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Comprehensive Guide to Nightlife and Bars in Guilin, China

Guilin, a picturesque city in southern China known for its stunning karst mountains and serene rivers, offers a modest but vibrant nightlife scene. While it’s not as bustling as larger cities like Shanghai or Beijing, Guilin’s nightlife has its own charm, blending modern bars and clubs with traditional Chinese tea houses and cultural performances. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate Guilin’s nightlife and bar scene.

1. Popular Venues for Nightlife in Guilin

Bars and Pubs

Kaya Bar (卡亚酒吧)
- Overview: A cozy and laid-back bar popular with both locals and expats. Known for its live music performances, especially reggae and acoustic sets.
- Drinks: Offers a good selection of beers (local and imported), cocktails, and wines.
- Food: Light snacks and finger foods are available.
- Cost: Beers start at ¥25-40, cocktails at ¥40-60.
- Location: Near the city center, close to the Li River.
- Atmosphere: Relaxed and friendly, great for meeting people.
Rosemary Café & Bar
- Overview: A hybrid café and bar with a Western-style menu. It’s a great spot for a quieter evening.
- Drinks: Serves coffee, craft beers, and cocktails.
- Food: Western dishes like pasta, burgers, and salads.
- Cost: Meals range from ¥50-100, drinks from ¥30-60.
- Location: Downtown Guilin.
- Atmosphere: Casual and welcoming, ideal for small groups or solo travelers.
SUSO Bar
- Overview: A trendy rooftop bar offering stunning views of Guilin’s skyline and karst mountains.
- Drinks: Signature cocktails, wines, and premium spirits.
- Food: Light snacks and fusion dishes.
- Cost: Cocktails start at ¥50-80, beers at ¥30-50.
- Location: Near Zhengyang Pedestrian Street.
- Atmosphere: Upscale and modern, perfect for a romantic evening or special occasion.

Nightclubs

Muse Club (缪斯酒吧)
- Overview: One of the most popular nightclubs in Guilin, featuring a mix of electronic dance music (EDM), hip-hop, and Chinese pop.
- Drinks: Bottled beers, cocktails, and bottle service.
- Cost: Entry is often free, but drinks range from ¥40-80. Bottle service starts at ¥300+.
- Location: Central Guilin.
- Atmosphere: High-energy, with a mix of locals and tourists.
Soho Bar
- Overview: A lively club with a younger crowd, known for its themed parties and live DJ performances.
- Drinks: Affordable beers and cocktails.
- Cost: Beers from ¥30, cocktails from ¥40.
- Location: Near the city center.
- Atmosphere: Fun and energetic, with a focus on dancing.

Traditional and Cultural Nightlife

Two Rivers and Four Lakes Night Cruise
- Overview: A serene and cultural way to experience Guilin at night. The cruise takes you through the city’s illuminated waterways, with views of pagodas and bridges.
- Drinks: Tea and light refreshments are available onboard.
- Cost: Tickets range from ¥200-300 per person.
- Atmosphere: Romantic and peaceful, ideal for couples or families.
Guilin Night Market
- Overview: Located near Zhengyang Pedestrian Street, this market is a great place to explore local street food, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
- Food and Drinks: Local snacks like rice noodles (桂林米粉), grilled skewers, and fresh fruit juices.
- Cost: Street food items range from ¥5-20.
- Atmosphere: Bustling and vibrant, with a mix of locals and tourists.

2. Types of Food and Drinks Available

Local Beers: Guilin Liquan Beer (桂林漓泉啤酒) is the most popular local beer, known for its light and refreshing taste.
Imported Beers: Many bars offer imported options like Heineken, Corona, and craft beers.
Cocktails: Western-style cocktails are common, with some bars offering unique creations inspired by local ingredients.
Chinese Spirits: Baijiu (白酒), a strong Chinese liquor, is available in some venues. It’s worth trying if you’re adventurous, but drink it in moderation due to its high alcohol content.
Tea: Traditional Chinese tea is often served in cultural venues or as a non-alcoholic option in bars.

3. Average Costs

Beers: ¥25-50 (local and imported).
Cocktails: ¥40-80.
Snacks/Food: ¥20-100, depending on the venue.
Nightclub Entry: Usually free, but some high-end clubs may charge ¥50-100 for special events.
Cultural Activities: Night cruises and performances range from ¥200-300.

4. Local Customs and Etiquette

Drinking Culture: In China, drinking is often a social activity. If you’re invited to drink with locals, it’s polite to accept, but you can decline if you’re uncomfortable. Toasting is common, and you should clink glasses lower than those of elders or people of higher status as a sign of respect.
Tipping: Tipping is not customary in China, but some high-end bars may include a service charge.
Dress Code: Most bars and clubs in Guilin have a casual dress code, but upscale venues like SUSO Bar may require smart-casual attire.
Language: English is not widely spoken, so it’s helpful to learn a few basic Mandarin phrases or use a translation app.

5. Safety Considerations

Alcohol Consumption: Drink responsibly, as alcohol in China can be stronger than expected. Avoid overindulging in baijiu if you’re not used to it.
Transportation: Use taxis or ride-hailing apps like Didi to get around at night. Avoid unlicensed taxis.
Personal Belongings: Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded venues like nightclubs or markets.
Scams: Be cautious of overly friendly strangers who may invite you to expensive bars or tea houses, as this could be a scam.

6. Unique Cultural Aspects

Tea Culture: In some bars or cultural venues, you may be offered tea as a welcome gesture. It’s polite to accept and take a sip, even if you don’t plan to drink it all.
Live Music: Many bars in Guilin feature live music, often blending Western and Chinese styles. Don’t hesitate to request a song or join in the fun if the atmosphere allows.
Outdoor Nightlife: Guilin’s natural beauty is a big part of its charm, so consider spending an evening by the Li River or exploring the illuminated pagodas at Shanhu Lake.

7. Final Tips

Guilin’s nightlife is more relaxed compared to major cities, so don’t expect a wild party scene. Instead, enjoy the city’s unique blend of modern and traditional experiences.
Plan your transportation in advance, as public transit options may be limited late at night.
If you’re unsure where to go, ask your hotel staff or locals for recommendations—they’re often happy to help.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy Guilin’s nightlife while respecting local customs and staying safe. Have a great time exploring!