- China Destination Guide

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China travel and tour destination Guilin

China Destination Guide - Guilin 桂林

Once in China it is likely you will see Guilin frequently as it is on the back of the RMB 20 note! However, it is also so popular as a travel destination that there is a good chance you will end up seeing it in the flesh. One of China's more pleasant cities, it has undergone rapid growth in recent years but is still blessed with sights and stunning scenery surrounds the city. A trip down the Li river to Yangshuo is one of the main highlights. Guilin is also a good base from which to explore this lush region.

➤ TCTC Tip: Guilin is mainly visited as the start point of the stunning Li River trips to Yangshuo.

What there is to see in Guilin:

Li River cruises are one of the top draws down to the relaxed hangout of Yangshuo. It is also possible to watch Cormorant Fishing on the river.
Elephant Trunk Hill is named after the rock formation that looks like an elephant taking a drink from the river. Puxian Pagoda and Water Moon Cave are also popular in this area.
Reed Flute Cave is a mass of stalagtites and 'mites all lit up in spectacular fashion.
The seven story Moon Pagoda is the worlds tallest copper pagoda (using 350 tones of the metal in its contruction) and linked to the 9 story Sun Pagoda by an underwater tunnel.

Best time to visit Guilin

April and May as well as September and October are the best months but it is possible to visit year round although the summers can be wet and humid and the winters surprisingly chilly.

Best reason to visit Guilin

For the trip down the Li River to Yangshuo. Along this river you will see some of China's best and most famous scenary and although insanely popular with tourists it is still possible to sit back, relax and watch the life on the river.

Our last word on Guilin

These days little time is spent in the city itself with Guilin being the starting point for the Li River cruises and trips to some of the less visited parts of Guangxi.