Guilin, located in the southern part of China, is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, including the iconic karst mountains and the Li River. The city has long been a popular destination for travelers seeking both natural beauty and rich cultural experiences. However, beyond the stunning scenery, Guilin also offers a vibrant shopping scene where visitors can find a variety of local products and souvenirs that reflect the city’s unique culture and heritage.
If you’re wondering where to shop for authentic local goods in Guilin, this guide will take you through some of the best shopping streets and places to buy local specialties. From traditional crafts to modern shops, Guilin has something for every shopper, whether you are looking for a simple memento or a high-end purchase.
Zhongshan Road, located in the heart of Guilin’s city center, is one of the most popular shopping streets in the city. It is often considered the main shopping street of Guilin and has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. The road is lined with a combination of both modern stores and traditional Chinese shops, making it the perfect place for tourists to explore.
Zhongshan Road is home to a wide range of shops selling everything from trendy fashion to traditional handicrafts. Visitors can expect to find various types of souvenirs such as:
Silk Products: Guilin is known for its high-quality silk, and you’ll find plenty of silk products available for purchase on Zhongshan Road. These include silk scarves, robes, clothing, and other accessories. Silk products make for beautiful, light souvenirs and gifts.
Chinese Tea: China is famous for its tea culture, and in Guilin, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase local teas, including liang tea (a variety of green tea), and osmanthus tea, which is known for its sweet floral aroma.
Handicrafts and Antiques: You’ll also find a variety of traditional handicrafts in the shops along Zhongshan Road. Items such as wood carvings, porcelain figurines, and embroidered artwork are commonly sold in these stores. These items make unique gifts and help to preserve the traditional artistry of the region.
Alongside the mainstream shops, Zhongshan Road also has local street vendors who offer a more authentic and affordable shopping experience. These vendors typically sell handmade goods, snacks, and small souvenirs. They can often be found in the evenings when the street comes alive with bustling crowds. This is a great place to buy affordable keychains, pocket-sized carvings, and miniature paintings of the famous Guilin landscape.
For those looking for an evening shopping experience, the Guilin Night Market is an excellent choice. Located near the city center, this bustling market comes alive at night with a wide range of street vendors offering local goods and snacks.
Local Snacks: Guilin is famous for its food, and the night market is the perfect place to sample local snacks like Guilin rice noodles (a beloved local dish), grilled fish, and sticky rice cakes. The night market is a great spot to experience authentic local flavors while shopping for souvenirs.
Handmade Jewelry and Accessories: At the night market, you’ll find a variety of handmade jewelry, including bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. These items are often made from natural materials such as wood, jade, and shells, which are crafted into beautiful and unique designs.
Fabrics and Clothing: Another popular item in the night market is handwoven fabrics. You can purchase traditional clothing, including ethnic minority costumes made by the local Zhuang, Yao, and Miao communities. These garments are often intricately designed with colorful embroidery and reflect the cultural diversity of the region.
One of the fun aspects of shopping in the Guilin Night Market is the ability to bargain. While the prices at the market are generally affordable, you can often negotiate with the vendors to get a better deal. Be prepared to haggle a little, as it’s part of the shopping experience in China.
The Central Business District (CBD) of Guilin, which is an area featuring many modern developments and commercial centers, is another excellent spot to shop. The shopping malls here offer more contemporary retail experiences compared to the traditional street markets.
International Brands: If you’re looking for high-end international brands, the shopping malls in the CBD will not disappoint. These malls are home to major global retail chains such as Uniqlo, H&M, and Zara, alongside luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Gucci. The CBD is the place to go for more global shopping experiences.
Guilin Specialties: Even in the modern shopping malls of the CBD, you’ll find stores offering local handicrafts, such as paintings and teapots, often showcasing the famous landscape paintings of the Li River and the karst mountains. These items are particularly popular with tourists looking to take home a piece of Guilin’s culture.
Traditional Chinese Medicine: If you're interested in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the CBD is home to several reputable pharmacies that sell herbal remedies, ginseng, tea blends, and other health supplements commonly used in TCM. These make unique and health-conscious souvenirs for those interested in Chinese wellness practices.
No visit to Guilin is complete without seeing the famous Elephant Trunk Hill, one of the most iconic landmarks of the city. While exploring this scenic spot, you’ll also find several shops and market stalls selling a variety of local products.
Local Artwork: The area around Elephant Trunk Hill is known for local artwork, particularly landscape paintings that depict the stunning karst mountains and the Li River. Many artists sell their paintings directly near the hill, offering visitors a chance to purchase original works.
Miniature Sculptures: If you’re looking for small souvenirs, you can find miniature sculptures of Elephant Trunk Hill itself, along with other famous landmarks of Guilin. These small trinkets are easy to carry and make perfect gifts or keepsakes.
Wood Carvings: Another local craft commonly found around the Elephant Trunk Hill is wood carving. These carvings are often inspired by nature, featuring animals, plants, and scenes from Chinese folklore.
If you’re looking for authentic local products, such as edible items or regional delicacies, there are several specialty stores around Guilin where you can purchase food products and other goods unique to the area.
Guilin Rice Noodles: As one of the most famous dishes in the region, Guilin rice noodles are a must-try. Many specialty stores sell instant Guilin rice noodles, which make for a great souvenir for food lovers.
Osmanthus Flowers: Osmanthus is a signature flower in Guilin, and products made from these fragrant flowers, such as osmanthus tea and osmanthus-flavored snacks, are popular souvenirs.
Jasmine Tea: While Guilin isn’t known as the main producer of tea, its tea culture is an important part of the local lifestyle. You’ll find many shops selling high-quality Jasmine tea, which is known for its delicate floral aroma and flavor.
Rice Paper Art: Guilin is famous for rice paper art, a traditional craft that uses thin rice paper to create intricate designs. These artworks are often framed and sold in local specialty stores as souvenirs.
Lastly, there are souvenir shops located near major tourist attractions like Reed Flute Cave, Seven Star Park, and Fubo Hill, where visitors can find a variety of souvenirs to take home. These shops usually carry a mix of local products, such as miniature carvings of landmarks, jade items, and local teas.
Whether you are looking for high-end shopping experiences or unique handmade crafts, Guilin offers a wide variety of shopping options. By visiting these markets, streets, and stores, you can bring home a piece of Guilin’s unique charm and culture.
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Author: Guilin Travel
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