Best Hotels in Guilin, China: 12 Where to Stay

Last Updated on October 10, 2026

Introduction – Best Hotels in Guilin

Looking for the best hotels in Guilin? This scenic destination in Guangxi, southern China, is famous for its limestone mountains, winding rivers, traditional villages and spectacular countryside.

The main decision is whether to stay in Guilin city, where you’ll find convenient access to restaurants, transport and urban attractions, or in nearby Yangshuo, where mountain scenery and riverside landscapes can become the highlight of your trip.

In this guide, compare 12 hotels and accommodation options across Guilin and Yangshuo, explain the best areas to stay, and share a practical three days itinerary to help you plan your visit.

Best Hotels in Guilin.

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Quick Picks: Best Hotels in Guilin

• Best luxury city hotel: Shangri-La Guilin
• Best landmark hotel in the city centre: Guilin Lijiang Waterfall Hotel
• Best riverside city stay: Sheraton Guilin Hotel
• Best central boutique option: Aroma Tea House
• Best for convenient city sightseeing: Holiday Inn Express Guilin City Center
• Best for a river-focused stay: Li River Secluded Hotel
• Best luxury countryside resort: Banyan Tree Yangshuo
• Best for a resort holiday: Yangshuo Resort
• Best for a relaxed countryside experience: Yangshuo Mountain Retreat
• Best for staying near Yangshuo West Street: Atour Hotel Guilin Yangshuo West Street
• Best for dramatic mountain scenery: Yangshuo Xingping Misty Wonderland Hotel
• Best for central Guilin convenience: Li River Purejoy Hotel Guilin

These recommendations cover different locations and travel styles. Check current rates, room categories, recent reviews and transport arrangements before booking.

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Best Hotels in Guilin

Best Hotels in Guilin, China: 12 Where to Stay

1. Shangri-La Guilin – Best Luxury Hotel in Guilin

Shangri-La Guilin is a strong option for travelers who want an upscale hotel with landscaped grounds and a relaxed setting beside the Li River area.

Compared with smaller city-centre properties, this hotel is worth considering if you prefer a full-service stay and want time to enjoy the property as well as explore the surrounding region.

Best for: Couples, families, luxury travelers and visitors seeking a comfortable city base.

Why stay here:

• An established international luxury-hotel brand.
• A spacious property with leisure facilities.
• A convenient starting point for exploring Guilin and planning regional excursions.

Booking tip: Check the distance to your preferred city attractions and confirm whether your selected room has the views shown in the listing.

Compare Shangri-La Guilin rates

2. Guilin Lijiang Waterfall Hotel – Best Landmark Hotel in the City Centre

Guilin Lijiang Waterfall Hotel is known for its distinctive waterfall-style exterior and central location near Shanhu Lake.

It is worth considering if you want to explore Guilin’s urban attractions, enjoy evening walks around the lakes, and remain close to central restaurants and shopping areas.

Best for: First-time visitors, families and travelers who want a central base.

Why stay here:

• A recognizable city landmark.
• Convenient access to the central lakes area.
• A practical base for exploring nearby attractions.

Booking tip: Review recent guest feedback and confirm the condition and features of your chosen room category before reserving.

Check Guilin Lijiang Waterfall Hotel prices

3. Sheraton Guilin Hotel – Best for Riverside City Convenience

Sheraton Guilin Hotel is a useful option for travelers who want to stay near the Li River and central city attractions.

Its location makes it worth comparing if your itinerary includes riverside walks, sightseeing, dining and time exploring the central part of Guilin.

Best for: Couples, families and first-time visitors.

Why stay here:

• A central riverside-area location.
• Convenient access to city sightseeing.
• Full-service accommodation for a range of travel styles.

Booking tip: Check the exact room view, breakfast inclusions, and transport arrangements for your planned excursions.

Compare Sheraton Guilin rates

4. Aroma Tea House – Best Boutique Stay in Central Guilin

Aroma Tea House is an option for travelers who prefer a smaller property with a more distinctive atmosphere than a conventional international hotel.

Its central location makes it worth considering for visitors who want to explore the city on foot and enjoy a more intimate accommodation experience.

Best for: Couples, independent travelers and visitors who enjoy boutique hotels.

Why stay here:

• A characterful alternative to larger hotels.
• A useful base for central Guilin sightseeing.
• An accommodation style suited to a slower-paced city visit.

Booking tip: Check room size, accessibility, included services and the walking distance to the attractions on your itinerary.

Check Aroma Tea House availability

5. Holiday Inn Express Guilin City Center – Best for Practical City Stays

Holiday Inn Express Guilin City Center is worth considering if you want straightforward accommodation close to central Guilin attractions.

