Written by Veronica |
You may not have heard about Guilin, but it has been named many times as one of the most beautiful places in China and even the world. It is best known for its karst landforms where thousands of pinnacles rise out of the river creating a rare and unique sight. If you haven’t been to Guilin, you should definitely consider it for your China tour destinations.
This article will help you plan your Guilin tour with the top things to see and do, best time to visit, information on transportation, detailed itineraries, and places to stay. Come on a trip to Guilin with us. You will discover many hidden beauties in the countrysides of South China.
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- Why Visit Guilin?
- Top Places to Visit in Guilin
- Top Attractions and Thing to Do in Guilin
- Local Culture and Life in Guilin
- Best Time to Visit Guilin
- How to Get to and around Guilin
- How Many Days for a Guilin Tour?
- Where to Stay in Guilin & Yangshuo
- Guilin Travel Tips for First Timers
- FAQs about the Guilin & Yangshuo Region
- Ready to Plan Your Guilin Tour?
Why Visit Guilin?
- See the UNESCO-Recognized Karst Landscapes – Karst landforms are the results of millions of years of erosion and weathering. The karst landscapes of Guilin are the best in the world with countless hills, caves, and rock formations.
- Visit One of the Most Beautiful Rivers in China – Li River flows through the city of Guilin. Along with the hills along the banks, it is printed on the Chinese 20-yuan note. Travel to Guilin and witness the magical sunset on the river.
- Stroll Through the Quiet Countryside of Yangshuo – Experience life in this small county outside of Guilin. Stroll through the vast fields and enjoy the quiet life hidden in the mountains.
- Discover the Foods of Guangxi – Guangxi cuisine is a district culinary style of South China. It relies heavily on local and seasonal ingredients, creates a variety of flavors that you might not have experienced before.
Top Places to Visit in Guilin
Guilin City Center – Iconic Karst Attractions
Guilin is a major city in Guangxi and a famous tourism spot, so it is very accessible and easy to reach. It is the transportation hub of the area. In the city center, you will find many iconic attractions and landmarks of Guilin including the Seven Star Park and Elephant Trunk Hill. The city center is an essential part of Guilin tours.
Yangshuo – The Surreal Countryside
Yangshuo is a small county along Li River, 65 kilometers (40 miles) away from downtown Guilin. It is most famous for its countryside sceneries and opportunities for outdoor adventures. A number of ethnic minority groups reside in the small villages. Their rice paddies create a beautiful picture against the karst landscapes in the background.
Longsheng – Vast Rice Terraces and Ethnic Culture
Longsheng is another county with countryside views. It has some of the most beautiful rice terraces in China. The ethnic villagers that cultivated them have brilliant cultures and traditions. You can learn about their unique customs and experience their local way of life.
Xingping Town – Ancient Town by the Riverside
Xingping Town has a history of over 1,300 years. It is the iconic destination for sightseeing and cultural exploration on Guilin tours. The image on the Chinese 20-yuan note is taken here overlooking the poetic karst landscapes. You can also walk about the ancient town and explore local history.
Top Attractions and Thing to Do in Guilin
Take an Iconic Li River Cruise
- Pier address: Mopanshan (磨盘山) Pier.
- Time needed: 3-4 hours(one-way route).
- Ticketing / booking:Start from about USD 78 (for a “3-Star” option)
- Book in advanceis necessary, especially during peak seasons.
- Highlight: classic karst hills and river views.
Taking the Li River cruise is one of the must-dos in Guilin. There are countless karst mountains along the river. The best way to explore the area is by taking a Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo. The journey will take you past many iconic landscapes, and you’ll have the time to take in the views, capture stunning photographs. Witnessing the sun set behind the hills will definitely be a highlight of your Guilin tour.
Explore the Idyllic Countryside of Yangshuo
The quiet countryside of Yangshuo is populated with different ethnic groups, nestled amongst the karst hills. There are many outdoor activities to do there.
You can take a bamboo raft along the river through the quiet villages. Rent a bike for a day and cycle through the vast fields at your own pace. Fully relax yourself and enjoy the slow pace of life. Yangshuo is also a famous destination among adventurers and rock climbers. The karst hills attract many experienced rock climbers to challenge themselves.
Hike to the Top of a Karst Hill
Guilin karst hills vary in height and sceneries. You can choose a couple and take a hike to the top. The views from a height are absolutely stunning. You can see the full picture of Li River winding its way through the hills. Laozhai Hill has the most famous view from the top. The scenery is called the Yellow Cloth Shoal. Sunset is a particularly beautiful time for Guilin photography tours.
Discover a Wild Karst Cave
Karst landforms also include many wild caves with limestones and stalactites. The most famous one is the Reed Flute Cave near the city center. You can go on a guided tour to explore wild caves on your Guilin trip. It’ll fulfill your curiosity and craving for adventures.
