Guilin Travel Hacks. Money Saving, Time Saving, Local Secrets

Money-Saving Strategies

Smart choices extend your travel budget in Guilin.

Discounts & Freebies

Guilin has no widespread discount cards.
Students (with ISIC) or seniors (with local IDs) find some attraction discounts.
Ask at ticket counters for details.
Walk the Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area (general park areas).

Free Local Exploration

Explore Zhengyang Pedestrian An avenue for window shopping.
Cycle through the Yangshuo countryside on rented bicycles.
Hike free viewpoints, like Puti Hill in Yangshuo.
Look for lunch specials and happy hours.

Transportation Budget

Use public buses instead of taxis for urban transportation.
Utilize Didi's shared ride option (if available) for cost sharing.
Opt for high-speed rail (second class) over flights.
Rent bicycles in Yangshuo for cheap local transport.

Accommodation Choices

Consider backpacker lodgings or inns over hotels for cheap accommodation.
Look for accommodation with breakfast included.
This saves on morning meals during your trip.
Smart choices extend your travel budget.

Time-Saving Tips

Plan well and avoid peak crowds for optimal sightseeing time.

Attraction Timing

Book tickets online for popular attractions to avoid queues.
Li River Cruise: Early morning departures have fewer people.
Reed Flute Cave: Go early morning or late afternoon.
Elephant Trunk Hill: Visit early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds.

Strategic Planning

Avoid Chinese national holidays like Golden Week; expect extreme crowds.
High-speed rail moves faster for inter-city travel.
Plan your itinerary by location to minimize travel between attractions.
Pre-book Li River excursions, Impression Sanjie Liu tickets, and hotels.

Travel Flow

Group Guilin city attractions together.
Focus on Yangshuo, then Longji for your visit.
This cuts down on back-and-forth travel.
Advance booking secures your spot and finds better prices.

Crowd Management

Avoid Chinese national holidays for fewer people.
Longer lines affect experience during holidays.
Plan your dates carefully for peak times.
Consider weather patterns for optimal visit times.

Local Insights

Gain a cultural understanding for a more rewarding journey.

Avoid These Travel Mistakes

Not using WeChat Pay/Alipay. These are for transactions.
Not having a VPN for Western apps. Set it up before arrival.
Only visiting Guilin city; the real beauty is outside.
Underestimating distances to Yangshuo and Longji.

Cultural Norms & Tips

Not carrying a translation app; the language barrier exists.
Bargaining is common at markets and little stores.
Spitting is common, especially among older generations, usually not indoors.
Queues can be less orderly; be assertive yet polite.

Practicalities for Public Spaces

Public toilets may be squat toilets and might not have paper.
Carry your own travel toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
Expect direct questions about nationality; these stem from curiosity.
Using basic Mandarin phrases earns appreciation.

Basic Mandarin Phrases

"Nǐ hǎo" (hello) is a good start.
"Xièxie" (thank you) is appreciated.
"Duōshǎo qián?" (how much?) is practical.
Learning a few more phrases shows effort and respect.

Solo, Family & Group-Specific Advice

Adapt your travel plans for a superior experience with your companions.

Solo Traveler Considerations

Guilin is safe for solo travelers.
Use Didi for late-night transport.
Tell someone back home your itinerary.
Stay in hostels to meet other travelers.

Family & Kid Tips

Activities like the Li River cruise are good for families.
Be aware of spice levels in food; carry familiar snacks.
Bring age-appropriate entertainment and medications for children.
A Portable stroller might fit smaller children, though uneven terrain exists.

Group Logistics

For groups, pre-book all transport, accommodation, and major tours well ahead.
Think about hiring a private bus or van for efficient site travel.
Designate one person for communication with local guides.
Advance booking secures spots and finds better prices.

Accessibility Notes

Travelers with mobility needs research hotels and attractions.
Contact them directly about accessibility features.
Consider a purpose-built tour operator for accessible tours.
Plan ahead for a more comfortable journey.

Note on Digital Payments:

WeChat Pay and Alipay are standard for nearly all transactions in China. Have them ready before your trip.

Resources & References

Important resources, apps, contacts, and cultural insights are here.

Digital Readiness

Essential apps and websites make Guilin travel smoother.

Print Materials

Some print resources retain value, despite digital dominance.

Safety & Health

Know contacts for emergencies and medical resources for safety.

Digital Resources

Required Apps

WeChat (Weixin): for communication, payments.
Alipay: Another major mobile payment platform.
Didi Chuxing: For ride-hailing services.

Navigation & Booking

Baidu Maps: Accurate for local navigation (Chinese only).
Translation Apps: Google Translate / Baidu Translate (offline packs).
Trip.com / Agoda / Booking.com: For accommodation and tickets.

VPN Recommendation:

A VPN app is necessary for accessing blocked international content. Get and set it up before you arrive.

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Numbers

Police

Dial 110
For all police matters.
National emergency number.
Report lost or stolen items here.

Fire

Dial 119
For fire emergencies.
National emergency number.
Fast response for fires.

Ambulance

Dial 120
For medical emergencies.
National emergency number.
For immediate medical transport.

Medical Assistance

Hospital Locations

Guilin People's Hospital (桂林市人民医院)
PLA 181 Hospital (解放军第181医院)
Search online maps for "医院" (yīyuàn, hospital).

Lost Document Procedures

Report lost passport to local police (dial 110) for a police report.
Contact your embassy or consulate if you need emergency travel documents.
They guide you through the replacement process.

Natural Disaster Protocol

Embassy & Consulate Information

Find your country's's embassy in Beijing.
Find the consulate general for Guangxi province (usually Guangzhou).
Keep their address and emergency phone number saved.

Severe Weather Guidance

In severe weather, like heavy flooding warnings, follow local government advice.
Stay updated via news reports and listen to hotel staff instructions.
Have an emergency communication plan with family in your home country.

Print Resources

General Guidebooks

General China guidebooks feature chapters on Guilin. Seek recent editions for current details.

Physical Maps

A physical map aids navigation, especially where phone signal is poor.

Local Publications

Chinese newspapers or magazines glimpse local life if you read Chinese.

Travel Insurance Notice:

Always purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and misplaced baggage.

Guilin Travel Hacks