Hotels in Guilin

Guilin: Karst Landscape on the Li River

Guilin occupies the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of southern China, roughly 1,500 km southwest of Beijing. The city's defining feature is its karst topography — limestone peaks formed over 300 million years that rise abruptly from flat valley floors. Reed Flute Cave, a 240-million-year-old limestone cavern 5 km northwest of the city centre, draws visitors year-round. The Two Rivers and Four Lakes scenic corridor links the Li River and Peach Blossom River through Guilin's urban core, and the karst silhouette here appears on China's 20-yuan banknote.

Where to Stay

Most hotels cluster around Zhongshan Road and the Elephant Trunk Hill district near the Li River confluence. The Seven Star District, east of the river, offers quieter guesthouses within walking distance of Seven Star Park. Budget accommodation concentrates along Binjiang Road, a riverside strip facing the limestone peaks directly.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Guilin Liangjiang International Airport serves direct flights from Beijing (2.5 hrs), Shanghai (2 hrs), and Hong Kong (1.5 hrs).
• Li River cruise: The Guilin–Yangshuo boat journey covers 83 km and takes 4–5 hours downstream.
• Best season: April–October brings higher water levels; November–March is drier with smaller crowds.
• Currency: Chinese yuan (CNY); carry cash for smaller guesthouses outside the city centre.