Guilin Old Town: Zhongshan Road & Zhengyang
The heart of the city, everything within walking distance

The appeal of Guilin's old town is that it is a city of just the right size — not so big that it tires you out, but with plenty to do. By day the lakes are calm: stroll the waterside or sit under a tree, and Elephant Trunk Hill or Fubo Hill for a city view is never far. As evening comes, the Zhengyang pedestrian street lights up, people come out to eat, and the Sun-Moon Pagodas glow gold and silver on the lake. The area suits travellers who want to explore a city on foot without a complicated plan.

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  First-timers visiting Guilin

  First-timer · central · easy on foot

  For a first trip, the area is easy to walk and hard to get lost in. It is in the heart of the city and next to Guilin Railway Station, so the train out to Yangshuo or onward to the Longji rice terraces is simple. To compare areas before you book, read where to stay in Guilin and the Guilin first-timer's guide.

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  For walking to everything from your bed

  Walkable base · lakes · karst peaks

  Within walking distance you have the lakes, the pedestrian street, rice-noodle shops, Elephant Trunk Hill and Fubo Hill — you can fill most of a day in the city without taking a ride. The slightly further sights, like the Reed Flute Cave or Seven Star Park, are a ¥1-2 bus or a short DiDi away.

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  For food and night markets

  Rice noodles · night market · street food

  Zhongshan Road and Zhengyang are a paradise for Guilin rice noodles, served from breakfast right through to late. At night the Zhengyang pedestrian street becomes a lantern-lit food market, with beer fish, grilled oysters and an endless run of snacks. A late meal is a few steps from your room.

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  For capturing Guilin after dark

  Night lights · Sun-Moon Pagodas · lake views

  The area's highlight is the lakes at night. The Sun-Moon Pagodas light up gold and silver and mirror in the water — the best night shot in the city. If you love evening photography you can get the full view from the lakeside for free, and only board a boat if you want to get closer.

The strongest argument for basing yourself in the old town is that you get a central location with everything walkable. Wake up to rice noodles, climb a hill or stroll the lakeside by day, eat on the pedestrian street in the evening — and, crucially, you are next to Guilin Railway Station for the train to Yangshuo or the Longji rice terraces. If this is your first trip and you want to see the city before heading into the countryside, the area is the most convenient and best value.

One thing worth knowing: the pedestrian street is busy and touristy at night. If you sleep lightly, pick a hotel with rooms set back into a lane or on a higher floor, or shift slightly toward the Li River side — you keep the good location but get a quieter night.