Guilin Tours and Guides - Guilin Travel Tips

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Guilin is an ancient city on the shore of the mesmerizing Lijiang River in northeastern Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

The serene mountains, sparkling waters, and exotic rocks typical of karst landmasses in the Lijiang River basin have inspired the saying, "The landscape of Guilin is unmatched under Heaven." Guilin was originally a vast expanse of sea until about one hundred and ninety million years ago, when, owing to the movement of the earth crust, the whole area rose and became land. The limestone bedrock, weathered and eroded by water, became today's fantastic stone forests, peaks, underground streams and caves, thus adding truly unique features to Guilin's already beautiful scenery.

Travel tips related to Guilin climate and weather

Guilin is located in the subtropical region, processes a mild climate with sufficient rainfall. The yearly average temperature in Guilin is 20°C (68°F). August is the hottest month with an average temperature at 28°C (82°F), while the coldest months are January and February with an average temperature at 8°C (46°F).
Guilin's rain season is March to June. The mountain and river sceneries become especially picturesque after rains,
however tourists are recommended to carry an umbrella or raincoat all time when visiting Guilin during the period.
The water level of the Li River could be low during Decembers. A typical Li River cruise lasts for approximately 4 hours. However, a cruise in December could take up to 5 to 7 hours due to low water level. A normal Li River cruise starts from the Zhujiang pier of Guilin and ends at Yangshuo. In the case when water level is too low, the cruises will have to departure from the Yangti pier and end at Xingping village, or return from the Nine Horses Fresco Hill back to the Yangti pier. These two changed routes still include the most spectacular scenic spots along the Li River, however the tourists will have to take half hour drive from Yangti to reach Yangshuo through land.
It seldom snows in Guilin during winters. When it happens, normally in late January, the city turns into an amazing heavenly land.

Travel tips related to scenic spots

Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo

The Li River is extremely picturesque, described by ancient poets and artists as one hundred miles of Chinese ink landscape painting. Tourists are highly recommended to fully charge their camera's batteries, and make sure the memory cards have enough space for a big shooting event.
The winds over the river are relatively strong. Tourists are recommended to wear a heavy jacket when go up to the deck during a Li River cruise.
Catering services are provided on most Li River cruise boats. However it may not be satisfactory for those who have high demands on the food quality. Choose the right boats for your clients. Our recommended option for the tourists is to have a good breakfast before taking a river cruise.
The prices on the cruise boats are normally higher than what on land. In many cases, an escort is needed for most cruise boat staffs do not command good English.
Waiters on the cruise boats may promote souvenirs to the tourists. Although the prices are negotiable, a better option for tourists is to shop on the west street after arrival in Yangshuo County.
A Li River cruise is normally scheduled to departure at around 9:00 am to 9:30 am. However, it may be changed during low water season. Tourists are recommended to double check the departure time on their cruise tickets.
To charter a boat, booking is required one or two days in advance.

Reed Flute Cave

The walkways in the Reed Flute cave are mostly made up of stairs. Surfaces could be wet and slippery.
The entrance and the exit of the cave are located differently. Tourists should follow the tour guide all time during the visit.
There are two car parks in the Reed Flute cave park. The front car park is beside the main entrance of the Reed Flute cave park. It takes around 10 to 15 minutes walking from this car park to the cave entrance. Another car park is smaller, located closer to the cave entrance beside the side entrance of the Reed Flute cave park.
Visitors are allowed to carry their own cameras into the cave.

Elephant Trunk Hill

The Elephant Trunk Hill is the symbol and the land mark of Guilin. Thus this place could be extremely crowded during peak season.
Bamboo drafting is attractive to many tourists. However, it is not recommended to foreign tourists for safety concerns. Only chose the bamboo drafts with sufficient safety measures.
The Elephant Trunk Hill Park opens between 7:00 am to 6:30 pm. To enter the park after business hours booking is required one day in advance (conditions apply).

Travel tips related to Guilin shopping

The Guilin chili sauce, fermented bean curd, sān huā wine (a type of local rice wine), and xī guā shuāng (a type of local produced Chinese medicine efficient in curing moth ulcer, inflammation, and gums) are the famed four Guilin specialties. They are also called the Four Treasures of Guilin by the locals. They are sold in local supermarket and souvenir shops.
Tourists can buy the famed He-Pu Pearls (a type of high quality sea pearls grown in the South China Sea) in Guilin at good prices because the pearl producer companies have set up affiliated shops in Guilin.
Guilin is also famous for its local hand crafts and landscape ink paintings. They are good souvenirs for tourists to buy. The real hand-made souvenirs are at expensive prices. A cheaper option is to buy machine manufactured crafts and machine printed landscape ink paintings.
The most popular shopping mall in Guilin is Niko Niko Do in the city center. KFC is on the ground level of the mall. A cinema is close by on the other side of the intersection.
The pedestrian street is a popular shopping street with a good range of fine restaurants and bars.
A section of the zhongshan road in Guilin turns into a night market after 7 pm. Tourists can find small gifts and abundant local snacks on this street.
The west street in Yangshuo County is also called the foreigner street. It is a popular street for restaurants and bars, as well as souvenirs shopping.

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