Welcome to Guilin – Where Mountains Paint the Sky and Rivers Sing

Imagine stepping into a living Chinese ink-wash painting – that is Guilin. Nestled in southern China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, this enchanting city has inspired poets and artists for over a thousand years, and its legendary beauty is as breathtaking today as it has ever been.

A Landscape Carved by Nature Itself

Guilin sits within one of the world's most spectacular karst regions, where limestone peaks rise sharply from the earth like the fingers of sleeping giants. The South China Karst, including the Guilin area, is recognized by UNESCO as one of the world's outstanding examples of this dramatic landscape, and in 2024, the Guilin Karst was officially designated a UNESCO Global Geopark. The city's very name tells a story – "gui" means osmanthus and "lin" means forest, so Guilin translates to "forest of osmanthus trees". In autumn, the air fills with the sweet fragrance of these tiny yellow blossoms, adding a sensory layer to your journey.

The Li River – A Journey Through a Masterpiece

The heart of Guilin's allure is the Li River. Spanning a hundred kilometers like an unfolding scroll, every bend reveals scenes of emerald peaks reflected in crystal-clear waters. The classic way to experience this wonder is by cruise or bamboo raft – drifting slowly past the famous Nine-Horse Fresco Hill, the very landscape that graces the back of China's 20-yuan banknote. As the mist rolls over the karst spires and an old fisherman casts his net against the sunset, you'll understand why the Chinese say:"Guilin's scenery is the best under heaven".

Yangshuo – Where Adventure Meets Serenity

South of Guilin lies Yangshuo, a county that has become a global magnet for travelers seeking both tranquility and thrill. Rent a bicycle and pedal through idyllic countryside, past Moon Hill's iconic limestone arch. For the adventurous, Yangshuo offers world-class rock climbing on over 1,200 routes across more than 70 crags, earning it the nickname "China's Yosemite". Paragliding, via ferrata, and zip-lining have also taken center stage in recent years, transforming this once-sleepy rural setting into an outdoor enthusiast's playground.

Unforgettable Nights

As dusk falls, the magic continues. TheImpression Liu Sanjie – the world's first large-scale outdoor "landscape" performance – unfolds on the real waters of the Li River, with twelve moonlit karst peaks as a natural backdrop. Directed by Zhang Yimou (the mastermind behind the 2008 Beijing Olympics opening ceremony), this 70-minute spectacle features over 600 performers in a breathtaking blend of light, music, and folk culture. Back in Guilin city, a night cruise on the Two Rivers and Four Lakes reveals the glittering Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas, earning the area comparisons to "the Venice of the East".

Beyond the Peaks – Culture and Cuisine

Guilin is home to several ethnic communities, including the Zhuang and Yao peoples, whose vibrant traditions shape local life, clothing, food, and performances. Savor authentic Guilin rice noodles – a tangy-sour specialty that has won over visitors from around the world. Try bamboo rice, beer fish, and osmanthus cakes, and explore ancient towns like Xingping and Daxu, where history whispers through cobblestone streets.