How to Meet Locals & Make Friends in Guilin, Guangxi, China

All Topics about Guilin All Cities in China

1. Li River Cruise

Join a Li River cruise to meet locals and fellow travelers while enjoying the stunning landscapes of Guilin.

Scenic Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of karst hills, rice paddies, and traditional Chinese villages
Shared Experience: Builds camaraderie as passengers share the experience together during the journey
Cultural Insights: Provides opportunities to learn about local customs and traditions from guides and fellow travelers

Relax at the Fisherman's Wharf and engage with local vendors selling souvenirs and snacks.

Unique Atmosphere: Features a lively, authentic atmosphere where locals gather for leisurely evenings
Socializing Opportunities: Provides chances to chat with vendors and other visitors about local life and culture
Nightlife Hub: Serves as a central location for nighttime entertainment, attracting both locals and tourists alike

Explore Guilin's countryside on an electric bike tour and connect with friendly local guides.

Active Exploration: Allows for a more active, engaging way to discover the beautiful rural landscapes of Guilin
Local Perspectives: Offers insights into local life and customs from knowledgeable guides who live in the area
Flexibility: Provides opportunities to customize the tour based on personal interests and preferences

Learn traditional Chinese cooking techniques and connect with local chefs during a hands-on cooking class.

Cultural Immersion: Offers an immersive experience into Guilin's unique culinary traditions
Social Interaction: Encourages interaction with the chef and other participants, fostering new friendships
Delicious Results: Enables you to prepare and enjoy authentic Chinese dishes, often accompanied by engaging conversation

Stay at the Guilin Bookworm Hostel and participate in literary events or workshops with like-minded travelers.

Literary Focus: Attracts book lovers who enjoy literature and intellectual discussions
Community Atmosphere: Fosters a friendly, inclusive environment where travelers easily connect with one another
Cultural Exchange: Promotes cultural exchange through shared literature and experiences

Join a tour of the Longji Rice Terraces to meet locals living in this scenic, ethnic minority village.

Scenic Wonders: Features breathtaking, terraced rice fields and traditional Yao and Zhuang villages
Cultural Exchange: Provides opportunities to learn about the customs, traditions, and daily lives of local ethnic minorities
Hiking Opportunities: Offers guided hikes through the rice terraces, allowing for a more immersive experience

Relax at a traditional Guilin tea house and enjoy conversations with locals over cups of fragrant tea.

Traditional Environment: Features a calm, serene atmosphere reminiscent of historic China
Cultural Exchange: Offers opportunities to learn about local tea culture and practices from knowledgeable staff
Relaxation: Provides a peaceful, social setting for rest and rejuvenation amidst the bustling city

Stay at the Guilin International Youth Hostel and meet fellow travelers from around the world.

Diverse Crowd: Attracts a diverse mix of international travelers, fostering cultural exchange
Community Atmosphere: Fosters a friendly, inclusive environment where connections are easily made
Affordable Accommodation: Offers budget-friendly accommodation with comfortable, clean facilities

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Guilin's night market and interact with locals selling unique goods.

Unique Shopping Opportunities: Offers a wide variety of local snacks, souvenirs, and handicrafts
Lively Atmosphere: Features energetic street performances and live music for added entertainment
Socializing Opportunities: Provides chances to chat with vendors and other visitors about local life and culture

Sing your heart out at a Guilin karaoke bar and connect with locals over shared tunes.

Entertainment Value: Offers hours of fun singing favorite songs in a lively, social atmosphere
Cultural Exchange: Provides opportunities to learn about local music and tastes in popular tunes
Socializing Opportunities: Encourages interaction with fellow singers, locals, and bar staff

Explore Guilin on a bike rental and pedal your way to meeting friendly locals.

Freedom and Flexibility: Allows for self-guided tours, adapting the route based on personal interests
Physical Activity: Encourages outdoor exercise while discovering Guilin's scenic landscapes
Local Interaction: Provides chances to greet and chat with locals encountered along the way

Practice your English skills at Guilin's English corner and make friends with locals eager to chat.

Language Practice: Offers a chance for English speakers to practice their conversational skills
Cultural Exchange: Provides opportunities to learn about local life, customs, and perspectives
Socializing Opportunities: Encourages interaction with locals who are eager to meet new people

Give back to the community by volunteering and forming connections with passionate locals.

Community Impact: Allows travelers to contribute positively to Guilin's local communities
Cultural Exchange: Provides opportunities to learn about local life, customs, and perspectives
Personal Rewards: Offers a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment from helping others

Unleash your creativity at a Guilin art studio class and make friends with fellow artists.

Artistic Expression: Allows travelers to explore their artistic side in a fun, supportive environment
Socializing Opportunities: Encourages interaction with fellow artists and the art studio instructor
Cultural Exchange: Provides opportunities to learn about local art, techniques, and traditions

Indulge in delicious street food at Guilin's many street food stalls and interact with friendly locals.

Tasty Treats: Offers a wide variety of affordable, authentic Chinese street food
Socializing Opportunities: Encourages interaction with vendors and fellow food enthusiasts
Cultural Insights: Provides opportunities to learn about local cuisine, tastes, and preferences