Where to Stay in Guilin
China
|Pop. 1.6M
|4 neighbourhoods covered
|Updated March 2026
Photo: Atharva Tulsi / Unsplash
Quick Answer: Best Area to Stay
For most visitors, Near Guilin Railway Station is the best neighbourhood to stay in Guilin. A bustling transport hub with a mix of local life and tourist services. Ideal for first-timers, budget, solo travelers. Budget travellers can get by on CNY 250/day.
Areas to Avoid in Guilin
Safety rated "Safe". See which areas need extra caution and where to stay instead.
Best Neighbourhoods at a Glance
| Neighbourhood | Vibe | Budget | Best For | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Near Guilin Railway Station | A bustling transport hub with a mix of local life and tourist services. | Budget | first-timers, budget | Generally safe during the day, but be aw... |
| Near Li River (East Bank) | The most tourist-oriented area, offering easy access to river cruises and city attractions. | Mid-range | first-timers, families | Very safe during the day; at night, the ... |
| Near Nanmen Bridge / West Bank | A more local and residential area with a growing number of guesthouses and eateries. | Budget | culture, foodies | Safe during the day; at night, stick to ... |
| Qixing District (Qixing Park Area) | A green and spacious district known for its large park and slightly more relaxed atmosphere. | Mid-range | families, nature lovers | Generally safe, especially around Qixing... |
Near Guilin Railway Station
BudgetA bustling transport hub with a mix of local life and tourist services.
Generally safe during the day, but be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas; at ...
Near Li River (East Bank)
Mid-rangeThe most tourist-oriented area, offering easy access to river cruises and city attractions.
Very safe during the day; at night, the riverside promenade is well-lit and gene...
Near Nanmen Bridge / West Bank
BudgetA more local and residential area with a growing number of guesthouses and eateries.
Safe during the day; at night, stick to main roads as some side streets can be p...
Qixing District (Qixing Park Area)
Mid-rangeA green and spacious district known for its large park and slightly more relaxed atmosphere.
Generally safe, especially around Qixing Park during the day; at night, it's qui...
Top 3 Areas to Stay in Guilin
Liveliest areas for nightlife, culture, and entertainment
Near Li River (East Bank)
The most tourist-oriented area, offering easy access to river cruises and city attractions.
Our top picks in Near Li River (East Bank)
Iconic hotel known for its impressive waterfall feature and river views.
Book Now
Qixing District (Qixing Park Area)
A green and spacious district known for its large park and slightly more relaxed atmosphere.
Our top picks in Qixing District (Qixing Park Area)
Near Guilin Railway Station
A bustling transport hub with a mix of local life and tourist services.
Our top picks in Near Guilin Railway Station
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Things to Do in Guilin
Popular tours, activities, and experiences you can book in advance
🚶Walking Tour
Explore the city on foot with a local guide
🍽️Food Tour
Taste the best local dishes and street food
🚐Day Trip
Discover stunning destinations just outside the city
🏛️Museum & Culture
Skip-the-line access to top museums and galleries
🚌Hop-on Hop-off Bus
See all the highlights from an open-top bus
⛵Boat Tour
See the city skyline from the water
👨🍳Cooking Class
Learn to cook authentic local recipes
🌙Night Tour
Experience the city after dark with a guided tour
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Guilin at a Glance
4 categories
Top Tips for Guilin
Things to know before you go
Local Tip
Purchase your Li River cruise tickets from a reputable agency or your hotel; avoid street vendors who may offer inflated prices or fake tickets. Consider a bus or train to Yangshuo instead of the cruise for a more budget-friendly and flexible option.
Getting Around
Use a translation app for bus numbers and destinations, as signs are mostly in Chinese. Keep small change handy for bus fares.
Watch Out For
Tea ceremony scam: Inviting tourists to a tea ceremony which turns into an expensive sales pitch.
Solo Female Travel
Guilin is generally safe for solo female travelers. Exercise standard precautions, especially at night, and be mindful of your surroundings in crowded tourist spots.
Hidden Gems in Guilin
Lesser-known spots the locals love
Guilin Museum of Art
This museum showcases contemporary and traditional Chinese art, often featuring local Guilin artists. It's a quiet escape to appreciate the region's creative spirit.
