Gay Friendly Guide • GUILIN and YANGSHUO | What to See, Where to Stay, Best Gay Bars and Restaurants | LGBT Guide
Updated: Sep 19
GAY GUILIN & YANGSHUO
Discover this City with our Quick and Practical Guide to Visit the Best Attractions, Savor Typical Dishes and Have Fun in the Best Gay Bars. All this through the Rainbow Eyes of the World Mappers
What to See, Best Places to Sleep, Where to Eat and to Have Fun in GUILIN & YANGSHUO?
Find it out with the World Mappers !
WHAT TO SEE in GUILIN?
5 THINGS TO SEE in GUILIN
Li River
The Li River is the absolute symbol of Guilin and one of the most spectacular landscapes in China. Its waters flow between unmistakably shaped karst mountains, traditional villages, and expanses of bamboo, creating vistas immortalized in paintings and photographs. A cruise along the river, especially to Yangshuo, allows you to admire breathtaking views and observe rural life that still follows ancient rhythms today.
Elephant Trunk Hill
Elephant Trunk Hill is Guilin's most famous natural monument. This limestone hill resembles an elephant dipping its trunk into the Li River to drink, creating one of the city's most iconic images. The large natural arch under the "trunk" reflects its shape on the water, giving splendid photographs, especially at sunset when the light makes the panorama even more evocative.
Reed Flute Cave
Reed Flute Cave is a spectacular limestone cave stretching over 200 meters, famous for its incredible stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations shaped by water over millions of years. Colorful lighting enhances each room creating an almost surreal atmosphere. The ancient inscriptions on the walls testify that this cave was already known over a thousand years ago.
Sun and Moon Pagodas
The Sun and Moon Pagodas stand in the center of Shan Lake and are one of the most elegant symbols of Guilin. The Sun Pagoda, clad in gilded copper, and the Moon Pagoda, more slender, are connected by a submerged tunnel that can be visited. In the evening they light up reflecting on the water, creating a romantic spectacle that attracts photographers and visitors from all over the world.
Seven Star Park
Seven Star Park is the largest park in Guilin and is named after the seven hills that resemble the layout of the constellation Ursa Major. Inside there are caves, traditional pavilions, scenic paths, gardens and a small zoo. It is the ideal place to walk surrounded by nature and observe the daily life of the inhabitants who practice tai chi and other outdoor activities.
EXTRA – Longji Rice Terraces
The Longji Rice Terraces, also known as the "Dragon Thorn Terraces," are located about two hours from Guilin and are considered among the most beautiful terraced rice fields in the world. Made over 700 years ago by local ethnic minorities, they change appearance in every season: bright green in summer, golden during harvest, and sometimes snow-capped in winter, offering truly spectacular views.
WHAT TO SEE in YANGSHUO?
5 THINGS TO SEE in YANGSHUO
West Street (Xi Jie)
West Street is the historic and tourist heart of Yangshuo, with over 1,400 years of history. Its paved streets are lined with traditional buildings, restaurants, craft shops, and clubs that liven up the area until late at night. Walking here allows you to immerse yourself in the city's lively atmosphere, between local culture and international influences, with splendid karst mountains as a backdrop.
Yulong River
The Yulong River is one of the most striking places in Yangshuo and represents the essence of its natural landscapes. Its tranquil waters flow between spectacular karst mountains, ancient stone bridges and rice paddies. The most beloved experience is the descent on traditional bamboo rafts, which allows you to slowly admire one of the most iconic and photographed scenery in China.
Moon Hill
Moon Hill is one of Yangshuo's most famous mountains thanks to its enormous natural arch that resembles a full moon. A scenic trail leads to the observation point through lush subtropical vegetation. From the summit you can enjoy spectacular views of the karst hills, cultivated fields and surrounding villages, especially on the clearest days.
Xingping Ancient Town
Xingping Ancient Town is an ancient village overlooking the Li River, famous for retaining its traditional charm. The narrow stone streets, old houses and small shops tell the story of the region. From here you can admire some of China's most famous views, including the one depicted on the 20 yuan banknote.
Impression Liu Sanjie
Impression Liu Sanjie is the famous outdoor evening show directed by Zhang Yimou, set directly on the waters of the Li River. The karst mountains become an integral part of the scenery, while hundreds of local artists, plays of light, music, and traditional costumes create a thrilling representation inspired by the legends and culture of the region's ethnic minorities.
