Guilin with Kids: A Complete Family Travel Guide

Overview of Guilin

1. Why Choose Guilin as the Destination for Family Travel?
Guilin is not only a natural classroom featuring "the most beautiful mountains and waters in the world", but also an interactive park where children can get hands-on experience with water and explore local culture.
· Combines nature and education (Nature & Educational Value).
· Has a comfortable pace and is suitable for family travel.
· Offers rich interactive experiences for families.

2. Best Time to Visit Guilin with Kids
· Spring and Autumn (April - May, September - November)
The weather is pleasant, avoiding the peak tourist season and the cold period. It's an ideal time for hiking and cycling.
· Summer (June - August)
Focus on "water activities and cooling off", with bamboo rafting on the Li River being the top choice.

3. How to Choose the Core Area for a Family Tour in Guilin?
· Guilin City Area
Suitable for: Short family trips.
Highlights: Parks & Relaxing Scenic Spots.
· Yangshuo
Suitable for: In-depth family experience.
Highlights: Rural Scenery & Outdoor Activities.
· Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces
Suitable for: Older Children.
Highlights: Ethnic Culture & Hiking Experience.

3-Day Guilin Tour Package: Discover the Scenic Wonders of Guilin and Yangshuo Guilin City & Li River Tour: Explore Guilin’s Best Attractions in 2 Days

Top Things to Do in Guilin with Kids

1.  Nature & Scenic Experiences

Li River
---The mobile classroom in the ink-wash painting picture
The Li River is the soul of Guilin's landscape, and it is also the real-life counterpart of the phrase "Guilin's landscapes are the best in the world" found in children's textbooks. For families with children, visiting the Li River is not just about enjoying the scenery; it is also an enlightenment about geography and aesthetics.
· Boat and Raft Selection
We recommend choosing a three-star or four-star cruise ship. This type of vessel is similar to a small passenger ship, which is stable and safe, and offers Chinese-style buffet meals, solving the problem of children having difficulty eating. The voyage lasts approximately 4 hours, and the route passes by classic scenic spots such as the Nine Horses Painting Mountain.
· Xingping Ancient Town Bamboo Rafting
If the child is over 1.2 meters tall and enjoys excitement, they can experience a short bamboo raft ride in Xingping Ancient Town. This is the location featured in the 20-yuan RMB background picture. Let the child hold the paper money and take a photo with the real scene, which is a very memorable moment.
· Karst Landscape
On the banks of the Li River are continuous karst mountains, which are of great scientific and aesthetic value. If your budget allows, you can hire a private guide to give you and your child a comprehensive tour explanation. Both of you will gain a lot from it.

Ten-Lane Gallery
---The pastoral idyll on the wheels
The Ten-Lane Gallery is a picturesque scenic road with continuous mountains on both sides and fragrant rice fields. It is perfect for family leisure drives.
· About Riding
It is recommended to rent family electric scooters or sightseeing vehicles with sunshades. Compared to regular bicycles, electric vehicles are more energy-efficient and have a roof that can shield from the sun.
Tips: Remember not to rent a vehicle without a license. Safety comes first.
· Highlights along the Way
This road connects scenic spots such as Moon Mountain, the Great Banyan Tree, and Butterfly Spring. The most charming part is the unknown roadside scenery: the golden rape fields (in spring) or the lush rice fields (in summer).
· Outdoor Picnic
There are no fences here, and you can park at any time. Bring a picnic blanket and rest by the field edge. Let the children run on the grass, or teach them to identify crops. This is the best natural education lesson. Or you can bring a kite and fly it along the roadside as you walk.
· Photography
The natural scenery of the Ten-Lane Gallery is an ideal place for capturing the landscapes of Yangshuo. Especially at dawn or dusk, the mountain peaks and reflections complement each other, creating exceptionally beautiful pictures.

