The magic of Guilin is undeniable. As you drift down the Li River on a bamboo raft, the iconic karst peaks piercing the misty sky create a backdrop so serene it feels like a living watercolor painting. For couples, this landscape is the very definition of romance. But the true heartbeat of Guilin, the rhythm that makes this place feel alive and authentic, isn't just found on the water. It’s discovered in the bustling, fragrant, and vibrant markets that spill out across the city and its surrounding villages. This is where the journey of exploration truly begins for two people in love, a treasure hunt for shared experiences, unique souvenirs, and the simple joy of getting deliciously lost together.
Exploring markets as a couple is a special kind of travel intimacy. It’s a dance of pointing out curious items, sharing a skewer of sizzling street food, haggling playfully with a vendor, and making spontaneous decisions that become lasting memories. Forget the quiet galleries for a moment; the real art in Guilin is in the swirl of activity at its local markets. From the organized chaos of a foodie paradise to the quiet charm of an ancient street, here are the best markets in Guilin for couples to explore hand-in-hand.
No couple's trip to Guilin is complete without surrendering to the city's famous culinary scene. And there is no better place to do this than Zhengyang Pedestrian Street (Zhengyang Bu Xing Jie). As the sun sets and the neon lights begin to flicker on, this street transforms into a food lover’s paradise, a sensory overload in the best possible way. For a couple, it’s an evening of shared discovery and indulgence.
The moment you step onto the pedestrianized street, you’re hit by a wave of aromas. The sizzle of meat on hot griddles, the pungent and alluring smell of stinky tofu (don’t knock it till you try it!), the sweet scent of candied fruits, and the rich, savory steam from bowls of Guilin rice noodles (Guilin mifen) create an intoxicating perfume. The energy is infectious. Vendors call out cheerfully, the sound of sizzling woks provides a constant percussion, and the crowd moves in a happy, hungry flow.
This is not a place for a formal, sit-down dinner. This is a "grazing" experience, perfect for sharing. Start with the absolute classic: a bowl of Guilin mifen. You can get a small bowl each or share a larger one, customizing it with pickled vegetables, peanuts, chili oil, and fresh herbs. Then, move on to the skewers. Try the yangrou chuanr (lamb skewers) dusted with cumin and chili powder, a favorite across China. For the adventurous couple, the stinky tofu is a rite of passage—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and surprisingly delicious with its accompanying sauces.
Don’t miss the beer fish (pijiu yu), a local Yangshuo specialty that you’ll find here, where fresh fish from the Li River is cooked in a savory sauce with local beer. It’s a heartier dish, so maybe share one plate. And for dessert, follow your nose to the sweet potato vendors or the stalls selling colorful bingfen, a refreshing jelly dessert perfect for cleansing the palate.
The beauty of Zhengyang Street for a couple is the lack of a plan. You can wander aimlessly, pointing at whatever looks interesting. "Ooh, let's try that!" is the mantra of the evening. It’s a low-pressure, high-reward adventure that fosters connection and laughter. You’re not just eating; you’re creating a unique culinary story together, one delicious bite at a time.
A short drive from Guilin lies the town of Yangshuo, nestled amongst the most dramatic karst scenery. And at its heart is the legendary West Street, or Xi Jie. While it can be touristy, to dismiss it would be a mistake for any couple visiting Guilin. This is not just a street; it’s a cultural phenomenon, a fascinating blend of East and West that has been evolving for over 1,400 years. For couples, it’s a daytime and nighttime destination for finding unique handicrafts and soaking in a bohemian atmosphere.
During the day, Xi Jie is a bustling market street. The architecture retains a traditional charm with its white walls, dark tiles, and carved eaves, but the storefronts are bursting with modernity. You’ll find everything here. It’s a fantastic place for souvenir shopping, but with a focus on artistry. Instead of mass-produced trinkets, encourage each other to look for quality.
Keep an eye out for shops selling exquisite xiu (embroidery) work, a specialty of the local Zhuang minority people. A beautifully embroidered tapestry or a small piece of clothing can be a stunning and meaningful keepsake. Calligraphy is another great find; you can even have your names written in Chinese characters by a local artist as a personalized souvenir.
For the couple that appreciates practical art, the markets are filled with beautifully crafted tea sets. Picking out a tea set together, complete with a tin of local Guilin tea, is a promise of future quiet moments at home, reminiscing about your trip. You’ll also find stunning landscape paintings and scrolls, offering a more artistic interpretation of the very scenery you’ve been hiking and biking through.
As evening falls, Xi Jie undergoes a metamorphosis. The souvenir shops remain open, but the street truly comes alive with a different energy. Lanterns glow, and the sound of live music spills out from countless cafes and bars. For a couple, this is the perfect time to find a rooftop bar, order a cocktail or a local beer, and watch the world go by below. The mix of languages, the laughter, and the stunning backdrop of the illuminated mountains create a uniquely romantic and cosmopolitan atmosphere. It’s a market by day and a vibrant social hub by night.
For a more local, less polished experience that feels incredibly authentic, the Night Market that stretches along the banks of the Li River is an unmissable stop. This is where the people of Guilin come to shop, eat, and socialize. It’s less about tourists and more about daily life, offering a couple a genuine glimpse into the city's rhythm.
While there is food here, the focus is broader. You’ll find stalls selling everything from cheap clothing and mobile phone accessories to household goods and toys. The thrill here isn’t necessarily in what you buy, but in the experience of observing. It’s a fantastic place for people-watching. You’ll see families out for a stroll, teenagers hanging out after school, and elderly couples slowly making their way through the crowds.
For a couple, this market is a reminder of the simple, shared pleasures of life. You might not buy a new pair of socks, but you can have fun looking at the strange and wonderful array of goods. The real magic, however, is the location. As you walk along the promenade, you have the dark, shimmering waters of the Li River on one side and the vibrant, chaotic energy of the market on the other. In the distance, the silhouettes of the karst peaks are lit up, creating a dramatic and unforgettable scene.
Grab a baozi (steamed bun) or a sweet tanghulu (candied fruit on a stick) from a vendor and find a quiet bench by the river. Sitting there, watching the boats glide by while the hum of the market provides the soundtrack, is a moment of peaceful, unscripted romance. It’s a chance to connect not just with each other, but with the living, breathing city of Guilin itself.
If you and your partner have a day to spare and crave a step back in time, take a trip to Daxu Old Town. Located about 20 kilometers southeast of Guilin, this ancient town along the Li River feels worlds away from the city's hustle. Its flagstone-paved street, known as the Old Street, is one of the oldest and best-preserved market streets in Guangxi.
The shops here are humble and authentic. You’ll find elderly artisans crafting bamboo baskets, vendors selling locally grown fruits and vegetables, and small eateries serving simple, home-style food. This is the place to buy a handmade bamboo item—a small basket or a beautifully crafted tea scoop—as a tangible memory of a quieter time. The interactions here feel more personal and genuine. It’s a place for quiet conversation, for taking photographs of the beautiful architectural details, and for simply absorbing the profound sense of history.
A walk to the end of the street leads to an ancient stone bridge, offering breathtaking views of the river and the surrounding countryside. It’s a spot that invites quiet reflection and, of course, a romantic photo to capture the moment. Visiting Daxu is less about shopping and more about collecting a feeling—a shared memory of tranquility and timeless beauty.
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Author: Guilin Travel
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