Guilin, with its surreal karst landscapes and serene Li River, is a dream destination for travelers worldwide. However, like many popular tourist spots, it has its share of scams targeting unsuspecting visitors. The good news? The Guilin Travel Card can be your ultimate ally in navigating the city smartly—saving money while dodging common pitfalls. Here’s how to make the most of it.
The Guilin Travel Card isn’t just another tourist gimmick. It’s a curated pass designed to streamline your experience, offering:
- Discounted or free entry to major attractions like Reed Flute Cave, Elephant Trunk Hill, and Longji Rice Terraces.
- Priority access to skip long ticket lines.
- Exclusive deals on local transportation, including river cruises and shuttle buses.
- Vouchers for authentic local restaurants and shops vetted by tourism authorities.
Before diving into how the travel card helps, let’s unpack common scams you might encounter:
Near attractions like Seven Star Park, unofficial vendors sell overpriced or invalid tickets. The Guilin Travel Card eliminates this risk—your digital or physical pass is verified at official gates.
Touts offer "complimentary" tours, only to pressure you into overpriced souvenir shops. The travel card often includes legit guided tours with licensed operators.
Unmetered rides or rigged meters are rampant. The card’s partnered taxi services (or included transport credits) ensure transparent pricing.
From fake "handmade" minority crafts to diluted local teas, scams abound. The card’s partnered stores guarantee authenticity.
Guilin offers three tiers of travel cards:
1. Basic (24-hour): Ideal for short stays; covers 2–3 attractions.
2. Standard (48-hour): Adds river cruises and dining discounts.
3. Premium (72-hour+): Unlimited access + VIP perks like private transfers.
Pro Tip: If visiting Yangshuo or Longsheng, opt for the Premium card—it includes intercity transport.
Download the official Guilin Travel Card app to:
- Track remaining benefits.
- Get scam alerts (e.g., "Avoid unlicensed boats at Pier X").
- Access digital vouchers instantly.
Many travelers overlook Guilin’s efficient tourist buses (routes 58/99). The card often includes unlimited rides, saving ¥100+ daily versus taxis.
Only book Li River cruises through the card’s partners or official kiosks (look for the gov’t logo). Private boat scams often strand passengers mid-river for extra fees.
Friendly locals offering to "practice English" may lead you to commission-based shops. Politely decline unless they’re card-listed guides.
While everyone hits the postcard spots, the card unlocks lesser-known wonders:
- Daxu Ancient Town: Free entry (usually ¥60), with a quiet, authentic vibe.
- Yulong River Bamboo Rafting: Discounted rates away from the crowded Li River.
- Guilin Tea Research Institute: Sample rare teas without sales pressure.
For a typical 3-day trip, the Premium card (¥399) saves ¥500+ on tickets and transport alone—not counting the peace of mind from avoiding scams. Pair it with these tips, and you’ll experience Guilin’s magic without the hassle.
Bonus: Some cards include a 24/7 tourist hotline—save it in your phone for emergencies!
Now, pack your sense of adventure (and your Guilin Travel Card), and get ready to explore responsibly!
Copyright Statement:
Author: Guilin Travel
Source: Guilin Travel
The copyright of this article belongs to the author. Reproduction is not allowed without permission.