Guilin

The Landscape of Dreams

Guilin's otherworldly karst mountains, winding rivers, and terraced rice fields have inspired Chinese poets and painters for centuries, creating a living landscape painting that must be seen to be believed.

As one of China's most picturesque regions, Guilin offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. The iconic limestone karst formations rising dramatically from the Li River create a scene that appears on the 20 yuan banknote and in countless classical Chinese paintings. Beyond the famous landscapes, the region is home to diverse ethnic minority cultures, ancient villages, and spectacular rice terraces.

With Joleefly's premium services, you'll experience Guilin beyond the typical tourist path. Our local experts provide exclusive access to viewpoints not found in guidebooks, arrange private boat cruises on less-traveled sections of the Li River, and introduce you to the authentic daily life of local farmers and fishermen in traditional villages.

Whether you're seeking photography opportunities, cultural immersion, outdoor adventures, or simply peaceful relaxation amid stunning scenery, Guilin offers extraordinary experiences for every interest. Our Mercedes-Benz S-Class transportation, professional translation services, and 24/7 concierge ensure that your exploration of this magical region is as comfortable and seamless as it is memorable.

Guilin at a Glance

Location: Southern China, Guangxi Province
Population: 4.9 million
Best Time to Visit: April-October
Major Airport: Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL)
Language: Mandarin Chinese, local dialects
Time Zone: China Standard Time (GMT+8)
Electricity: 220V, 50Hz
Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY)

Seasonal Weather

Spring (Mar-May) 15-25°C (59-77°F) Mild, frequent rain

Summer (Jun-Aug) 25-35°C (77-95°F) Hot, humid, occasional rain

Autumn (Sep-Nov) 15-25°C (59-77°F) Pleasant, clearest skies

Winter (Dec-Feb) 5-15°C (41-59°F) Cool, misty, occasional drizzle

Authentic Local Experiences in Guilin

Discover the real Guilin with exclusive access and insider connections

Private Li River Sunrise Cruise

Experience the magical Li River at its most serene with an exclusive sunrise cruise on a traditional bamboo raft. Depart before dawn to witness the karst mountains emerging from the morning mist as the sun rises, creating the perfect conditions for photography. Your private guide will navigate to secluded spots away from the daytime tourist boats, and you'll enjoy a gourmet breakfast picnic on a private sandbank. The experience includes a meeting with a traditional cormorant fisherman who will demonstrate this ancient fishing technique.

4-5 hours Private experience Breakfast included

Longji Rice Terraces Homestay

Immerse yourself in the daily life of the Zhuang and Yao ethnic minorities with an overnight stay in a traditional wooden home in the spectacular Longji Rice Terraces. Arrive in the afternoon to hike through the terraced fields with a local farmer who will explain traditional farming techniques. Help prepare dinner using fresh ingredients from the family garden, and learn about local customs and traditions. The next morning, wake early to witness the sunrise over the terraces, when the fields are often shrouded in mist, creating an ethereal landscape.

Overnight Private experience Meals included

Traditional Landscape Painting Workshop

Learn the ancient art of Chinese landscape painting with a master artist in a private studio overlooking the Li River. Begin with an introduction to the philosophy and techniques of traditional Chinese painting, focusing on the distinctive karst landscapes of Guilin that have inspired artists for centuries. Under expert guidance, create your own ink painting using traditional brushes, ink, and rice paper. The experience includes a tea ceremony and a personalized painting to take home as a meaningful souvenir of your time in Guilin.

3-4 hours Private experience Materials included

What Our Clients Say

Hear from travelers who have experienced Guilin with Joleefly

"We highly recommend Sherry T, our guide from Joleefly! She was kind, conscientious, courteous, and extremely knowledgeable on the history of the rice terraces and local culture. The Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo was breathtaking. The karst mountains rising from the mist looked just like a traditional Chinese painting."

Emily Johnson

United States

"We did the 4 nights/5 days hiking tour in the Guilin area, and it was an unforgettable experience! From the moment our guide Lily picked us up at the airport, everything was perfectly organized. Yangshuo's countryside bicycle tour was the perfect way to experience rural China. Our guide took us through small villages and rice fields with the stunning karst mountains as a backdrop."

Lukas Meyer

Germany

"This review is for the Guilin portion of an 11 day private tour. Highly recommend Arthur as your guide of Guilin. He has been doing this for many years and knows all the best spots. Our guide arranged for us to sit on the upper deck of the Li River cruise for the best views. The private bamboo raft experience in the afternoon was even better - so peaceful!"

The Martin Family

France

Must-See Attractions in Guilin

Essential experiences for your Guilin journey

Li River Cruise

The quintessential Guilin experience, this scenic cruise between Guilin and Yangshuo showcases the region's iconic karst mountains, bamboo groves, and rural villages. The 83km journey takes 4-5 hours and passes landscapes featured on the 20 yuan banknote.

Yangshuo County

A picturesque town surrounded by karst peaks and the Yulong River. Explore the charming West Street, cycle through countryside villages, enjoy a bamboo raft ride, or hike up to Moon Hill for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Longji Rice Terraces

Also known as the Dragon's Backbone, these spectacular terraced fields were built over 650 years ago. The terraces change appearance with the seasons, from water-filled mirrors in spring to golden waves in autumn. Home to Zhuang and Yao ethnic minorities.

Reed Flute Cave

A spectacular limestone cave filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations illuminated by colorful lights. Named for the reeds growing outside that can be made into flutes, this natural gallery has been a tourist attraction for over 1,200 years.

Elephant Trunk Hill

Guilin's most iconic landmark, this hill resembles an elephant drinking from the Li River with its trunk. The natural arch formed by the trunk creates a moon-like reflection in the water, especially beautiful at sunset and when illuminated at night.

Daxu Ancient Town

A well-preserved 1,000-year-old town along the Li River featuring Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture. Stroll along the original bluestone-paved street, visit traditional workshops, and see the ancient dock that once made this an important trading post.