Guilin is a city that perfectly blends natural beauty with cultural richness, making it an ideal spot for memorable lunch experiences. Whether you want to enjoy a scenic cruise along the Li River, explore minority villages, or indulge in traditional Zhuang cuisine amidst stunning rice terraces, Guilin offers options that satisfy both the eyes and the palate. We particularly like the Guilin Longji Rice Terrace with Oil-Tea Demo & Zhuang Lunch because it combines culture with incredible views, making it more than just a meal. Imagine making your own oil tea in a traditional workshop, then sitting down to a hearty Zhuang-style lunch overlooking terraced fields—there’s an authentic, hands-on feel that’s hard to beat.
For those seeking views paired with a convenient foodie experience, a Li River cruise offers a relaxing day soaking in Guilin’s famous landscape while enjoying a tasty onboard meal. Alternatively, if you’re after a touch of luxury, the 4-star Li River cruise with buffet lunch provides a comfortable, scenic journey with excellent value. And if exploring Dong culture and local villages appeals, a full-day trip to Sanjiang with tea mountain and traditional feast rounds out the options. Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each tour to help you pick the perfect Guilin lunch experience.
1. Guilin Longji: Rice Terrace with Oil-Tea Demo & Zhuang Lunch
Discover Zhuang traditions in a full-day tour from Guilin that combines visits to ancient villages, a hands-on oil-tea workshop, and a scenic lunch overlooking the Longji Rice Terraces. This tour is unique because it immerses you in the culture of the Zhuang minority, providing a genuine glimpse into local life. The highlight is the oil-tea-making workshop, where you use local ingredients to craft your own herbal oil tea—a fun, tactile experience that connects you to local customs.
After learning the art of oil tea, you’ll enjoy a Zhuang-style lunch in a mountain village with panoramic views of the rice terraces. The tour continues with visits to peaceful villages and panoramic viewpoints of the terraces, one of the most iconic sights in China. Rated 5/5 based on 7 reviews, travelers love the combination of culture, nature, and relaxed pace. The tour runs about 10 hours and costs $152 per person, offering good value for a full day of cultural discovery and scenic beauty.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want an authentic cultural experience combined with stunning landscape views and a delicious local meal.
2. Guilin: Li River Full-Day Cruise by Boat with Lunch
At number 2, the Li River Full-Day Cruise offers a classic Guilin experience. This tour takes you along the famous Li River, renowned for its towering Karst peaks and tranquil waters. It’s a perfect choice if you’re looking to unwind and enjoy iconic scenery without hiking or sightseeing hustle. The cruise lasts about 8 hours, with flexible options to customize your experience.
You’ll board a comfortable boat and cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, taking in the surreal landscape that has inspired poets and painters for centuries. Several ticket options are available, including 3- or 4-star seating, and the cruise includes a provided lunch. Reviewers praise the well-organized logistics, comfortable boat, and the stunning vistas. One traveler said, “The weather was perfect, and I took many photos,” and another called it “an amazing experience, good fun.”
This tour is best suited for those who want an easy, scenic day on the water with minimal walking, making it accessible for most travelers. The cost is $181 per person, and the experience’s value is high, considering the beautiful scenery and hassle-free arrangements.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a relaxing, scenic cruise with a solid onboard meal and flexible options for viewing the Li River.
3. From Guilin: 4 Star Luxury Li River Cruise with Buffet Lunch
For around $89, the 4-star luxury Li River cruise elevates the experience with a more comfortable, upscale journey. It’s a shorter, 4-hour cruise that still offers breathtaking vistas but adds a touch of luxury with a buffet lunch onboard. This option is great if you prefer a more refined atmosphere without sacrificing the scenery.
The cruise departs from Guilin and glides along the Li River, with plenty of opportunities to photograph the iconic limestone formations from the observation deck or your seat. Passengers praise the scenery, the smooth ride, and the quality of the buffet, which complements the visual feast outside. One reviewer noted, “The landscape is truly remarkable, and the ship was comfortable and relaxing,” affirming its appeal for those wanting a more upscale experience.
This tour suits travelers who appreciate comfort and a shorter time commitment but still want to enjoy the stunning landscape. It’s especially good for those who prefer a quieter, more refined environment with excellent views.
Bottom Line: A good choice if you want a luxurious, shorter cruise with good value and scenic views, ideal for a leisurely lunch on the water.
4. Guilin to Sanjiang: Dong Village, Local Lunch & Tea Mountain
At number 4, this full-day tour offers a deep dive into Dong minority culture and traditional village life. Starting with visits to wooden Dong villages and crossing the Wind & Rain Bridge, the tour provides authentic cultural insights. The highlight is enjoying a Traditional Hundred-Family Feast or a local Dong family lunch, providing a hearty taste of regional cuisine.
After lunch, you explore Buyang Tea Mountain, where you can sip fresh green tea while taking in panoramic valley views. This experience combines heritage, nature, and food, making it perfect for travelers interested in ethnic cultures and rural landscapes. The trip also includes round-trip transfers and expert commentary, making logistics hassle-free.
Although specific reviews aren’t available, the itinerary’s combination of culture and scenic beauty makes this a well-rounded option for those wanting a full day of exploration. The price is $257 per person, reflecting a comprehensive experience, especially suited for cultural enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want an immersive cultural experience, with scenic mountain views, and enjoy local cuisine and traditional crafts.
$257 per person
How to Choose Your Guilin Lunch Experience
When selecting the right tour, consider your budget, interests, and physical activity level. If you love immersive cultural experiences combined with scenic views, the Rice Terrace with Oil-Tea Demo delivers hands-on activities and authentic local life. For easy sightseeing combined with excellent scenery, the Li River cruises—both standard and luxury—are ideal, offering relaxation and beautiful vistas with minimal effort. Budget travelers may prefer the shorter luxury Li River cruise for a scenic yet affordable experience.
If cultural exploration appeals most, especially if you’re interested in ethnic minorities and rural traditions, the Guilin to Sanjiang trip to Dong villages and Tea Mountain provides a full day of authentic encounters. For all tours, check availability and consider booking early, especially in peak seasons.
To sum it up, Guilin offers a diverse range of lunch experiences that combine great scenery, cultural insights, and delicious local food. For a full culture with rice terraces, try the Zhuang village tour. If scenery is your priority, the Li River cruises are unbeatable. And for those who want a touch of luxury, the shorter luxury cruise hits the mark. Whichever you choose, these experiences promise a memorable meal amid some of China’s most stunning landscapes.