During the suppression of the Taipings Rebellion, Guo distinguished himself as a prominent advocate of the local likin tax as a means of financing the campaigns. In 1852 his forces recaptured Nanchang, Jiangxi from Taiping forces. He later also assisted Li Hongzhang's Huai Army in their campaigns against rebels in the Anhui province.
During the Taiping Rebellion suppression, Guo stood out as a leading advocate of the local likin tax to fund military operations. In 1852 his troops reclaimed Nanchang, Jiangxi from Taiping forces. Later, he also aided Li Hongzhang's Huai Army in their campaigns against rebels in Anhui province.