Guilin City Guide

Local cuisine features rice noodles and beer fish. Limited international options outside Western and Asian fare.

Nightlife is low-key, focusing on bars and karaoke near the city center and Li River.

Developing scene with local cafes and chains like Starbucks. Specialty cafes emerging slowly.

Tipping not customary. Rare in everyday life but sometimes at upscale venues.

SIM cards can be bought from carriers like China Mobile. eSIM isn't common.

Guilin is clean, especially around tourist spots. Waste management is regular though recycling is developing.

Limited 24/7 availability. Most convenience stores open late, full services are rare.

Local markets are plentiful for fresh produce. Supermarkets like Walmart and Carrefour offer some international items.

Guilin is cashless-ready with Alipay and WeChat Pay used for most transactions. Cash is seldom accepted.

ATMs are plentiful at banks and malls, accommodating international cards from major banks like Bank of China and ICBC. Fees vary by bank.

Local schools are Mandarin-taught. Guilin International Academy offers English instruction.

Not a strong hub for nomads. Few spaces cater to remote work needs, and the community is limited.

Abundance of parks like Seven Star Park offers stunning nature access within the city.

Scenic and safe routes along the Li River and park areas make running enjoyable.

Gyms are available throughout the city, offering standard fitness equipment.

Tennis courts are available at centers; bring your own gear for guaranteed use.

Padel is not a common sport here.

Local yoga classes exist, like Wanqingnian Fitness Center offering Hatha.

Local schools specialize in traditional styles such as Tai Chi. Not much for modern martial arts.

There are no ski resorts due to its warm climate.

Kayaking and bamboo rafting popular on the Li River.

No surfing opportunities due to Guilin's inland location.

No suitable diving spots, as Guilin is inland with no seas nearby.

Public hospitals like Guilin People's Hospital are well-equipped but crowded. Private clinics offer more personal service, at a cost.

Tap water isn't safe for drinking. Use bottled or boiled water.

Guilin is welcoming to families with many natural attractions and parks. Kid-specific facilities are limited compared to bigger cities.

LGBTQ+ acceptance is low with no openly recognized community spaces. Caution advised.

Limited pet facilities and policies. Importing pets is complex due to regulations.