Below are Discounted Tickets for Top Attractions - Click Here
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
Visiting this city at its best depends essentially on how long you have to fully enjoy it. Here is a solution based on the number of days available to you:
Day 1 - Guilin & Yangshuo (from Reed Flute Cave to Elephant Trunk Hill) - Google Maps
Day 2 - Guilin & Yangshuo (from Guilin to Xingping & Yangshuo) - Google Maps
Day 3 - Yulong River - Google Maps
(By opening the Maps with Google, you can easily follow our path)
5 BEST EXCURSIONS from GUILIN & YANGSHUO
We advise you to book the best excursions here: Viator - Musement - Get Your Guide
Liuzhou
Yongzhou
Nanning
Wuzhou
Hengyang
Click'n'Go - Click on Hotels, Restaurants, Bars & Clubs
to find them on the Map or visit their Website
WHERE TO SLEEP in GUILIN?
5 BEST GAY FRIENDLY HOTELS in GUILIN
WHERE TO SLEEP in YANGSHUO?
5 BEST GAY FRIENDLY HOTELS in YANGSHUO
Yangshuo Tea Cozy ****
Yangshuo Lakeside Inn ****
Ruoli Yangshuo ****
LS Hotel ***
Yangshuo Sudder Street Guesthouse **
WHERE TO EAT in GUILIN?
5 BEST RESTAURANTS in GUILIN Quality / Price
€€€ - Midiexiang
€€€ - Chunji Roast Goose
€€ - You'an Time Pub
€€ - Agan Restaurant
WHERE TO EAT in YANGSHUO?
5 BEST RESTAURANTS in YANGSHUO Quality / Price
€€ - Guiji Lijiang Fish Home Cooking Restaurant
GAY NIGHTLIFE in GUILIN & YANGSHUO
BEST GAY PLACES, BARS & CLUBS in GUILIN & YANGSHUO
Bad Panda Rooftop Bar (Gay Bar)
TRAVEL TIPS about GUILIN & YANGSHUO by World Mappers
Spend at least half a day in Xingping, one of the most authentic villages in the region. Stroll through the ancient stone streets, stop at the small cafes and reach the viewpoint from which the image depicted on the Chinese 20-yuan banknote was taken. In the early morning or late afternoon the village is less crowded and the light makes the landscapes of the Li River and the karst mountains even more spectacular.
Catch the show "Impression Liu Sanjie"! Book tickets a few days in advance, especially during peak season. The show takes place outdoors on the Li River and uses the mountains as a natural setting, so the weather can affect the performance. Bring a light jacket even in summer, as the temperature along the river can drop in the evening. It is a unique experience that combines music, dance and local traditions.
The cruise between Guilin and Yangshuo is considered one of the most beautiful experiences in China. If possible, choose a morning departure, when the light enhances the karst mountains and the mist creates truly evocative views. Keep your camera handy at all times: along the way, you'll encounter villages, water buffalo, fishermen, and some of the most iconic views in the entire country, perfect for memorable photographs.
Watch the fishermen with cormorants on the Li River. In the late afternoon, near Xingping and along some stretches of the Li River, you can still see the famous cormorant fishermen, a centuries-old tradition now maintained mainly for cultural and photographic purposes. The sunset provides the best light to admire these traditional boats immersed in the karst landscape. It is one of Yangshuo's most iconic moments and offers truly unforgettable images.
The Ronghu and Shanhu Scenic Area are two scenic lakes located in the center of Guilin, connected by trails, bridges, and gardens that make them perfect for a relaxing stroll. The area is famous for its elegant pagodas, including the iconic Sun and Moon Pagodas, which light up at sunset and in the evening, creating one of the most photographed views in the city. Thanks to its central location, it is an easily accessible stop on foot and ideal for a moment of tranquility surrounded by greenery, with splendid views of the karst mountains surrounding Guilin.
About an hour and a half from Guilin is Huangluo Village, a quaint village inhabited by the Yao ethnic minority, famous for its tradition of long-haired women. According to local culture, hair is rarely cut and represents a symbol of identity, luck, and beauty. Walking through the wooden houses and alleys of the village you can learn about the customs of the community, watch traditional shows and admire the colorful clothes of the Yao women. The visit is often combined with the spectacular terraced rice fields of Longji and is an opportunity to discover a more authentic side of the Guangxi region, far from the big cities.
Below are Discounted Tickets for Top Attractions - Click Here
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