Gudong Waterfall
---A cool adventure against the current
This is the only waterfall in China that can be climbed, and it is also a summer water park for children. It is a pristine forest environment that is extremely suitable for family outings.
· Climbing Experience
After entering the scenic area, you need to put on sandals and wear a safety helmet. The waterfall has a rapid flow but the water depth is only up to the knees. Children can hold onto the iron chains and step on the stone pits, swimming against the current of the waterfall. This "getting wet" experience is both thrilling and safe, and can greatly enhance children's courage and physical strength.
· Natural Science Popularization
The area here is lush with vegetation and the air contains extremely high levels of negative oxygen ions. This can help guide children to observe the ferns near the waterfall and the textures of the rocks.
· Tips
Suitable for children over 5 years old. It requires some physical strength and balance. It is recommended to bring an extra set of dry clothes. There are hot showers available in the scenic area.

Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces
---Agricultural wisdom in the clouds
· Jinkeng Dazhai & Ping'an Village
Jinkeng Dazhai Terraces are one of the largest and most spectacular areas among the Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces. For families with children, Jinkeng Dazhai is the recommended choice as it has a cable car that directly leads to the Golden Buddha Peak. Riding the cable car allows children to view the magnificent curves of the terraces from the perspective of God, like a fingerprint of the earth, which is both effortless and awe-inspiring.
If you have good physical condition, you can go to Ping’an Village to hike to the Seven Stars with Moon viewing platform. The route is gentle and suitable for light hiking. Ping'an Terraces is one of the earliest developed and most fully equipped scenic areas among the Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces. The roads, accommodations, dining facilities, and viewing platforms here are relatively mature, making it the area with the highest concentration of tourists.
· Cultural Experience
The Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces area is home to multiple ethnic minorities, among which the Red Yao ethnic group has particularly unique culture. The Yao village located near Jinping Dazhai is often called "The Village of Long Hair" by many tourists. The Red Yao women in this village are renowned for preserving the traditional custom of long hair. They usually start growing their hair from a young age, and only have their hair cut once in their lifetime, and then they style it into a unique hairstyle.
In the village, tourists can see the traditional Red Yao ethnic costumes, wooden stilt houses, and the local ethnic lifestyle. Some villages also showcase traditional dances or cultural activities, allowing tourists to have a more direct understanding of the history and culture of the Red Yao ethnic group.

Silver Cave / Reed Flute Cave
---Cave exploration experience
The underground caves in Guilin are like fantastical underground palaces. The stalactites illuminated by the lights present a myriad of shapes and forms, which is most likely to stimulate children's imagination.
· Reed Flute Cave
Reed Flute Cave is located in the urban area of Guilin. It is a cave with abundant geological relics. The natural formations of peculiar rock structures such as stalactites, stalagmites, and stone pillars inside the cave are like entering a fantastical world. Especially under the illumination of lights, the contours and shapes of the rocks present charming colors and textures, as if entering a dreamlike underground kingdom.
· Silver Cave
Silver Cave is located in Yangshuo. It is known as the "Underground Palace" and is renowned for its unique stalactite and stalagmite landscapes. The cave walls are covered with various shapes of stalactites, and under the light, they shine with a silver-like luster, creating a mysterious and fantastical atmosphere. The scenes inside the cave are rich in variety, ranging from huge stone pillars to delicate stalagmites, and each piece of rock exudes a natural artistic charm.
· Tips
The temperature inside the cave remains around 22 degrees Celsius throughout the year. It is cool in summer and warm in winter. However, the road surface is slippery, so be sure to hold onto your children tightly. The guide's explanations are very vivid, and you can let the children listen to the story of how the rocks "grew".

2.  Cultural & Fun Experiences

Elephant Trunk Hill
---Have a fun interaction with the city logo
The Elephant Trunk Hill is an irreplaceable symbol of Guilin's city. It is not merely a mountain; it is a huge natural sculpture full of childlike charm. Nowadays, this city emblem of Guilin has been made free for public access, becoming the top choice for families with children to visit and take photos.
· Highlights
The mountain resembles a huge elephant extending its trunk to drink water from the Li River, with an extremely lifelike appearance. The Water Moon Cave runs through the "elephant trunk" and the mountain, creating a spectacular scene of "Elephant Water Moon". Inside the scenic area, there is a dedicated viewing platform where you can easily capture the classic scene featuring Elephant Trunk Hill and the distant Tower Hill.
· Tips
The park features extensive lawns and walking paths, allowing children to freely run around in a safe environment. In the evening, as the lights come on, the night view of the Elephant Trunk Hill is equally captivating, making it a great place for a walk and enjoying the cool breeze.

