Just came back from Guilin East and West Alleys, here are some blunt truths
Some say that to understand a city, you should take a walk through its old streets and alleys. In Guilin, East and West Alleys is such a place that holds the soul of the city. It is not only the only historical street left from the Ming and Qing dynasties in Guilin but also like a vivid history book. Every piece of blue brick and every stone slab road tells stories of the past. At the same time, it is full of modern vitality, with unique shops and delicious snacks that dazzle visitors. Follow this guide to immerse yourself in the unique charm of East and West Alleys!
Basic Information to Know
📍Address: No. 18 Jiefang East Road, Xiufeng District, Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, East and West Alleys
🎫Tickets: Completely free, enjoy without any burden!
🕙Opening Hours: Open 24 hours a day, all day long. You can feel the historical charm during the day, and at night it turns into a lively scene with an amazing atmosphere.
Detailed Transportation Guide
1. Public Transport: Take bus routes 10, 11, 14, etc., and get off at the "Jiefang Bridge" stop. East and West Alleys are just west of the station, and Xiaoyao Tower Scenic Area is to the east. Get the "Guilin Bus E-Card" in advance on Alipay, scan the code when boarding, fare is 2 yuan, very cost-effective.
2. Taxi Direct: From Guilin Station, it takes 15-20 minutes and costs about 20 yuan; from Guilin North Station, about 30-40 minutes and costs 40-50 yuan. However, during peak tourist seasons or rush hours, traffic jams are common, so allow extra time to avoid delays.
3. Self-driving: Navigate directly to "Guilin East and West Alleys," but since it is in the city center, parking is not very convenient. Nearby parking lots charge 5-10 yuan per hour. During holidays, parking spaces are especially tight, so it’s recommended to leave early to find a spot, or else circling around can really affect your mood.
4. Cycling: Guilin is a city perfect for cycling. Shared bikes and electric scooters are everywhere around East and West Alleys. Ride along the streets with the breeze on your face, stop anytime to enjoy the scenery, and park your bike at designated spots upon arrival. It’s free and comfortable.
Play Route Revealed
- Morning: Explore the Ancient and Quiet: Enter East and West Alleys from Jiefang East Road and first check in at the "I❤Guilin" popular wall. The pink font combined with rustic blue bricks is full of girlish charm, and every snap is a great shot. Stroll slowly along the stone slab road, with Ming and Qing style buildings featuring carved beams and painted rafters, full of ancient charm, like traveling back in time. Pass by unique shops where you can pick up osmanthus sachets, handmade embroidered handkerchiefs, creative fridge magnets, and other souvenirs with great meaning.
- Noon: Feast for the Taste Buds: At mealtime, be sure to try the beef brisket rice noodles at Fu Jiangnan Rice Noodles. The tender and flavorful beef brisket paired with a rich and fragrant broth is incredibly satisfying with every bite. If you like fusion cuisine, don’t miss Guilin Language, offering dishes like perilla sour bamboo shoot stir-fried beef shank and hawthorn love ribs. Fresh ingredients and flavorful cooking take your taste buds on a wonderful journey. Also, Xiao Qin Wonton has been open for many years, with wontons starting at 5 yuan, freshly made and sold on the spot. Thin skin and lots of meat make it a perfect breakfast choice when you don’t know what to eat.
- Afternoon: Historical Exploration: After lunch, head to Jingjiang Princes’ City, once the Ming dynasty prince’s mansion. The red walls and green tiles are solemn and full of historical weight. Climb Duxiu Peak for a panoramic view of Guilin city (entrance ticket to the Princes’ City is 100 yuan, including Duxiu Peak climb). From the top, overlook the city and feel the blend of history and modernity.
- Evening: Light and Shadow Stroll: Return to East and West Alleys from Jingjiang Princes’ City as the sun sets. The ancient alleys are bathed in warm light, perfect for a peaceful walk. Then visit Xiaoyao Tower, free to climb. From the tower, overlook the Li River and Jiefang Bridge. When the evening lights come on, the view is stunning and perfect for photos, making every shot look like a masterpiece.
- Night: Night Market Shopping: As night falls, the East and West Alleys night market comes alive with a variety of snacks like fried stinky tofu, grilled pig’s trotters, and corn sugar water. Eat while strolling and soak in the lively atmosphere. If you prefer quiet, find a bar, order a cocktail, listen to live singers, and enjoy a leisurely night.
Great Photo Spots
1. "I❤Guilin" Popular Wall: Stand in front of the wall, use portrait mode on your phone with the pink letters and blue bricks as the background, and easily take atmospheric photos that will get tons of likes on social media.
2. Ming Dynasty City Wall Arch: Touch the ancient city wall and stand under the arch, shooting upward with the sky as the background. The heavy sense of history is overwhelming, as if you can hear the echoes of time.
3. East Alley Ming and Qing Architecture Cluster: Wear Hanfu or a cheongsam and stroll on the bluestone roads and in front of carved wooden windows, feeling like you’ve traveled back to ancient times. Early morning or evening light is soft, perfect for vintage-style photos. Every shot feels great.
4. Xiaoyao Tower: After climbing the tower, take cityscape photos with the Li River and Jiefang Bridge as the background. At night when the lights are on, the night view is stunning, perfectly blending urban prosperity with natural beauty.
Thoughtful Accommodation Recommendations
1. Guilin Yinmo Hotel: Located next to Jiefang Bridge and adjacent to East and West Alleys, very convenient for travel. The hotel is exquisitely decorated with attentive service, clean and comfortable rooms, offering a high-quality rest environment. Prices range from 300 to 800 yuan.
2. Guesthouses near East and West Alleys: Many local-style guesthouses with relatively affordable prices around 100 to 300 yuan. You can experience local customs, but be sure to check reviews carefully when booking to choose well-rated places for a more secure stay.
Important Reminders to Keep in Mind
1. East and West Alleys attract many tourists, especially during holidays and at night. Be sure to keep your personal belongings safe, especially in crowded places. Keep valuables like phones and wallets in zipped pockets close to your body.
2. When tasting snacks, pay attention to food hygiene. Choose stalls that look clean and popular to avoid stomach issues that could ruin your trip.
3. When buying specialties and souvenirs, be careful to check quality and price. Don’t be fooled by overly high prices. Compare several shops to avoid being overcharged.
4. If you want to take photos at popular spots, try to avoid peak times, or you may have to wait in long lines. Early morning or evening usually has fewer people.
East and West Alleys