Guide to Guilin
Language: Mandarin is predominant. Some locals understand Cantonese or the Guilin dialect. Basic English is available at tourist sites.
Connectivity: Stable 4G/5G coverage in urban areas. Consider purchasing a short-term SIM card from China Unicom or Mobile (ID registration required). Free Wi-Fi in hotels/attractions may need a Chinese number for verification.
Currency & Payments: Official currency is CNY. Carry cash for small vendors. Mobile payments (WeChat Pay/Alipay) dominate; foreigners can link international cards or use cash-loaded "travel cards".
Emergencies:
- Police: 110
- Ambulance: 120
- Consular assistance: Contact your embassy in China (nearest consulates are usually in Beijing/Guangzhou).
Tips:
- Book Li River cruises in advance through licensed agencies
- When trying local dishes like Guilin rice noodles, request "no spice" (note: broth has mild heat)
- During monsoon (Apr-Jun), pack waterproof gear as some sites may close temporarily
Traveler Reviews
See what other travelers say about Guilin
Li River Landscape · Riverside Courtyard Hotel( Elephant Trunk Hill and Two Rivers & Four Lakes)
My sister and I visited Guilin for a weekend getaway, and honestly, we couldn’t have picked a better place to stay. This charming hotel sits right in the heart of the city, just steps away from the Li River—our room had an unbeatable riverside view, perfect for morning jogs along the bank. The entire property was beautifully decorated with a festive Christmas vibe that added such warmth to our stay. The room itself was spotless and immaculately clean—hygiene was never a concern. When I went to use the self-service laundry the next day, it was already full. Instead of waiting, the staff member kindly offered me a spot and even took care of the laundry for me. When it was done, my clothes were returned neatly folded and packed—such a thoughtful touch! The service was incredibly prompt and genuinely welcoming. As a food lover, I was thrilled by the dining options: breakfast featured fresh, crisp ice lettuce—my absolute favorite. Lunch and dinner offered creative, locally inspired dishes with excellent flavor and presentation. Every meal felt special. This hotel exceeded all expectations—highly recommend for anyone visiting Guilin.
Yangshuo Yuyuan Resort （Shili Gallery &Yulong River）
Staying at Yangshuo Yuyuan Resort was an absolute delight, and I’m so grateful to Xiao Liao for upgrading me to a family room—such a wonderful surprise! The private balcony overlooking the lush hills is pure bliss; sitting there with a cup of tea, soaking in the serene views, felt like stepping into a postcard. The hotel offers warm ginger tea and loquat tea all day long—perfect for chilly mornings—and ends each evening with a sweet treat that’s simply delightful. Everything about this place feels fresh and thoughtfully designed: the smart home features (especially the Alexa-like assistant) are fun to use, the hot shower delivers excellent pressure, and the free laundry facilities are a real plus. I did struggle a bit with the dryer at first—got stuck on one cycle for over an hour—but no big deal; by morning, my clothes were perfectly dry under the sun on the balcony. The only tiny wish? A slightly smarter toilet would’ve been the cherry on top 😅. Most importantly, the staff are incredibly professional and genuinely helpful—each guide shared insider tips on hidden trails and local gems that made our explorations unforgettable. Five days flew by too fast—I kept rescheduling my train tickets just to stay longer. Every day was spent hopping in a car to explore the surrounding mountains and rivers, and honestly? This is how you experience Yangshuo at its best.
BOYARD HOTEL
The 13th-floor lobby offers breathtaking views of Guilin’s scenic landscape—truly stunning. The front desk staff went above and beyond by upgrading me to a larger room at no extra cost, and the welcome snack was a delightful surprise: not just regular mint candies, but chewy hawthorn slices and little sesame twists—my kids were thrilled! The location is perfect—just 3 bus stops to Elephant Trunk Hill, 1 stop to the Jingjiang Prince's Mansion, and only 6 stops to Guilin North Railway Station. Taxis never cost more than $20, making it super convenient for travelers on a budget. This hotel delivers an excellent balance of comfort, service, and value—definitely a top pick if you're visiting Guilin.
