A free evening show where the hotel facade becomes a lit waterfall, drawing crowds to Central Square around 20:00.
The Li River Waterfall Show is a free nightly spectacle at the Li River Waterfall Hotel, No. 1 Shanhubei Road, beside Central Square in Xiufeng District, Guilin, in China's Guangxi region. The hotel facade has a man-made waterfall, and at about 20:00 each night it is switched on and lit, drawing onlookers to the square. It is a short public display rather than a bar or club, but it is one of the standard free evening sights in central Guilin.
The crowd is mainly tourists, families and local residents passing through Central Square, with a wide age range and a casual, spectator atmosphere. No dress code applies. People typically gather on the square in front of the hotel to watch and take photos, then continue to the nearby Zhengyang Pedestrian Street or to the lakes for the night cruise. Music or sound effects may accompany the display, but no live-music programme is run.
There is no drinks programme, cover charge, reservation system or bottle service. The show is free to watch from the square, and nearby shops, cafes and street vendors sell drinks and snacks before or after. Because it runs around 20:00 nightly, the timing fits neatly between an early dinner and later bars or the cruise.
Busiest periods are Friday to Sunday evenings, summer nights and public holidays, when the square can be crowded and viewing space near the front is limited. Weeknights outside holidays are noticeably calmer. Operating times may change with the season or maintenance, and the display may not run in poor weather or on certain dates, so a quick local check on the day is wise.
The Central Square location is within walking distance of the Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas and the Two Rivers and Four Lakes piers, which makes this a convenient first stop on an evening itinerary.
| Price | $ |
|---|---|
| Cover | Free |
| Hours | Nightly around 20:00 |
| Address | Li River Waterfall Hotel, No. 1 Shanhubei Road, beside Central Square, Xiufeng District, Guilin |
Good to know
- Signature
- Free nightly show on the Li River Waterfall Hotel facade, a man-made waterfall beside Central Square.
Location
Li River Waterfall Hotel, No. 1 Shanhubei Road, beside Central Square, Xiufeng District, Guilin
25.2758, 110.2918 View on map
Highlights
- Free nightly waterfall display on the Li River Waterfall Hotel facade
- Held beside Central Square in the middle of Guilin
- Starts around 20:00 each night
- Walking distance from the twin pagodas and Zhengyang Pedestrian Street
Tips for visiting
- Arrive 15-20 minutes before 20:00 to claim a spot with a clear view.
- The show is free; no ticket is needed.
- Check locally on the day, as the display can be affected by weather or maintenance.
- Combine with dinner on Zhengyang Pedestrian Street beforehand.
- Weeknights are less crowded than weekends and holidays.
When to visit
Shortly before 20:00 on a dry evening. Weeknights offer a clearer view than weekends and holidays.
Accessibility
Central Square is an open public space that is generally walkable, though specific step-free details have not been confirmed. Viewing from the square needs no entry or stairs.
Frequently asked questions
What time is the Li River Waterfall Show?
It runs nightly at around 20:00, though times can change with the season.
Is it free?
Yes. It can be watched from Central Square without a ticket.
Where is it?
At the Li River Waterfall Hotel, No. 1 Shanhubei Road, beside Central Square, Xiufeng District.
How long does it last?
It is a short display, but the exact duration is not confirmed, so check locally.