The whispers have finally turned into reality. After what felt like an eternity of suspended wanderlust, Guilin—the crown jewel of China’s natural landscapes—is gradually reopening its doors to the world. The local government, in coordination with national health and tourism authorities, has unveiled a meticulously crafted, multi-phase plan to ease travel restrictions while prioritizing public health. For travelers dreaming of drifting down the Li River, trekking through emerald rice terraces, and exploring mystical karst mountains, this is the light at the end of the tunnel.
Guilin’s reopening strategy is structured in three distinct phases, each designed to balance economic recovery with safety. The plan is adaptive, with health metrics guiding progression between stages.
This initial phase, which began in recent weeks, focuses on domestic tourism. Travelers from low-risk regions within China are permitted to enter Guilin without quarantine, provided they present a green health code from their local health authority (e.g., via Alipay or WeChat apps). Attractions like Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave, and the Seven Star Park are operating at 50% capacity with strict social distancing enforced. Group tours are limited to small numbers, and pre-booked, timed ticketing is mandatory for all sites. The famed Li River boat tours from Guilin to Yangshuo are running, but with spaced seating. This phase is all about controlled access, allowing the city to test its health protocols while welcoming back its first visitors.
Building on the success of Phase 1, this stage aims to welcome a broader domestic audience and potentially travelers from select neighboring countries or regions with strong health security agreements. This could include places like Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand. Capacity limits at attractions may increase to 75-80%. The requirement for a negative PCR test taken within 48-72 hours of arrival is likely to be a cornerstone of this phase. The goal is to reignite the local economy by supporting hotels, restaurants, and tour operators that rely on higher visitor volume. This is when the city’s vibrant energy will truly start to pulse again.
The final phase envisions a near-full reopening to both domestic and international markets. While the hope is to remove most travel bans, some "new normal" health screening measures will likely remain permanent fixtures, much like security checks at airports. This could include temperature scans at hotel check-ins, readily available hand sanitizer stations throughout tourist areas, and a continued emphasis on contactless payments and digital health passes. The iconic Yangshuo county, with its outdoor adventures and West Street nightlife, will be buzzing, albeit with a renewed consciousness for cleanliness and personal space.
The easing of travel bans is about more than just sightseeing; it’s about the revitalization of an entire ecosystem.
For the countless family-owned guesthouses (kèzhàn), river boat captains, local artisans, and food stall owners, the reopening is a lifeline. The tourism sector is the backbone of Guilin’s economy. The phased approach allows these small businesses to ramp up operations sustainably, rehiring staff and restocking supplies without being immediately overwhelmed. A hot topic among travel circles is the surge in "revenge travel"—the pent-up demand that could lead to a significant boom in travel spending once restrictions are fully lifted. This isn't just a return to normal; it's a potential supercharged recovery.
The pandemic has acted as a catalyst for innovation. Guilin’s tourism operators are leveraging technology like never before. Expect to see: * Enhanced Virtual Tours: Even for on-site visitors, AR (Augmented Reality) apps could provide immersive historical context when pointing a phone at a landmark. * Contactless Everything: From ordering local delicacies like Guilin rice noodles (Guìlín mǐfěn) via QR code menus to digital tour guides and online booking platforms, the physical touchpoints will be minimized. * Sustainable Tourism Focus: There’s a renewed conversation around managing overtourism. The shutdown offered a glimpse of nature reclaiming its space, and there's a strong push to promote off-the-beaten-path experiences and responsible travel practices to protect Guilin’s fragile environment long-term.
In a post-pandemic world, travelers are seeking wide-open spaces, fresh air, and activities that promote well-being. Guilin is perfectly positioned to capitalize on this trend. Beyond the classic boat tour, look for a surge in popularity for: * Cycling tours through the countryside around Yangshuo. * Outdoor yoga and meditation retreats with stunning karst mountain backdrops. * Health-focused culinary tours exploring the fresh, local produce and traditional cooking methods. Guilin isn’t just a destination; it’s an antidote to the stress and confinement of the past years.
While the world is still navigating this transition, it’s never too early to plan. Here’s how to prepare for a journey to a reopening Guilin.
The situation is fluid. Follow official sources like the China National Tourist Office and Guilin Municipal Tourism Bureau for updates. Flexibility is key—book refundable flights and accommodations, and consider travel insurance that covers COVID-related disruptions.
Your smartphone will be your most important travel accessory. Ensure you have the necessary apps downloaded, such as the local health code software and popular digital payment platforms (WeChat Pay, Alipay). Familiarize yourself with their use before you arrive.
Beyond your passport, pack a kit including N95/KN95 masks, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and a personal thermometer. While these items may be available locally, having your own supply ensures you’re always prepared.
Be a responsible traveler. Adhere to mask mandates, social distancing rules, and any other local guidelines without complaint. This respect not only keeps everyone safe but also fosters a positive environment for continued reopening.
The image of a bamboo raft gliding silently past water buffalo in the shadow of mist-shrouded peaks is no longer a memory frozen in time. It is slowly coming back to life. Guilin’s phased reopening is a careful, deliberate dance—a promise that the profound beauty and serenity of this legendary landscape will soon be accessible again, perhaps appreciated more deeply than ever before. The journey back begins with a single step, and Guilin is taking its first confident steps forward.
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Author: Guilin Travel
Link: https://guilintravel.github.io/travel-blog/guilins-reopening-plan-phased-easing-of-travel-bans.htm
Source: Guilin Travel
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