LS Hotel (Guilin Liangsu)
The location is absolutely unbeatable—staying in building 8 means you have front-row views of the most scenic part of the Liuzhi Gallery. Every morning, waking up to the misty mountains and flowing rivers feels like living in a postcard. But what truly blew me away was the service—far beyond what I'd expect from even a five-star hotel. From the moment I booked, I was added to a private group chat with the team, and every message got an instant reply. The hosts, Xiao Yi Ying and Xiao Rong, were incredibly attentive and friendly. Even our photographer, Cai Cai, went above and beyond—running between buildings to capture perfect shots, adjusting lighting and angles with patience and care. It’s rare to find such genuine hospitality, especially at this level of comfort and style. Honestly, this experience has already made me plan my next visit. If you're looking for a place that combines natural beauty with top-tier service, this is it.
Yangshuo Fadai overhanging hot spring light luxury hotel
This was hands down the best part of our trip to Yangshuo! Staying at this hotel felt like living right in the scenery—perfect for a relaxed family getaway. We arrived in the afternoon and spent some time exploring the hillside café, which had such a great vibe for photos and just chilling. In the evening, the platform arranged a shuttle to Xijie (West Street), just a 20-minute ride. We wandered around, grabbed a bite, then returned to the hotel for a soothing soak in the hot spring—pure bliss after a long day. The next morning, we stepped out the front door and were just minutes away from catching a bamboo raft ride—no stress, no hassle. The property itself is beautifully designed, quiet, and surrounded by lush mountains. Staff were warm and attentive, offering complimentary afternoon tea and a generous breakfast. Plus, we got upgraded to a couple’s room with a private balcony overlooking the hills—waking up to that view was unforgettable. Even though it was off-season and cloudy, the atmosphere was still incredibly peaceful and refreshing. If you're looking for a low-key, scenic escape without the crowds or rushing around, this hotel is absolutely worth it.
Qiyue Shui'an Homestay (Yangshuo Shili Gallery Yulonghe Branch)
This was easily the best hotel experience during my trip to Guangxi. Nestled right within the scenic area, its location is unbeatable—elegant and spacious, with none of that cramped, DIY homestay vibe you sometimes get. The pricing during the off-season was incredibly reasonable, and even though it was New Year’s period, the service remained top-notch, never slipping despite the busy times. What truly blew me away? You can actually fish in the Yulong River right outside the property! For any fishing enthusiast, this is a major draw—there’s plenty of small bites, perfect if you enjoy micro-fishing. It’s basically a dream spot for anglers. The staff went above and beyond: they patiently explained nearby attractions, helped me book affordable tickets, and even delivered fresh bait to the riverbank when I ran out—no hassle, just thoughtful care. That kind of attention to detail feels like a five-star resort, not a boutique stay. Outside the hotel, there’s a massive open lawn—probably twice the size of the building itself—featuring swings, a swimming pool, and even a hot air balloon for photo ops. To the right, there’s an incredible pet zone with deer, goats, sheep, and yes, a real camel! Plus a variety of farm animals—so much fun for kids and adults alike. Whether you're here for a romantic getaway, a group retreat, or family bonding, this place fits all. The only regret? There were too many guests to snag a room with a better view—definitely coming back next time to try one!
osmanthus tree resort & spa
This was my second visit to Osmanthus Tree Resort & Spa, and I’m already planning my next stay. The first time I stayed in a twin room—spacious and comfortable—and this time I accidentally booked the wrong room type. I reached out to the front desk, and the staff member immediately stepped in, consulted with management, and upgraded me to the same twin room at no extra cost. That kind of service is rare and truly impressive. The facilities are top-notch, the atmosphere is peaceful, and the attention to detail made all the difference. My kids had a blast exploring the space and even asked if we could stay longer. Everything—from the warm welcome to the thoughtful touches—makes me want to come back again. Definitely one of those places you’ll remember long after check-out.
