Guilin Economy

Guilin had only a printing press, a few small factories, and some cottage handicrafts in 1949. With years’ development, over 300 factories have been built, now employing a total workforce of about 100,000. Guilin today produces nitrogen fertilizers, spun silk, cotton cloth, perfume, tea, tires, medicines, rubber, machinery, and a wide range of other items. Machine tool manufacturing gained prominence here during the Cultural Revolution and today the city also supplies the country with electronic components, semi-conductors and transistor radios. Since the government decided to develop Guilin as a major tourist attraction in the late 1970s, many of the heavy industries have been moved into outlying regions. Traditional commodities still produced here include wine, bean products, candy, pepper sauce, bamboo chopsticks, and umbrellas.

The agricultural sector has also expanded. Land in this region is naturally arid, because much of the ground water sinks into the deep underground river system. The Guilin area produces an abundance of grain, rice, bamboo, pomelos, and cassia by products (tea, herbal medicines, fragrant oil, and a flavorful local wine). Fishing and river commerce are also important to the local economy.

Special Touring Regions: