Where to Stay in Guilin
China
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Guilin at a Glance
4 categories
Top Tips for Guilin
Things to know before you go
Local Tip
Purchase your Li River cruise tickets from a reputable agency or your hotel; avoid street vendors who may offer inflated prices or fake tickets. Consider a bus or train to Yangshuo instead of the cruise for a more budget-friendly and flexible option.
Getting Around
Use a translation app for bus numbers and destinations, as signs are mostly in Chinese. Keep small change handy for bus fares.
Watch Out For
Tea ceremony scam: Inviting tourists to a tea ceremony which turns into an expensive sales pitch.
Solo Female Travel
Guilin is generally safe for solo female travelers. Exercise standard precautions, especially at night, and be mindful of your surroundings in crowded tourist spots.
Hidden Gems in Guilin
Lesser-known spots the locals love
Guilin Museum of Art
This museum showcases contemporary and traditional Chinese art, often featuring local Guilin artists. It's a quiet escape to appreciate the region's creative spirit.
Guilin Botanical Garden
FREEA sprawling green oasis offering a tranquil retreat from the city bustle, with diverse plant collections and peaceful walking paths. It's a favorite spot for locals to relax and enjoy nature.
Shuidongmen Street
FREEWander down this historic street to experience a more authentic side of Guilin, with traditional architecture and small local eateries. You'll find fewer crowds and a glimpse into daily life.
Yangdi Village
Take a local ferry or raft from Yangdi to Xingping for a less crowded, more intimate Li River cruise experience. The scenery is just as breathtaking, but with a more authentic feel.
Guilin Eighteen Peaks Tea House
Sample local Guilin teas and enjoy traditional snacks in a setting that offers lovely views of the karst landscape. It's a perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon break.
Xiangshan Temple
Located atop Elephant Trunk Hill, this temple offers panoramic views of Guilin and the Li River. It's often overlooked by tourists who only visit the base of the hill.
What It Costs in Guilin
Daily budget per person in CNY
💡81% cheaper than London
CNY 250/day
CNY 500/day
CNY 1000/day
Where to Stay in Guilin
Honest neighborhood guide: where to stay and where to avoid
Best for
Walk to
- Guilin Railway Station5 min
- Guilin Bus Station10 min
- Zhengyang Pedestrian Street20 min
Pros
- +Excellent transport links
- +Wide range of budget accommodation and food options
- +Convenient for onward travel
Cons
- -Can be noisy and crowded
- -Less scenic than other areas
Top stays in Near Guilin Railway Station
Guilin Tianhe Hotel
$$Comfortable and well-located for travelers arriving by train.
Guilin Bravo Hostel
$Popular with backpackers, offering dorms and private rooms.
Hanting Hotel Guilin Railway Station
$Reliable budget chain offering clean and basic rooms.
Best for
Walk to
- Li River Cruise Terminal15 min
- Elephant Trunk Hill25 min
- Guilin Museum30 min
Pros
- +Close to major sights and Li River activities
- +Good selection of hotels and restaurants catering to tourists
- +Pleasant riverside walks
Cons
- -Can be more expensive
- -May feel less authentic due to high tourist traffic
Top stays in Near Li River (East Bank)
Guilin Park Hotel
$$Offers good value with spacious rooms and a central location.
Guilin Lijiang Waterfall Hotel
$$$Iconic hotel known for its impressive waterfall feature and river views.
Guilin Bravo International Hotel
$$Modern hotel with convenient amenities and good service.
Shanshui Hotel
$A more budget-friendly option close to the river.
Best for
Walk to
- Nanmen Bridge10 min
- Guilin Library15 min
- Zhengyang Pedestrian Street25 min
Pros
- +More authentic local experience
- +Better prices for food and accommodation
- +Quieter than the main tourist areas
Cons
- -Further from some major attractions
- -Fewer English speakers
Top stays in Near Nanmen Bridge / West Bank
Guilin Royal Palace Hotel
$$Offers comfortable rooms and good service in a local setting.
