Guangxi Yulin Travel Guide

Yulin, also named Yulinzhou in old times, is a prefecture level in southeast of Guangxi Autonomous Region. It is 190km east of regional capital, the city of Nanning. To its east is the Cantonese city of Maoming, the city of Qinzhou is to its west, Beihai city to its south. To its north is the city of Guigang. Guilin city, together with its towns and cities, covers an area of 12.8 thousand square kilometers. It is currently consisted of 2 districts (Yuzhou & Fumian), 1 city (Beiliu) and 4 counties (Rong, Luchuan, Bobai and Xingye). It is home to some 5 million people. Yulin is a city with long history. Its name appeared in history more than 2000 years ago during the period of West Han. Two cultural systems prevail in the region of Yulin, one is the Guangfu culture (Cantonese culture), and the other is Kejia culture (Hakka culture), they shaped the language, customs and culinary of Yulin region. 

● What to do & where to go

Yulin has much to offer to visitors in terms of tourist attractions, such as Mt.Darong National Forest Park, Zhenwu Pavillion, Cave Goulou. Followed are some worth mentioning attractions in Yulin.

Longquan Cave is located in Lufeng Mountain in Xingye County, Yulin City of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Legend had that in the Qing Dynasty, a couple dug the cave and then became immortals in the shape of dragons, hence the name Longquan (dragon’s spring). Lufeng Mountain where the cave sits, is a karst stone peak, covered by lush vegetations. The cave is unique among all the karst caves. It is more than 1200 meters long and made up by some numerous caves and complicated underground river system. Longquan Cave can be divided into two parts, namely, the upper part and the lower part. Within the area of the lower part, there is a zigzag stream, which is about 1000 meters long. In the river bed, there are sands and small stones. Walking along the river, the scenery varies. While for the upper part, it is a drier place, consisting of five connected halls. Each hall can hold tens of thousands people. In the cave, there are large quantities of stalactites, stalagmites, stone curtain and flowers, which are in different shapes. On the wall of the cave, there are stalactites hanging, some are like the waterfall, some are like the forests, and some are like candles. Stepping up along the stairs, there is a acclivitous hall, on the ground of which there are stone pillars, mushrooms erupting. Continue to stepping up, there is a hemicycle hall, in which there are more stalactites. Some are like Persian blinds, neat and graceful and some are like embroider and carvings, delicate and beautiful. Along the 52 steps, there is a large hall called the Dragon King's Palace. 

Another famous attraction of Yulin, is the the Xie lu shan zhaung (Xielu villa). This is a site 26km south of Luchuan county, Yulin city. It is hailed as one of top private manor in China. It was first built in 1927 and it takes 7 years to complete. Named as Shuren Academy back then, this facility was aimed at promoting and propagating Confucianism and classic teachings. Tens of thousands of books containing classic learning were stored in this place at its early days. This villa was owned by a Chinese general of Chiang Kai-shek’s government. It was then nationalized after communists toke power. It was open to public in 1980 as a public place. It is now a place where visitor come to enjoy the picturesque garden view and graceful traditional Chinese buildings. 

● Access

Yulin is now connected to all of its suburban towns and counties by high ways. It is easy to explore much of Yulin’s towns and counties through its sophisticated road network. For inter-city transport, Yulin is linked with Nanning (capital of Guangxi), Guangzhou (capital of Guangdong), Beihai and Zhanjiang (a city in Guangdong province). 

The Nanning-Yulin high speed railway line is currently under construction and is scheduled to open in 2023. The main artery of China’s railway network, Jing-Guang line (Beijing to Guangzhou line) goes through Yulin region and has 4 stops (Xingye, Yuzhou, Luchuan and Bobai). 

Yulin Fumian airport (YLX) is the main airport in Yulin. It connects Yulin with 10 domestic cities, such as Hangzhou, Kunming, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xiamen, Guizhou. Loong Airline, Huaxia Airliner and Guilin Airline are the main operators at YLX.

● What to eat

Yulin is a typical southern city so its culinary culture is that of south style; particularly close to the culinary feature that of Cantonese. The followed are some noticeable local cuisine and snacks. 

Chao mi tang (sweet fried rice)

Sticky rice is used as main ingredient coupled with brown sugar. The mixture is then deep fried to crispy. The crunchiness texture and the spot on sweetness are the trademarks of this delicacy in Yulin. 

Yulin rou dan (meat ball)

Yulin meatball is another Yulin specialty. It is made of minced pork or beef. It is bouncy and juicy, and provides a smooth texture when you have a bite. It is a common sight on dinning tables in Yulin’s restaurants.

Yulin mi fen (rice noodle)

Being a Guangxi city, rice noodle (or known by locals as fen) is a necessity. This pho-like soup is everywhere in Yulin. The noodle soaks up the thick broth which gives out a fragrant flavor. It is often sided with sliced beef.

● Climate

Yulin is in tropical monsoon climate zone. In general, it is a hot and wet city. It has long summer and short winter with plenty of precipitation all year round. It is suitable to visit all year.