2021 Must-Stay Hotel in Guilin, the Best Afternoon Tea in Guilin!

Guilin self-guided travel guide, Guilin food guide, recommended popular local restaurants!

(Clouds · French Afternoon Tea Video)

During my most recent trip to Guilin, I experienced such an exquisite afternoon tea for the first time. Its name is equally charming: Clouds · French Afternoon Tea. The waiter poured hot water into a vessel placed in the center of the desserts, releasing a billow of mist that created a cloud-like ambiance. The visual effect was stunning! Beyond this enchanting mist, the highlight of this afternoon tea is the starry black truffle chocolate, said to be made with luxurious ingredients. Its aroma is rich, and the texture is wonderfully smooth. The macaron’s cousin—the dacquoise—is another representative of French sweets. Though it looks firm on the outside, it is actually soft and crispy. Other desserts can be dipped in these cookie crumbs to enhance the crunchiness and layering. There are also three savory items: salmon cheese tart, Japanese-style crab stick tart, and smoked duck with squid ink burger, making this afternoon tea savory, fragrant, and not overly sweet, catering to a broader palate.

The restaurant is located on the top floor of the Li River Boyin Hotel, offering an elegant and lightly luxurious atmosphere. It features creative Guangxi cuisine, providing a deeper cultural experience through local dishes—not just a simple meal, but a journey of Guangxi on the tongue. The morning buffet of Chinese and Western options is abundant, allowing guests to enjoy authentic Guilin rice noodles and sample the local specialty snack—Gongcheng oil tea.

As the saying goes, "The lesser hermit hides in the wilderness, the greater hermit hides in the city." The Li River Boyin Hotel occupies a prime location in the city center, right at the doorstep of the Shanhu Lake of the Two Rivers and Four Lakes. Whether jogging in the morning or taking a stroll at night, guests can enjoy a comfortable and close-up view of the scenery. The balconies of the guest rooms and the rooftop terrace offer a broader perspective, allowing a panoramic view of all the surrounding mountains and waters.

As night falls, the Star River Lounge on the hotel's top floor is a hidden gem not to be missed. Located to the left of the restaurant, the lounge features a dazzling array of wine cabinets housing hundreds of whiskies from renowned distilleries worldwide. The spiral staircase is perfect for photos, and paired with a highly private cigar room, it exudes a sense of luxury. Here, you can enjoy the stunning night views of the Two Rivers and Four Lakes, especially the area around the Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas!

(Hong She April Bar Restaurant Video)

On the second day of this Guilin trip, I experienced a romantic Western-style meal under the sunset. Overall, the ingredients used were very fresh, with clear grain patterns on the beef that left a long-lasting aftertaste. There were also delightful desserts, aromatic pizzas, and rich coffee. This 270° panoramic restaurant is located on the top floor of the Hong She Hotel (Guilin Central Plaza Two Rivers and Four Lakes Branch). It is a hidden secret garden in the sky—the April Bar Restaurant. The natural wood tables and chairs, paired with neatly arranged green plants and an open-air viewing corridor, make the restaurant feel particularly fresh and elegant. With its full glass curtain wall, you can take in the entire cityscape of Guilin at a glance! Here, not only can you savor authentic Western flavors, but you can also experience the mild intoxication of fine wine, adding much color to this Guilin journey.

The Hong She Hotel (Guilin Central Plaza Two Rivers and Four Lakes Branch) is located at the bustling Zhengyang Pedestrian Street in the heart of Guilin. Across the street is the Ming and Qing Dynasty historical ancient alley—Dongxi Alley. It is only a five-minute walk to the Duxiu Peak and Prince City scenic area. The guest rooms offer views of the Dongxi Alley streetscape, rich in historical and cultural atmosphere, and also overlook the nearby Duxiu Peak. It is truly a renowned internet-famous resort hotel that offers views of 'Guilin's twelve scenic spots.'