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.
Guo was a key figure advocating for the local likin tax to finance military operations during the suppression of the Taipings Rebellion. In 1852, his forces reclaimed Nanchang from Taiping forces. Later, he supported Li Hongzhang's Huai Army in their campaigns against rebels in Anhui province.