Take a Hike Through Longji Rice Terraces
- Distance from Guilin: About 75-100 km north of Guilin city.5-2.5 hoursby car.
- Time needed: At least halfa da Better to stay overnight and then use a full day to explore its highlights.
- Ticket: RMB 80 for for entrance to the scenic area.
- Highlights: Terraced rice fields carved into mountain slopes.
Longji Rice Terraces in Longsheng is one of the top attractions for hiking and photography on your Guilin tour. “Longji” means the back of a dragon. It refers to the endless fields sprawling across the mountains like the mythical creature. The views there change with the season. When the fields are just seeded and filled water, they reflect the color of the sky. In summer and fall, they turn into a sea of green and gold.
Go on a Night Cruise on the Two Rivers and Four Lakes
- Tickets: Prices vary. Adult deluxe boat tickets are approximatelyRMB 175-210 (night cruise).
- Duration: About 80–90 minutes.
- Route / timing: Evening cruises typically run from about 18:00 to 23:00 in high season (April–October) and 19:00–21:30 in off-season (November–March).
Your Guilin boat trip can also take place in the evening. Watch the sunlight dim on the city and the colorful lights come on. The shadows of the karst mountains appear starker in the dusk. Travel into different waterways and through the bridges. It’ll be a fun and different experience.
Related reading: Things Not to Do in Guilin
Local Culture and Life in Guilin
Although Guilin is more known for its spectacular scenery, you would also get some incredible discoveries if you can walk deeper into its rich cultural and everyday life experiences:
- The region is home to multiple ethnic minority groups such as the Zhuang people, Yao people and Dong people. Every bit of their tradition, for example, the traditional villages, customs, dress and festivals can all add a special touchto your tour. And you can actually see how they live harmoniously with the nature when visiting places like Longji Terrace.
- Guangxi region (of which Guilin is a part) also has itsdistinctive and attractive food culture, don’t forget to have a try of these food during your trip, some of the most iconic include: the famed Guilin rice noodles (“Guilin mifen”) and Yangshuo beer-fish reflect local ingredients and tastes.
- Life in the countryside around Yangshuo or Longji often moves at a slowerand more relaxed pace. So that when traveling here, try to enjoy this kind of life by cycling through rice paddies, bamboo-rafting small rivers, or strolling ancient village lanes are ways to absorb the local rhythm.
Best Time to Visit Guilin
Guilin weather is characterized by warm and humid conditions year-round. The most rainfall occurs in spring and summer. The best time to visit Guilin is generally April to October. The temperatures are comfortable with mild weather conditions, so it’s perfect for outdoor activities. The sceneries are also the most vibrant.
How to Avoid Crowds During Busy Times
The peak tourist season in Guilin is summer and during China public holidays. It’s best to avoid those times because there will be a large influx of domestic visitors. If you’re traveling to Guilin then, it’s highly recommended that you travel with a professional guide who is familiar with the local industry. They can help you navigate around the attractions more easily with less wait time and a better travel experience.
How to Get to and around Guilin
By Flight – Airports & International Connections
Guilin Liangjiang International Airport is the only airport in Guilin. It has many domestic flights connecting major cities in China like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Hong Kong. International flights only operate to and from Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand. The airport is about 28 km (17 miles) from downtown Guilin. You can either take a taxi or an airport shuttle bus to your destination.
Related reading: How to Get to and Travel around Guilin
By High-Speed Train – to & from Nearby Cities
High-speed rail is a convenient option for traveling to and from nearby cities in China. There are three major railway stations in Guilin, Guilin Railway Station, Guilin North Railway Station, and Guilin West Railway Station. There are direct services to cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, and Chengdu. It’s a great way of getting around for your China tour with Guilin.
Local Transportation Within Guilin & to Yangshuo
Currently, Guilin does not have a metro system. The public transportation system includes city buses and taxis. Buses are cheap but can be hard to navigate if you don’t know the area well. Taxis are readily available on various ride-hailing services.
To travel between Guilin city center and Yangshuo, the best option is to take the Li River Cruise. You’ll be able to enjoy the views along the way. You can also take a bus or hire private transfer services.
How Many Days for a Guilin Tour?
For the best Guilin trip, it is recommended that you stay for at least four days. With more time, you can extend your trip to nearby places and get a better sense of the regional culture. Here are some recommended itineraries for Guilin tours of different length.
