Cover In Guilin, one of China’s most photographed regions, finding your own peaceful corner in nature isn’t just possible—it’s preferable (Photo: Getty Images)
In Guilin, one of China’s most photographed regions, finding your own peaceful corner in nature isn’t just possible—it’s preferable (Photo: Getty Images)
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Fancy experiencing Guilin’s stunning landscapes without the tourist hordes? Here’s how to enjoy those famous karst mountains and winding rivers in peace
Guilin’s dramatic limestone hills and mirror-like rivers have drawn visitors for centuries, and for good reason. But who wants to share those postcard-perfect views—which also happen to be featured on the 20-yuan banknote—with hordes of tourists? The good news is that with a bit of insider knowledge, you can still experience the magic of this landscape in relative solitude. Skip the standard itinerary and you’ll discover a different Guilin: one where you can hear birdsongs rather than tour guides and take photographs without dodging selfie sticks. From lesser-known hike trails to hidden gems of hotels in outlying villages, here’s how to enjoy one of China’s most spectacular regions—minus the crowds.
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Village stays over city hotels
Above Misty Wonderland Resort in Yangshuo (Photo: Booking.com)
Above Village houses with yellow paint and wooden frames in Guilin, China (Photo: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay)
Misty Wonderland Resort in Yangshuo (Photo: Booking.com)
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Skip central Guilin’s busy streets and base yourself in the countryside instead. One such nearby village is Miaomenqian Village (庙门前/廟門前), which is just 30 minutes’ drive from the city centre and offers charming views of lakes, rivers and limestone mountains. There are plenty of walking trails to explore the village, which is lined with picturesque yellow-with-wooden-frames houses (similar to Hoi An, Vietnam), ponds and farms, complete with ducks, hens and other farm animals.
Alternatively, try Lujia Village (鲁家村/魯家村) with its traditional stone pathways and wooden houses converted into comfortable homestays. You’ll wake up to birdsong rather than tour buses and get genuine insights into rural Chinese life.
Tatler tip: If you want both hotel comfort and pristine nature—and who doesn’t want the best of both worlds—we would suggest staying at Misty Wonderland Resort in Yangshuo, Xingping (阳朔兴坪镇/陽朔興坪鎮), and enjoying wellness programmes such as aerobics and stunning nature views from a hot tub.
Longji rice terrace: Take the path less travelled
Above Longji rice terrace (Photo: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay)
Above On the way to Seven Stars and Moon viewpoint in Longji rice terrace (Photo: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay)
Longji rice terrace (Photo: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay)
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If you’ve loved the rice terraces of Bali, the Longji (龙脊梯田/龍脊梯田) rice terraces in Guilin will take your breath away. The magnificent stepped rice fields, dubbed Dragon’s Backbone because of the curved shape of the mountains, change character with every season but remain beautiful all year round. This means that certain viewpoints can get packed with photographers. Instead, explore the network of paths going up the hills that connect the terraces—and don’t worry, they are all marked by clear signposts in English and Chinese so you won’t lose your way.
Tatler tip: Hike up the Seven Stars and Moon viewpoint, the hike is slightly challenging but worth it for the spectacular views. Stop by the Garden Café on your way back for a spot of Chinese lunch and home-made wine.
Li River cruise: Choose quality over quantity
Above Quiet sections of the Li River (Photo: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay)
Above Skip the group tours and book a private cruise on Li River (Photo: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay)
Quiet sections of the Li River (Photo: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay)
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The Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is justifiably famous, but standard boats can feel overcrowded. Book either a private cruise or VIP seats on smaller vessels for a more serene experience. Keep your eyes peeled for local fishermen practising traditional cormorant fishing and enjoy sights of Guilin’s iconic limestone peaks reflected in the crystal-clear waters without jostling for the best photo spots.
Huixian wetland park: A hidden gem
Above A panoramic view of the lush Huixian wetland park in Guilin, China (Photo: Getty Images)
A panoramic view of the lush Huixian wetland park in Guilin, China (Photo: Getty Images)
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While tour groups flock to Elephant Trunk Hill, the lesser-known Huixian Wetland Park (会仙喀斯特国家湿地公园/會仙喀斯特國家濕地公園) offers tranquil natural beauty. Wooden boardwalks meander through reed beds and lotus ponds in this spacious ecological reserve. It’s brilliant for birdwatching and offers spectacular reflections of surrounding karst mountains, particularly in early morning light. Best of all? You’ll often have entire sections to yourself.
Daxu Ancient Town: Authentic heritage
Above Get lost in history in the ancient town of Daxu in Guilin, China (Photo: Getty Images)
Get lost in history in the ancient town of Daxu in Guilin, China (Photo: Getty Images)
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Just 23 kilometres from Guilin lies Daxu Ancient Town (大圩古镇/大圩古鎮), a well-preserved settlement dating back over 1,000 years. Unlike more commercialised ancient towns, Daxu has managed to retain its vintage charm, with many historic buildings still serving as family homes.
Stroll along cobblestone streets, admire traditional architecture with intricate wood carvings and take pictures on the historic Wanshou Bridge (万寿桥/萬壽橋), which was first constructed in Ming Dynasty and later rebuilt in Qing Dynasty in 1899.
Suchetana Mukhopadhyay is the Digital Content Manager for Tatler Hong Kong. In this role, she leads all digital editorial and branded content on Tatler Hong Kong’s website, from brainstorming story ideas with the writers to editing and publishing the articles, and from managing the overall content flow to driving search engine optimisation. She also leads the beauty content at Tatler Hong Kong and across the region, and is always looking to champion diversity through her articles. She was previously with Cedar Hong Kong and Gafencu, and freelanced for the South China Morning Post, Campaign Asia-Pacific, CNN and more. Contact her here.
