Guilin is a tourist trap. The scenery is spectaular and since it has been "discovered" by the worlds tourists, the area is overrun with them. If you are a non-chinese speaking tourist, you are going to be trapped into using local guides. Some are excellent hosts, for others it is a job. I found the beer fish, a local specialty to be over rated. Go on down to Yangshou for a few days to get to a less touristy place. Take in the impressions show on the river.