Banyan Tree Yangshuo
I stayed at three different hotels during my time in Yangshuo, but Banyan Tree Yangshuo still stands out as the top choice overall. The resort’s natural setting is breathtaking—serene, lush, and beautifully designed. The free-roaming peacocks and ducks are such a charming highlight; they walk around freely, unafraid of guests, and you can pick up special feed at the entrance to interact with them. There’s also a friendly alpaca that kids adore. The breakfast spread is generous and delicious, and daily activities like mountain hikes and fan painting add a unique cultural touch. I especially loved the sunset ceremony every evening at 6 PM—it’s a peaceful, memorable ritual. Staff service was exceptional, particularly my personal concierge Chad, who was always prompt, helpful, and genuinely attentive. From recommendations to last-minute requests, he made everything seamless. This place isn’t just a hotel—it’s an experience. If I ever return to Yangshuo, Banyan Tree will be my first booking.
Yangshuo Misty Wonderland
Staying at Yangshuo Misty Wonderland was an absolute dream. I booked the Deluxe Sunrise Suite, which faces east with a 180-degree unobstructed view of the mountains and sunrise—waking up to golden light spilling over the hills was magical. The staff, especially our host Xiao Hong, went above and beyond: she personally secured me the best room with the perfect vantage point and even arranged a complimentary 30-minute drone photography session. The photos I got were stunning—pure memories captured in motion. But my favorite part? The private rooftop bathtub. I spent mornings soaking while watching the sun rise, and at night, I’d lie back, gazing up at the stars—yes, those starry shots were taken right from the terrace using just a 10-second exposure. No filters, no tricks—just raw beauty. This place isn’t just a stay; it’s a sensory experience. From the thoughtful touches to the breathtaking views, every detail feels intentional. If you’re looking for a peaceful, romantic escape with soulful design and unforgettable moments, this is it. Definitely coming back.
Li River CIAO Hotel( Guilin Elephant Trunk Hill)
Staying at Li River CIAO Hotel was an absolute highlight of my trip to Guilin! The room view overlooking the Li River was breathtaking—every morning felt like waking up in a postcard. Service was prompt and friendly; whether I called or messaged via WeChat, responses came quickly. To my surprise, they upgraded our room for free and even offered a late checkout—such a thoughtful touch! My mom and I both loved the chairs in the room—they were surprisingly comfortable and perfect for relaxing after a long day. I also booked the one-hour artistic photo shoot experience, which was efficient and delivered great results: three beautiful, natural-looking photos that captured the moment perfectly. The custom gift set included a calming essential oil with real rose petals inside—opening it released such a rich, soothing rose scent that instantly lifted my mood. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to visit the Gu Opera cultural exhibition, but that didn’t take away from the overall fantastic experience. From the location to the personal touches, this hotel truly stands out. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a peaceful, stylish stay with a hint of local charm.
Li River Hotel (Guilin Two Rivers and Four Lakes Xiangshan Scenic Spot)
The location is absolutely perfect—just a short walk from Elephant Trunk Hill, Seven Star Park, West-East Street, Jingjiang Prince's Mansion, Renyang Pedestrian Street, the Sun and Moon Twin Towers, and the Shanghu Lake. From the room, you can enjoy stunning views of the lake, especially at night when the lights come on—it’s breathtaking. After dinner, we loved strolling along the lakeside path; it’s such a peaceful way to unwind. The breakfast was simple but satisfying—good quality and tasty options. Dinner was equally impressive, with delicious local flavors and well-prepared dishes. Staff were attentive and responsive, making us feel welcome throughout our stay. Every detail felt thoughtfully considered. I’d definitely book here again next time I visit Guilin.
Jolie Vue Bontique Hotel（Elephant Trunk Hill and Two Rivers and Four Lakes ）
Staying at Jolie Vue Bontique Hotel was an absolute delight, especially because of the unbeatable location right across from Elephant Trunk Hill. The view from the 7th floor is simply stunning—perfect for capturing photos of the Li River and the iconic mountain silhouette. Our host, Xiao Xiao, was warm, attentive, and incredibly helpful, offering local dining tips and even surprising us with an extra breakfast when we checked in with my parents. The restaurant on the 7th floor serves one of the best beer fish dishes I’ve ever had—fresh, flavorful, and unforgettable. Even the housekeeping staff stood out with their friendly greetings: 'Back from exploring?' or 'Enjoying your day?'—small gestures that made the stay feel personal and welcoming. It was a chilly time in Guilin, but the genuine warmth of the team made all the difference. This isn’t just a hotel—it’s a home away from home. Highly recommended for anyone visiting the area.
