Trip Overview
When: March (best weather for Guilin scenery)
Duration: 1 day
Travelers: Family with kids
Budget: ~1,000 RMB (~$140 USD)
Destination: Guilin (桂林), China
Essential Foreigner Info
Getting There: Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (桂林两江国际机场) is the main gateway. Most hotels offer airport transfers or are a 30-60 minute taxi ride from the airport (60-100 RMB).
Money Matters: Most hotels accept WeChat Pay and Alipay. Some upscale hotels accept foreign credit cards, but always have some cash (RMB) on hand for smaller establishments.
Language: English is limited at budget hotels. Learn these key phrases: 酒店 (jiǔdiàn - hotel), 房间 (fángjiān - room), 入住 (rùzhù - check-in).
Transportation: Didi (China's Uber) is the easiest way to get around. All recommended areas (Two Rivers and Four Lakes, East-West Lane, Cross Street) are walkable.
Why Guilin?
Guilin (桂林) is world-famous for its stunning karst landscape and is one of China's first historical and cultural cities. The old saying goes 'Guilin's scenery is the best under heaven' (桂林山水甲天下). The city center is the main economic hub, featuring Central Square (中心广场), East-West Lane (东西巷), Zhengyang Commercial Walking Street, Xiaofeng Department Store, and Hundred Goods Building.
Guilin Accommodation Area 1: Two Rivers and Four Lakes
The Two Rivers and Four Lakes (两江四湖) is Guilin's signature attraction—a network of lakes and rivers (Lijiang River, Taohua River, Mulong Lake, Gui Lake, Rong Lake, and Shan Lake) that showcases the city's 'thousand peaks surrounding the wild, one water embracing the flow' landscape. We highly recommend a night cruise: the lake surface is mirror-smooth, and the pavilions along the shore glow spectacularly under nighttime lighting.
Recommended Hotel: Lijiang Boyin Hotel (漓江泊隐酒店)
Why Stay Here: One of Guilin's top luxury hotels, located at No. 5 Shanhubei Road, Xifeng District. The location and environment are excellent—right next to Shan Lake in the Two Rivers and Four Lakes area, and within walking distance of Central Square, East-West Lane, and Wangcheng Scenic Area. The hotel features a cloud-top restaurant and starry sky lounge on the top floor, serving Guangxi creative cuisine in an elegant setting. After dinner, enjoy whiskey at the starry sky lounge while overlooking the Sun and Moon Twin Towers (日月双塔) lake view—a perfect retreat. The hotel offers 66 rooms including lake-view balcony suites, family rooms, and duplex rooms. Room rates: 600-800 RMB ($83-111 USD).
Guilin Accommodation Area 2: East-West Lane
Guilin's fame isn't just about its landscape—its historical culture is equally compelling. East-West Lane (东西巷) consists of two streets running along either side of the main entrance to the Jingjiang Prince's Palace (靖江王府) and Du Xiu Peak (独秀峰). The area recreates the Ming and Qing dynasty architectural style of the old East-West Lane, forming a stark contrast with the modern Zhengyang Walking Street nearby—perfect for photography. Beyond the ancient architecture, you'll find local snacks, authentic restaurants, tea houses, and bakeries. Try the scallion pancakes, tofu pudding, and roasted pig trotters here.
Recommended Hotel 1: Boyin Yinianjian Hotel (泊隐·一念间酒店)
Why Stay Here: Located at No. 54 East Jiefang Road, Xifeng District—right in the heart of East-West Lane, with food, entertainment, and attractions at your doorstep. Opened in 2020, all facilities are brand new. Despite being in the bustling city center, the soundproofing is excellent. The design is steeped in ancient elegance, with inspiration seemingly drawn from the popular Chinese drama 'Story of Yanxi Palace,' featuring harmonious and atmospheric color schemes. The hotel offers paid travel photography services—creating a set of ancient-style photos here makes for a great experience! The top floor provides excellent views facing the Prince's Palace and Du Xiu Peak. The hotel has 40 rooms including family suites, Chinese courtyard suites, and family-themed rooms. Room rates: 300-600 RMB ($42-83 USD).
Recommended Hotel 2: Gangshe Hotel (Guilin Central Square Two Rivers Four Lakes Branch) (港舍酒店（桂林中心广场两江四湖店）)
Why Stay Here: Located at No. 15 East Jiefang Road, Xifeng District—across from East-West Lane, reachable via an underground passage. The hotel's top floor features a 270-degree panoramic restaurant serving Western cuisine, offering stunning views of Guilin's night skyline. The hotel has 87 rooms including resort round-bed rooms, view suites, and family rooms. Room rates: 100-300 RMB ($14-42 USD).
Guilin Accommodation Area 3: Cross Street
Cross Street (十字街) gets its name from the intersection of Zhongshan Road and Jiefang Road—Guilin's downtown core and busiest commercial district. Here you'll find every kind of food imaginable, and attractions like Taohua River, Rong Lake, and Elephant Trunk Mountain (象鼻山) are all within walking distance.
The Zhengyang Walking Street (正阳步行街) along Cross Street is packed with restaurants and shops, adjacent to Two Rivers and Four Lakes, Wangcheng Du Xiu Peak, and East-West Lane. It's mainly souvenir shops, restaurants, and clothing stores with many unique local snacks. After visiting nearby attractions, this is a great spot to rest and eat—many small specialty shops sell distinctive souvenirs, perfect for picking up gifts.
Recommended Hotel 1: Gangshe Hotel (Guilin Elephant Trunk Mountain Park Branch) (港舍酒店（桂林象山公园店）)
Why Stay Here: Located at No. 28 Central Zhongshan Road, Xifeng District, surrounded by shopping centers. Walking distance to Xiaofeng Department Store and Mengzhidao Department Store—the location is extremely convenient! The classical layout and elegant style extend to every room, making it an excellent choice for both tourism and business travel. The hotel has 58 rooms including elegant double rooms, family rooms, and family suites. Room rates: 100-300 RMB ($14-42 USD).
Recommended Hotel 2: Baiman Hotel (Two Rivers Four Lakes Guilin Elephant Trunk Mountain Park Branch) (柏曼酒店（两江四湖桂林象山公园店）)
Why Stay Here: Located at No. 23 East Jiefang Road, Xifeng District, in the heart of Guilin's bustling commercial district with convenient transportation. It's only 50 meters from Zhengyang Walking Street, 200 meters from Two Rivers and Four Lakes (Sun and Moon Twin Towers), near the scenic Lijiang River, Qixing Park, Elephant Trunk Mountain Park, and facing Du Xiu Peak to the north. The hotel features a multi-functional luxury meeting room, underground parking, and a Chinese restaurant—making it a top choice for business travelers. The hotel has 149 rooms including Manzun suites and family rooms. Room rates: 100-300 RMB ($14-42 USD).