Jackie Chan’s guide to slowing down in Guilin

Action star Jackie Chan says Guilin offers travellers a chance to experience a slower, more immersive side of China. (Trip.com pic)

PETALING JAYA: For generations, Guilin has captivated travellers with its mist-shrouded karst peaks, winding rivers and awe-inspiring landscapes. Now, the southern Chinese city is drawing growing interest from Malaysian travellers seeking a slower, more immersive travel experience.

Flight bookings from Malaysia to Guilin have nearly doubled year on year, while searches for Muslim-friendly accommodation have also risen, reflecting the city’s growing appeal among a wider range of visitors.

For Jackie Chan, however, Guilin’s charm lies in something less tangible. The destination was recently highlighted at a tourism event hosted by travel platform Trip.com, where the action star – as the company’s global ambassador for China travel – shared his thoughts on what makes Guilin special.

“Guilin reminds me that travel is not only about seeing famous sights, but about connecting with the culture of a destination,” he said.

“The mountains, the rivers, the atmosphere – it feels like walking inside a Chinese painting. What makes it stand out is that it slows you down in the best way.”

While cities such as Beijing and Shanghai move at a relentless pace, Chan believes Guilin offers a different side of China, one that invites visitors to pause, observe and be present.

For Chan, the Li River is the heart of Guilin, where every bend reveals another postcard-worthy view. (Trip.com pic)

Ask Chan where to begin and the answer comes quickly. “The Li River is the soul of Guilin,” he said. “You can sit quietly on the boat and just look around you. The scenery changes every minute.”

The popular cruise between Guilin and Yangshuo passes limestone peaks, fishing villages and the celebrated Yellow Cloth Reflection near Xingping, a view immortalised on China’s 20 RMB banknote.

Another favourite is the Longji Rice Terraces, a breathtaking landscape shaped by generations of farmers over more than six centuries.

“When you stand there and look across the fields, you realise how much history and human effort exist in this landscape,” Chan noted.

The terraces also offer visitors a chance to explore ethnic minority villages, where traditions of the Zhuang, Yao, Miao and Dong communities continue to thrive through local crafts, cuisine and customs.

The Longji Rice Terraces ripple across the mountainside, showcasing generations of farming ingenuity. (Trip.com pic)

Guilin’s natural wonders extend beyond its rivers and peaks. One of the city’s most striking attractions is Reed Flute Cave, a vast underground network of illuminated chambers, stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years.

“The first time I entered Reed Flute Cave, I felt like I was on another planet,” Chan shared. “The colours, the rock formations, the reflections – it’s unbelievable.

“It’s one of those places where photos don’t fully capture how impressive it feels in person.”

For those seeking a more adventurous perspective, Ruyi Peak offers panoramic views of Yangshuo’s dramatic landscape via cable cars, suspension bridges and glass skywalks suspended above the valley below.

Reed Flute Cave offers a glimpse into a subterranean world of colour, light and geological wonder. (Trip.com pic)

Beyond its natural beauty, Guilin also offers glimpses into China’s imperial past. The historic Solitary Beauty Peak and the nearby Jingjiang Princes’ Palace remain among the city’s best-known cultural landmarks.

Once home to Ming dynasty royalty, the palace allows visitors to wander through centuries of history while enjoying sweeping views across the city.

As evening falls, attention shifts back to the Li River, where the acclaimed outdoor production *Impression Liu Sanjie* transforms the landscape into a vast natural stage.

Directed by filmmaker Zhang Yimou, the performance combines music, dance and local folklore against a backdrop of illuminated karst mountains.

The historic Jingjiang Princes’ Palace, located at the foot of Solitary Beauty Peak, offers visitors a glimpse into Guilin’s royal past. (Trip.com pic)

“The mountains become part of the show,” Chan said. “You don’t just watch it, you feel surrounded by it.”

As travel trends across Asia increasingly point towards nature-based experiences, cultural immersion and slower-paced itineraries, Guilin appears well positioned to benefit from that shift.

For Chan, that is precisely what makes the city memorable. “People remember the mountains and rivers, but they also remember how the place and culture make them feel,” he said.

His advice to travellers exploring China is simple. “Don’t rush. Many first-time visitors focus only on the biggest cities or attractions they see on social media, but China is a very large and diverse country.

“Be curious, throw away your pre-existing conceptions and come with an open mind.”

For Chan, travel is about more than famous landmarks – it’s about connecting with a destination’s culture, people and stories. (Trip.com pic)