Guilin Day Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Take a Li River Cruise / Visit Seven Star Park, Reed Flute Cave, and Elephant Trunk Hill
Recommended Guilin one-day tours:
- Li River Cruise Day Tour of Guilin and Yangshuo
- One Day Li River Cruise Tour with Yulong River Bamboo Rafting
Short Trip Itinerary (2–3 Days)
Day 1: Seven Star Park – Reed Flute Cave – Elephant Trunk Hill
Day 2: Li River Cruise – Yangshuo West Street – back to Guilin
Day 3: Longji Rice Terraces
Recommended Guilin short tours:
In-Depth Tour Itinerary (4–7 Days)
Day 1: Seven Star Park – Reed Flute Cave – Elephant Trunk Hill
Day 2: Li River Cruise – Yangshuo West Street
Day 3: Yangshuo countryside cycling – bamboo rafting on Yulong River – back to Guilin
Day 4: Xingping Town – Laozhai Hill hiking
Day 5: Longji Rice Terraces hiking and photography tour
Day 6: Highspeed train to Beihai – Silver Beach – Old Quarter
Day 7: Take a ferry to Weizhou Island – Crocodile Park
Recommended Guilin in-depth tours:
- 5 Days Guilin, Yangshuo and Terrace Field Photography Tour
- 5 Days Guilin Hiking & Cycling Tour
- 3 Days Beihai and Weizhou Island Beach Tour
Where to Stay in Guilin & Yangshuo
On your trip to Guilin, you will most likely stay in Guilin or Yangshuo. Your options will be slightly different.
Hotels in Guilin Downtown Area – Convenient and Busy
Guilin downtown area has a wide range of options ranging from luxury hotels to budget hotels. You can stay in a busy area with excellent facilities and fun nightlives such as Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area and Xiangshan Scenic Area. You will be close to most of the attractions in the city. Some options include Shangri-La Hotel Guilin and Sheraton Guilin Hotel.
Hotels in Yangshuo – Scenic and Quiet
The West Street is the most convenient location to stay in in Yangshuo. It will be quieter in comparison to Guilin city center. You can choose from hotel chains, boutique hotels, and local residences.
Hotels along the Li River – Great Riverside Views
Along Li River, there’re also some accommodation options with excellent views. The area will be quiet with less entertainment options, but you will be able to look out your window and see the river and mountains around you. You can choose a resort or a local homestay.
Guilin Travel Tips for First Timers
Visa Requirements for Guilin Tours
China currently has a number of visa-free travel policies in place, so check if you meet the requirements for traveling to Guilin without a visa. If not, you will need to apply for a Chinese visa before your trip.
What to Eat in Guilin
The most famous Guilin food is the local rice noodles (Mifen). It is a traditional snack made with pork bone or beef broth. You can add different toppings to your order. Yangshuo Beer Fish is another signature dish of the region. Fish from Li River is sautéed and then cooked with beer which brings out the flavors of the fish. You can also try river snails that are sour and spicy cooked with local peppers
Language Barrier and Transportation Issues
Language and transportation generally shouldn’t be a big issue if you stay in the urban areas. In more rural countrysides, they might cause you some inconvenience. To be completely free of these concerns, you can book a Guilin tour with a professional tour guide and private transfers.
See more essential Guilin travel tips
FAQs about the Guilin & Yangshuo Region
Is Guilin or Yangshuo a better base for exploring the region?
- Yangshuo is more ideal if you only have limited time. It would give you the full scenic experience within a short period, as you’ll be living with jagged karst hills, rice paddies and countryside activities-rich.
- However, Guilin is definitelythe most convenient base for arrivals (airport/train) and other connections to surrounding areas.
- Many travelers chooseto combine both of them: a night or two in Guilin (on arrival), then move to Yangshuo for a more relaxing experience.
Is it easy to rent a bike or scooter in Yangshuo?
Yes. Yangshuo is well set up for bike or light scooter rentals, and there will be many shops catering just to tourists. Before your cycling tour, make sure you wear a helmet, check local rules, and it’s better to have travel insurance for extra safety.
Do I need a local guide or can I explore Guilin on my own?
Normally, if you just want to explore Guilin city attractions, then you’ll be able to mange it independently, as in the city, the signage, transport and amenities are all well-equipped and friendly for tourists. However, if you want to explore remote areas (like the terraces or minority villages), traveling with a guide is very helpful, as your guide can provide you with language-support, cultural interpretation and smoother logistic. All of these are essential elements for making an rewarding trip.
Should I book my Li River cruise in advance?
Yes, especially for the popular one-way cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo on the Li River. Advance booking gives you better choices of boats, class and time-slots.
What’s the ideal itinerary for a 2-day, 3-day, or 5-day Guilin trip?
- 2days: focus on Guilin’s city highlights. Head to Yangshuo to have the Li River cruise and see the beauty of
- 3 days:add a full day in Yangshuo. Enjoy biking or rafting through the karst scenery.
- 5 days or more: Visitthe Longji Rice Terraces. And give yourself an extra day for relaxation. This duration allows you to travel with slower pace, and enjoy the unhurried exploration of villages or trails.
Ready to Plan Your Guilin Tour?
Guilin is a treasured land with so many incredible highlights to explore. Plan your Guilin tour with China Xian Tour and we’ll help you customize your ideal trip. Our local guide will take you to all the sites that you may expected while also taking care of everything for you from the beginning to the end. So that you can fully enjoy your time in Guilin with nothing to worry about.
