Guilin & Yangshuo: Where to Eat and Stay
Guilin and Yangshuo are not only blessed with spectacular karst landscapes, but also a rich array of local delicacies and charming accommodations. From the famous Guilin rice noodles to the elegant riverside hotels, this guide will help you discover the best food and lodging options in the area.
Where to Stay
Recommended Areas in Guilin
For convenience and beautiful scenery, we recommend staying near Binjiang Road or the Two Rivers and Four Lakes scenic area. These neighborhoods are close to the city center and make it easy to explore Guilin.
Hotel Recommendations in Guilin
1. Lijiang Waterfall Hotel
Why stay here: Prime location near the Li River and home to a stunning man-made waterfall. Listed in the 2021 Mafengwo Travelers’ Choice.
Price: ¥290 per night (for two guests)
2. Guilin Bravo Hotel
Why stay here: Located in the heart of the city with scenic views right outside your window.
Price: ¥200–¥600 per night (for two guests)
3. Sapphire Hotel Guilin
Why stay here: Classical style and a great central location.
Price: ¥69–¥1232 per night
4. Shangri-La Hotel Guilin
Why stay here: Nestled on the east bank of the Li River, offering panoramic views without leaving the hotel. Enjoy local cuisine, ethnic performances, bamboo pole dancing, and family-friendly activities.
Price: ¥650–¥900 per night
Recommended Areas in Yangshuo
Yangshuo’s accommodations mainly cluster in two areas: the town center and the riverside near the Li River and Nine-Horse Fresco Hill (Jiǔ Mǎ Huà Shān, 九马画山).
If you're staying just one night, we suggest lodging in the town center. For multi-day stays, riverside hotels offer a uniquely tranquil experience.
Hotel & Guesthouse Recommendations in Yangshuo
1. Banyan Tree Yangshuo
Why stay here: Elegant, rustic design with over 100 villas and rooms showcasing local architectural styles. 2021 Mafengwo Travelers’ Choice winner.
Price: ¥1800+ per night
Location: 168 Zhengdong Street, Fuli Town
2. Alila Yangshuo
Why stay here: A design landmark converted from an old sugar mill beside the Li River. With industrial-chic architecture, it features a bar inside a former sugar press room, plus a library, gallery, and spa. Many say it's worth visiting Yangshuo just to stay here.
2021 Mafengwo Travelers’ Choice
Location: Beside the Li River
3. RUS Zen Hotel
Why stay here: Minimalist Japanese-inspired décor with a peaceful, tea-drinking vibe. Rooms include incense for a relaxing wake-up ritual.
Price: ¥496 per night
Location: Unit 3, Building 1, Ubud Town, No.3 Jingfeng South Road
Recommended Riverside Hotels in Yangshuo
1. Coco Garden Resort Hotel
Why stay here: Set in Chaolong Village beside the Yulong River (Yù Lóng Hé, 遇龙河), surrounded by lush green mountains and clean air. Perfect for escaping into nature.
Price: ¥563 per night
Location: No. 24 Chaolong Village
2. Amari Yangshuo
Why stay here: Surrounded by karst peaks, bridges, and rivers, just steps from bustling West Street (Xī Jiē, 西街). A cozy mix of nature and nightlife.
Price: ¥479+ per night
Location: Block E, West Street Yitian Complex
What to Eat
Must-Try Dishes in Guilin
1. Guilin Rice Noodles (Guìlín Mǐfěn, 桂林米粉)
Soft, springy, and fragrant rice noodles served dry or in soup. Try versions with marinated meats or fish—especially from the beloved Lao Dongjiang brand.
2. Steamed Li River Mandarin Fish (Líjiāng Guìyú, 漓江桂鱼)
Raised in the clean waters of the Li River, this fish is tender, fatty, and delicious when steamed.
3. Duck with Ginkgo Nuts
Made with local ginkgo nuts and old duck, this steamed dish is hearty and nutritious, with clear and flavorful broth.
4. Lipu Steamed Pork (Lìpǔ Kòuròu, 荔浦扣肉)
This sweet-savory dish features pork belly and Lipu taro, steamed with Guilin-style fermented tofu.
5. Roasted Suckling Pig
Crispy on the outside and tender inside, this festive dish is flavorful and rich without being greasy.
6. Oil Tea (Yóuchá, 油茶)
A unique local tradition in northern Guangxi—served by hosts to guests, oil tea is boiled with puffed rice, herbs, and peanuts, brewed fresh at the table.
Recommended Restaurants in Guilin
1. Xiao Nan Guo (Civilization Branch)
Address: No. 3 Wenming Road
Avg. cost: ¥70
Signature Dishes: Stone Pot Black Tofu, Bucket Chicken
2. Chun Ji Roast Goose (Diecai Branch)
Address: No. 1 North Zhongshan Road
Avg. cost: ¥70
Signature Dishes: Roast Goose, Crispy Chicken, Durian Puffs
3. Tonglai Rice Noodles
Address: Beside Chongshan Rice Noodles, Tongquan Alley
Avg. cost: ¥12
Signature Dishes: Braised Beef Rice Noodles, Classic Guilin Rice Noodles
Must-Try Dishes in Yangshuo
Yangshuo’s food scene is an exciting mix of local flavors and international cuisine—you’ll find Spanish, Italian, and German dishes alongside traditional Guangxi snacks.
1. Beer Fish (Píjiǔ Yú, 啤酒鱼)
Yangshuo’s most iconic dish. The fish is first pan-fried, then simmered with beer and spices. Authentic versions keep the fish scales for a crispy skin without fishy smell.
2. Yangshuo "Shíbā Niàng" (阳朔十八酿)
“Niàng” means stuffed dishes—meat paste is stuffed into veggies like eggplants, tofu, snails, and more. The "18 Stuffed Delicacies" represent the pinnacle of local cooking.
3. Stir-Fried Li River Shrimp (Líjiāng Xiā, 漓江虾)
Using shrimp caught in the Li River, this dish is quickly stir-fried with Guilin’s famous Sanhua liquor, creating a fresh and crispy texture with hints of sweetness and umami.
Recommended Restaurants in Yangshuo
All the following picks are near vibrant West Street, known for its diverse food options and lively atmosphere.
1. Master Chef Beer Fish
Famous for winning the local beer fish championship, with 14 branches across Yangshuo. Clean interiors and consistent quality.
Address: 1st floor, right side of West Street entrance (next to Pizza Hut)
Avg. cost: ¥108
Signature Dishes: Beer Fish, Li River Shrimp
2. Yutai Tai Li River Bistro
A great place for local Guangxi cuisine with many choices—snail stuffing, oil tea chicken, sticky rice cakes, and more. Live music on the first floor, view seats on the second.
Address: No. 11 Guihua Road
Avg. cost: ¥119
Signature Dishes: Snail Stuffing, Li River Shrimp, Beer Fish
3. Rosewood Moonlight German Restaurant
A top choice for Western food in West Street. With charming décor and friendly staff, it’s perfect for a casual meal or photo op.
Address: No. 76 West Street
Avg. cost: ¥146
Signature Dishes: Sausages, Pizza, Pumpkin Soup