Put aside the travel guides — living in Guilin is like waking up every day in a traditional Chinese landscape painting. Ride along the tree-lined paths by the Li River, breathe in the fresh morning mist filled with the scent of osmanthus flowers, buy a bowl of steaming rice noodles from a street stall for breakfast, and watch the karst peaks turn a soft purple as the sun sets. This “City of a Hundred Flowers” weaves together eternal natural beauty, leisurely riverside life, and the charm of a slow pace, both rustic and refreshing. Unlike the hurried pace of big cities, Guilin has its own unique rhythm, where modern convenience and poetic scenery coexist harmoniously, making it a beloved home for those who cherish a slow lifestyle.
Eat and drink like a local to truly experience the soul of Guilin:
Guilin rice noodles are a daily ritual, enjoyed from morning till night, with braised meat full of rich aroma and tangy pickled long beans being the essence;
although Luosifen originates from Liuzhou, it has long become a specialty of Guilin, spicy, flavorful, and addictive, with the most authentic taste found only in unassuming small shops; beer-braised duck is simmered in local beer, giving the meat a tender texture, leaving a rich malt sweetness and an enticing golden color; and there is also osmanthus cake, made from glutinous rice flour and osmanthus honey, each bite soft and fragrant with the scent of autumn flowers, representing the most delightful taste of Guilin in the fall.
Getting around here is easy and enjoyable:
for short trips, shared bikes like the ‘Yellow Bike’ and ‘Blue Bike’ weave through tree-lined streets;
the bus system covers the entire city and can be conveniently used via an app or by scanning a code; electric bicycles—a nearly essential item in every household—can easily navigate winding alleys and effortlessly avoid morning rush-hour congestion. On weekends, a 15-20 minute ride on an intercity train can take you directly to Yangshuo or surrounding counties for a spontaneous short trip; in summer, locals head to reservoirs or rent bamboo rafts to picnic and cool off on the water, escaping the heat.
Immerse yourself in local life:
In the early morning, go to the lakeside at Rongshan Park and join people practicing Tai Chi, sword dancing, or singing Peking opera to feel the pulse of the city; when osmanthus blooms in October, collect the fallen petals to brew tea or make wine. Hike up Yaoshan Mountain and encounter the sunrise beauty of the karst forest; stroll or row a boat on Rong Lake and Shan Lake — Guilin’s summer “backgarden”; or cycle north along the Li River to Lingchuan, exploring tranquil countryside and ancient villages.
Local Tips:
Late autumn in November is the best time to visit. The ginkgo trees in Gudong turn golden, and the crowds have thinned, allowing you to avoid the Golden Week and summer holidays. Always carry an umbrella to prepare for sudden showers. Be kind to the warmth and friendliness of the locals — strangers offering seats on the bus or striking up conversations in the park are unique to Guilin’s charm.
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