Guilin Food Tours: Discover the Flavors of Guangxi on a Three-Day Culinary Journey

Day1 Guilin

Your journey through Guilin’s rich culinary scene and stunning landmarks will begin with an authentic local breakfast at one of the city’s bustling Morning Markets. You will start your day early, immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of a traditional food market. Here, you will experience the essence of Guilin rice noodles, the city’s most famous dish. You will discover the authentic way to enjoy them—dry-mixed—where the noodles are coated in a rich, flavorful sauce rather than served in soup. To complete your breakfast experience, you will pair your noodles with crispy guo shao rou (fried pork skin) and lu shui (braised meats and tofu), savoring the deep, aromatic flavors unique to this local delicacy. Your guide will introduce you to the best vendors, explaining the history of Guilin rice noodles and how to distinguish the finest ingredients. As you enjoy your meal, you will witness locals engaging in their morning rituals, sipping on warm soybean milk and chatting about their daily lives. The lively market setting will allow you to see the freshest ingredients, from spices and herbs to locally caught river fish, further immersing you in the culinary traditions of Guilin.

After breakfast, you will embark on your exploration of Elephant Trunk Hill, the iconic symbol of Guilin. This natural rock formation, resembling an elephant drinking from the Li River, is a must-see landmark that beautifully showcases Guilin’s karst landscape. As you walk through the park, you will take in the serene beauty of the surrounding waters and lush greenery. You will have the opportunity to capture breathtaking photos and learn about the legends associated with the hill from your guide. Standing at the top of the hill, you will enjoy a panoramic view of the Li River, making this a memorable highlight of your morning. The peaceful surroundings will provide a perfect contrast to the lively morning market, offering you a chance to appreciate nature’s wonders while reflecting on the city’s deep historical roots. Your guide will share fascinating stories about the hill’s cultural significance and point out the best spots for photography, ensuring you leave with unforgettable memories.

Next, you will continue to Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas, located in the scenic Shan Lake area. These striking pagodas, one golden and one silver, rise gracefully from the water, representing the balance of yin and yang. You will take a peaceful stroll around the lake, enjoying the tranquil reflections of the pagodas shimmering on the water’s surface. If you choose to enter the Sun Pagoda, you will discover that it is the tallest bronze pagoda in the world, offering a unique cultural and architectural experience. The interiors of the pagoda will allow you to witness exquisite Buddhist art and intricate carvings. Your guide will provide insights into the architectural features and historical significance of these pagodas, deepening your understanding of their role in Guilin’s heritage. As you walk along the lake, you will notice local artists painting the landscape, capturing the serenity of this breathtaking site.

For lunch, you will dive into Guilin’s dynamic street food scene at Zhengyang Pedestrian Street and Wenhuagong Food Street. These areas are renowned for their diverse selection of local dishes, and you will have the perfect opportunity to indulge in one of Guilin’s most famous delicacies: roast goose. You will step into a well-known restaurant where the crispy, golden-brown skin and tender, flavorful meat of the Cantonese-style roasted goose will delight your taste buds. Alongside this main dish, you may also try other local specialties, such as sticky rice dumplings wrapped in lotus leaves or freshly made Osmanthus cake, a sweet treat infused with the floral aroma of the city’s beloved tree. Your guide will recommend the best food stalls and explain the culinary techniques used to create these mouthwatering dishes. While enjoying your meal, you will notice the seamless blend of traditional and modern influences, as century-old recipes continue to thrive in Guilin’s contemporary dining scene. This culinary stop will serve as a delicious interlude before you resume your afternoon exploration of the city’s historical sites.

After lunch, you will continue your cultural journey by exploring East-West Alley, a historical area filled with traditional architecture, charming tea houses, and artisan shops. As you wander through the narrow alleys, you will experience the blend of ancient and modern Guilin, with centuries-old buildings now home to boutique stores and cafes. Your next stop will be the Jingjiang Prince’s Palace, a historic Ming Dynasty residence that once belonged to a royal family. Here, you will step back in time, walking through grand courtyards and admiring intricate stone carvings. You will also have the unique opportunity to see the city’s original examination hall, where scholars of ancient China once took imperial exams. Your guide will bring these historic sites to life, sharing intriguing tales of the royal family and scholars who once walked these halls. This visit will offer you a deeper understanding of Guilin’s rich cultural heritage and the lives of its historical figures. As you explore, you may also participate in a traditional tea ceremony, enhancing your appreciation of Guilin’s refined cultural traditions.

