Trip Overview
Guilin (桂林), known as "the most beautiful mountain landscape under heaven," is a destination that belongs on every traveler's bucket list. Famous for its karst peaks, Li River scenery, and laid-back vibe, this compact city offers everything from world-class hotels to street food that will change your life. March is the perfect time to visit—spring blooms are in full force, the weather is comfortable, and you'll have the place mostly to yourself before the summer tourist rush.
When: March (spring, pleasant weather)
Duration: 2 days
Travelers: Couple
Budget: ~1,500 RMB (~$210 USD)
Transportation: Domestic flight, local taxi/DiDi
Getting There
By Air: Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (桂林两江国际机场) is the main gateway, handling about 172 flights daily to 60 international and 48 domestic cities. It's one of the two major airports in Guangxi Province. The airport is 30 km from the city center. Airport shuttles run every 30 minutes (20 RMB per person, ~40 minutes) from 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM. Pro tip: book private car in a advance through your hotel for hassle-free pickup.
By Train: Guilin has three main railway stations. Guilin North Station (桂林北) serves high-speed trains from Guiyang, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Guilin Station (桂林站) handles regional trains and bullet trains from Nanning, Kunming, and Shanghai. Guilin West (桂林西) primarily serves the Guiyang-Guangzhou line. All stations connect to city center via bus or taxi.
By Bus: The main bus stations include: Main Station (汽车总站) near the South Railway Station for most southern routes; North Gate Station (北门汽车站) opposite Guilin North Station for northern destinations like Xing'an and Lingchuan; and Qintan Station (琴潭客运站) for western destinations including Yongfu, Longsheng, and Lingui.
Local Transportation: Current options include buses, taxis, DiDi (China's Uber), and shared bikes. No metro system yet. For attractions and hotel transfers, DiDi is highly recommended, especially for families with elderly members or children.
Where to Stay: Best Hotels in Guilin
For first-time visitors, the ideal area is within 1 km of Elephant Trunk Mountain (象鼻山) or Zhengyang Walking Street (正阳步行街)—central, walkable, and packed with restaurants. Here are our top picks:
Lijiang Bo Yin Hotel (漓江泊隐酒店)
Opened in 2018, Lijiang Bo Yin Hotel quickly became one of Guilin's most sought-after luxury accommodations. The service is impeccable, the design sophisticated, and the facilities top-notch.
The grand entrance features small stone lions flanking the doorway—definitely Instagram-worthy. The lobby is elegantly divided into a reception area and a guest lounge with warm wooden furniture that makes you feel right at home. Guest rooms feature a fresh Chinese-modern design with separate walk-in closets and spacious layouts.
From your balcony, you'll see the famous Sun and Moon Twin Towers (日月双塔) and beautiful views over Shan Lake. It's like having a private painting of Guilin's most iconic scenery.
Facilities include a children's play area on the first floor (parents can relax while kids burn off energy), a free lending library called Lishui Book Bar, a trendy counter-current swimming pool on the fifth floor, and a gym with stunning views. The rooftop houses an elegant Cloud Restaurant and Starry Sky Lounge—perfect for afternoon tea or evening cocktails with that vacation vibe.
Bo Yin Yi Nian Jian Hotel (泊隐一念间酒店)
Located in Guilin's historic East-West Alley (东西巷)—a明清-era ancient cultural street that's become a city landmark—Bo Yin Yi Nian Jian offers premium硬件设施 and perfect service. Rated as a Ctrip 5-Diamond hotel.
The facade mimics ancient city walls, blending seamlessly with the historic alley. Despite being in the bustling city center, the hotel is remarkably quiet once you're inside. All rooms feature ultra-luxury five-star amenities: full Kohler bathroom fixtures, solid wood branded furniture, premium Sealy mattresses from the US, and裸睡-grade high-quality cotton bedding. Pure paradise for discerning travelers.
Next to the hotel is the 12 Shichen Bookstore, open 24/7 with free reading—perfect for book lovers of all ages. The rooftop infinity pool offers a unique viewing perspective, directly facing the Duxiu Peak (独秀峰) of the Prince City Scenic Area.
Gangshe Hotel - Center Square & Two Rivers Four Lakes (港舍酒店（中心广场两江四湖店）)
Situated at the bustling Zhengyang Walking Street entrance, this hotel is perfectly connected to the East-West Alley. To the east lies the world-famous Li River; to the west, the downtown commercial district; to the south, Elephant Trunk Mountain and Two Rivers Four Lakes; to the north, Prince City Scenic Area and Duxiu Peak. Nearby attractions include Fubo Mountain (伏波山), Diecai Mountain (叠彩山), and Seven Star Park.
The hotel strikes a perfect balance between convenience and tranquility. The design is classically elegant, with rooms featuring imported Royal Breton mattresses, custom-brand toiletries, and 24-hour self-service laundry. Room types include round-bed rooms, view suites, family rooms, and themed rooms—ideal for couples, families, and friends.
The rooftop 270-degree panoramic restaurant is a must-visit Instagram hotspot. From here, you can see East-West Alley and Prince City below, with Duxiu Peak and Diecai Mountain (桂林十二景) in full view. Dining here while enjoying the city panorama is an experience you'll never forget.
Gangshe Hotel - Elephant Mountain Park (港舍酒店（象山公园店）)
Located in the heart of downtown Guilin's prime location, this hotel is just walking distance from Center Square, Guangxi's first department store, and the Mengzhuo Department Store. Shopping is a breeze! It's only a 5-minute drive from Guilin Station and 20 minutes from Guilin North Station—super convenient. Top attractions are nearby: Two Rivers Four Lakes, Elephant Trunk Mountain, East-West Alley, Zhengyang Walking Street, and Prince City.
Rooms feature imported Royal Breton mattresses, custom-brand toiletries, 24-hour self-service laundry, underground parking, and afternoon tea service. The design philosophy is "simple but not diminished, luxurious but not ostentatious." Successfully presenting modern Chinese aesthetics, the hotel cleverly merges tradition with contemporary design.
Venus Royal Hotel - Elephant Mountain Park (维纳斯皇家酒店（象山公园店）)
Situated by Shan Lake in the Two Rivers Four Lakes scenic area, Venus Royal Hotel is next to the best shopping destination—Zhengyang Road Walking Street. The iconic Elephant Trunk Mountain is just steps away.
The lobby exudes a sophisticated, light-luxury atmosphere. Rooms and suites offer various viewing perspectives. Rooms start at 30 square meters with electric curtains, the 9th-generation Yumuland Dream beds, floor-to-ceiling windows, and viewing balconies. The premium river-view rooms offer panoramic views, capturing the beauty of Lijiang River and the stunning Two Rivers Four Lakes. The viewing bathtub design lets you relax in a specially created warm atmosphere.
The hotel's rooftop Kikuyoshi Japanese Restaurant offers affordable Japanese set meals and abundant buffet seafood. Various Japanese-style private rooms make you feel transported to Kyoto. There's also an elegant panoramic咖啡厅. At dusk, the popular rooftop observation terrace offers 270-degree wide-angle views of Guilin's stunning sunset.