Frequently Asked Questions About Guilin

Guilin is a beautiful city in southern China, located in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It is a popular destination for tourists from around the world, who come to enjoy the city’s stunning natural scenery, rich culture, and delicious cuisine. However, before you pack your bags and head off to this beautiful city, there are some questions you should consider. In this blog post, we will answer the most frequently asked questions about Guilin.

What Are the Must-See Attractions in Guilin?

There are many beautiful and interesting attractions in Guilin, but some are more popular and famous than others. The must-see attractions in Guilin include:The Li River: The Li River is a famous river that runs from Guilin to Yangshuo. The river is known for its beautiful scenery, especially the karst landscapes, which are unique to the area.The Reed Flute Cave: The Reed Flute Cave is a beautiful cave system with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is illuminated with colorful lights, making it an otherworldly experience.The Longji Rice Terraces: The Longji Rice Terraces are a beautiful and tranquil place to visit. The terraces are located in Longsheng County, about 100 kilometers from Guilin. They are famous for their stunning natural beauty and their unique cultural significance.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Guilin?

The best time to visit Guilin is from April to October. During this time, the weather is warm and comfortable, and the scenery is at its most beautiful. Summers can be quite hot and humid, but this is also the best time to enjoy water activities on the Li River.

What Is the Local Cuisine in Guilin?

Guilin is famous for its delicious and unique local cuisine. Some of the most popular local dishes include:Rice Noodles: Rice noodles are a staple food in Guilin. They are made from rice flour and served with a variety of toppings, such as pork, beef, or shrimp.Beer Fish: Beer fish is a delicious dish made with fresh fish cooked in beer, chili peppers, and tomatoes. It is a must-try when visiting Guilin.Stuffed Li River Snails: Stuffed Li River snails are a popular street food in Guilin. The snails are stuffed with a mixture of pork, mushrooms, and other ingredients, and then grilled over an open flame.

How Do I Get to Guilin?

Guilin is a well-connected city, with several transportation options available. The most common ways to get to Guilin are:Flight: Guilin Liangjiang International Airport is located about 28 kilometers from the city center. It provides frequent flights to many cities in China, as well as international destinations.Train: Guilin Railway Station is the main train station in the city. It is well-connected to many cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.

What Are the Best Accommodations in Guilin?

There are many great accommodations in Guilin, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Some of the best accommodations in Guilin are:Shangri-La Hotel Guilin: This luxury hotel offers beautiful views of the Li River and the city of Guilin. It has a range of amenities, including a spa, fitness center, and several restaurants.Guilin Riverside Hostel: This budget-friendly hostel is located near the Li River and offers comfortable and clean accommodations. It also has a rooftop terrace with beautiful views of the city.

What Should I Bring With Me When Visiting Guilin?

When visiting Guilin, there are several things you should consider bringing with you, including:Sunscreen: The sun in Guilin can be quite strong, especially during the summer months. It is important to bring sunscreen to protect your skin.Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes are common in Guilin, especially near the rivers and rice paddies. Bringing insect repellent can help prevent mosquito bites.Comfortable Shoes: Guilin is a city with many outdoor attractions, such as the Li River and the Longji Rice Terraces. Bringing comfortable shoes will make it easier to enjoy these attractions.

Conclusion

Guilin is a beautiful and unique city in southern China, with a rich cultural heritage, stunning natural scenery, and delicious local cuisine. When planning your visit, remember to consider the best time to go, the must-see attractions, the local cuisine, transportation options, accommodations, and what to bring with you. With this information, you will be well-prepared to make the most of your visit to Guilin.

An Insider’s Guide to Guilin: Frequently Asked Questions

Guilin is a city that is sure to capture the imagination of any traveler with its mist-shrouded mountains, captivating limestone karsts, and winding rivers. Beyond the well-known attractions, there are hidden gems galore that only locals would know. Here is our insider’s guide to Guilin, complete with tips on where to eat, what to do, and how to experience the local culture.

Local Attractions: Beyond the Tourist Spots

While the Li River cruise and the Reed Flute Cave are incredibly popular tourist spots in Guilin, there are some lesser-known places worth exploring. For example, the Seven Star Park is a vast nature reserve that houses the Seven Star Cave, Panda House, Camel Hill, and more for visitors to discover. The Solitary Beauty Peak is another must-visit spot that’s equally breathtaking during the day and at night when it’s lit up. Additionally, the Huashan Mural is one of the most captivating ancient murals in China and well worth your time.

The Best Dining Spots and Guilin’s Unique Food Culture

Guilin’s food culture is unique and delectable, with specialties such as Guilin rice noodles, lipu taro, and niu rou fan. A bite of Guilin rice noodles comes with the aroma of meat and mushrooms, while lipu taro is a dish where the taro is soaked in cold water, then pan-fried until it’s crispy outside and chewy inside. In Guilin, you can savor the flavor of various dishes that can be found along the famous Zhengyang Road and at the food markets near the city center. Packed with vendors selling all sorts of dishes at affordable prices, you can have an authentic and unique culinary experience.

Cultural Experiences in Guilin

Guilin has a rich culture and fascinating traditions that are also reflected in the city’s numerous festivals and events. During the Double Sevens Festival, which is a festival for lovers, you can see young couples dressing up in traditional Chinese, celebrating their love on the streets with cotton candy, toys, and other small gifts. The Song of the Dragon Boat trip is a popular event that takes place in the summer and is a chance to experience the local music, dance, and fashion. Moreover, the Lijiang Folk Songs and Dances can grant you a perfect visual feast with graceful costumes, elegant music, and dynamic dances.

Local History: Stories from the Past

Guilin has a rich and fascinating history that’s worth exploring. Did you know that the famous Guilin folding fan was invented in the Tang Dynasty and became a popular cultural artifact in China? The fan is handmade and wood-carved, and the cost of an antique fan can reach tens of thousands of dollars. Another fascinating snippet of Guilin’s history is the tale of King Zhou Bin. Once upon a time, the king went to the Fubo Mountain and witnessed a dragon forming snakes with its body. Therefore, the king named the nearby river the Li River- ‘Li means snake’ in Chinese.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

Although there are plenty of tourist attractions in Guilin, a few off-the-beaten-path suggestions will truly make your trip unforgettable. Take the Jinkeng Terraced Fields for instance, which are famous for their unique shape and dotted with beautiful ethnic villages and remarkable rice paddies; it’s definitely worth the two-hour drive from Guilin’s city center. Or you could book a tour stepping into the secret world of Guilin’s tea preparation, which will take you back to thousands of years of tea culture in China and savor the most authentic taste of local tea.

In conclusion, Guilin can be the jewel in the crown of any China itinerary, a city with a vast array of attractions and an unforgettable experience for any traveler. Use this insider’s guide, and you won’t miss its hidden gems, unique food culture, festivals, fascinating history, and many off-the-beaten-path suggestions.