Seven-Star Park
---A comprehensive amusement park featuring animals, caves and large lawns
Seven-Star Park is the largest and oldest comprehensive park in Guilin City. It can be regarded as a "super park" that combines animals, caves, historical sites and natural scenery. It is an ideal place for families with children to spend half a day exploring in depth.
· Camel Hill
One of the park's iconic attractions, viewed from afar it resembles a crouching camel, similar to the Elephant Nose Mountain. At the foot of the mountain was where Clinton delivered an environmental speech, and it can be used to tell children an interesting story about this event.
· Zoo
The park has a small zoo, although it is not large in scale, it houses rare animals such as giant pandas, golden monkeys, and black bears, which will surely excite young children.
· Seven-Star Cave
As one of the earliest developed caves in Guilin, Seven Star Cave is famous for its magnificent underground palace and peculiar stalactites. The paths inside are flat, and the lighting design is ingenious, making it seem like a journey through the center of the earth.
· Large Lawn and Qixia Temple
There is a large open lawn in the park, which is an ideal place for children to run, fly kites, and have picnics. The Qixia Temple, which was built in the Tang Dynasty, provides a peaceful space where children can experience the solemnity and solemnity of the ancient temple.

Dongxi Lane Historic District
---A journey through intangible cultural heritage handicrafts of the Ming and Qing Dynasties
The Dongxi Street Historical and Cultural District in Guilin is a place full of historical charm. It is located in the center of Guilin city and combines traditional culture, ancient buildings and local customs. It is an ideal place for tourists to learn about Guilin's history and traditional culture. Besides the traditional wooden buildings, some of the ancient buildings in the area incorporate Western elements. Especially during the Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China period, Guilin was a place where Chinese and Western cultures met.
· Experience
This is an excellent place to experience the intangible cultural heritage of Guilin. There are many handicraft workshops scattered throughout the alley, where you can bring your children to experience making souvenirs together.
· Food and Shopping
Besides handicrafts, Dongxi Lane also features numerous local delicacies and creative stores. You can enjoy a bowl of authentic Guilin rice noodles, or choose a piece of ethnic-themed jewelry for your child.

Yangshuo West Street
---Experience the multicultural charm of the "global village"
West Street in Yangshuo is known as "the heart of Yangshuo", being a bustling area that combines shopping, dining, entertainment and cultural experiences. The ancient buildings on the street blend with modern shops, creating a unique cultural atmosphere. This is the best place for tourists to experience Yangshuo's nightlife and enjoy delicious food.
· Shopping and Handicrafts
On West Street, there are many small shops selling handicrafts, unique souvenirs, and traditional Chinese artworks. It is an ideal place for shoppers.
· Nightlife Experience
The West Street becomes even more lively at night. Street performers, bars, cafes, etc. add to the vibrancy of this area.
· Tips
The traffic on West Street is extremely heavy, especially during holidays and at night. Please always hold your children tightly to prevent them from getting lost.

3. Amusement & Entertainment Parks

Suning Resort Area
---A fantastic journey of two thousand miles in the deep sea
Sunac Resort Area is a high-end tourism zone that has emerged in recent years. It combines shopping, entertainment, dining and leisure facilities. This resort area is located on the outskirts of Guilin City and is suitable for family tourists or those seeking a luxurious experience. It is also an indoor "underwater kingdom" that combines the display of marine life, scientific education and parent-child interaction. Here, children can not only avoid the sun and rain, but also get a close-up experience of the romance and mystery of the ocean.
· Key Features
Indoor Aquarium: Inside, there is a large marine aquarium that showcases a wide variety of marine creatures, such as sharks, starfish, and sea anemones. Children can observe these fascinating marine animals up close through the glass walls.
Dolphin Show: Each dolphin performance is full of interaction and fun. Children can closely observe the dolphins jumping, rolling, and even participate in some interactive activities, experiencing the intelligence and cuteness of marine animals.
Underwater Tunnel: Through a 360-degree transparent tunnel, children can experience being on the seabed and have "close contact" with various marine creatures. This is also one of the favorite experiences for young children.