For visitors with a short schedule, a convenient city location can make it easier to fit in sightseeing, restaurants and transport connections.

Best for: Short stays, couples, families and practical-minded travelers.

Why stay here:

• A central location.
• A familiar hotel format.
• A convenient base for a short Guilin visit.

Booking tip: Verify current breakfast arrangements, room occupancy limits and the distance to your arrival station.

Compare Holiday Inn Express Guilin prices

6. Li River Secluded Hotel – Best for a Quiet City Retreat

Li River Secluded Hotel is an option to explore if you prefer a smaller hotel with a more relaxed atmosphere in the city.

Before booking, check the exact property listing and room descriptions to understand the setting, available facilities and proximity to central attractions.

Best for: Couples, independent travelers and visitors who prefer a quieter stay.

Why consider this hotel:

• An alternative to larger branded hotels.
• A possible fit for a relaxed city break.
• A location to compare when planning sightseeing around the lakes and river area.

Booking tip: Confirm the hotel’s exact address, transport access and current guest feedback before reserving.

7. Banyan Tree Yangshuo – Best Luxury Countryside Resort

Banyan Tree Yangshuo is a luxury resort option for travelers who want the countryside to be a central part of their Guilin-region holiday.

Yangshuo is known for its dramatic karst landscapes and rural scenery. Staying at a resort in this area can create a very different experience from spending every night in Guilin city.

Best for: Honeymoons, special occasions, luxury travelers and scenic getaways.

Why stay here:

• A luxury resort setting in the Yangshuo area.
• A base for enjoying the region’s distinctive landscapes.
• A strong option for travelers who want to prioritize relaxation.

Booking tip: Check transfer times, meal costs, room views and any included experiences. A countryside resort may require additional transport to reach town.

Compare Banyan Tree Yangshuo packages

8. Yangshuo Resort – Best for a Resort-Style Holiday

Yangshuo Resort is worth considering if you want to stay in the Yangshuo area and enjoy a more relaxed holiday surrounded by scenic landscapes.

It can suit travelers who prefer to spend time outdoors, explore the countryside and return to a comfortable base in the evening.

Best for: Couples, families and leisure travelers.

Why stay here:

• A resort-style accommodation option.
• A base for exploring Yangshuo and its surrounding countryside.
• A suitable choice for travelers who want more than a city hotel.

Booking tip: Check the distance to Yangshuo town, nearby restaurants and your planned outdoor activities.

Check Yangshuo Resort availability

9. Yangshuo Mountain Retreat – Best for a Relaxed Countryside Experience

Yangshuo Mountain Retreat is a good option to research if your priority is experiencing the quieter countryside around Yangshuo.

Rather than placing yourself in the busiest part of town, you can use a countryside stay as a base for cycling, scenic walks and exploring the area’s rivers and villages.

Best for: Nature lovers, couples and travelers seeking a slower pace.

Why stay here:

• A countryside setting.
• A useful base for outdoor activities around Yangshuo.
• An alternative to staying beside the busiest shopping and nightlife streets.

Booking tip: Confirm transport availability, bicycle options and the distance to restaurants if you prefer not to travel into town for every meal.

Compare Yangshuo Mountain Retreat rates

10. Atour Hotel Guilin Yangshuo West Street – Best for Town Convenience

Atour Hotel Guilin Yangshuo West Street is worth considering if you want to stay near Yangshuo’s dining, shopping and evening activity.

This type of location can be practical for visitors who prefer to walk out for dinner rather than rely on taxis from a countryside resort.

Best for: First-time Yangshuo visitors, couples and travelers who enjoy an active town atmosphere.

Why stay here:

• Convenient access to the West Street area.
• A useful base for restaurants and shopping.
• A good option for travelers who want to combine town life with daytime excursions.

Booking tip: If you’re sensitive to noise, review the exact location and recent guest comments about evening activity.

Compare Yangshuo West Street hotel prices

11. Yangshuo Xingping Misty Wonderland Hotel – Best for Dramatic Scenery

Xingping is an appealing area for travelers who want to focus on the Li River landscape, traditional streets and the distinctive karst scenery associated with the Guilin region.

Yangshuo Xingping Misty Wonderland Hotel is worth investigating if scenery and photography are priorities. Check the precise location and the services available for your dates before making a reservation.

Best for: Landscape photographers, couples and travelers seeking a scenic retreat.

Why stay here:

• A base in the Xingping area.
• Access to a landscape-focused travel experience.
• A possible choice for sunrise and sunset photography, depending on conditions and location.

Booking tip: Confirm transfer arrangements and travel time to Yangshuo town. Xingping offers a different atmosphere from West Street and the Yulong River countryside.

