Guilin

Guilin is rainy in spring and summer, so it is best to bring rain gear when you go out. Guilin is known for its mountain-and-river scenery. A 4–5 day trip is a good length for seeing the city’s cultural sights, the highlights of the Li River, and the surrounding countryside. Below is a sample 4-day, 3-night itinerary with a fairly relaxed pace, suitable for most travelers.

Classic 4-Day, 3-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Guilin City Culture and Night Views
  • Morning: After arriving in Guilin, first leave your luggage at the hotel. For accommodation, consider the Two Rivers and Four Lakes area or the East-West Alley area first; both are convenient for transport, dining, and evening walks.

• Afternoon: Visit Elephant Trunk Hill, the landmark of Guilin. The light is softer in the early morning or at dusk, and the crowds are relatively more spread out. Afterward, you can walk to Zhengyang Pedestrian Street and East-West Alley, and try Guilin rice noodles along the way.

• Evening: Take a night cruise on the Two Rivers and Four Lakes, and enjoy the illuminated night view of the Sun and Moon Twin Towers. The opposite side of Shanhu Lake has an open view, making it a good spot to admire the towers and their reflections on the water.

• Day 2: Li River Highlights and Yangshuo Charm
  • Morning: Go to the pier and take a Li River cruise or bamboo raft to see the highlight section from Yangdi to Xingping. Along the way, you can see the scenery featured on the 20-yuan banknote and Nine Horse Fresco Hill. With a gentle river breeze, the experience is quite relaxing.

• Afternoon: After arriving in Yangshuo, check in to a guesthouse near West Street. You can rent an electric scooter and ride through the Ten-Mile Gallery, enjoying rural scenery and karst peaks along the way, passing Moon Hill and rice-field coffee spots.

• Evening: Take a walk along Yangshuo West Street. For dinner, you can try Yangshuo beer fish and experience the atmosphere of the local streets at night.

• Day 3: Yangshuo Countryside and Karst Cave Wonders
  • Morning: Try a hand-poled bamboo raft on the Yulong River. The Jinlong Bridge–Jiuxian section is a common choice. When the raft passes over small drops, the splashes are noticeable, and along both banks you can see rice fields, old trees, and village scenery.

• Afternoon: Visit Silver Cave. The temperature inside the cave stays around 22°C, and the stalactites take on a silvery-white sheen under the lights. It is also a good place to escape the summer heat.

• Dusk: Go to Xianggong Hill or the “A Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains” viewpoint. From above, you can look out over the continuous karst peaks and wait for the sunset and evening glow.

• Day 4: Longji Rice Terraces or an Easy City Finish
  • Option A (Natural Scenery): Go to the Longji Rice Terraces, about 2.5 hours by car from the city. You can take the cable car up to Golden Buddha Peak and look down over layers of terraces spreading across the mountains. If you have enough time, you can stay overnight in Ping’an Zhuang Village and experience the local ethnic culture.

• Option B (Easy Finish): Stay in the city and visit Solitary Beauty Peak, where you can see the original stone inscription of “Guilin’s scenery is the finest under heaven.” Afterward, you can buy souvenirs such as monk fruit and osmanthus cake at a supermarket before heading back.

Must-Try Foods

When traveling in Guilin, focus on trying the following local flavors:

Accommodation Suggestions

• Guilin City: Prioritize staying near Two Rivers and Four Lakes, Central Square, or East-West Alley. Transport is convenient, some attractions are within walking distance, and dining and strolling at night are easy.

• Yangshuo: If you like a lively atmosphere, stay in the small lanes around West Street, but try to avoid staying right inside West Street to reduce noise. If you prefer quiet scenery, choose a guesthouse along the Yulong River or around the Ten-Mile Gallery.

• Longji Rice Terraces: If you want to see the terraces up close, stay in Jinkeng Dazhai or Ping’an Village, where layered rice fields are visible as soon as you step outside. If accommodation cost matters more, consider Heping Township at the foot of the mountain.

Practical Tips

• Ticket Reservations: It is recommended to book Li River cruises and Yulong River bamboo rafts in advance through official channels. Spots are limited in peak season, and it is not recommended to buy “inside tickets” sold by people on the roadside.
• Getting Around: Taxis are fairly convenient in Guilin city. In Yangshuo, an electric scooter is often the best option for sightseeing, costing about 30–50 yuan per day. Check the battery level and brakes before renting.
• Dining Choices: Restaurants near scenic areas that actively solicit customers from the roadside may be overpriced and inconsistent in taste. For proper meals, consider areas locals often visit, such as Tiexi Market or Shijiayuan Road. Beer fish is usually priced by weight, so confirm the price and unit of measurement before ordering.
• Sun and Mosquito Protection: Guilin has strong UV rays and many mosquitoes, so prepare high-SPF sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, and mosquito repellent.
• What to Wear in Caves: Caves such as Silver Cave stay at around 18°C. If you get cold easily, bring a light jacket. The steps inside can be wet and slippery, so wear non-slip shoes.