"Guilin Eternal Passion"
---A must-see indoor show
· Performance Highlights
It is located in the Guilin Eternal Passion scenic area and is a perfect combination of high technology and humanistic elements. Utilizing advanced audio-visual technology, it creates realistic special effects such as surging floods and earth-shattering tremors.
The performance is easy to understand and the plot is tight. Even young children can enjoy it thoroughly. Before the performance, you can take your children to play in the family-friendly amusement area in the scenic spot. There are facilities such as climbing nets and small trains there. In the evening, you can also participate in the gong san dance celebration and dance and sing along with the actors to experience the ethnic customs.
· Supporting Facilities
In the scenic area, there are also street markets and the Song Fairy Temple, and visitors can also enjoy activities during the day.
· Location
Yangshuo County, Guilin City - Qianguqing Avenue (Guilin Qianguqing Scenic Area).
· Ticket Price Reference
280 - 400 yuan.
The price mainly depends on the seating area. The price for ordinary seats is lower, while the price for VIP seats or areas with better views is higher. The ticket price usually includes the ticket for the "Guilin Eternal Passion" performance and the entrance ticket to the scenic area.
· Performance Times
The performance lasts for about 1 hour.
· Time
Usually, the basic sessions are held at 16:00 and 19:30 every day.
Entering the park starts at 14:00. You can first enjoy the free interactive performances such as "Water Racer" and "Motusi's Marriage Proposal" within the scenic area.

Shopping Mall Family Playland
---A peaceful choice for indoor playtime
In case of rain or when children need to release their energy, the two major shopping malls in Guilin - Wanxiang City Mall and Yihua City Mall - are excellent choices. They combine shopping, entertainment and dining, making them highly suitable for family outings with children.
· Wanxiang City Mall
Family facilities: On the 3rd floor, there is a large indoor children's playground with slides, ocean ball pools, and role-playing areas, suitable for children aged 3 to 10.
Dining facilities: Multiple family-friendly restaurants offer children's meals, with a warm dining environment.
· Yihua City Mall
Special experience: On the basement floor, the "Children's Theme District" has DIY workshops (such as pottery and painting), where children can create their own souvenirs.
Safety design: The entire shopping mall has non-slip floors, and the Mother & Baby Room is fully equipped.
· Opening Hours
Usually until 22:00, extended to 22:30 on weekends.

4. Night Activities for Families

"The Impression of Liu Sanjie"
---A legendary epic of nature and landscape
"Impression - Liu Sanjie" is a grand live performance staged by renowned director Zhang Yimou. The show is set against the backdrop of the natural landscapes of Yangshuo, integrating local ethnic customs and songs and dances to tell the legendary story of Liu Sanjie. The performance combines magnificent mountainous landscapes and rich folk culture, offering viewers a dual feast of sight and sound.
· Performance Highlights
The entire performance takes place on the water surface of Li River. The harmonious combination of the landscape and the lights creates a dreamlike atmosphere. The actors perform the story of Liu Sanjie on the natural stage, showcasing the unique culture of the ethnic minorities in Guangxi.
· Location
No. 1, Yuantian Road, Yangshuo County (Lijiang Water and Mountain Theatre).
· Ticket Price Reference
118 - 300 yuan.
The price mainly depends on the seating area. The price for ordinary seats is lower, while the price for VIP seats or areas with better views is higher.
· Performance Times
Usually it's an evening show, lasting approximately 70 minutes.
· Time
Generally starts around 20:00 (the specific time is adjusted according to the season and weather, and the performance ends after sunset).
As a long-term touring project, except for suspensions due to weather conditions (rainstorms/floods), there is usually a performance every day.

