East West Street stands as Guilin's sole preserved historical street from the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1912), bearing witness to the rise and fall of Guilin city across its 1400-year-history since its construction during the Wude period of the Tang dynasty (618-907).
Leisurely strolling along this street is akin to traversing a corridor of history, where one can immerse oneself in the ancient city walls and the former residences of historical figures from Guilin's past. The majority of structures and stone-paved pathways here boast age-old preservation, exuding a blend of modernity and tradition at every turn.
Moreover, this place serves as an ideal location for shopping excursions and tasting local delicacies. Among these, the handmade osmanthus cakes stand out as one of the most distinctive local foods. Additionally, visitors can try on ethnic costumes, experience the customs of different ethnic groups, and browse through an array of souvenir shops, which offer a variety of items, such as postcards of famous Guilin attractions, hand-drawn maps, carvings, and ornaments.
East West Street. [Photo/Guilin Daly]
Ethnic costumes. [Photo/Guilin Daly]