Xi’an and Guilin make an ideal combination for travelers looking to experience both China’s history and natural scenery. Xi’an is home to the Terracotta Army, Ancient City Wall, and a wealth of Tang Dynasty heritage, while Guilin is known for its limestone karst formations, picturesque Li River, idyllic countryside, and rice terraces.
If you want to visit both Xi’an and Guilin on your first trip to China, we suggest planning for 6 to 8 days: 2–3 days for Xi’an, 3–4 days for Guilin, Yangshuo, and Longji Rice Terraces, and a half day for travel between the two destinations.
You can travel directly from Xi’an to Guilin by air (about 2 hours) or high-speed train (about 10 hours). If you have just about 7 days to spare in China, the flight is the better option.
Content Preview
- How Long to Stay in Xi’an and Guilin
- 7-Day and 8-Day Xi’an-Guilin Itinerary
- What to See and Do in Xi’an and Guilin
- How to Travel Between Xi’an and Guilin
- Best Times to Visit Xi’an and Guilin
- Where to Stay in Xi’an, Guilin, and Yangshuo
- Xi’an and Guilin Trip Cost
- Practical Tips
How Long to Stay in Xi’an and Guilin
A classic Xi’an-Guilin tour usually lasts 7 days, but an 8-day trip allows for a more relaxed pace. See how to plan your itinerary based on how much time you have:
6 days: Aside from the time spent on the transfer, we suggest setting aside 2 days for Xi’an and 3 days for Guilin. Focus on the essential attractions in both destinations. In Xi’an, visit the Terracotta Army, Ancient City Wall, and other major sights. While in Guilin, take your time to enjoy the Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, and the idyllic scenery in Yangshuo.
7 days: We suggest planning 3 days for Xi’an, 3 days for Guilin and Yangshuo, and a half day for getting from Xi’an to Guilin. This gives you more flexibility in Xi’an: you can slow down your pace, or add more historical sights and local cultural experiences. In Guilin, beyond the iconic attractions, you can also set aside a day for the Longji Rice Terraces, or extend your stay in Yangshuo for cycling, bamboo rafting, and even a cooking class.
8 days: If you’re into archaeology, history, and museums, you can extend your stay in Xi’an. If photography, nature, and outdoor activities are more your thing, consider staying longer in Guilin. For example:
- 4 days in Xi’an: You can also explore the surrounding attractions like Mount Hua in addition to the Terracotta Army and downtown sights.
- 4 days in Guilin: You can stay overnight around the Longji Rice Terraces beyond your sightseeing and experience in Guilin and Yangshuo.
Discover Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, and Guilin on a 10-day private tour covering iconic landmarks and stunning karst landscapes from the Li River.
7-Day and 8-Day Xi’an-Guilin Itinerary
When planning a Xi’an-Guilin itinerary, try not to spend too long in downtown Guilin, and avoid backtracking between Guilin and Yangshuo on the same day. Yangshuo itself is a highlight of any Guilin trip and deserves at least one overnight stay.
Suggested 7-Day Xi’an–Guilin Itinerary
Day 1 (Xi’an): Xi’an arrival and free evening (Bell Tower and Muslim Quarter)
Day 2 (Xi’an): Terracotta Army, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, and Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City
Day 3 (Xi’an): Ancient City Wall, Xi’an Museum, and Small Wild Goose Pagoda
Day 4 (Xi’an → Guilin): Departure for Guilin, Reed Flute Cave, and Elephant Trunk Hill
Day 5 (Guilin → Yangshuo): A Li River cruise to Yangshuo and the West Street
Day 6 (Yangshuo): Ten-Mile Gallery, Yulong River, countryside cycling, and bamboo rafting
Day 7 (Yangshuo → Guilin): Back to Guilin for departure
This 7-day trip to China perfectly combines the long history of Xi'an with the magnificent scenery of Guilin. During the 3-day and 3-night journey in Xi'an, you will explore the world famous Terrac...
Suggested 8-Day Xi’an–Guilin Itinerary
Xi’an (3 days) → Guilin (1 night) → Longji Rice Terraces (1 day) → A Li River cruise to Yangshuo → Yangshuo (1 day) → Departure
It’s better to visit Longji Rice Terraces on the way between Guilin and Yangshuo to avoid backtracking.
Yangshuo is the real highlight of any Guilin trip. Longji Rice Terraces, on the other hand, is more about rice terraces, hiking, and photography. If you’re short on time, choose Yangshuo over Longji Rice Terraces.
Experience China's ancient culture in Xi'an, breathtaking karst scenery along the Li River in Guilin, and modern metropolitan life in Shanghai on this comprehensive eight-day tour.
What to See and Do in Xi’an and Guilin
Xi’an is full of historical gems, while Guilin is known for its natural scenery. For a first visit, it’s best to focus on the major highlights in each destination.
Highlights in Xi’an
Terracotta Army (at least a half day): This is a must-see attraction in Xi’an. The Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum comprises three pits and the Bronze Chariot Hall, where thousands of terracotta figures and clay horses have been uncovered.
Xi’an Ancient City Wall (about 2 hours): Walk or cycle along the top of the wall for views over both the old city and modern Xi’an.