Two Rivers and Four Lakes Night Cruise
---A Favorite for Kids
The Two Rivers and Four Lakes form the core water system of Guilin City, including the Li River, Taohua River, Shan Lake, Gui Lake, Mu Long Lake and Rong Lake.
For children, this is not just a cruise ship, but rather a "water sightseeing bus". The ship is stable and the entire journey lasts approximately 90 minutes. The light shows along the way are like flowing animated films.
· Ticket Price
Adults approximately 210 yuan per person. Children under 1.2 meters are free of charge (no seat reservation required), and children aged 1.2 to 1.5 meters are charged at half price.
· Sun and Moon Towers
The Sun Tower (copper tower) and the Moon Tower (glass tower) in Shan Lake glow with golden and silver light at night.
The Sun Tower, with its 41-meter-long entire copper body, holds three Guinness World Records.
The two towers are connected through a 18-meter-long tunnel under the lake, and their reflections in the water complement each other, creating a magnificent scene.
· The Glass Bridge and Ancient South Gate
Glass Bridge over Rong Lake is the first practical glass bridge in China. At night, the lights penetrate the bridge, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. The Ancient South Gate, illuminated by the lights, appears even more aged and profound over the millennia.

Yangshuo Night Banquet (Dong King's Night Banquet)
---The traditional artistic charm in your fingers
This is a Dong ethnic evening feast that combines "eating, playing, and watching." Children can gather around the bonfire, dance the Doye dance with Dong ethnic brothers and sisters in splendid attire, and experience the lively "High Mountains and Flowing Water" toast ceremony.
The atmosphere here is very relaxed, and children can leave their seats and dance and cheer with the actors in the safe area. For energetic children, this place is more suitable for releasing their nature than a quiet restaurant.
· Performance Content
Includes welcoming with gate wine, Dong ethnic group's big songs, fireworks party, and Doye dance, presenting the original ecological folk customs.
· Location
G321 Guangcheng Road, Yangshuo County, Guilin City.
· Type
Fireworks Party & Live Performance of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
· Ticket Reference
68 yuan and above.
· Opening Hours
19:00 - 21:30 (Approximately 2.5 hours).

Hotels in Guilin Selection

1. Hotels in Guilin City Area

Guilin Sheraton Hotel

· Address: No. 15 Binjiang Road, Xiufeng District, Guilin
· Telephone: +86-773-2825588
· Price: US$115 and up per night
· Brand highlights: The hotel enjoys an excellent location, on the banks of the Li River close to Zhengyang Walking Street, Elephant Trunk Hill and Fubo Mountain. And it takes only 5 minutes on foot to reach the Elephant Trunk Hill. This way, you can rest in the hotel at any time during your journey. Staying at Sheraton Guilin Hotel is not merely "having a one-night stay at a hotel", but more like a light vacation combined with a city-based family retreat. In addition, the hotel also offers family rooms, which are equipped with interesting and cute cartoon characters. This can help children quickly get into the travel atmosphere and enter a relaxed state, allowing them to sleep soundly every night.
· Must-try facilities: 
Grand Feast Signature Restaurant: This restaurant offers an exceptional dining experience with an international buffet selection, featuring freshly prepared seafood and other gourmet dishes. There are three restaurants in the hotel, and they offer baby food. If you are not able to bring your baby along when dining at the restaurant, the hotel also offers room service.
24-hour Butler Service: To enhance your stay, the hotel offers 24-hour butler service, ensuring that your every need is met with the utmost care. No matter when you need any special family services, just call your housekeeper and they will provide you with a response and solutions immediately.

Lijiang Waterfall Hotel

· Address: No. 1, Shangbei Road, Xiufeng District, Guilin
· Telephone: 0773-2822881
· Price: US$57 and up per night
· Brand highlights: This hotel holds the Guinness World Record for the "Largest Man-Made Waterfall," making it one of the iconic landmarks of Guilin. As a must-see attraction, the hotel features a spectacular waterfall show every evening at 20:30, providing an awe-inspiring visual experience. For children, this is a rare opportunity to have a close and personal experience, and it is highly favored by many families with children.
· Must-try facilities: 
Waterfall landscape restaurant: This restaurant offers a unique dining experience with the waterfall as its backdrop. Guests can enjoy a delicious meal while being mesmerized by the cascading water and the stunning ambiance created by the waterfall and the surrounding lights.
Rooftop revolving restaurant: The rooftop revolving restaurant provides an unforgettable dining experience with a buffet selection and a panoramic night view of the city.
After a day's journey, you can sit with your family and children in the hotel restaurant to enjoy a meal, and watch the panoramic night view and the artificial waterfall of the hotel. This is a very enjoyable and pleasant experience for you and your children.

