Guilin is famous for its sharp karst peaks, peaceful rivers, and colorful ethnic culture. It’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in China. But if it’s your first time here, you might wonder how to book tickets for top attractions in Guilin. Some spots require early reservations. Others are better booked online to avoid lines and save money.
This guide will show you how to plan with ease. You’ll learn which Guilin sites need advance booking, which allow on-site tickets, and which are free to explore. We’ll also cover booking platforms, payment methods, and smart local tips. With the right info, you’ll enjoy a smooth and unforgettable trip to Guilin!
1.Ticket Booking Basics for Guilin Attractions
Before you start exploring Guilin’s stunning rivers and limestone peaks, it’s important to understand how to book tickets for top attractions in Guilin. A few simple tips can help you avoid long lines and last-minute stress.
👉 All Guilin Tours & Excursions
First, check the ticket types. Most attractions offer adult, student, child, and senior tickets. Kids under 1.2 meters often get in free. Students need valid ID, and visitors over 60 may enjoy discounts.
Next, think about when to book. During busy seasons—like summer holidays (June to August) and China’s Golden Week in October—you’ll need to book 1 to 7 days in advance. In the low season, same-day or next-day bookings are usually fine.
To make things easier, use official WeChat accounts or trusted international platforms like Viator, Trip.com, or Klook. These are the most reliable ways to buy tickets and often support English and foreign cards.
Most bookings generate e-tickets sent to your phone or email. Some attractions accept digital codes at the gate, while others require printed tickets.
Don’t forget your passport—you’ll need it for both booking and entry. Most places open from 8:00–18:00, but some night cruises run later. And finally, always check the weather, especially before water-based activities.
2. Guilin Attractions That Require Online Reservations in Advance
Some of Guilin’s top attractions have strict crowd limits or high visitor demand. For these places, walk-in tickets are not available. So if you’re wondering how to book tickets for top attractions in Guilin, this section is for you!
🐘 Elephant Trunk Hill (象鼻山)
This iconic natural rock formation looks like an elephant drinking from the Li River. It’s Guilin’s symbol and a favorite for photos. Entry is free, but you must reserve a time slot online due to crowd control. The area is compact and can be explored in about 1–2 hours.
Booking: 1) Use the official WeChat account “象山景区管理处.” Select a time, and register with your passport info.
2) Book through Viator (great for English-speaking travelers):
👉 Elephant Trunk Hill (Xiangbishan) Tours and Tickets
- 🕒 Hours: 7:00 – 18:00 (last entry at 17:30)
- 📍 Address: No. 1 Minzhu Road, Xiangshan District, Guilin
- 🚍 Transport: Bus 2 or 3 to “Xiangshan Park” stop, or take a taxi
- 📞 Phone: +86-773-2586602
- 🌐 Official Channel: WeChat “象山景区管理处” (Elephant Trunk Hill Scenic Area Administration)
🚢 Li River Cruise (Guilin to Yangshuo)
This 83-kilometer river route is the heart of Guilin’s scenery. Along the way, you’ll see famous sights like Nine Horses Hill and the 20-yuan note landscape. Cruises range from 3-star to 4-star with varying service levels. During holidays, tickets sell out fast.
Check out How to Plan a Li River Cruise in Guilin – Your Complete Guide for more information.
Booking: 1) Via the official WeChat “漓江售票处,”(Official Li River Cruise Ticket Office) or use the official website or trusted travel agencies.⏰ Release Time: New tickets drop at 11:00 and 16:00 daily, available up to 7 days in advance.
2) Book through Viator (great for English-speaking travelers):
👉 Li River (Li Jiang) Tours and Tickets
- 📍 Address: No. 12 Binjiang Road, Guilin (Li River Cruise Ticket Center)
- 🚍 Transport: Bus 2, 16, or 23 to “Jiefang Bridge,” then walk 10 minutes
- 📞 Phone: +86-773-2825502
- 🌐 Official Site: Guilin Li River Scenic Area Website
🛶 Yulong River Bamboo Rafting (遇龙河竹筏漂流)
Known as the “Little Li River,” Yulong River offers peaceful bamboo rafting through countryside and karst peaks. The most scenic route is from Jinlong Bridge to Jiuxian Village. Rafting here is a signature Guilin experience!
Check out Bamboo Rafting on Yulong River in Yangshuo – Your Complete Guide for more information.
Booking: 1) Use the official WeChat “遇龙河” and follow the “Service > Online Ticket” steps to select route and date.
