Unusual & Offbeat Destinations in Guilin, Guangxi, China

1. Elephant Trunk Hill

A natural landform resembling an elephant drinking water, offering a unique perspective of Guilin's karst landscape.

A hill adorned with temples and pagodas, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling city.

Historical Significance: It is one of the oldest hills in Guilin, steeped in history.
Panoramic Views: The summit provides breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscape.
Accessible Hiking Trails: Various trails cater to hikers of all abilities.

A cave featuring a series of stalactites and stalagmites illuminated by colorful lights.

Underground River: The cave houses an underground river that adds to its allure.
Colorful Lighting: The lights create a surreal and mesmerizing atmosphere.
Musical Performances: Tour guides play flutes made from reeds found within the cave.

A bustling pedestrian street filled with shops, restaurants, and bars.

Night Market: The night market offers unique local snacks and souvenirs.
Lively Atmosphere: It's a vibrant hub of activity day or night.
Cultural Performances: Street performances showcase local culture and traditions.

A series of rice terraces built on the slopes of mountains, providing a breathtaking sight.

Traditional Farming Methods: The terraces are still farmed by local ethnic groups using traditional techniques.
Seasonal Beauty: The terraces take on different hues during various seasons.
Sunrise and Sunset Views: The views at dawn and dusk are particularly stunning.

A traditional wooden bridge built by the Zhuang people, showcasing their architectural skills.

Design and Construction: The bridge's design allows it to withstand typhoons and torrential rains.
Historical Significance: It is a testament to the Zhuang people's resilience and ingenuity.
Surrounding Scenery: The picturesque countryside adds to the bridge's charm.

A quaint village offering stunning views of the Li River and Karst landscape.

Scenic Beauty: The village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its natural beauty.
Li River Cruise: Taking a cruise along the Li River offers panoramic views of the landscape.
Authentic Local Life: Visitors can experience the simple, rural life of the locals.

A traditional Zhuang village nestled in the mountains, offering a glimpse into their unique culture.

Architectural Wonders: The colorful wooden houses and wind and rain bridges are architectural marvels.
Traditional Festivals: Visitors can experience traditional Zhuang festivals such as the Rice Sprouting Festival.
Natural Hot Springs: The village is near natural hot springs for relaxation after a day of exploring.

A Miao ethnic minority village known for its traditional houses and craftsmanship.

Crafts and Artwork: Visitors can buy intricate wood carvings, bamboo weaving, and pottery.
Traditional Dancing: The villagers perform traditional dances for tourists.
Festival Participation: Visitors can participate in the annual Torch Festival, a significant event for the Miao people.

A small island on the Li River with a giant coconut-shaped rock, symbolizing the island's name.

Unique Rock Formation: The giant coconut-shaped rock is a unique sight.
Li River Cruise: The island is reached by taking a Li River cruise.
Restaurants and Shops: The island has restaurants, souvenir shops, and photo opportunities.

A karst hill shaped like a crescent moon, offering a challenging hike with stunning views.

Unique Shape: The hill's unique shape makes it a popular spot for photography.
Hiking Trails: Several trails cater to hikers of various abilities.
Sunset Views: The sunset views from the top are breathtaking.

A river offering a serene and peaceful escape from the bustling city.

Kayaking and Rafting: Visitors can enjoy kayaking or rafting along the river.
Natural Beauty: The river winds through lush greenery and karst landscapes.
Local Villages: Visitors can explore local villages along the river.

A cave featuring a 76-meter tall stalagmite and various other stalactites and stalagmites.

Huge Stalagmite: The giant stalagmite is one of the tallest in the world.
Stalactites and Stalagmites: The cave is adorned with various other unique rock formations.
Colorful Lighting: The cave is illuminated by colorful lights for a dramatic effect.

A cave featuring a beautiful stalagmite shaped like a lotus flower, symbolizing purity and grace.

Unique Stalagmite: The lotus-shaped stalagmite is a unique sight.
Colorful Lighting: The cave is illuminated by colorful lights for a magical effect.
Myth and Legend: The cave is said to be the hiding place of a fairy during ancient times.

A park featuring giant pandas, an interactive museum, and scenic views.

Giant Pandas: Visitors can see giant pandas up close.
Interactive Museum: The museum offers interactive exhibits about pandas and their habitat.
Scenic Views: The park offers beautiful views of the city and its surroundings.