After a full day of exploration, you will return to your hotel to rest and recharge. However, if you still have an appetite for more, your evening can continue with a visit to Shangshui Food Street, one of Guilin’s liveliest night markets. Here, you will navigate through rows of colorful stalls, each offering a tantalizing array of street foods. You will sample spicy snail noodles (luosifen), glutinous rice cakes, and grilled river fish, freshly caught and expertly seasoned. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might even try stinky tofu, a polarizing delicacy with a rich, umami taste hidden beneath its pungent aroma. This vibrant night market experience will be the perfect way to end your culinary adventure in Guilin. Your guide will help you navigate the bustling market, ensuring you get the best flavors while also explaining the origins of some of these unique dishes. With lanterns illuminating the night and the air filled with the enticing aromas of sizzling skewers, you will soak in the bustling energy of Guilin’s nightlife, leaving you with lasting impressions of its food culture.

Day2 Guilin-Longsheng-Guilin

Your second day in Guilin will begin early in the morning as you set off for an unforgettable journey to the Longji Rice Terraces, one of China’s most breathtaking landscapes. The drive to Longsheng County will take approximately 2.5 hours, but the scenery along the way will be nothing short of spectacular. As you ascend towards the terraces, you will witness mist-covered mountains, winding roads, and glimpses of traditional wooden houses nestled among the hills. Your guide will provide insights into the history of these terraces, which date back over 700 years, showcasing the ingenuity of the Zhuang and Yao ethnic groups who carved the mountains into layers of farmland. Upon arrival, you will begin a scenic hike through the terraces, where you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the emerald-green fields cascading down the mountainsides like waves. Your guide will take you to the most photogenic viewpoints, ensuring you capture the perfect shots of this mesmerizing landscape.

As you explore, you will visit a Zhuang ethnic village, where you will have the chance to interact with locals and learn about their centuries-old traditions. The Zhuang people, one of China’s largest ethnic minorities, are known for their unique stilted wooden houses and beautifully embroidered clothing. Walking through the village, you will observe artisans weaving intricate textiles and villagers going about their daily routines. Your guide will introduce you to a local family, where you will hear stories of their ancestors who have cultivated rice on these terraces for generations. You may even get the chance to try on traditional Zhuang attire and take part in their cultural customs, further enriching your understanding of this fascinating community. Additionally, your guide will help bridge the language barrier, ensuring that you gain deeper insights from your interactions with the villagers and appreciate their way of life on a more personal level.

After working up an appetite from hiking, you will indulge in an authentic Zhuang-style farmhouse meal, highlighting the flavors of the region. Your lunch will feature bamboo tube rice, a traditional dish where fragrant glutinous rice is cooked inside bamboo stalks, infusing it with a subtle smoky aroma. Another highlight will be free-range chicken hotpot, a hearty dish made with locally sourced ingredients and flavored with aromatic herbs. You will also savor smoked cured meats, a specialty prepared using time-honored preservation techniques, and wild bamboo shoots, harvested fresh from the surrounding forests. Your guide will help explain the significance of each dish and how these flavors represent the harmony between the Zhuang people and their natural environment. The warm hospitality of your hosts, combined with the rustic charm of the village, will make this meal an unforgettable cultural experience.

In the afternoon, you will deepen your appreciation of Zhuang culture through Hands-On Culinary Activities. First, you will learn the art of smoking cured meats, a vital preservation method passed down for generations. With guidance from local experts, you will use traditional charcoal smoking techniques to prepare pork, enhancing its rich, umami flavor. As you engage in this process, you will gain insight into how Zhuang villagers rely on smoking meats to store food for the colder months. Next, you will participate in a rice wine-making session, where you will discover the secrets behind this cherished local beverage. You will learn how to select the best rice and see the fermentation process firsthand. The villagers will share their wisdom on how homemade rice wine plays an essential role in their daily lives and festive celebrations. Under the guidance of your instructor, you may even get to taste freshly brewed rice wine, experiencing its smooth, slightly sweet taste that perfectly complements the rich flavors of Zhuang cuisine.