Check Xingping scenic hotel availability

12. Li River Purejoy Hotel Guilin – Best for Central Sightseeing

Li River Purejoy Hotel Guilin, Elephant Trunk Hill – Two Rivers and Four Lakes Branch, is worth comparing if you want to stay in the central Guilin area and explore nearby attractions.

For a short trip, location can be as important as hotel facilities, particularly if you plan to visit Elephant Trunk Hill and the lakes area.

Best for: Short stays, independent travelers and first-time visitors.

Why consider this hotel:

• A location in central Guilin.
• A practical base for selected city attractions.
• An alternative to larger full-service properties.

Booking tip: Confirm the exact branch name and address when booking. Similar property names can refer to different locations.

Compare Li River Purejoy Hotel rates

Where to Stay in Guilin – Best Hotels in Guilin

Best Hotels in Guilin

Guilin city centre – Best for first-time visitors

Choose central Guilin if you want easy access to restaurants, shopping, city landmarks and transport connections.

The area around Shanhu and Ronghu lakes is convenient for exploring the lakeside scenery and nearby central attractions. Consider Shangri-La Guilin, Guilin Lijiang Waterfall Hotel, Sheraton Guilin Hotel or Aroma Tea House.

Yangshuo town – Best for dining and evening activity

Yangshuo is a popular base for visitors who want access to restaurants, shops and organized activities. Staying near West Street can be convenient if you want to explore the town on foot.

Consider Atour Hotel Guilin Yangshuo West Street if town convenience is a priority.

Yulong River countryside – Best for mountain scenery

The countryside around the Yulong River is suited to travelers who want a slower pace, scenic cycling and views of the limestone mountains.

Consider Yangshuo Mountain Retreat or another carefully located countryside property. Check transport options before booking.

Xingping – Best for photography and river landscapes

Xingping is a useful choice if your itinerary focuses on the Li River landscape and traditional-town atmosphere. It can be quieter than Yangshuo town in the evening, so plan meals and transfers accordingly.

Li River and central Guilin – Best for combining sightseeing and convenience

A central base can work well for the first night of a trip, particularly if you’re arriving by train or planning a Li River cruise. Check your cruise departure point and arrange the necessary transport in advance.

How Much Do Best Hotels in Guilin Cost?

Best Hotels in Guilin

Hotel prices vary by season, location, room category and demand. Luxury resorts in Yangshuo may have very different pricing from practical city hotels.

When comparing rates, check:

• The total price after taxes and fees.
• Whether breakfast is included.
• The cost of transfers and local transport.
• Cancellation and prepayment rules.
• Room views and occupancy limits.
• Distance to your planned attractions.
• Extra costs for tours or resort activities.

A countryside hotel may offer beautiful scenery but require additional transport. Consider the full trip cost rather than comparing nightly prices alone.

Tips for Booking the Best Hotels in Guilin

Best Hotels in Guilin

Decide between the city and countryside. The most important decision is whether you want urban convenience, mountain scenery or a combination of both.

Consider splitting your stay. For a multi-day visit, spending one night in Guilin and additional nights in Yangshuo can reduce unnecessary backtracking.

Check Li River cruise logistics. Confirm the departure pier and transport arrangements before choosing your hotel.

Read recent guest reviews. Focus on cleanliness, room condition, service, noise and location.

Check transport from countryside properties. Some scenic resorts are not within easy walking distance of restaurants or attractions.

Compare the total price. Include meals, transfers, activity costs and cancellation conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions – Best Hotels in Guilin

Best Hotels in Guilin

Conclusion – Best Hotels in Guilin

The Best Hotels in Guilin depends on your preferred travel style.

• Choose Shangri-La Guilin for a luxury city stay.
• Choose Guilin Lijiang Waterfall Hotel for central sightseeing.
• Choose Sheraton Guilin Hotel for a riverside-area city stay.
• Choose Aroma Tea House for a boutique-style experience.
• Choose Holiday Inn Express Guilin City Center for practical city accommodation.
• Choose Banyan Tree Yangshuo for a luxury countryside retreat.
• Choose Yangshuo Resort for a resort-style holiday.
• Choose Yangshuo Mountain Retreat for a slower countryside experience.
• Choose Atour Hotel Guilin Yangshuo West Street for convenient access to town.
• Choose Yangshuo Xingping Misty Wonderland Hotel for a scenery-focused trip.

Before booking, compare current rates, room details, transport options and recent guest feedback. For many travelers, the most rewarding approach is to experience both Guilin city and Yangshuo rather than treating the region as a single hotel destination.

Best Hotels in Guilin.

J Diary

MBA Global Business | PMP | Train-the-Trainer
From bank to exploring Asia. Combining professional research with first-hand travel experiences to create practical hotels, tours, itineraries and travel guides.