Guilin Botanical Garden
FREEA sprawling green oasis offering a tranquil retreat from the city bustle, with diverse plant collections and peaceful walking paths. It's a favorite spot for locals to relax and enjoy nature.
Shuidongmen Street
FREEWander down this historic street to experience a more authentic side of Guilin, with traditional architecture and small local eateries. You'll find fewer crowds and a glimpse into daily life.
Yangdi Village
Take a local ferry or raft from Yangdi to Xingping for a less crowded, more intimate Li River cruise experience. The scenery is just as breathtaking, but with a more authentic feel.
Guilin Eighteen Peaks Tea House
Sample local Guilin teas and enjoy traditional snacks in a setting that offers lovely views of the karst landscape. It's a perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon break.
Xiangshan Temple
Located atop Elephant Trunk Hill, this temple offers panoramic views of Guilin and the Li River. It's often overlooked by tourists who only visit the base of the hill.
Things to Do in Guilin
Popular tours, activities, and experiences you can book in advance
🚶Walking Tour
Explore the city on foot with a local guide
🍽️Food Tour
Taste the best local dishes and street food
🚐Day Trip
Discover stunning destinations just outside the city
🏛️Museum & Culture
Skip-the-line access to top museums and galleries
🚌Hop-on Hop-off Bus
See all the highlights from an open-top bus
⛵Boat Tour
See the city skyline from the water
👨🍳Cooking Class
Learn to cook authentic local recipes
🌙Night Tour
Experience the city after dark with a guided tour
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Top-rated Guilin tours and activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided walking tours, food experiences, and day trips. Reserve now, pay later; free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
We earn a small commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.
What It Costs in Guilin
Daily budget per person in CNY
💡81% cheaper than London
CNY 250/day
CNY 500/day
CNY 1000/day
Where to Stay in Guilin
Honest neighborhood guide: where to stay and where to avoid
Best for
Walk to
- Guilin Railway Station5 min
- Guilin Bus Station10 min
- Zhengyang Pedestrian Street20 min
Pros
- +Excellent transport links
- +Wide range of budget accommodation and food options
- +Convenient for onward travel
Cons
- -Can be noisy and crowded
- -Less scenic than other areas
Best for
Walk to
- Li River Cruise Terminal15 min
- Elephant Trunk Hill25 min
- Guilin Museum30 min
Pros
- +Close to major sights and Li River activities
- +Good selection of hotels and restaurants catering to tourists
- +Pleasant riverside walks
Cons
- -Can be more expensive
- -May feel less authentic due to high tourist traffic
Top stays in Near Li River (East Bank)
Guilin Park Hotel
$$Offers good value with spacious rooms and a central location.
Guilin Lijiang Waterfall Hotel
$$$Iconic hotel known for its impressive waterfall feature and river views.
Guilin Bravo International Hotel
$$Modern hotel with convenient amenities and good service.
Shanshui Hotel
$A more budget-friendly option close to the river.
Best for
Walk to
- Nanmen Bridge10 min
- Guilin Library15 min
- Zhengyang Pedestrian Street25 min
Pros
- +More authentic local experience
- +Better prices for food and accommodation
- +Quieter than the main tourist areas
Cons
- -Further from some major attractions
- -Fewer English speakers
Best for
Walk to
- Qixing Park5 min
- Guilin Exhibition Center15 min
- Li River (further upstream)25 min
Pros
- +Access to large green spaces and Qixing Park
- +More residential and quieter
- +Good for families and outdoor activities
Cons
- -Further from the city center and main tourist attractions
- -Fewer dining and shopping options
Areas to be cautious
- Industrial outskirts: These areas lack tourist infrastructure, offer little of interest, and can feel unsafe at night due to poor lighting and limited activity.
Insider tip: Purchase your Li River cruise tickets from a reputable agency or your hotel; avoid street vendors who may offer inflated prices or fake tickets. Consider a bus or train to Yangshuo instead of the cruise for a more budget-friendly and flexible option.
Where to Stay in Guilin
Compare hotel deals across the best neighbourhoods on Expedia.
Stay in Near Guilin Railway Station
A bustling transport hub with a mix of local life and tourist services.
Stay in Near Li River (East Bank)
The most tourist-oriented area, offering easy access to river cruises and city attractions.
Stay in Near Nanmen Bridge / West Bank
A more local and residential area with a growing number of guesthouses and eateries.