As the afternoon draws to a close, you will take a leisurely walk back through the village, taking in the peaceful surroundings before beginning your journey back to Guilin. The drive back will give you time to reflect on the day’s experiences, from hiking through breathtaking rice terraces to savoring the authentic flavors of Zhuang cuisine and engaging in unique cultural traditions. Upon returning to Guilin, you will have the evening free to relax or explore more of the city at your own pace. Whether you choose to stroll along the Two Rivers and Four Lakes scenic area or revisit a favorite night market, the memories of your immersive day in Longji will leave you with a deep appreciation for the beauty, history, and flavors of this remarkable region.

Day3 Guilin-Xingping-Guilin

Your final day in Guilin will begin early as you make your way to the riverside Fishing Market, where you will have a rare opportunity to follow local fishermen and learn the art of selecting the freshest fish. The morning air will be crisp, and the market will be bustling with vendors displaying their catch from the pristine waters of the Li River. Your guide will introduce you to experienced fishermen who will teach you how to examine the fish’s eyes, scales, and gills to determine their quality. You will also learn about different fish species unique to this region and how they are traditionally prepared in local cuisine. As you walk through the market, you will engage in lively bargaining, selecting the perfect freshwater fish to enjoy later in the day. This immersive experience will provide fascinating insights into the daily lives of Guilin’s river communities and their deep connection to the Li River.

After securing your selection of river fish, you will continue your journey to Xingping Ancient Town, one of the most charming and historically rich towns along the Li River. The drive will be scenic, with misty karst peaks rising dramatically from the landscape. Upon arrival, you will step onto the cobblestone streets of this centuries-old town, where well-preserved buildings showcase traditional Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture. Your guide will take you to one of the most famous landmarks in China—the 20-yuan banknote viewpoint—where you can capture the iconic image featured on China’s currency. As you explore further, you will visit ancient residences, small temples, and traditional courtyard homes, each telling a story of Xingping’s long history. Along the way, your guide will share legends of the town, pointing out the hidden details that most visitors overlook, ensuring you gain a deeper appreciation for its cultural heritage.

For lunch, you will head to a local fisherman’s restaurant, where the fish you selected earlier in the day will be expertly prepared using traditional Guangxi cooking techniques. One of the highlights will be Beer Fish, a signature dish of Yangshuo that combines river fish with local beer, tomatoes, and peppers for a rich, savory flavor. You may also choose steamed Li River fish, a simple yet exquisite preparation that highlights the freshness of the morning’s catch. Your guide will help you communicate with the restaurant owners, ensuring that your meal is customized to your preferences and that you fully understand the significance of each dish. Dining by the riverside, you will savor these fresh flavors while taking in the serene beauty of Xingping, making for an unforgettable gastronomic experience that ties together the morning’s adventure.

In the afternoon, you will embark on a Bamboo Raft Cruise along the Li River, drifting along the most picturesque section between Xingping and Nine Horse Fresco Hill. As you gently float downstream, you will be surrounded by breathtaking karst mountains, whose reflections dance upon the emerald waters. Your guide will point out famous rock formations, including the legendary Nine Horse Fresco Hill, where locals claim that the natural patterns on the cliffs resemble nine running horses. Along the way, you may spot local fishermen skillfully maneuvering their bamboo rafts, continuing an age-old tradition of river life. The peaceful rhythm of the river, combined with the enchanting scenery, will provide a perfect moment of relaxation. You will have plenty of opportunities to capture stunning photographs as the landscape unfolds around you, with each turn revealing a new and mesmerizing view of Guilin’s legendary scenery. As the sun casts golden hues over the water, your guide may share stories of the river’s historical significance, adding an extra layer of depth to your experience.

As the afternoon comes to an end, you will return to Guilin, marking the conclusion of your immersive three-day journey. The drive back will give you time to reflect on the incredible experiences you have had—from selecting fish at the market and savoring traditional Guangxi flavors to exploring ancient towns and drifting along the Li River. Your guide will offer final recommendations on places to visit or local delicacies to try if you wish to extend your stay in Guilin. Whether you choose to continue exploring the city’s vibrant markets or relax with a cup of Guilin’s famous osmanthus tea, you will leave with unforgettable memories of Guilin’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and extraordinary cuisine.

Price Per Person in US Dollars