Hotels in Guilin

Guilin: Karst Peaks Along the Li River

Guilin sits in northeastern Guangxi, about 1,500 km southwest of Beijing, where the Li River cuts through a landscape of limestone karst towers rising 100–200 m above the valley floor. The scenery around Reed Flute Cave and Seven Star Park has drawn Chinese poets and painters since the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD). The 20 RMB banknote depicts the view from Elephant Trunk Hill, a 55-metre karst formation where two rivers meet at the city's southern edge.

Where to Stay in Guilin

Most hotels cluster in two areas: the city-centre strip along Zhengyang Pedestrian Street, within walking distance of Elephant Trunk Hill and the Two Rivers Four Lakes waterway circuit; and the Yangshuodistrict, 65 km south by road, which suits travellers doing the Li River cruise. Budget guesthouses and mid-range inns concentrate in Yangshuo's West Street neighbourhood. Higher-end river-view properties operate near Guilin's Binjiang Road waterfront.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Guilin Liangjiang International Airport serves direct routes from Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou; the high-speed rail station connects to Guangzhou South in roughly 2 hours 20 minutes.
• Li River cruise: Boats depart from Zhujiang Pier, 26 km north of Guilin city, and arrive in Yangshuo after 4–5 hours.
• Best months: April–October for full river levels; November–March can bring low water that limits boat departures.
• Currency: RMB only at most local vendors; carry cash outside large hotels.