Must-Try Foods In Elephant Trunk Hill (Guilin) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin, China

Guilin's cuisine is a part of the broader gastronomy of Guangxi Province and is known for its unique flavors and use of local ingredients. The food history near landmarks such as Elephant Trunk Hill (Xiangbishan) can be traced back to the ancient times when the region was inhabited by various ethnic groups including the Zhuang, Miao, and Yao, each contributing to the tapestry of Guilin's culinary scene. Over time, Guilin cuisine has been influenced by neighboring provinces such as Hunan and Guangdong, resulting in a delightful fusion that emphasizes fresh, spicy, and sour tastes. Traditional methods, like steaming and stir-frying, have evolved to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients, while also ensuring that dishes are nutritious.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin, China

1. Guilin Rice Noodles (Mifen) - This is a staple non-vegetarian dish in Guilin, consisting of rice noodles served with a variety of toppings like sliced beef, peanuts, and pickled vegetables in a rich broth.
2. Stuffed Li River Snails - A non-vegetarian local delicacy where river snails are stuffed with minced pork and aromatic herbs before being cooked.
3. Yangshuo Beer Fish (Pijiu Yu) - This non-vegetarian dish features fresh river fish cooked in beer, tomatoes, peppers, and other spices, creating an unforgettable flavor.
4. Guilin Water Chestnuts - A vegetarian treat often enjoyed raw, boiled, or candied, showcasing the region’s love for the produce from its rivers and lakes.
5. Lipu Taro Looped Meat - A non-vegetarian classic from Lipu, taro is paired with succulent pork belly and steamed with fermented bean sauce for a savory flavor.
6. Guilin Chili Sauce - A vegetarian condiment that is both spicy and slightly sour, this sauce is often used as a dip or to flavor dishes.
7. Oil Tea (You Cha) - Typically vegetarian, this traditional beverage made from tea leaves and various spices also serves as a light snack when puffed rice is added.
8. Osmanthus Jelly (Guihua Gao) - A vegetarian dessert crafted from the fragrant osmanthus flowers and starch, it is sweet and refreshing.
9. Bamboo Rice (Zongzi) - Often vegetarian but sometimes containing meat, this dish involves rice and other ingredients being stuffed into bamboo tubes and cooked until fragrant.
10. Chestnut Roast Chicken (Banli Jishao) - This non-vegetarian dish combines the rich taste of roasted chicken with the earthiness of chestnuts.

Top Famous Restaurants in Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin, China

• Longji Ping'an Restaurant
  Address: Longji Rice Terraces, Ping'an Village, Longsheng County, Guilin.
  Famous for: Their vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions of the local specialty Bamboo Rice (Zongzi).
• McFound (Qianxin)
  Address: 4 Zhengyang Rd, Xiufeng District, Guilin.
  Famous for: Non-vegetarian Guilin Rice Noodles and vegetarian Guilin Water Chestnuts.
• Kali Mirch (black pepper) Indian Cuisine
  Address: 15 Binjiang Road, Xiufeng District, Guilin.
  Famous for: Their Indian vegetarian curries and tandoori non-vegetarian delicacies.
• Taste Made Restaurant
  Address: No.2 Kerner, Yaoshan Road, Diecai District, Guilin.
  Famous for: A variety of non-vegetarian dishes, including the famous Yangshuo Beer Fish.
• Gourmet Garden
  Address: F2, Building A5, XiCheng Pedestrian Street, Xiufeng District, Guilin.
  Famous for: Vegetarian Guilin Chili Sauce and a selection of non-vegetarian stir-fry dishes.