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Guilin, China

Traditions and customs in Guilin

5 customs and traditions in Guilin — what they are, and how to take part without causing offence.

Last updated 2026-08-09

1. Cormorant fishing

Cormorant fishing
Photo: Ndecam · CC BY 2.0 · source

Fishermen using trained birds on bamboo rafts — now largely performed rather than practised.

Watch outPhoto fees agreed per session then charged per photograph.

2. Zhuang and Yao minority culture

Zhuang and Yao minority culture
Photo: shankar s. · CC BY 2.0 · source

The region's minority groups have distinct dress, song and architecture, visible around Longsheng.

3. Impression Liu Sanjie

Impression Liu Sanjie
Photo: designsbykari · CC BY 2.0 · source

A night show staged on the river itself with the karsts lit as backdrop, directed by Zhang Yimou.

4. Rice wine

Rice wine
Photo: shankar s. · CC BY 2.0 · source

Sanhua rice wine has been made here for over a thousand years and is genuinely strong.

5. Bamboo rafting

Bamboo rafting
Photo: archer10 (Dennis) · CC BY SA 2.0 · source

The traditional river transport of the region, now mostly recreational.

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