2) Book through Viator (great for English-speaking travelers):
👉 2-hours Yangshuo Yulong Bamboo Boat Tour with the Round-way Private Transfers
- 🕒 Hours: 7:30 – 17:30 (last boat at 16:30)
- 📍 Address: Yulong River Pier, Baisha Town, Yangshuo County
- 🚕 Transport: Take a taxi or shuttle bus from Yangshuo town
- 📞 Phone: +86-773-8777788
- 🌐 Official Site: Yulong River Tourist Resort
🌾 Longji Rice Terraces – Dazhai (龙脊梯田)
These terraced fields, built by the Zhuang people over 650 years ago, stretch across the mountains in beautiful waves. The Dazhai section is the largest and most impressive. The best times to visit are May–June (flooded fields) and September–October (golden harvest).
Booking: 1) Add the Longji WeChat account and follow their booking process. You can also reserve via the official website or authorized platforms 1–3 days in advance.
2) Book through Viator (great for English-speaking travelers):
👉Longji Rice Terraces Tours and Tickets
- 🕒 Hours: Open all day (daytime visits recommended)
- 📍 Address: Dazhai Village, Heping Township, Longsheng County, Guilin
- 🚍 Transport: Bus from Guilin Bus Station (2.5 hrs) or hire a private car
- 📞 Phone: +86-773-7583188
- 🌐 Official Site: www.longjitour.com
🎯 Travel Tip: These sites are often fully booked during public holidays and weekends. So if you’re serious about how to book tickets for top attractions in Guilin, make reservations early and always carry your passport for entry.
3. Guilin Tickets Available On-Site—But Better Online
You can buy tickets at the entrance for these attractions. However, booking online in advance is highly recommended. It helps you skip long lines, grab discounts, and secure a spot—especially during holidays. If you’re wondering how to buy tickets for top attractions in Guilin while keeping things smooth and stress-free, this list is for you.
🌃 Two Rivers and Four Lakes Night Cruise
Cruising through Guilin’s waterway network—Li River, Peach Blossom River, and four lakes—is a magical night experience. The route is known as the “Venice of the East.” Lit bridges, ancient towers, and the famous Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas create an unforgettable scene.
Booking: 1) Buy tickets on-site or through WeChat (“桂林两江四湖”), or use Trip.com, Klook, or Viator. Night cruises often sell out early.
2) Book through Viator (great for English-speaking travelers):
👉Guilin Four lakes night cruise with the English speaking driver from Guilin hotel
- 🕒 Hours: Typically 19:30–22:00 (times vary by season)
- 📍 Address: No. 5 Binjiang Road, Xiufeng District (Wenchang Bridge Pier)
- 🚍 Transport: Bus 2 or 23 to “Wenchang Bridge”
- 📞 Phone: +86-773-2837666
- 🌐 Official Site: www.glljsh.com
🪨 Reed Flute Cave (Ludi Yan)
Called the “Palace of Natural Art,” Reed Flute Cave is Guilin’s most famous karst cave. With fantastic rock formations and colorful lighting, it’s hosted both tourists and world leaders. The cave stays a cool 20°C year-round—perfect for summer and winter visits.
Booking: Tickets available on-site, but it’s better to book via the official WeChat or platforms like Trip.com, Viator, or Klook.
2) Book through Viator (great for English-speaking travelers):
👉Reed Flute Cave (Ludi Yan) Tours and Tickets
- 🕒 Hours: 8:00–17:30
- 📍 Address: No. 1 Ludi Road, Xiufeng District, Guilin
- 🚍 Transport: Bus 3 or 213 to “Reed Flute Cave”
- 📞 Phone: +86-773-2695075
- 🌐 Official Site: wptour.cn
🌄 Seven Star Park (Qixing Park)
This is Guilin’s largest and oldest park. It’s named after seven peaks that form the shape of the Big Dipper. Inside, you’ll find Camel Hill, Flower Bridge, a zoo, and the stunning Seven Star Cave. Spring cherry blossoms make it even more magical.
Booking: On-site tickets available. For faster entry, book via the WeChat account “七星公园” or use Trip.com, Viator, or Klook.
