Guilin is the perfect place for a small boat trip on the picturesque Li River. The scenerey is most spectacular and Guilin has been flooded with tourists since the opening of China. The river is flanked on both shores by limestone mountains; you know what to expect from the Chineses paintings you have undoubtedly seen. Most cruises last a day with lunch included. The normal end point is the small town of Yangshuo, where you can rent bicycles to ride through the countryside. For most western tourist Yangshuo is a better place to stay than Guilin itself. The beauty of the limestone crags is also found within Guilin itself. Visit the Seven Star Park which has caves and a zoo (more pandas). Guilin is said to be founded in 214 BC. The best season to visit is autumn.

The town itself is not developed, but it's modern, clean and organized, and a good place to spend a day exploring several smaller hills within its boundaries. You can also take some spicy Guilinjiang, a type of pepper sauce back home.

Guilin is almost 400 km northwest of Guangzhou.