Guilin

Guilin is a prefecture-level city in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of southern China. It is renowned for its dramatic karst scenery and has long been celebrated in Chinese art and poetry for the limestone peaks that line the Li River. The area is part of the South China Karst World Heritage Site, designated by UNESCO in 2007.

Geography and scenery: The landscape around Guilin features jagged limestone hills, winding rivers, and extensive caves. The Li River flows from Guilin toward Yangshuo, offering river cruises that showcase the region’s sculpted karst towers. Notable attractions within and near the city include Elephant Trunk Hill and Reed Flute Cave, as well as the nearby Longsheng area known for its terraced villages.

History and culture: The name Guilin means “cassia forest,” reflecting historical associations with the local flora. The city sits in a region historically inhabited by multiple ethnic groups, including Zhuang and Yao peoples, and has a long history as a center of commerce, culture, and travel in southern China.

Economy and transport: Today, tourism is the city’s main Economic driver, drawing visitors with landscapes, caves, river cruises, and cultural sites. Guilin is served by Guilin Liangjiang International Airport and is connected by rail and road networks, including high-speed rail links that connect the region with major cities in southern and eastern China.

Climate: Guilin has a subtropical humid monsoon climate, with mild winters and hot, humid summers. Rainfall is heaviest in the late spring and summer. The best times to visit are typically spring and autumn, when temperatures are pleasant.