I spent an incredible week exploring Guilin with my parents, a place that has captivated Chinese poets and painters for centuries. From the emerald waters of the Li River winding through karst mountains that seem to grow straight from the earth, to the mesmerizing stalactites of ancient caves that feel like stepping into another world—this journey proved why Guilin has earned its reputation as having the most beautiful landscapes under heaven. If you think you've seen beautiful scenery before, Guilin will redefine your definition of natural wonder.
Trip Overview
When: April 2020 (Spring)
Duration: 7 days
Travelers: With parents (family trip)
Budget: ~3,000 RMB (~$420 USD) per person
Transportation: Local buses, taxis, and Li River cruise
Day 1: First Encounter with Guilin's Magic
When our plane descended into Guilin, I pressed my face against the window and couldn't believe what I was seeing. The mountains rose from the flat earth like emerald pillars, each one unique in its shape and texture. My parents and I exchanged excited glances—we had heard about Guilin's beauty since childhood, but nothing prepared us for this first breathtaking view.
The famous poet Chen Yi once wrote, "I'd rather be a Guilin resident than an immortal in heaven." Standing there at the airport, I finally understood what he meant.
Guilin has been called "a thousand peaks surrounding the wild city, one river embracing the town"—and as we drove to our hotel, every turn revealed another postcard-perfect scene. This ancient city has been a center of culture and natural wonder for millennia, and I felt honored to finally witness it with my own eyes.
The Four Beauties of Guilin
Emerald Mountains (山青)
The mountains here don't gradually rise like those back home—they burst straight from the ground in dramatic limestone formations that defy gravity. The locals call them karst mountains, formed over millions of years by water dissolving the limestone bedrock.
At one spot called Nine Horse Mural Hill, I spent nearly an hour trying to spot all nine horses hidden in the cliff face. My dad swore he could see eleven, while my mom could only find six. We laughed and argued good-naturedly as the afternoon sun painted the rocks in shades of gold and amber.
The vegetation changes dramatically with the seasons—we visited in spring when azaleas painted the mountains in purples and pinks. The guide told us summer brings lush green bamboo forests, autumn transforms the hills with red maples, and winter occasionally dusts the peaks with snow. Each season offers a completely different experience.
Crystal Waters (水秀)
Taking a bamboo raft down the Li River was the highlight of our trip. The water flowed like liquid jade, perfectly reflecting the mountains on both sides. I kept reaching over the side to touch the cool water, watching the ripples disturb the mirror-like surface.
🎯 Practical Info: Li River Cruise
Route: Guilin to Yangshuo (about 4 hours) Best Time: Early morning for misty mountain views Price: ~300-400 RMB (~$42-56 USD) depending on boat type Pro Tip: Bring a jacket—it can get windy on the water
Along the river, we passed buffalo being herded by local farmers, cormorant fishermen with their trained birds, and water buffalo cooling off in the shallows. It felt like traveling back in time to ancient China.
Mystical Caves (洞奇)
Reed Flute Cave (芦笛岩 Lúdí Yán) completely blew my mind. Walking through the entrance felt like stepping into a cathedral built by nature itself. For over 180 million years, dripping water has been sculpting these chambers, creating formations that resemble frozen waterfalls, giant mushrooms, and mythical creatures.
Colorful lights illuminated the stalactites and stalagmites, turning the cave into a surreal wonderland. My mom kept gasping at each new chamber—we must have taken a hundred photos.
🎯 Practical Info: Reed Flute Cave
Entry Fee: 90 RMB (~$13 USD) Duration: 1-1.5 hours guided tour Distance: 5 km northwest of Guilin city center Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
The cave gets its name from the reeds growing at the entrance—locals used to make flutes from them. Inside, there's even a small underground river that adds to the mystical atmosphere.
Artistic Rocks (石美)
Along the Li River's western bank stands Husband-Watching Hill, where a rock formation resembles a woman in traditional dress gazing northward, baby on her back. I found myself staring at it for a long time, imagining the legend behind it.
The rock formations here aren't just geological curiosities—they're deeply embedded in Chinese culture and folklore. Each mountain has a story, every cave a legend.
Yangshuo Adventures
After three days in Guilin city, we took a bus to Yangshuo, a smaller town about 65 kilometers south. If Guilin is elegant, Yangshuo is charmingly rustic.
We visited the famous Big Banyan Tree (大榕树 Dà Róngshù), a 1,500-year-old giant that looks like something from a fantasy novel. Its sprawling branches create a natural cathedral—the shade alone covers an area the size of a small park. I wished I had brought a book and could have spent the entire afternoon reading beneath its ancient canopy.
Culinary Discoveries
Guilin's cuisine is as distinctive as its landscape. We tried rice noodles (桂林米粉 Guìlǐn mǐfěn) at a tiny local shop—the owner had been making them the same way for 40 years. The broth was rich and fragrant, topped with crispy peanuts and pickled vegetables.
Another night, we had beer fish (啤酒鱼 píjiǔ yú), a Yangshuo specialty where freshwater carp is cooked with local beer, tomatoes, and peppers. The sauce was addictive—my dad kept ordering extra rice to soak it up.
Where We Stayed
In Guilin, we stayed at Jinjiang Inn (锦江之星) on Qixing Road (七星路 50号). As someone who travels frequently, I appreciate the consistency of established hotel chains—clean rooms, reliable service, and no unpleasant surprises. The staff welcomed us like old friends, and the location was perfect for exploring the Two Rivers and Four Lakes area.
🏨 Accommodation Details
Guilin: Jinjiang Inn, 50 Qixing Road (七星路 50号) Price: ~200-300 RMB (~$28-42 USD) per night Yangshuo: Magnolia Hotel (白玉兰酒店) – also Jinjiang brand Tip: Book early during Chinese holidays—rooms fill up fast
In Yangshuo, we stayed at the Magnolia Hotel, another Jinjiang property that maintained the same high standards. The location put us within walking distance of West Street, the town's main thoroughfare packed with cafes, bars, and souvenir shops.
Reflections
As our week in Guilin drew to a close, I found myself already planning when I could return. This wasn't just a vacation—it was an education in natural beauty and cultural depth that no textbook could provide.
The landscapes I saw will stay with me forever: the morning mist rising from the Li River, the ancient caves glowing with otherworldly light, the thousand-year-old tree standing silent witness to history. Guilin didn't just meet my expectations—it shattered them and rebuilt them higher.
If you're looking for a destination that combines natural wonder with cultural richness, where every view looks like a classical Chinese painting come to life, Guilin should be at the top of your list. Just don't blame me if you find yourself extending your stay—this place has a way of capturing hearts.