2) Book through Viator (great for English-speaking travelers):
👉Seven Star Park (Qixing Gongyuan) Tours and Tickets
- 🕒 Hours: 8:00–18:00 (some attractions inside may differ)
- 📍 Address: Ziyou Road, Qixing District, Guilin
- 🚍 Transport: Bus 10, 11, 14, or 18 to “Qixing Park”
- 📞 Phone: +86-773-5814342
- 🌐 Official Site: glqxjq.cn
🏯 Prince Jingjiang Mansion & Solitary Beauty Peak (Duxiu Feng)
Once the residence of a Ming Dynasty prince, this site is now part of Guangxi Normal University. It’s home to ancient city walls, royal halls, and the famous Duxiu Peak (Solitary Beauty Peak). The quote “Guilin’s landscape is the best under heaven” is carved right into the stone here.
Booking: On-site tickets are available, but advance booking is better. Use the WeChat account “靖江王府” or international platforms like Trip.com.
- 🕒 Hours: 8:00–18:00
- 📍 Address: No. 1 Wangcheng, Xiufeng District, Guilin
- 🚍 Transport: Bus 1, 2, or 18 to “Jingjiang Prince City”
- 📞 Phone: +86-773-2858531
- 🌐 Official Site: www.glwangcheng.com
🎯 Travel Tip: Even if tickets are available at the gate, crowds can slow you down. So if you’re planning ahead, knowing how to buy tickets for top attractions in Guilin online will save you time and hassle—especially on weekends or holidays.
4. Guilin Attractions with Easy On-Site Ticket Purchase
Some Guilin attractions are low-key and easy to access. You can simply walk up and buy tickets at the gate. These spots are ideal for flexible travelers who decide plans on the fly. Lines are usually short, especially on weekdays.
🏞 Diecai Hill (叠彩山)
Diecai Hill, meaning “folded brocade hill,” is one of Guilin’s top three inner-city peaks. The layered rock formations look like silk drapes. Hike to the top for panoramic views of the city. Along the way, explore sites like Diecai Pavilion, Wood Dragon Cave, and Wangjiang Pavilion. Ming Dynasty explorer Xu Xiake once praised this hill as “a fairyland on Earth.”
- Booking: Buy tickets directly at the gate： 25 yuan
- 🕒 Hours: 8:00–18:00
- 📍 Address: No. 2 Longzhu Road, Diecai District, Guilin
- 🚍 Transport: Bus 2 or 203 to “Diecai Hill” stop
- 📞 Phone: +86-773-2603177
🏔 Fubo Hill (伏波山)
Fubo Hill rises dramatically with half its base in the river. Its name means “Wave-Subduing Hill” and reflects its unique shape. Inside, you’ll find Thousand Buddha Cave, Sword Testing Rock, and Tang Dynasty carvings. Climb to the top for sweeping views of the Li River and surrounding cityscape.
- Booking: Buy tickets at the entrance booth： 22 yuan
- 🕒 Hours: 8:00–18:00
- 📍 Address: Binjiang Road, Diecai District, Guilin
- 🚍 Transport: Bus 2 or 23 to “Fubo Hill” stop
- 📞 Phone: +86-773-2825622
🎯 Travel Tip: These attractions are perfect for relaxed days. You don’t need to worry about how to book tickets for top attractions in Guilin in advance—just show up and enjoy. However, during national holidays, it’s still smart to go early to avoid unexpected crowds.
5. Free Guilin Attractions – No Tickets or Reservations Needed
Not every unforgettable experience in Guilin comes with a price tag. In fact, several scenic spots are free to enter and don’t require any booking. These places are perfect for spontaneous plans, relaxed strolling, or just soaking in the city’s charm without a schedule.
🏮 Dongxi Lane (东西巷)
Once ancient alleys from the Ming and Qing dynasties, Dongxi Lane is now a trendy cultural street. It blends old stone walls and historic homes with shops, restaurants, and bars. At night, the lights make the area feel festive and modern—a great way to explore Guilin nightlife.
- 🕒 Opening Hours: Open all day; shops usually run from 10:00–22:00
- 📍 Address: No. 9 Zhengyang Road, Xiufeng District, Guilin
- 🚍 Transport: Bus 1, 2, or 3 to “Shizijie” stop
🌏 West Street, Yangshuo (阳朔西街)
With over 1,400 years of history, this is Yangshuo’s most famous pedestrian street. Cafés, live music bars, souvenir shops, and world cuisine line the street. In the evening, it transforms into a lively hub full of locals and travelers. Some even call it “Foreigner Street” for its global vibe.
