Seven Star Park, Guilin

Introduction

Seven Star Park (Qixing Gongyuan) is the largest and one of the oldest comprehensive parks in Guilin, sprawling across the east bank of the Li River. It takes its name from seven karst peaks whose arrangement echoes the stars of the Big Dipper (Beidou). More than a green space, the park is a compact tour of everything that makes Guilin famous: dramatic limestone scenery, an illuminated cave, classical bridges, centuries-old stone carvings, and a small zoo, all within easy walking distance of the city centre.

Generations of visitors, from Tang-dynasty poets to modern travellers, have wandered these grounds. The park blends natural karst drama with cultivated gardens, making it equally suited to a relaxed family outing or a focused photography walk.

What to See

Seven Star Cave is the headline attraction, a large limestone cavern carved by an ancient underground river. Coloured lighting picks out the stalactites, stalagmites and stone curtains along the walking route. Camel Hill is the park's signature outdoor landmark, a karst rock that genuinely resembles a kneeling camel; it became internationally known after US President Richard Nixon stopped here during his historic 1972 China visit.

Near the park's western edge, the graceful Flower Bridge (Huaqiao) arches over the Xiaodong River in a Song-dynasty style, its reflection a favourite photo. The Guihai Stele Forest gathers hundreds of stone tablets inscribed with poetry and calligraphy spanning more than a thousand years. Families gravitate to the on-site zoo and panda enclosure, while shaded paths thread between the seven peaks for quieter strolls.

Opening Hours

The park is generally open daily from around 06:00 to 19:00, with Seven Star Cave running on shorter hours (roughly 08:00 to 17:30) and the zoo keeping similar daytime hours. Times shift slightly between summer and winter seasons; always confirm on-site signage on the day of your visit.

Tickets

Park admission is modest, in the region of ¥55, with Seven Star Cave and the zoo each requiring a separate ticket (roughly ¥45 and ¥50). Combined tickets are usually available at the gate or via booking platforms. Children below 1.2 m and seniors over 65 generally enter free. Prices change periodically, so treat figures as a guide and confirm at the ticket office.

Getting There

The park sits just east of central Guilin across the Li River, about 1.5 km from the city centre. Several city buses stop near the gates, and a taxi or ride-hail from the centre takes only a few minutes. Many visitors simply walk over one of the river bridges. The main entrance is on the west side of the grounds.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) bring mild temperatures and lush, photogenic greenery, making them ideal. Summer is hot and humid but the cave stays cool, offering welcome relief. Early morning on any day is the most peaceful time, before tour groups arrive.

Practical Tips

Wear comfortable shoes, as the grounds are extensive. Bring water in summer and a light layer for the cave, which stays cool year-round. Pick up a map at the entrance to plan a route between the cave, Camel Hill, the bridge and the zoo. All ticket prices and hours noted here should be verified on-site, as they are subject to seasonal change.