Guilin is not only a famous tourist destination but also a treasure trove of local specialties. The variety of products includes both culinary delights, such as Guilin Rice Noodles, Lipu Taro, and Yangshuo Beer Fish, as well as handcrafted items like the famous “Three Treasures of Guilin” — Sanhua Liquor, Chili Sauce, and Fermented Tofu. In this blog, we’ll explore the must-buy Guilin specialties and where to find them.
Guilin’s Three Treasures
When visiting Guilin, you can’t miss the renowned “Three Treasures of Guilin” — Sanhua Liquor, Fermented Tofu, and Chili Sauce. Each one holds a unique flavor and story, deeply rooted in the region’s culture.
Sanhua Liquor: A Thousand-Year-Old Elixir
Sanhua Liquor (三花酒), protected as a national geographical indication product, has a history dating back to the Song Dynasty, nearly a thousand years ago. It is made from high-quality glutinous rice and Guilin’s unique underground spring water. The liquor is crystal clear, with a smooth texture, elegant aroma, and a refreshing sweetness that lingers long after each sip. Every bottle of Sanhua Liquor encapsulates the essence of Guilin’s landscapes, offering a taste of the region’s timeless beauty.
Guilin Fermented Tofu: A Delicate Taste of Home
Guilin Fermented Tofu (豆腐乳) is famous for its smooth, creamy texture and vibrant color. Made from premium soybeans and carefully fermented, it stands apart from regular fermented tofu with its softer consistency that melts in your mouth. The flavor is a delicate balance of bean aroma with hints of alcohol and garlic, creating a unique and rich taste experience. Whether as a condiment or in cooking, it adds an unexpected depth to any dish.
Guilin Chili Sauce: A Spicy Burst of Flavor
Though small in size, Guilin’s Chili Sauce (辣椒酱) packs a powerful punch of flavor, reflecting the warmth and bold spirit of its people. Made from locally grown chili peppers and a secret blend of ingredients, this sauce is bright red, offering a balanced spiciness that is bold yet not overwhelming. It’s a staple in Guilin households, used to enhance everything from rice and pancakes to stir-fries and soups, always bringing out the natural flavors of the food.
Sampling the “Three Treasures of Guilin” is like reading a history book of the city — each bite brings you closer to its rich culture and traditions. These local delicacies not only satisfy your taste buds but also serve as a bridge connecting Guilin’s past and present, preserving its unique heritage for generations to come.
Modern Creative Products
In the fusion of tradition and modernity, Guilin offers not only the ancient charm of its “Three Treasures” but also the modern flair of the “Guilin Souvenirs” series. These innovative products showcase Guilin’s natural beauty and cultural charm in fresh ways, making them the new favorites for tourists.
Creative Luo Han Guo Tea
Luo Han Guo (罗汉果), a local specialty of Guilin, is loved for its natural sweetness and soothing qualities. Creative Luo Han Guo tea not only retains the natural sweetness of the fruit but also blends other herbs like chrysanthemum and mint to add depth to the flavor. The beautifully designed packaging makes this tea both a healthy and stylish gift—perfect for personal use or as a present for friends and family.
Li River Scenic Series: Cultural Products
Inspired by the scenic beauty of the Li River, this collection of cultural products includes bookmarks, postcards, and hand-drawn maps. Combining hand-drawing and photography, these designs capture the stunning landscapes of the Li River in compact, artistic forms. Each item serves as both a practical souvenir and a beautiful keepsake to bring home the essence of Guilin’s nature.
Specialty Oil Tea Set
Oil tea (油茶) is a distinctive beverage from the Miao ethnic group in Guilin, known for its unique brewing process and unforgettable taste. The specialty oil tea set includes tea powder, sesame seeds, crispy rice, and a beautiful tea-making set. With a few simple steps, you can recreate the authentic flavor of Guilin’s oil tea at home, bringing a touch of local flavor to your daily routine.
The “Guilin Souvenirs” series not only showcases Guilin’s innovation and vitality but also offers a modern interpretation of its traditional culture. These products bring your travel memories to life and serve as a bridge connecting Guilin to the rest of the world.
Local Handicrafts
Much like the city itself, Guilin’s handicrafts are rich in artistry and cultural significance. Each item is the result of skilled craftsmanship, worthy of careful appreciation.