- 🕒 Opening Hours: Open 24/7; shops and bars usually run 9:00–24:00
- 📍 Address: Pantao Road, Yangshuo County
- 🚶 Transport: 10-minute walk from Yangshuo Bus Station
🌳 Chuanshan Park (穿山公园)
Located in downtown Guilin, this quiet park features two scenic hills—Chuanshan and Tashan—and a peaceful river running through. The Moon Cave on Chuanshan is shaped like a perfect circle and offers stunning sunrise and sunset views. Locals love this spot for its calm atmosphere.
- 🕒 Opening Hours: Open all day
- 📍 Address: No. 55 Chuanshan Lane, Qixing District, Guilin
- 🚍 Transport: Bus 6 or 16 to “Chuanshan Park” stop
- 📞 Phone: +86-773-5889448
🏘 Daxu Ancient Town (大圩古镇)
One of Guangxi’s “Four Great Ancient Towns,” Daxu was founded in the Song Dynasty. Stone-paved alleys, old wooden houses, and riverside views make it a charming place for a slow-paced day. Highlights include the Wan Shou Bridge and a historic mosque.
- 🕒 Opening Hours: Open all day
- 📍 Address: Daxu Town, Lingchuan County, Guilin
- 🚍 Transport: 30-minute direct bus from Guilin Bus Station (Guilin–Daxu line)
🎯 Travel Tip: These spots may not require tickets, but they offer rich experiences. If you’re balancing your budget or just love to explore freely, visiting these places is a great way to get a deeper feel for Guilin—no apps or reservations needed!
6. Booking Channels and Payment Methods for Guilin Attractions
There are several easy ways to book tickets for top attractions in Guilin. Foreign visitors can choose the method that best fits their travel style. Each option has its pros and cons—here’s how to pick the right one for you.
🌐 Online Travel Platforms (OTA)
You can book through popular platforms like Ctrip (Trip.com), Klook, or Viator. These sites offer English interfaces and cover a wide range of tickets, tours, and hotel deals. Additionally, they often include discounts or bundled packages.
- 💳 Payments: Visa, Mastercard, PayPal (on some sites), Alipay, WeChat Pay
- ✅ Best for: One-stop planning, reliable service, and easy mobile access
📱 Official WeChat Accounts
Many attractions have their own official WeChat mini programs. These offer accurate, real-time ticket info straight from the source. However, most interfaces are in Chinese, so using a translation tool or asking for help may be necessary.
- 💳 Payments: Alipay and WeChat Pay only
- ✅ Best for: Direct booking at the lowest price
🏢 Local Travel Agencies or Ticket Agents
Booking through a local travel agency can be helpful if you want a custom itinerary. Many agents speak some English and can assist with transport and planning.
- 💳 Payments: Usually Alipay, WeChat Pay, or cash
- ✅ Best for: In-person help, flexible planning, senior travelers
🛎 4. Hotel Front Desks
Many hotels in Guilin can book attraction tickets for you. This is fast and convenient, especially if you’re not comfortable with mobile apps. However, some hotels may promote packages that earn them a commission.
- 💳 Payments: Cash or mobile payment
- ✅ Best for: Quick bookings and local tips on the go
🎫 On-Site Ticket Windows
Of course, you can still buy tickets at the entrance of most attractions. This is great for last-minute plans. However, you may face long lines or miss out on discounts—especially during holidays.
- 💳 Payments: Cash, Alipay, or WeChat Pay
- ✅ Best for: Spontaneous travelers or same-day decisions
🎯 Travel Tip: If you’re unsure how to book tickets for top attractions in Guilin, start with Viator, Trip.com or Klook for simplicity. If you plan to use Chinese platforms or WeChat, make sure you have Alipay or WeChat Pay set up in advance. And always carry some cash as backup—just in case.
👉 All Guilin Tours & Excursions
Guilin’s beauty is timeless—but your travel experience can be modern and hassle-free. Now that you know how to book tickets for top attractions in Guilin, you’re ready to explore river cruises, mountain views, caves, and more—without the stress. Plan smart, book ahead, and let the adventure begin!
📌 Further Reading
How to Book Tickets for the Top Attractions in Beijing
How to Book Tickets for the Top Attractions in Xi’an
How to Book Tickets for the Top Attractions in Shanghai
How to Book Tickets for the Top Attractions in Guilin
How to Book Tickets for the Top Attractions in Suzhou
How to Book Tickets for the Top Attractions in Chengdu
How to Book Tickets for the Top Attractions in Hong Kong