2. Hotels in Yangshuo

Four Seasons Yunqi Resort

· Address: No. 33, Ji Ma Village, Yulong River Scenic Area, Yangshuo, Guilin
· Telephone: 0773-8888222
· Price: US$89 and up per night
· Brand highlights: Yangshuo Four Seasons Yunqi Resort is located in Jima Village, Yulong River National Resort Area, with beautiful scenery. It is built against the mountains. Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, it blends harmoniously with the leisurely clouds in the valley.
This hotel is a great choice for families with children. Riding on the beloved electric bike, one can enjoy the blooming rape flowers in spring, the blooming lotus in summer, the golden rice fields in autumn, and the setting sun in winter.
· Must-try facilities:
In-store travel photography service: The hotel offers a complimentary travel photography service, which can capture travel photos for guests staying at the hotel. This is an excellent opportunity to take family and parent-child photos. The hotel is nestled among the magnificent landscapes of Guilin. You can have a professional photographer capture unique family landscape photos for you.
Experience of Traditional Oil Tea Making: Guests staying at the hotel can consult the front desk to make an appointment for the tea-making experience. The finished product can also be taken away by the guests to enjoy for themselves for free.

SYYF Gallery Yard Hotel (Ten-lane Gallery Yulong River)

· Address: No. 9, Zhuduozhai Village, Yangshuo, Guilin
· Telephone: 0773-8884999
· Price: US$150 and up per night
· Brand highlights: As the third masterpiece under the Po & Beyond brand, it continues the brand's consistent concept of poetic residence, meticulously transformed into a serene and pleasant resort. The hotel is ingeniously embedded within the internationally renowned tourist destination - the Ten-Lane Waterfall Gallery Scenic Area in Yangshuo, Guangxi Province, enjoying a unique geographical advantage. Right in front of the hotel is a vast and boundless lawn, facing the picturesque Yulong River. Surrounding the hotel are typical karst landform peak clusters, with lush greenery everywhere, making every guest staying here feel as if they are in a secluded paradise far from the hustle and bustle.
· Must-try facilities:
Playing water: Parent-child families can enjoy the sunshine and view the scenery on the large lawn, and they can also fly kites together. In front of the hotel, there is a large swimming pool. Right beside it is the Yulong River. With swimming gear, you can go and have fun in the water together..
DIY fishing experience by the river: The hotel is adjacent to the Yulong River. Guests can bring their own fishing equipment or borrow it from the hotel to go fishing in the Yulong River and relax themselves. This is very suitable for families with children to experience together.

3. Hotels in Guilin Sunac Resort

Song Hotel Guilin

· Address: No. 398 Dayan Road, Yanshan District, Guilin
· Telephone: +86-773-3238888
· Price: US$180 and up per night
· Brand highlights: The hotel features a serene lake-view manor atmosphere, with a focus on exquisite service and high-end design, allowing guests to enjoy a light luxury vacation in the embrace of nature.
· Surrounding attractions:
· Must-try facilities:
Outdoor barbecues and lawn activities: The hotel's lakeside large lawn is perfect for outdoor barbecues, picnics and small gatherings, making the vacation more relaxed and free.
Parent-child farm experience: The hotel features a small family farm area where children can engage in activities such as vegetable picking and animal feeding. It is an excellent choice for families with young children.
Pond-side stroll and water sports: There are walking paths along the lake for visitors to stroll and jog. Some areas of the lake can also be used for light water activities such as boating and kayaking.

