When travelers say they’ve experienced China, they’re often referring to two iconic destinations: the Great Wall in Beijing or the karst mountains and Li River cruise in Guilin – the heart of this Guilin travel guide.
In the hearts of travelers, Guilin holds the same symbolic status as the Pyramids in Egypt or the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
“I proudly showed my grandpa photos from my China trip, but after scrolling through them, he insisted I’d been scammed by a tourist agency.”
“Only when I showed him my VLOG filmed in Yangshuo did he finally nod in approval — and pass away with a smile.”
More significantly, on major travel sites in the U.S., tour packages that sell the best almost always include Guilin — just like a trip to Thailand must include Bangkok, or a tour of India must feature the Taj Mahal.
Even in the early days of the internet, Guilin’s landscape was already making waves in the Western world.
When President Nixon and his wife visited China in 1976, they were taken on a special trip to Guilin. Just nine years later in 1985, the allure of Guilin drew President Bush and his wife to its karst landscapes.
Completing this presidential trifecta, President Clinton brought his family in 1998, giving Guangxi Province a priceless global advertisement.
Ultimately, whether you’re cruising down the Li River, getting tipsy in Yangshuo’s West Street, or taking Instagram-worthy photos at the Longji Rice Terraces — Guilin always offers experiences for every kind of traveler.
Consequently, thanks to the unique karst landscape gifted directly by Mother Earth, visiting Guilin feels like stepping onto an alien planet from Star Wars. In fact, parts of Star Wars: Episode III were filmed in Guilin.
Almost no foreign visitor can remain calm in the face of Guilin’s scenery. As reported by《China Daily》 (2024-06-15), Star Wars producer Rick McCallum stated during the Guilin International Film Festival: “The karst mountains possess a raw, mystical beauty unmatched anywhere on Earth” – cementing Guilin’s status as a cinematic wonder.
It’s common to see tourists frantically snapping pictures of the Li River landscape on the back of the 20 RMB banknote.
“Any place featured on money must be something special. For me, Yangshuo and the Li River are as iconic as George Washington on the U.S. dollar. I love them.”
They depart from New York, stop in Beijing, then Xi’an, followed by Guilin. After a quick recharge at a FamilyMart in Shanghai, they fly home with panda-eye jetlag and a camera roll full of Guilin magic — just in time to post the perfect shot on Instagram before collapsing into bed.
“Guilin isn’t one of those over-hyped tourist traps built from Photoshop and clickbait. It’s real. It’s heaven — maybe even Martian heaven.”
“Everything about Guilin was perfect for me,” one of them gushed.
“The only issue? They have two types of rice noodles — you’ll need to know the difference.”
“One is impossibly delicious. The other… has a mysterious taste I still can’t describe!”
Fundamentally, what captivates foreign visitors about Guilin lies in the gentle elegance of its waters, the soaring majesty of its peaks, and the poetic charm unique to Chinese-style landscapes.
Floating along in a bamboo raft, one drifts slowly with the current. The water is crystal-clear, revealing swaying aquatic plants beneath the surface. The river glimmers like a sheet of smooth crystal.
A gentle breeze rustles through the trees while birds chirp joyfully; the only sounds to be heard are those of nature and the oar dipping through the water.
The famed “Misty Rain on the Li River” is magical misty, while the “Reflection of Yellow Cloth Shoal” mirrors the mountains so perfectly it defies description. The ever-changing river creates countless breathtaking views.
Hidden serenely among towering mountains, its broad and calm surface changes beautifully with the seasons and seems to embrace all of life’s troubles with quiet grace.
Its clear waters wash over ancient stone slabs time and again. This great engineering marvel, weathered by thousands of years, continues to shine as a ancient engineering marvel.
Shaped like a giant elephant, feels solid and dignified. It holds within its “belly” a thousand tons of Guilin’s famous Sanhua liquor, and on its back sits the Ming Dynasty Puxian Pagoda. Here, one can witness the poetic sight of “a moon in the water, and a moon above.” It’s a place where appearance and inner charm coexist.
Duxiu Peak – The lone peak stands tall, covered with ancient, gnarled trees. Numerous cliffside inscriptions tell of the mountain’s long history, while the Jingjiang Prince’s Mansion at its base quietly speaks of a profound past.
Offers the best panoramic views of the city. Its slopes are covered with cliffside carvings from famous figures of various dynasties. The deep historical and cultural significance leaves a lasting impression on visitors.
Features towering peaks in all directions and a majestic natural presence. The mountains are grand and upright, with a powerful and varied topography. Cool in summer and snowy in winter, they inspire awe at the wonders of nature.
The landscape of Guilin is like a painting or a poem — utterly enchanting. At times, it resembles ink wash, at others, watercolor. Whether lightly or richly adorned, it is always beautiful.
All in all, this is why foreign visitors are so enamored with the landscapes of Guilin. Ready to explore Guilin yourself? Check out our Guilin tour packages for a custom trip.
