What to Buy in Guilin & Yangshuo (桂林)

The karst landscape city is famous for its 'Three Treasures' — chili sauce, fermented tofu and Sanhua rice wine.

6 must-buy souvenirs

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Guilin chili sauce 桂林辣椒酱

The first of Guilin's Three Treasures — a savory chili paste used on everything.

📍 Supermarkets

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Guilin fermented tofu 桂林豆腐乳

Aromatic fermented tofu in brine, the second treasure — a condiment for rice porridge.

📍 Supermarkets

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Sanhua rice wine 三花酒

The third treasure — a clear rice liquor aged in Guilin caves, named for its three layers of foam.

📍 Liquor stores

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Shatian pomelo 沙田柚

Guilin's famous honeyed pomelo, a winter specialty grown in the region.

📍 Fruit markets (seasonal)

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Oil-paper umbrellas 油纸伞

Handmade oiled-paper umbrellas from Yangshuo — a beautiful, traditional craft.

📍 Yangshuo West Street

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Karst landscape paintings 山水画

Local artists paint the Li River karst peaks on rice paper — a classic Yangshuo keepsake.

📍 Yangshuo art studios

Shopping Tips

  • ·The Three Treasures are sold everywhere; buy glass-sealed jars from large stores for quality.
  • ·Oil-paper umbrellas from Yangshuo make beautiful photos and gifts.
  • ·Freeze-dried Guilin rice noodles are a fun, packable novelty.