Must-Try Foods In Two Rivers And Four Lakes (Guilin) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Two Rivers and Four Lakes, Guilin, China

The Two Rivers and Four Lakes scenic area in Guilin is surrounded by a rich culinary tradition shaped by the rivers and karst landscapes of the region. Historically, this area has been a melting pot for various flavors influenced by the minority ethnic groups such as Zhuang, Miao, and Yao, as well as the majority Han Chinese. Guilin's cuisine is renowned for its freshness, delicate flavors, sourness, and spiciness, incorporating a variety of local ingredients including freshwater fish, rice noodles, and an assortment of fruits and vegetables.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Two Rivers and Four Lakes, Guilin, China

1. Guilin Rice Noodles (Mifen) - Non-Veg: A traditional breakfast dish consisting of rice noodles served with braised beef, crispy roast pork, or marinated egg along with a rich, flavorful broth.
2. Yangshuo Beer Fish (Pijiu Yu) - Non-Veg: A specialty dish featuring fresh river fish cooked in beer, tomatoes, and peppers, providing a unique flavour.
3. Stuffed Li River Snails - Non-Veg: Rice snails harvested from the rivers and stuffed with pork and herbs, reflecting the river's influence on local diets.
4. Lipu Taro Looped Meat - Non-Veg: A combination of pork, taro, and sweet and sour flavors, symbolizing the fusion of Guilin's natural resources and culinary arts.
5. Guilin Water Chestnut Cake - Veg: A dessert made from water chestnut flour with a refreshing taste and jelly-like texture.
6. Steamed Li River Fish - Non-Veg: Freshwater fish from the Li River steamed with local spices and vegetables, savouring the natural taste of the fish.
7. Oil Tea (You Cha) - Veg: A traditional local drink made from fried tea leaves and various grains, known for its smoky flavor and energizing properties.
8. Zongzi - Variably Veg/Non-Veg: Bamboo leaf-wrapped dumplings filled with various ingredients such as sticky rice, red bean paste, or meat.
9. Stir-Fried River Snails - Non-Veg: River snails cooked with spices like chili, black bean, and garlic sprouts, emphasizing Guilin's love for bold flavors.
10. Vegetarian Guilin Noodles - Veg: Rice noodles served with a variety of vegetarian toppings such as tofu, peanuts, and pickled vegetables.

Top Famous Restaurants in Two River and Four Lakes, Guilin, China

Kali Mirch (Black Pepper) Indian Cuisine

Address: 15 Binjiang Rd, Xiufeng District, Guilin

Famous Food: Paneer Tikka (Veg), Butter Chicken (Non-Veg)

McFound Restaurant (Qin Xiang Ge)

Address: Zhengyang Pedestrian Street, Guilin

Famous Food: Guilin Rice Noodles (Non-Veg)

Chunji Roasted Goose Restaurant

Address: 2 Zhongshan South Road, Xiangshan District, Guilin

Famous Food: Roasted Goose (Non-Veg)

Taste Made Restaurant

Address: No.18 Lijiang Road, Qixing District, Guilin

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Famous Food: Yangshuo Beer Fish (Non-Veg)

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Yangshuo West Street Café

Address: West Street, Yangshuo County, Guilin

Famous Food: Western Breakfast (Variably Veg/Non-Veg)