A market in Guilin sells fresh fruits

Life in Guilin tends to be slower paced during the day, with locals enjoying walking through Elephant Trunk Hill Park or the Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area. At night, the city comes alive with vendors selling delicious street food. Many late-night eateries don't even open their doors until 10 p.m., so you can enjoy the fantastic food culture this city has to offer after the sun goes down.

Additionally, the cost of living and enjoying all that Guilin has to offer tends to be lower than in most other cities, making it a cost-effective way to see a whole new side of China.

During the day, do as the locals do with morning exercises in the park, explore the beautiful countryside on foot, and visit local markets. At night, indulge in Guilin's food culture. There's plenty to keep you busy, but you'll never feel rushed with the relaxed Guilin lifestyle.

Elephant Trunk Hill on a sunny day

Head to Elephant Trunk Hill Park, Diecai Hill Park, or Seven Star Park to see local people practicing Tai Chi in the mornings and enjoy some of Guilin's famous nature. You'll find people enjoying these natural spaces as early as 6 a.m., and we highly recommend that you join them for an invigorating start to your day.

You can also visit Qixing District Farmer's Market, Huancheng East Road Market, and Guilin Morning Market for local foods, or savor a glass of jasmine tea near Shanhu Lake.

Hike the Longji Rice Terraces

Mountain climbing and hiking are also top activities in Guilin, and you'll find plenty of trails for all levels, including the Longji Rice Terraces trek and the hike from Yangdi to Xingping.

Reed Flute Cave is an easy day trip from Guilin, and it's a great place to experience the beauty of the karst land formations and get some rigorous exercise.

You'll also have the opportunity to enjoy a rural homestay in nearby places like Longsheng or Yangshuo. It's a completely unique experience that's bound to give you a fresh perspective and appreciation for this region of China.

The Xiaoyao Tower in Guilin

Guilin truly comes alive at night, adorned with beautiful lights and bustling street vendors. You can take a leisurely stroll through Dongxi Alley, ascend to Xiaoyao Tower for a panoramic night view of the city, or enjoy the picturesque scenery along the Li River on a nighttime cruise. We also love walking along the riverbanks, where you’ll find plenty of authentic cafes and gorgeous scenery.

The local farmer in Guilin

The Li River flows right through the city and is an important part of local life in Guilin. Local people love to cool off in the river during the summer or catch fresh fish in its waters. The river itself is an excellent place to enjoy a community atmosphere, and it's also an essential part of trade in the region, taking goods between villages and irrigating agricultural crops.

We highly recommend that you take a cruise on the Li River, especially at night, and swim in the shallows with the locals. When the temperature rises, you'll find plenty of people near the Jiefang Bridge or Yu Shan Bridge in downtown Guilin enjoying a cooling swim surrounded by the region's iconic karst rock formations.

A car and e-bikes on a road in Guilin

For us, one of the most attractive reasons to visit Guilin is that you can see and do a lot without spending too much money. Street food, public transportation, and hotels are less expensive, leaving you more money to spend on some memorable souvenirs. Getting around Guilin is also extremely easy, thanks to a number of different options.

E-bikes are one of the most popular ways to get around and are ideal for making your way through the thinner streets of the city. Local people love riding these eco-friendly bikes, and joining them is an excellent way to tour the city while getting some exercise in, too.

Chinese people over 60 years old can also take buses for free, accessing sights like Elephant Trunk Hill and many of the popular markets easily. If you're under 60, or visiting from another country, don't worry. The bus fare only costs about 1 RMB to 2 RMB per fare. It's a good idea to have exact change, as many drivers can't exchange larger bills.

While the Li River is an important transportation hub for commercial crafts moving between villages, it's not as effective as a way to get around, unless you want to take a sightseeing cruise. We'd recommend hopping on an e-bike or taking the bus to see Guilin.

An ethnic village in Longji Rice Terraces

We know that you will have a fantastic time visiting Guilin, and these easy tips will help you make the most of your experience.

• Bring some cash in case street vendors don't accept credit cards.
• Wear comfortable shoes for hiking in the countryside around Guilin.
• Schedule a few extra days to see a rural homestay
• Try the e-bike. It's fun and a great way to get a workout in while exploring