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Places to Stay in Guilin
Be the first to list your property in Guilin. Reach thousands of travellers looking for accommodation, with no commissions.
List Your PropertySafety in Guilin
SafeSolo Female Travel
Guilin is generally safe for solo female travelers. Exercise standard precautions, especially at night, and be mindful of your surroundings in crowded tourist spots.
At Night
Stick to well-lit, populated areas. The riverside promenade and main commercial streets are generally safe. Avoid poorly lit side streets or deserted parks after dark.
Emergency
110
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Tea ceremony scam: Inviting tourists to a tea ceremony which turns into an expensive sales pitch.
- 2Fake tour guides: Offering services at the train station or tourist spots, then overcharging or providing substandard tours.
- 3Souvenir overcharging: Vendors in tourist areas often inflate prices significantly.
Compare hotel deals in Guilin
See today's prices across hundreds of hotels. Free cancellation on most bookings, so you can lock in a great rate risk-free.
We earn a small commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.
Travel Insurance for Guilin
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Stay Connected in China
Skip expensive roaming. Get an eSIM for China and have data the moment you land.
Get an eSIMGetting Around Guilin
Transport, connectivity, and costs
✈️
Airport to City
Airport Bus (approx. 1 hour, 20-25 CNY); Taxi (approx. 45 mins, 150-200 CNY).
🎫
Day Pass
Not commonly available for tourists; single rides are cheap.
Single: 2-4 CNY for most bus routes.
🚶
Walkability
Good TransitUber, Didi
📶
WiFi
Good20-50 Mbps
Public Transport
Buses are the primary public transport; Line 1, 2, 3, and 4 cover most tourist areas and attractions. Taxis and Didi (rideshare) are readily available.
Ride-share
Didi (China's Uber); typical cost for short rides is 10-20 CNY.
Transport Tip
Use a translation app for bus numbers and destinations, as signs are mostly in Chinese. Keep small change handy for bus fares.
WiFi & Remote Work
Free WiFi
Most hotels, many cafes and restaurants (often requires a local phone number for login).
Coworking
Limited dedicated coworking spaces; cafes are the main option. Some hotels offer business centers.
Rent a Car in Guilin
Compare prices from top rental companies. Free cancellation on most bookings.
We earn a small commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Best months to visit: Oct, Nov, Dec
Plan Your Perfect Guilin Trip
Tell us what you love and we'll build a personalised day-by-day itinerary with the best spots, tours, and hotels. Completely free.
Hotels & Accommodation in Guilin
Browse and compare hotels, apartments, and hostels on the interactive map below.
Powered by Stay22. We may earn a commission from bookings made through this map.
Ready to book in Guilin?
Compare prices across thousands of hotels on Expedia. Bundle with flights for extra savings.
We earn a small commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.
Found your hotel in Guilin?
We search 30+ sites including members-only platforms like Secret Escapes and Voyage Privé. Most people save 14-23%.
Compare hotel deals in Guilin
Search thousands of hotels on Expedia. Bundle with flights for extra savings.
We earn a small commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.
Who Is Guilin Best For?
Matched recommendations for different traveller types
First-time Visitors to China
This area provides the most convenient access to Guilin's iconic attractions and tourist amenities.
Budget Backpackers
Abundant budget accommodation and food options, plus excellent transport links for onward travel.
Families with Children
Offers proximity to green spaces like Qixing Park, providing a more relaxed environment for families.
Culture Enthusiasts
This area offers a more local feel and allows for exploration of less touristy streets and eateries.
Couples Seeking Scenery
Direct access to Li River views and easy proximity to Elephant Trunk Hill for romantic strolls.
About Guilin
Guilin (Standard Zhuang: Gveilinz), formerly romanized as Kweilin, is a prefecture-level city in the northeast of China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It is situated on the west bank of the Li River and borders Hunan to the north. Its name means "forest of sweet osmanthus", owing to the large number of fragrant sweet osmanthus trees located in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions About Guilin
Is Guilin safe for tourists?
What is the average hotel price in Guilin?
What area should I stay in Guilin?
When is the best time to visit Guilin?
How do I get around Guilin?
Get the Full Guilin Guide
Neighbourhood picks, hidden gems, and deals for Guilin straight to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Guilin Guides by Traveller Type
Tailored neighborhood picks for how you travel