Club Med Guilin

· Address: Yuzi Park, Dabu Township, Dayan Road, Yanshan District, Guilin
· Telephone: 0773-2255000
· Price: US$338 and up per night
· Brand highlights: The resort is surrounded by 50 consecutive mountains, allowing you to witness the unique karst landforms. Cycling, rock climbing, and archery can be enjoyed in this beautiful landscape. Breathe deeply in the oxygen-rich environment. Hundreds of contemporary art sculptures stand in various corners of the village, allowing you to appreciate the combination of natural beauty and contemporary art.
· Must-try facilities:
Club Med has a children's club system (Kids Club System). Children aged 4 to 10 can join the Mini Club (Children's Club). They will be grouped by age and spend the entire day with professional staff, and the activities are not just simple sliding down slides, but a complete curriculum system. For children, this is not a playground; rather, it is more like a short-term "International Summer Camp".
A child might experience the following activities in a day:
Morning: Handicrafts or drawing (Creative Workshop).
Noon: Having lunch with friends.
Afternoon: Rock climbing, archery or outdoor games (Outdoor Activities).
Evening: Preparing for a small performance (Mini Show Practice).

Major Transportation Hubs
The transportation network in Guilin is very convenient. The main transportation hubs include:
· Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL)
· Guilin Railway Station
· Guilin North Railway Station
· Guilin West Railway Station

Is there a subway?
Currently, there is no subway system in Guilin. The local transportation mainly relies on buses, taxis and ride-hailing services. Therefore, when choosing a station, "the distance from the city center" will directly affect the overall travel experience.

Urban Traffic Recommendations
Since there is no subway in the urban area of Guilin and there are a large number of families with children, it is recommended that families take a chartered vehicle for their tours. This way, they can save time and money, and it is also very convenient to visit various scenic spots.

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Family Food Guide in Guilin

1. Must-Try Local Foods

Guilin Rice Noodles
---The first fragrant aroma of the morning
Guilin rice noodles are the most down-to-earth culinary symbol of this city. Unlike the spicy and seasoned noodle dishes favored by adults, families with children prefer to try the soup noodles.
· Features
The essence of Guilin rice noodles lies in the brine. It is made by simmering twenty different spices and has a rich aroma without being overpowering. The soup and noodles are usually based on bone broth, which is sweet, warm and soothing, and is very suitable for children's digestive systems.
· Tips
When placing the order, tell the cook "no spicy, more soup". The chef will cook the snow-white rice noodles, pour in the brine, and then add a ladle of hot bone soup. You can let the children add ingredients such as pickled bean sprouts and peanuts by themselves.
· Recommended Stores
Old Dongjiang Rice Noodles (Main Store), Haitian Changfen (Taiping Road Store).

Bamboo Tube Rice
---The childhood flavor with the freshness of bamboo
Bamboo Tube Rice is a special delicacy in the mountainous areas of Guilin and is also the favorite "natural lunchbox" of children. The ingredients such as glutinous rice, corn, and carrot pieces are placed in fresh bamboo tubes and steamed until cooked. The rice absorbs the freshness of the bamboo, making it soft and delicious.
· Features
Every bite can bring you the refreshing fragrance of bamboo and the soft texture of glutinous rice. The addition of corn and carrots not only enhances the taste but also makes the nutrition more balanced.
· Tips
The process of eating bamboo tube rice is in itself a source of enjoyment. Parents can join their children in splitting the bamboo tubes with a knife, experiencing the texture of the bamboo, or competing to see who can eat the rice cleanest.
· Recommended Stores
This delicacy can be found at the small stalls on Yangshuo West Street, at the homestays in Dragon Backbone Terraces, or at the farmhouses along Yulong River.

Oiled Tea
---The nourishing flavor of suffering giving way to happiness
Oiled Tea is a unique beverage in Gongcheng County, Guilin. It is known as "Chinese Coffee". Although it tastes slightly bitter at first, it then has a refreshing and sweet aftertaste, and has the effect of warming the stomach and dispelling cold. It is the preferred choice for locals for breakfast and as a gift for guests.
· Features
Oiled Tea is made by pounding and boiling ingredients such as tea leaves, ginger, and garlic. It has a unique taste. It is usually paired with snacks like fried rice, peanuts, and sesame eggfruit. One sip of Oiled Tea and one bite of pastry, with a rich aroma.
· Tips
You can let children try the "one cup of tea, two servings of food" method. First, they should take a small sip of the original flavor oolong tea to experience its unique bitter taste, and then pair it with sweet snacks to enjoy the wonderful sensation of bitterness giving way to sweetness.
· Recommended store
New Guoji Oiled Tea (Wumie Road Branch).

