CityBuddy
English
Tourist scams and rip-offs in Guilin, China: how to avoid them
Photo made by Hannah Barata on Pexels.com
Guilin is a major tourist city known for karst scenery, and while it is generally safe for travelers, petty scams around transport, tickets and street vendors are common. Violent crime is low, but watch your belongings in crowded areas and always use official transport and ticket options.
Updated September 2026
Common scams in Guilin, China and how to avoid them
1. Boat and attraction ticket resellers
How it works: Unofficial sellers near the riverfront and scenic areas offer Li River cruise or attraction tickets at inflated prices, sometimes for the wrong class or invalid dates. Tours may be substituted or shortened.
How to avoid it: Buy tickets only from official counters or the official ticketing app/WeChat mini-program for the attraction.
2. Unlicensed airport drivers
How it works: Drivers approach arrivals outside the terminal offering rides at flat rates well above the metered fare, sometimes in private cars without meters or permits.
How to avoid it: Walk to the official taxi rank and take only metered, licensed taxis. Book through Didi if you prefer an app.
3. Overpriced tour packages in English
How it works: Street touts near major sights push day tours or rice terrace tours at inflated prices, then hand you off to operators with poor service or hidden extra charges.
How to avoid it: Book through your hotel or official travel agencies, and confirm exactly what is included in writing before paying.
4. Menu without prices
How it works: Some restaurants near popular sights hand out menus without prices, then charge inflated amounts when the bill arrives, especially for dishes ordered without agreeing on price.
How to avoid it: Confirm the price before ordering and ask for a priced menu or itemized bill before you pay.
5. Fake 'tea ceremony' or calligraphy invitations
How it works: Strangers invite tourists to a free tea ceremony or calligraphy demonstration, then pressure them into buying expensive tea, brushes or artwork afterwards.
How to avoid it: Politely decline unsolicited invitations from strangers on the street; genuine cultural events are not pitched this way.
Official tickets for the top sights in Guilin, China
Skip street sellers: book official tickets and tours with free cancellation.
From the airport to the city centre
Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL)
Fair taxi price (official, daytime): ¥80 - ¥120 (€11 - €16). Use the official taxi rank outside the arrivals hall and insist the meter runs. Unlicensed drivers often quote inflated flat rates; refuse and walk to the rank.
Best alternative: Airport shuttle bus to the city centre (民航大厦/Civil Aviation Building terminal). (¥20 (€2.67), about 50 min)
Public transport: tickets, validation and fines
- Single ticket
- ¥2 (€0.27) (Single city bus fare within urban Guilin.)
- Validation rules
- City buses are paid on boarding, usually by tapping an IC card, mobile QR code, or cash with exact change to the conductor or driver. There is no separate validation machine to stamp.
- Paying by card
- Mobile payment apps (Alipay, WeChat Pay) and local transport IC cards work on city buses. Contactless foreign bank cards are generally not accepted on local buses.
Tipping and service charges
Tipping: Not customary. Do not tip in restaurants, taxis or tours; it is not expected and can be refused.
Cover and service charges: No cover charge or mandatory service fee is customary. Some tourist-heavy restaurants may add charges without clear menus; confirm prices before ordering.
Cards, ATMs and currency exchange
Always choose to be charged in CNY and decline dynamic currency conversion when offered at ATMs or payment terminals. Prefer bank-attached ATMs (Bank of China, ICBC, etc.) over independent machines. Foreign cards work at major bank ATMs; carry cash as backup since many small vendors accept only mobile payment.
Areas where extra care is advised
- Guilin Railway Station area: Around the main station late at night, keep bags closed and watch for pickpocketing in crowded queues and platforms.
Emergency number
110
Planning your budget?
Frequently Asked Questions about Guilin, China
Is Guilin, China safe for tourists?
How much is a taxi from the airport to the centre of Guilin, China?
Do I need to validate public transport tickets in Guilin, China?
Is tipping expected in Guilin, China?
What is the emergency number in Guilin, China?
Based on widely reported traveler experiences and official advice. Prices are approximate and change; check current fares on arrival. Updated September 2026.