Guilin’s National Day holiday tourist attractions are “icing on the cake” as the upper reaches of the Li River continue to be popular
On October 8, reporters gathered insights from the Guilin Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, and Tourism about the surge of both domestic and international tourists that Guilin, Guangxi, experienced during the National Day holiday. Iconic attractions like Elephant Trunk Hill, the Jingjiang Prince’s Mansion, and East-West Alley buzzed with excitement, while popular destinations such as Yangshuo County and Longsheng Autonomous County saw record numbers of visitors.
The breathtaking landscapes along the Li River continue to captivate tourists, as traditional sightseeing tours flourish. Boat trips along the Li River and bamboo rafting on the Yulong River have become top choices for travelers. Visitors from around the world have eagerly boarded boats to take in the stunning scenery, often describing the experience as feeling like they were “traveling through a painting.” Those on bamboo rafts floated peacefully downstream, enjoying the idyllic views of the countryside.
Reportedly, the Guilin Maritime Department noted a remarkable increase in visitor numbers starting October 3, with over 100,000 travelers using water transport between October 3 and 6 alone. On October 4, a record-breaking 144,000 people utilized the waterways, the highest single-day figure for 2024. By October 7, the total number of waterborne travelers reached an impressive 700,000.
On the holiday’s first day, Miss Hu from Fujian embraced the festivities by wearing traditional attire for a photo shoot at the Jingjiang Prince’s Mansion. She shared her excitement, saying, “This is my first time in Guilin. I’ve experienced the warmth of local hospitality and marveled at the picturesque landscapes. My family and I want to capture these beautiful moments.”
Travelers can easily access stunning scenery, local cuisine, accommodations, travel tips, and updates through the “Guilin Micro Vacation” app. In addition to the traditional tourist offerings, Guilin’s 17 counties and various cultural organizations hosted over 100 diverse tourism festivals and cultural activities during the National Day holiday. This initiative created innovative experiences to meet the varied preferences of modern travelers.
The Guilin Xiangshan Scenic Area recently launched a “Music + Night Economy” initiative, introducing the “Li · Xiang” coffee cruise project, which allows tourists to take in dazzling night views from a unique perspective. Meanwhile, Longsheng County celebrated a grand banquet for thousands, and visitors to Yangshuo’s Shiwai Taoyuan Scenic Area participated in local welcoming ceremonies, traditional dances, and folk activities. In resource-rich regions, the Danxia·Bajiaozhai Scenic Area offered trendy experiences, such as NPC interactions from the game “Black Myth: Wukong,” a tent music festival, and cliffside movie screenings.
It’s become increasingly clear that leisurely self-driving tours and immersive experiences are taking precedence over traditional sightseeing methods. Popular combinations, such as tourism with culture, gastronomy, sports, and folk customs, are thriving. Scenic rural self-driving routes in Lingchuan County, including Daxu, Jiuwu, and Lantian, have emerged as favored choices among travelers, while Yangshuo’s resorts and homestays are highly sought after for their immersive views and tranquil retreat experiences.
