Guilin

Karst peaks, rice terraces, and the most beautiful river in China.

About Guilin

Guilin's scenery is the finest under heaven

"Guilin's scenery is the finest under heaven." This Chinese proverb has been true for centuries. The Li River winds through thousands of karst limestone peaks, a landscape so distinctive it appears on the ¥20 banknote.

Beyond the river, the Longji Rice Terraces climb mountainsides in perfect contour lines, carved by Zhuang and Yao communities over 700 years. For geography students, this is a living textbook. For everyone else, it's simply unforgettable.

What You'll Experience

Top Attractions

Reed Flute Cave

Guided karst geology workshop inside a 180-million-year-old cave. Stalactite and stalagmite formation, limestone solution processes brought to life underground.

Featured in Horizon Europe Programme

Two Rivers & Four Lakes

An evening walk along Guilin's illuminated waterways. The Li and Peach Blossom rivers connect four city lakes in a circuit of pagodas, bridges, and karst peaks lit against the night sky.

Featured in Horizon Europe Programme

Plan Your Visit

Good to Know

Best Time to Visit

April–October for green terraces and warm weather. September–October for the golden harvest. The most photogenic time of year on the rice terraces.

Getting There

1.5-hour flight from Chengdu. Guilin Liangjiang International Airport is well connected to all major Chinese cities.

Pack for Adventure

Hiking shoes are essential. The rice terraces and karst trails require proper footwear. Expect rain in spring and summer; pack a lightweight waterproof layer.

Featured Programme

Guilin features in Horizon

Guilin features in our Nature & Landscapes programme. Chengdu → Guilin → Zhangjiajie.

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