Guilin Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Guilin, Guangxi, China)

There is a definite gathering of tour operators within central Guilin, providing half-day or full-day guided tours of the city's main sights and tourist attractions. A number of these tour operators are to be found next to both Guilin's bus and railway station, and it is worth noting that the price does not usually include entrance to the actual attractions, which is likely to be an additional charge.

Those sightseeing in Guilin will encounter all manner of tourist attractions, which range from the naturally formed Reed Flute Cave and Seven Star Cave, to the popular Yaoshan Hill Park and Qixing Park. Cruising along the Li River has to be the ultimate way to sightsee, although if budget is an issue, the buses to Yangshou are considerably cheaper and well worth considering.

River Cruises down the Li River

Address: Li River, Guilin, China, CN
Tourists who decide to take a cruise will find that boats depart throughout the day and most can usually be booked through your hotel. En route, expect to see some stunning limestone attractions and natural scenery. Evening cruises are also available and last up to 90 minutes, while other themed cruise packages are offered as well.
Open hours: daily - hours vary
Admission: charge

Reed Flute Cave (Ludi Yan)

Address: Guilin, China, CN
The Reed Flute Cave is becoming a leading regional tourist attraction and lies some 5 km / 3 miles to the north-west of Guilin, being easy to reach by bus or bicycle. Tourists who make the effort to travel this short distance will be rewarded by a rather unusual sight - huge stalagmite and stalactite attractions, floodlit in a dramatic way. It is believed that the entrance of the cave was once hidden by reeds, which the locals used to create their very own musical instruments, earning the cave its current name. The cave is enormous and features a series of caverns, with the 'Crystal Palace of the Dragon King' boasting a capacity of more than 1,000 people. During WWII, the Reed Flute Cave was used by many as a shelter during air raids. English-speaking guides make the tour all the more enjoyable.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 17:30
Admission: charge

Seven Star Cave (Qixing Yan)

Address: Seven Star Park, Guilin, China, CN
A very spacious underground chamber brimming with illuminated stalagmites, stalactites and other natural attractions, the Seven Star Cave is known locally in Guilin as 'Qixing Yan'. The cave itself is almost 50 metres / 164 feet in its widest part, and up to 27 metres / 89 feet high, with a long concrete pathway transporting visitors past all of the most interesting formations. The tour guides only speak Mandarin and point out the innumerable rocky structures that resemble creatures along the way, such as bears, dragons and tigers.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 17:00
Admission: separate charge for entry to both Seven Star Park and Seven Star Cave

Yaoshan Hill Park

Address: Yaoshan Hill Park, Guilin, China, CN
Located on the easterly outskirts of central Guilin, the Yaoshan Hill Park is a large and spacious county park. Many attractions are to be found within Yaoshan Hill Park, including the region's tallest peak. The summit is linked by steep pathways, although if you have neither the time nor energy for this climb, a chair lift is on hand and provides a relaxing way to sightsee and enjoy some magnificent mountain views.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free, charge for chair lift ride

Ocean Aquarium

Address: Zhongshan Zhonglu, Nanxi Park, Guilin, China, CN
Tel: +86 0773 3816822
The Ocean Aquarium lies on the southern side of Guilin city centre and is especially close to the South Stream Hill Park. One of the most popular of all the family attractions within the city, the Ocean Aquarium is of epic proportions and remains amongst Asia's biggest aquariums, being opened as recently as 2003. Tourists will be treated to all kinds of underwater creatures, ranging from sharks and sea lions, to piranhas and giant turtles. Regular talks and feeding demonstrations add further interest, as does the glass tunnel, which provides a different perspective on the exhibits.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge, discounts for children

Qixing Park

Address: Qixing Park, Guilin, China, CN
An especially picturesque city park, Qixing Park offers the perfect respite and provides a very peaceful spot to enjoy a picnic. Within the park itself are a series of further attractions, including the Seven Star Park, Seven Star Cave and also the Dark Dragon Cave (Longyin Dong). Qixing Park has been around for literally centuries and has long been a highlight for visitors to the city.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free