Silver Jewelry
The silver jewelry of Guilin’s ethnic minorities is a standout, with Dong ethnic silverwork being particularly noteworthy. These pieces combine totemic designs, daily customs, and aesthetic traditions into intricate, delicate patterns. Each piece is a small work of art, beautiful to wear and rich in cultural meaning.
Zhuang Brocade
Zhuang brocade, a traditional weaving technique unique to the Zhuang ethnic group of Guangxi, is known for its bright colors and intricate patterns, often featuring auspicious symbols such as dragons and phoenixes. In Guilin, you can find a variety of Zhuang brocade products, including scarves, cushions, and tapestries. Each piece is handmade, reflecting the Zhuang people’s extraordinary weaving skills and their hopes for a prosperous life.
Bamboo Weaving Crafts
Taking advantage of Guilin’s abundant bamboo resources, local artisans have created a wide range of bamboo weaving crafts. From simple and practical household items like baskets and trays to more intricate decorative pieces such as screens and lanterns, bamboo weaving showcases a unique charm. Notably, Guilin’s bamboo crafts blend traditional techniques with modern design, making them both functional and visually appealing.
Ink Painting Fans
Strolling through Guilin’s streets, you will find many shops selling ink painting fans. These fans are typically hand-painted by local artists, featuring the stunning landscapes of Guilin. Opening an ink painting fan feels like unfolding a moving landscape, offering both visual beauty and a refreshing breeze.
Guilin’s unique handicrafts are the perfect fusion of traditional art and modern aesthetics, embodying the creativity and emotions of the people. They not only add beauty to your living space but also serve as important carriers of Guilin’s cultural heritage.
Recommended Shopping Spots in Guilin
To fully enjoy the shopping experience in Guilin, be sure to visit these must-see locations. They combine local specialties with modern trends, catering to your diverse needs.
Zhengyang Pedestrian Street
Located in the heart of Guilin, Zhengyang Pedestrian Street is a must-visit for tourists. This bustling street is lined with numerous local brands and unique shops, where you can purchase “Guilin’s Three Treasures” and discover various modern creative products. Additionally, the array of snack stalls allows you to shop while sampling delicious local treats, providing a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Xicheng Road Night Market
If you enjoy the lively atmosphere of a night market, the Xicheng Road Night Market is the perfect choice. This bustling market attracts large crowds every evening, offering a variety of Guilin’s local snacks alongside handicrafts and ethnic clothing. Strolling through the brightly lit market, you can soak in the city’s vibrant nightlife while hunting for treasures.
Shops at the Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area
After exploring the beautiful Two Rivers and Four Lakes, take a moment to browse the shops within the scenic area. Here, you’ll find a range of cultural products themed around Guilin’s landscapes, including postcards featuring the Li River and models of Elephant Trunk Hill. The exquisite packaging and design not only make these items collectible but also great gifts.
Wangcheng East and West Alley
Wangcheng East and West Alley merges historical culture with modern commerce, making it a popular new shopping district in Guilin. Here, you can feel the historical atmosphere beneath the ancient city walls while discovering high-end brands, cafés, and unique shops. Notably, many stores incorporate Guilin elements into their designs, allowing you to experience a different aspect of the city while shopping.
Guilin International Tourist Commodity Market
For tourists seeking a one-stop shopping experience, the Guilin International Tourist Commodity Market is the ideal destination. It boasts a vast selection of products, ranging from traditional handicrafts to modern creative items, all at transparent and reasonable prices. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or looking for souvenirs, this market meets all your needs.
Conclusion
We have explored the rich flavors of Sanhua wine, the delicate texture of fermented tofu, and the spiciness of chili sauce; the refreshing Luo Han Guo tea, the exquisite Li River cultural products, and the rustic oil tea set; as well as the elegance of silver jewelry, the vibrancy of Zhuang brocade, the creativity of bamboo weaving, and the artistic essence of ink painting fans; not to mention the bustling Zhengyang Pedestrian Street, the lively Xicheng Road Night Market, the heartfelt shops at Two Rivers and Four Lakes, the charm of Wangcheng East and West Alley, and the comprehensive offerings at the Guilin International Tourist Commodity Market.
However, no amount of written description can compare to the experience of visiting this land in person, using your eyes to see and your heart to feel the charm of Guilin. Only by being there can you truly uncover the surprises hidden in the streets and alleys, waiting to be discovered. So why not pack your bags and give yourself the opportunity to go to Guilin and uncover your own unique stories?
