Guilin, a city known for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, has become an increasingly popular tourist destination. Visitors flock to this southern Chinese city to marvel at its stunning landscapes, which include karst peaks, serene lakes, and meandering rivers. However, there's more to Guilin than just its picturesque scenery – it's also a food lover's paradise.

In this article, we'll delve into the world of Guilin cuisine and explore some of the must-try local dishes that every visitor should experience during their stay in this enchanting city.

Rice Noodles

Rice noodles are a staple in many parts of China but they're particularly famous in Guilin due to their unique flavor and texture. These thin sheets of rice flour are typically served with savory sauces or stir-fried with vegetables and meat for added flavor. Try them at one of the numerous street food stalls or restaurants throughout the city for a taste sensation you won't forget.

Dongpo Pork

This iconic dish is named after Su Dongpo (1010-1060), an esteemed poet who was also known as an accomplished chef during his time in office as governor of Hangzhou (now Zhejiang Province). The dish consists of slow-cooked pork belly braised with soy sauce, sugar, ginger slices and other seasonings until tender yet crispy on the outside while remaining juicy inside.

Dragon Fruit Salad

Dragon fruit is another exotic ingredient native to Central America but widely cultivated today across Southeast Asia including China where it’s called "Pitaya" locally.

The dragon fruit salad is made by mixing sliced dragon fruits along with green mangoes,

pineapple chunks,

4.Pineapple Fried Rice

Another classic dish from Southern China is pineapple fried rice - It combines sweet pineapple pieces cooked together

with chicken,

peanuts,

5.Lotus Root Soup

Lotus root soup is another traditional Chinese soup that can be found everywhere throughout China

including Guangxi province where lotus plants grow abundantly.

It’s made using dried red dates,

ginger slices,

6.Millet Porridge With Honeyed Lotus Seeds And Red Dates

Millet porridge

is commonly eaten especially among older people

who find it easier on digestion compared to regular white rice.

Honeyed lotus seeds add sweetness while red dates provide additional nutritional value making it both delicious & nutritious breakfast option!

7.Guilin Roast Duck

A popular regional delicacy from Northern Guangxi region near Yunnan border area called "Yunnanese-style roast duck"

or simply referred as "Guilin roast duck". This mouth-watering treat involves marinating ducks

with spices before roasting over charcoal fire until crispy skin & tender flesh make your taste buds dance!

8.Creamy Tofu Stir Fry With Eggplant And Green Peas

Creamy tofu stir fry

uses silky tofu cubes cooked gently without breaking up so they maintain smooth texture when combined with soft eggplant cubes & crunchy green peas all seasoned lightly yet delightfully flavored! A perfect side dish for any meal!

9.Guilin Ginger Candy

These colorful candies have been enjoyed by locals since ancient times due to medicinal properties attributed towards soothing digestive issues like indigestion etc., plus providing instant energy boost through quick absorption via mouth tissues!

While exploring these tasty treats remember always choose clean sources - avoid buying from street vendors if unsure about hygiene conditions because safety matters too!