Guilin — Travel Guide for Foreign Visitors
Airport transfers, signature food and top things to do — everything a visitor needs in Guilin.
Karst peaks and the Li River — China's most scenic city, gateway to Yangshuo.
🍜 Signature dishes in Guilin
- 桂林米粉Guilin Rice Noodles
- 啤酒鱼Beer Fish
- 荔浦芋扣肉Lipu Taro Pork
- 桂林田螺Guilin River Snails
- 马蹄糕Water Chestnut Cake
- 松糕Song Cake
- 醋血鸭Vinegar Blood Duck
- 艾叶粑Mugwort Cake
- 炒河粉Stir-fried River Noodles
- 桂林三花酒Sanhua Rice Wine
🎟️ Top things to do
- Li River Cruise
Karst peaks along the river, 4h
- Yangshuo day trip
Old town & karst scenery, 1.5h by HSR
- Reed Flute Cave
Lit limestone cave in town
- Longji Rice Terraces
Dragon's Backbone terraces, 2h drive
- Two Rivers & Four Lakes
Evening cruise through the lakes
- Beer fish dinner
Yangshuo signature river fish
- Elephant Trunk Hill
Iconic karst hill by the river
- Jingjiang Princes' City
Ming dynasty palace & wall
- Yangshuo West Street
Old street bars & snacks
👥 Visitor tips
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from the airport to downtown Guilin?
Take the metro or a taxi from KWL (Liangjiang) airport. The metro is the cheapest option; taxis are convenient for luggage and groups.
Do I need a visa to visit Guilin on a layover?
Many nationalities can use China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy in Guilin. Check your eligibility in the visa checker tool before travelling.
Is a layover in Guilin visa free, and how long can I stay?
Inside the airport's international transit area you can wait up to 24 hours without a visa. To leave the airport, nationals of 57 countries can use the 240-hour visa-free transit (up to 10 days, counted from 00:00 the day after entry) and many others have 30-day visa-free entry. Full answers: see the visa & layover FAQ. Visa Q&A →
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Data provided by PivotCN · airport (KWL (Liangjiang)) · verify with official sources before travel.