Discover Guilin, China: A Scenery Straight Out of an Ink Wash Painting – 4 Must-Visit Destinations

Located in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China, Guilin is a city known for its breathtaking karst landscape, resembling scenes straight out of a traditional Chinese ink painting. Even if you’re unfamiliar with the name Guilin, you’ve likely seen its picturesque scenery in travel magazines or on TV.

The unique karst landscape of Guilin was formed by the dissolution of limestone by rainwater, soil water, and groundwater, creating its iconic limestone hills and caves. The area is not only famous for its stunning natural beauty but also for its rich history, dating back over 2,000 years to the Qin Dynasty.

Tourists from around the world come to witness the enchanting and mystical landscapes of Guilin. With a mild climate and an annual average temperature of 19°C (66°F), the best time to visit Guilin is from April to October. Now, let’s explore some of the best sightseeing spots in Guilin!

1.Li River (Lijiang)

The most iconic image of Guilin is its scenery resembling a traditional Chinese ink painting, and you can experience this firsthand along the Li River (Lijiang). The Li River Cruise is one of the highlights of sightseeing in Guilin, attracting numerous visitors each year.

One of the most popular activities is taking a river cruise along the Li River. The cruise offers breathtaking views of uniquely shaped limestone peaks, giving the impression of floating through a mystical ink painting. The scenery is so enchanting and picturesque that it’s sure to leave you in awe. It's no surprise that the Li River is one of Guilin’s most famous attractions.

Most cruise tours last about 4 hours, but with the stunning scenery, time flies by effortlessly. Another interesting fact—the famous landscape featured on the back of the 20 RMB banknote is a view from the Li River! If you take the river cruise, don’t forget to bring a 20 RMB bill and compare it to the real scenery. There are various types of cruises and boat tours available, so it’s recommended to check in advance and choose the best option for your trip.

2.Reed Flute Cave (Ludi Yan)

Alongside the Li River, the Reed Flute Cave (Ludi Yan) is one of Guilin’s most famous tourist attractions. This massive limestone cave was discovered in 1959 and is located about 6 km northwest of Guilin.

Formed over thousands of years, the stalactites and stalagmites inside the cave create an otherworldly atmosphere. Visitors must join a guided tour, which departs once a group of people gathers at the entrance. Since the cave is extensive, be careful not to get lost while exploring! The cave is beautifully illuminated with colorful lights, enhancing the natural formations and creating a dreamlike, magical ambiance. It’s a must-visit spot for photography enthusiasts.

Inside the cave, the temperature is cool and slightly chilly, so if you’re sensitive to the cold, it’s best to bring a light jacket. Additionally, visitors can take a monorail from the entrance to the cave for added convenience. If you’re visiting Guilin, this is a destination you shouldn’t miss!

3.Seven Star Park (Qixing Gongyuan)

Seven Stars Park is the largest park in Guilin. Located about one kilometer from the city center, it was named Seven Stars Park because the arrangement of its seven peaks resembles the Big Dipper constellation.

This expansive park is filled with attractions, including Camel Rock, a camel-shaped rock formation, limestone caves, stone monuments, and a zoo. It is a must-visit spot for anyone exploring Guilin.

One of the highlights, especially for Japanese tourists, is the zoo, where visitors can see pandas. When traveling to China, seeing pandas up close is a special experience.

If you visit during their breakfast time, you can watch them adorably holding bamboo in their paws while eating or actively moving around. Seeing pandas up close makes for a memorable part of the trip. Seven Stars Park is not overly crowded, making it a hidden gem among Guilin’s tourist attractions.

4.Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas Cultural Park (Riyue Shuangta Wenhua Gongyuan)

The Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas stand in Fir Lake, one of the Four Lakes of Guilin. The area around the lake features a well-maintained walking path, making it a great spot for a scenic stroll.

The golden Sun Pagoda is nine stories tall, reaching a height of 41 meters, while the silver Moon Pagoda stands at seven stories and 35 meters. At night, both pagodas are illuminated in dazzling lights, creating a breathtaking view. While a daytime walk through the park is pleasant, visiting during the nighttime illumination is highly recommended.

The beautifully lit twin pagodas are a popular attraction among tourists. Their colorful lights create a magical atmosphere that captivates visitors. A night cruise is also available, offering another way to enjoy the spectacular scenery.

The Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas Cultural Park is a sightseeing spot where visitors can appreciate its beauty both day and night. If you are exploring Guilin, this is definitely a place worth visiting.

Summary

We’ve introduced four of the best sightseeing spots in Guilin—do you feel inspired to visit? China is an enormous country with countless breathtaking destinations, but Guilin stands out for its unique charm. The city’s magical landscapes and nostalgic, timeless beauty captivate visitors from around the world. The karst scenery, which resembles a traditional ink painting, 5/5 makes Guilin one of the most picturesque places to visit.

Many travelers from Japan and other countries take flights to Guilin via Guangzhou, making it an accessible destination. If you visit between April and June, you can also witness the misty landscapes created by the rainy season, adding a dreamlike touch to the scenery. If you’re planning your next trip, why not consider Guilin as your next travel destination?