Lunch in Guilin offers some of the best ways to experience China’s legendary scenery while enjoying local flavors. The standout options are straightforward: The Full-Day Discovery Tour serves traditional Chinese dishes in authentic settings, while the City Highlights Tour features local specialties at trusted restaurants. For the classic Li River experience, we especially love the 4 Star Luxury Cruise‘s fresh buffet – it’s worth the splurge for better food quality and service compared to the standard boxed lunches on regular cruises.
Let’s explore these top-rated Guilin lunch tours in detail.
Key Points
- The Full-Day Discovery Tour in Guilin includes a Chinese lunch as part of the comprehensive tour package.
- The Guilin City Highlights Tour offers a local delicious lunch experience at iconic sites like the Reed Flute Cave and Elephant Trunk Hill.
- The Li River Full-Day Cruise provides both a 3-star box lunch and a 4-star buffet lunch option during the scenic 4-hour cruise.
- The 4 Star Luxury Li River Cruise features a buffet lunch with Chinese and Western-style cuisine to enhance the luxurious river journey.
- Variety in lunch options, such as Chinese and Western-style, box lunch and buffet, can enrich the overall travel experience in Guilin.
Full-Day Discovery of Guilin Landscapes With Lunch Inclusive
This full-day tour offers travelers a comprehensive discovery of Guilin’s iconic landscapes. It operates daily from 07:30 AM to 08:30 AM and runs from August 28, 2017, to December 8, 2025.
The tour includes an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transportation, a Chinese lunch, hotel pickup and drop-off, and all entrance fees.
Pickup is from centrally located Guilin hotels, or a meeting point if your hotel is outside the pickup area. The tour guide will confirm the pickup time directly with you.
A minimum of 2 people is required to book this tour, with a maximum of 20 travelers per group. While the tour operates in all weather conditions, it’s not wheelchair accessible.
Highlights of this tour include the breathtaking natural scenery of Guilin, complemented by a delicious Chinese lunch.
With confirmation provided at the time of booking and the tour guide’s communication about pickup, this tour provides a seamless and enjoyable experience for discovering Guilin’s renowned landscapes.
Read our full review: Full-Day Discovery of Guilin Landscapes With Lunch Inclusive Review
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Guilin City Highlights Day Tour With Local Delicous Lunch
Explore the captivating city highlights of Guilin on this comprehensive day tour that includes a delectable local lunch. Priced from $200 per person, this 8-hour private tour offers flexibility with your start time and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
You’ll visit the iconic Reed Flute Cave, marveling at the 700,000-year-old stalactites and stalagmites. Next, ascend Fubo Mountain for panoramic city views. Then, encounter the landmark Elephant Trunk Hill, shaped like an elephant drinking from the river.
Complete your tour at the impressive Sun and Moon Twin Towers. Throughout your journey, an English-speaking guide will provide insights. Enjoy a Chinese lunch, plus all entrance fees and transportation are included.
Easily meet your guide in your Guilin hotel lobby, and let them handle the logistics. This Guilin city highlights tour offers a seamless way to experience the best of the region’s natural and cultural wonders.
Read our full review: Guilin City Highlights Day Tour With Local Delicous Lunch Review
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Gullin: Li River Full-Day Cruise by Boat With Lunch
Embark on an enchanting full-day cruise along the iconic Li River, where you’ll learn about Guilin’s captivating natural landscapes. Priced at $178.80 per person, this 8-hour excursion offers exceptional value.
Your journey begins with hotel pickup, followed by a 4-hour scenic cruise past Karst peaks, water buffalo, and rural villages. Aboard a 3-star or 4-star boat, you’ll savor a delicious lunch – a box lunch on the 3-star or a buffet on the 4-star.
After the cruise, enjoy free time in the charming town of Yangshuo before being dropped off back at your hotel around 4 pm.
Rated 4.7/5 based on 10 reviews, this cruise receives high praise for its excellent organization, knowledgeable guide, and comfortable boat experience.
Whether you opt for the lower deck, upper deck, or VIP room, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable journey through one of China’s most picturesque regions.
Just remember to bring comfortable shoes, a camera, and sun protection – and you’re set for an unforgettable day on the Li River.
Read our full review: Gullin: Li River Full-Day Cruise by Boat With Lunch Review
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From Guilin: 4 Star Luxury Li River Cruise With Buffet Lunch
Frequently, travelers visiting Guilin embark on the iconic 4-star luxury Li River cruise, captivated by the region’s breathtaking Karst landscapes.
This 4-hour excursion, priced from $88.11 per person, offers a convenient hotel pickup in Guilin and a scenic journey along the Li River. Onboard, guests can indulge in a buffet lunch featuring both Chinese and Western-style cuisine, while enjoying the panoramic views from the observation deck or their comfortable seating options, which include VIP and standard upper and lower deck choices.
The cruise’s highlights include the stunning natural wonders of the Karst mountains, lush green fields, charming farms and villages, and picturesque bamboo groves and waterfalls.
With a multilingual audio guide available via QR code, guests can fully enjoy the experience. The cruise concludes with free time in the charming town of Yangshuo, allowing for further exploration before the return journey.
Read our full review: From Guilin: 4 Star Luxury Li River Cruise With Buffet Lunch Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Lunch Included in the Tour Package?
The lunch isn’t usually included in the tour package. It’s best to check with the tour operator to see if meals are provided or if you’ll need to pay for them separately.
What Time Is the Lunch Typically Served?
Lunch is typically served around midday, between 12:00 and 1:30 pm, during most Guilin tours. The timing allows travelers to recharge and refuel before continuing their sightseeing activities in the afternoon.
Can I Choose the Type of Cuisine for Lunch?
Yes, you can typically choose the type of cuisine for lunch. Most restaurants in Guilin offer a variety of local and international options, allowing you to select the cuisine that best suits your preferences.
Is the Lunch Buffet-Style or a Set Menu?
The lunch is typically offered as a set menu, not a buffet-style. Diners can’t choose the cuisine type, as the menu features a mix of regional Guilin specialties. The set menu provides a convenient and authentic dining experience.
Are Vegetarian or Dietary-Restricted Meal Options Available?
Vegetarian and dietary-restricted meal options are commonly available at Guilin’s lunch establishments. Many restaurants offer a range of plant-based dishes and can accommodate specific dietary needs with advance notice.
Recap
Guilin offers a range of exceptional lunch experiences that allow visitors to savor the region’s renowned landscapes and local cuisine. From cruising the Li River to exploring the city’s highlights, these tours provide delicious meals that complement the breathtaking scenery. Whether you opt for a full-day discovery or a luxury cruise, you’re sure to enjoy a memorable midday meal in Guilin.