Guilin is famous worldwide for its unique landscape, often described as “the best scenery under heaven.” The city’s global reputation stems from its stunning natural features, rich historical and cultural heritage, and active participation in international exchanges. In recent years, the local government has been striving to elevate Guilin into a world-class tourist city, a strategic vision that has garnered strong national support and international recognition.
Unique Natural Scenery
In September 2024, Guilin’s karst landscape was officially designated a UNESCO World Geopark. This prestigious recognition not only enhances the international standing of Guilin’s natural beauty but also draws global attention from geological and environmental experts. The city’s karst formations, with their densely clustered peaks, intricate caves, and underground rivers, showcase some of the most iconic tropical-subtropical humid karst landscapes on Earth. Known as the “Kingdom of Karst,” Guilin adds significant diversity to the world’s geological heritage.
The value of Guilin’s natural scenery extends beyond scientific research; it also serves as a major attraction for international tourists. Guilin’s landscape has become an “international postcard,” showcasing China’s natural beauty and environmental protection achievements. It has been featured on the global stage multiple times, such as during the 6th United Nations Environment Assembly, where Guilin shared its experiences in protecting the Li River. Additionally, Guilin has further strengthened its international appeal by hosting various tourism-related events and festivals aimed at promoting itself as a world-class destination.
Rich Cultural Heritage
Apart from its natural beauty, Guilin also boasts a wealth of cultural resources, including the traditional Zhuang ethnic culture, ancient historical landmarks, and art traditions closely tied to its iconic landscape paintings. The Guilin government actively promotes its cultural tourism resources internationally by organizing events like the Guilin International Landscape Culture Tourism Festival, which showcases the city’s cultural appeal.
For instance, during the cultural tourism promotion event, Guilin displayed its cultural tourism resources under various themes, offering audiences a glimpse of its landscape and historical richness. Moreover, Guilin has been selected to host the World Canal Conference in 2026, further increasing its global visibility.
Guilin’s cultural richness extends beyond its natural landscapes and historical sites to include intangible cultural heritage and modern cultural activities. Facilities like the Guilin Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience Hall and the Anti-Japanese War Cultural Museum, along with large-scale outdoor performances such as “Impression Liu Sanjie,” highlight the city’s cultural soft power.
Active International Cooperation
Guilin has leveraged its tourism resources and geographical advantages to actively engage in international cooperation with various countries and regions. Events like the International Tourism Festival hosted by Guilin have attracted a significant number of international tourists and media, boosting the city’s global visibility. Additionally, Guilin serves as a permanent host city for the China-ASEAN Expo, a regional platform that promotes not only economic and trade exchanges but also fosters cultural and educational collaborations.
Through these international cooperation initiatives, Guilin has achieved remarkable success in tourism promotion while also driving local economic growth, technological innovation, and talent development. These efforts have strengthened Guilin’s influence on the international stage, making it an important bridge for fostering friendly relations between China and other countries.
How Guilin Increases its International Visibility
To boost its international recognition, the Guilin municipal government has implemented several strategies:
- Building a World-Class Tourist City: Guilin aims to become a world-class tourist destination by enhancing the quality of its tourism products and services. This includes making state-owned scenic spots free to the public, organizing cultural tourism festivals, and promoting industry integration projects.
- Ecological Protection and Sustainable Development: Guilin has undertaken comprehensive ecological protection projects, such as the Li River Basin’s integrated environmental restoration program. This includes efforts like promoting zero-carbon energy and successfully attracting endangered species like the crested ibis. These initiatives have elevated Guilin’s international reputation.
- Cultural Heritage Preservation and Utilization: Guilin has strengthened the protection of its historical and cultural resources, such as the Lingqu Canal, which has been listed in the “Tentative List of China’s World Cultural Heritage.” The city also won the bid to host the World Canals Conference in 2026, further enhancing its global presence.
- Opening International Flight Routes: Guilin has added or restored multiple international flights and plans to open more intercontinental routes, directly boosting international tourism and connectivity.
- International Cooperation and Exchanges: Guilin has deepened its collaboration with well-known tourism organizations from ASEAN countries and strengthened exchanges with international sister cities, expanding its network and enhancing its global influence.
Through these efforts, Guilin has not only increased awareness of its natural beauty and cultural heritage but also effectively positioned itself as a prominent international tourist destination by focusing on ecological protection, cultural preservation, and global cooperation.
Conclusion
Guilin has made significant strides in increasing its international visibility through a multi-faceted approach. By capitalizing on its tourism assets and geographical location, the city has engaged in active international cooperation, hosting events like the International Tourism Festival and serving as a permanent host for the China-ASEAN Expo. These efforts have elevated its profile globally, fostering cultural and educational exchanges while boosting economic growth.
To further enhance its global reputation, Guilin has focused on developing itself into a world-class tourist destination by improving the quality of its tourism services and integrating ecological protection measures. The city’s cultural heritage initiatives, such as the preservation of the Lingqu Canal, and the expansion of international flight routes have also played a crucial role. Additionally, deepened international collaborations, especially with ASEAN countries, have bolstered Guilin’s influence on the global stage, positioning it as a premier international tourism hub.