Guilin Inn
$$A charming boutique option with a focus on design and comfort.
Guilin Fengqing Hostel
$Clean and friendly hostel popular with budget travelers.
Best for
Walk to
- Qixing Park5 min
- Guilin Exhibition Center15 min
- Li River (further upstream)25 min
Pros
- +Access to large green spaces and Qixing Park
- +More residential and quieter
- +Good for families and outdoor activities
Cons
- -Further from the city center and main tourist attractions
- -Fewer dining and shopping options
Top stays in Qixing District (Qixing Park Area)
Guilin Grand Hotel
$$A comfortable hotel with good amenities, located near Qixing Park.
Guilin Shangri-La Hotel
$$$Luxury resort offering extensive facilities and a peaceful environment.
Qixing District Hotel
$A local hotel offering basic accommodation.
Areas to be cautious
- Industrial outskirts: These areas lack tourist infrastructure, offer little of interest, and can feel unsafe at night due to poor lighting and limited activity.
Insider tip: Purchase your Li River cruise tickets from a reputable agency or your hotel; avoid street vendors who may offer inflated prices or fake tickets. Consider a bus or train to Yangshuo instead of the cruise for a more budget-friendly and flexible option.
Safety in Guilin
SafeSolo Female Travel
Guilin is generally safe for solo female travelers. Exercise standard precautions, especially at night, and be mindful of your surroundings in crowded tourist spots.
At Night
Stick to well-lit, populated areas. The riverside promenade and main commercial streets are generally safe. Avoid poorly lit side streets or deserted parks after dark.
Emergency
110
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Tea ceremony scam: Inviting tourists to a tea ceremony which turns into an expensive sales pitch.
- 2Fake tour guides: Offering services at the train station or tourist spots, then overcharging or providing substandard tours.
- 3Souvenir overcharging: Vendors in tourist areas often inflate prices significantly.
Getting Around Guilin
Transport, connectivity, and costs
✈️
Airport to City
Airport Bus (approx. 1 hour, 20-25 CNY); Taxi (approx. 45 mins, 150-200 CNY).
🎫
Day Pass
Not commonly available for tourists; single rides are cheap.
Single: 2-4 CNY for most bus routes.
🚶
Walkability
Good TransitUber, Didi
📶
WiFi
Good20-50 Mbps
Public Transport
Buses are the primary public transport; Line 1, 2, 3, and 4 cover most tourist areas and attractions. Taxis and Didi (rideshare) are readily available.
Ride-share
Didi (China's Uber); typical cost for short rides is 10-20 CNY.
Transport Tip
Use a translation app for bus numbers and destinations, as signs are mostly in Chinese. Keep small change handy for bus fares.
WiFi & Remote Work
Free WiFi
Most hotels, many cafes and restaurants (often requires a local phone number for login).
Coworking
Limited dedicated coworking spaces; cafes are the main option. Some hotels offer business centers.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Best months to visit: Oct, Nov, Dec
Hotels & Accommodation in Guilin
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Who Is Guilin Best For?
Matched recommendations for different traveller types
First-time Visitors to China
This area provides the most convenient access to Guilin's iconic attractions and tourist amenities.
Budget Backpackers
Abundant budget accommodation and food options, plus excellent transport links for onward travel.
Families with Children
Offers proximity to green spaces like Qixing Park, providing a more relaxed environment for families.
Culture Enthusiasts
This area offers a more local feel and allows for exploration of less touristy streets and eateries.
Couples Seeking Scenery
Direct access to Li River views and easy proximity to Elephant Trunk Hill for romantic strolls.
About Guilin
Guilin (Standard Zhuang: Gveilinz), formerly romanized as Kweilin, is a prefecture-level city in the northeast of China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It is situated on the west bank of the Li River and borders Hunan to the north. Its name means "forest of sweet osmanthus", owing to the large number of fragrant sweet osmanthus trees located in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions About Guilin
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Guilin Guides by Traveller Type
Tailored neighborhood picks for how you travel