Rice Fish
---A delightful gift from the rice fields
Rice Fish is a distinctive delicacy of Dragon Backbone Terraces and serves as an excellent medium for children to get close to nature and learn about agricultural culture. In the terraces, fish and rice coexist, feeding on rice flowers and insects. The meat is tender and has no fishy smell.
· Features
Commonly, Rice Fish is cooked with sour soup or chili peppers. The fish meat is tender and the soup is spicy and appetizing. For children, you can choose to steam or cook it with a mild spiciness to retain the freshness of the fish.
· Recommended Stores
In Ping'an Village or Jinkeng Great Village of Dragon Backbone Terraces, many rural inns offer this delicacy and also allow children to experience the fun of catching fish.

Tips for Family Travel

1. Rafting & Water Safety
The bamboo rafts on the Li River (especially in the Yulong River section) usually require children to be at least 1.2 meters tall to ride, and people over 70 years old are not advised to take them. This is because the stability of the bamboo rafts is relatively poor, and there is a "waterfall crossing" section with significant drops during the journey.
If your child is under 1.2 meters tall or is younger, it is highly recommended to choose the Li River Grand Cruise Ship (either three-star or four-star). This type of ship is as stable as land, equipped with air conditioning and fixed seats, and has extremely high safety standards. You can also enjoy a buffet meal on board. It is the top choice for families with young children.

2. Weather & What to Wear
· Sun Protection and Mosquito Prevention
In summer, the ultraviolet rays are very strong. When engaging in outdoor activities, it is essential to apply high-factor sunscreen to children, wear a sun hat and sunglasses. At the same time, near water and in grassy areas, there are more mosquitoes. Mosquito repellent spray and mosquito repellent patches are must-haves for carrying around.
· Rain Gear and Footwear
The rainy season can arrive at any time. It is recommended to carry a transparent umbrella or raincoat with you. It can both protect you from the rain and serve as a photography prop. Since there are many stone-paved roads and slippery steps in the scenic area (such as the Ancient Dong Waterfall and the cave), please make sure to dress your children in anti-slip sneakers (Anti-slip Sneakers) to avoid slipping and getting injured. Do not wear sandals or slippers.

3. Food & Kids' Diet
· Ordering Tips
When ordering at a restaurant, be sure to specifically ask the waiter "no spicy" or "less salt".
Avoid letting children try pickled or fried insects and other special ingredients to prevent allergic reactions or gastrointestinal problems.

4. Cycling & Outdoor Safety
· Canoeing and Cycling
When taking a canoe ride, you must wear a life jacket throughout the journey. Educate children not to extend their hands out of the boat to play in the water, nor to stand or rock the canoe.
When cycling in the Ten Thousand Pictures Gallery or the Yuling River, try to choose pedestrian-only paths. Parents should control the speed of the vehicle and ensure that children are within their line of sight.
· Climbing and Hiking
When climbing in the Dragon Backbone Terraces or the Gudong Waterfall, parents should hold onto their children to avoid getting close to the edges or slippery areas.

5. Night Safety & Anti-Lost Tips
· Prevent Missing
It is recommended to dress children in brightly colored clothes to facilitate identification in a crowd. On crowded streets, make sure to hold the child's hand firmly or use a missing-prevention rope/backpack.
· Route Selection
Try to walk along main roads and avoid entering dark alleys to take shortcuts

Guilin Luxury Tour: 4 Days of Majestic Landscapes, 5-Star Cruises, Hot Air Balloon Rides, and Cliffside Dining 24-Day Scenic China Small Group Tour: Highlights of Yangtze River, Guilin, and Major Cities