Guilin travel guide - where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Guilin, Guangxi, China. Famous for the Li River, karst peaks and the Longji Rice Terraces.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Guilin.
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- rural, relaxed village riverside with rafts and bicycles
- Shallow gravel and pebble banks
- Raft docks and snack stalls
- Bike hire and village cafes
- Seasonal life jackets for swimming near rafts
Yulong River Jima Swimming Bank
Informal swimming spots on the Yulong River where locals and visitors cool off in summer; no lifeguard service, so swimming is at one's own risk.
Editor’s tip. Arrive before late morning in July and August, when raft traffic and day-trippers peak.
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- scenic, busy tourist raft stop beside a stone bridge
- Raft boarding docks
- Riverside cafes
- Shaded stone banks
- Bamboo-raft rental
Yulong River Jinlong Bridge Riverbank
A calm river reach beside a stone arch bridge where rafts launch and shallow banks allow wading in summer.
Editor’s tip. Visit early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer tour groups.
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- quiet, rural and often empty riverside
- Open gravel banks
- Raft launches
- Village snack stalls
Xianggong Hill Li River Sandbank
Quiet gravel and sand banks on the Li River bend, used for paddling and picnics in warm weather; the current can be strong after rain.
Editor’s tip. Arrange a driver for the return trip, as there is no direct public bus.
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- historic river port, unhurried teahouse atmosphere
- Stone-stepped riverside promenade
- Ancient wharves
- Teahouses and market stalls
- Entry to the old town is free
Daxu Ancient Town Li River Waterfront
A traditional river port with stone steps down to the Li River; best for strolling and watching boats rather than swimming.
Editor’s tip. Take the city bus (reported as route 306) from central Guilin for the cheapest trip; a Didi costs roughly ¥60.
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- outdoor rafting hub beneath red Danxia gorges
- Rafting docks
- Riverside food stalls
- Shallow gravel banks below the gorges
Zijiang River Ziyuan Gravel Banks
The riverbank around the Zijiang rafting stations offers shallow wading and picnic spots beside the Danxia-lined gorges.
Editor’s tip. Allow a full day and confirm the last return coach to Guilin before settling in.
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- restful, family-friendly thermal soaking in a rural valley
- Heated outdoor pools
- Changing rooms
- On-site food stalls
Ziyuan Wuhuo Hot Spring Pools
The closest thing to a year-round soaking beach for Guilin visitors, with thermal pools in a rural valley.
Editor’s tip. Visit between October and March, when the cool air makes soaking most pleasant.
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- domestic resort beach, lively and family-friendly
- Fine white sand
- Lifeguard posts
- Showers and changing rooms
- Beachfront hotels
Beihai Silver Beach
The nearest genuine sea beach to Guilin; a full day's travel each way, suited to a multi-night extension rather than a day trip.
Editor’s tip. Plan a multi-night stay; the trip from Guilin is 4-5 hours each way by high-speed rail via Nanning.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Guilin’s coast.
Is there a lifeguard at the Jima swimming bank?
No. The bank is an informal swimming spot with no lifeguard service, so swimming is at one's own risk. Seasonal life jackets are offered near the raft docks.
From the Yulong River Jima Swimming Bank editorial.
How do visitors get to the Yulong River from Yangshuo?
The spot is about 8 km from Yangshuo town. A Didi takes roughly 20-30 minutes for about ¥30-60, and a rented bike costs around ¥20-50 per day.
From the Yulong River Jima Swimming Bank editorial.
Can visitors swim at Jinlong Bridge?
Wading is common in summer, but there is no lifeguard and no marked swimming area. Swimming is at one's own risk, and rafts use the main channel.
From the Yulong River Jinlong Bridge Riverbank editorial.
How far is Jinlong Bridge from Yangshuo town?
It is about 10 km away. Didi or bike takes roughly 25-35 minutes, and minibuses also run to the raft docks.
From the Yulong River Jinlong Bridge Riverbank editorial.
Is it safe to swim at the Xianggong sandbank?
There is no lifeguard and the Li River current can be strong, especially after rain. Paddling in shallows is common, but swimming is at one's own risk.
From the Xianggong Hill Li River Sandbank editorial.
How do visitors reach the sandbank?
It is about 28 km north of Yangshuo town. A private car or tour van takes roughly 40-60 minutes, and there is no direct public bus.
From the Xianggong Hill Li River Sandbank editorial.
Can visitors swim at the Daxu waterfront?
No. The waterfront is a historic wharf area of stone steps, best for strolling and watching boats rather than swimming.
From the Daxu Ancient Town Li River Waterfront editorial.
How much does it cost to enter Daxu Ancient Town?
Entry to the old town is free. Costs arise only from food, crafts, tea or optional boat rides.
From the Daxu Ancient Town Li River Waterfront editorial.