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda + Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City: It’s best to visit these two sights from late afternoon to evening.
Bell Tower + Drum Tower + Muslim Quarter: You can stroll around these sights on the arrival day or arrival evening.
Xi’an Museum + Small Wild Goose Pagoda: These two sights are located in the same garden-style courtyard. If you fail to get tickets to the Shaanxi History Museum, it’s a good option to visit these two sights instead, but advance booking is still required.
Highlights in Guilin
Li River cruise: This is the most classic experience for first-time visitors in Guilin. A Li River cruise can also transfer you from Guilin to Yangshuo while giving you a picturesque experience.
Yangshuo countryside: Allow at least 1 day to explore the Yulong River, visit villages surrounding the Moon Hill, and go cycling, hiking, or bamboo rafting.
Longji Rice Terraces: Visit here only if you have 7–8 days for your trip. You also have to take the season into consideration. The best months to visit here are May to June when the terraces are filled with water, and late September to October when the rice paddies turn golden.
Guilin city: If you have time after arriving in Guilin, you can visit the Elephant Trunk Hill, the Two Rivers and Four Lakes, and Reed Flute Cave as you like. If you’re short on time, your visit to Guilin city can be compressed to a half day.
How to Travel Between Xi’an and Guilin
There are two ways to travel between Xi’an and Guilin: by plane and by high-speed train. See which option works best depending on your schedule and travel preferences.
Transport |
Plane |
High-Speed Train |
Travel Time |
About 2 hours |
About 10 hours |
Door-to-Door Time |
About 4–5 hours |
About 11 hours |
Departure |
Xi’an Xianyang International Airport |
Xi’an North Station |
Arrival |
Guilin Liangjiang International Airport |
Guilin Station or Guilin West Station |
Suitable If You |
Plan to spend 7–8 days |
Have ample time or prefer not to fly |
If you want to travel by train, make sure you pick the right arrival station. Guilin Station is closer to the city center. Guilin West Station is farther out, so you need to factor hotel transfers into your schedule.
Best Times to Visit Xi’an and Guilin
The best months to visit Xi’an and Guilin are April to May and September to October.
Months |
Xi’an |
Guilin |
Travel Tips |
April – May |
Pleasant temperatures, great for outdoor activities |
Lush greenery, occasional rain, misty hills and rivers |
l Ideal months to visit both cities
l Just avoid the Labor Day holiday (May 1 to 5) |
June – August |
Hot, peak tourist season |
Hotter and more humid, peak tourist season |
Plan outdoor activities (e.g., a bike ride on Xi’an City Wall and cycling in Yangshuo) for the morning, late afternoon, or evening. |
September – October |
Pleasant weather |
Stable weather, best season to visit Longji Rice Terraces |
l Both cities offer an excellent travel experience.
l Just avoid the National Day holiday (October 1 to 7). |
November – February |
Cold |
Chilly and damp |
l Fewer tourists and cheaper hotels.
l We suggest you not come in winter if Longji Rice Terraces are at the top of your travel list. |
Note: Generally, Chinese public holidays see a surge in demand for popular destinations, transport, and hotels, so we suggest you avoid these holidays.
Where to Stay in Xi’an, Guilin, and Yangshuo
When you choose where to stay, keep in mind that location is often more important than the hotel category or amenities. Especially in the Guilin area, if you stay in downtown Guilin and commute to Yangshuo every day, you’ll waste hours on the road.
Xi’an: Near the Bell Tower and South Gate (Best for First-timers)
If you’re visiting Xi’an for the first time and plans to stay 2–3 days, it’s better to stay near the Bell Tower, South Gate (Yongning Gate), or around the Xi’an City Wall. These areas offer easy access to the ancient city wall, Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Muslim Quarter, and metro stations.
If you prefer a more modern area and plan to visit the Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City after dark, you can choose to stay near the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Qujiang District.
Guilin: Around the Two Rivers and Four Lakes (Most Convenient)
For a short stay of 1 to 2 nights, it’s best to book a hotel around the Two Rivers and Four Lakes, Elephant Trunk Hill, or Guilin Station for easy access to docks, stations, and downtown attractions.
Yangshuo: West Street or Yulong River?
The West Street area offers many restaurants and easy access to transportation, and is especially vibrant in the evening. If you’re a first-time visitor or love nightlife, staying here will be perfect.
The countryside along the Yulong River is quieter, with karst peaks and rice fields right outside the window. It’s ideal for families, couples, or anyone looking for a resort-style experience. However, you’ll need to take a taxi to get into town at night.
If your luggage is normal-sized, you can take it with you on the Li River cruise to Yangshuo. For bulky luggage, you can arrange a separate vehicle to deliver them directly to your hotel in Yangshuo.
Xi’an and Guilin Trip Cost
The Xi’an and Guilin trip cost is influenced by many factors, among which hotel class, private transfers, and flight between Xi’an and Guilin matter the most. For a trip of 7 to 8 days, here’s a general idea of how much you can expect to spend:
Travel Style |
Per Person Per Day |
7 Days |
Budget independent |
US$60–90 |
US$420–630 |
Comfort independent |
US$100–160 |
US$700–1,120 |
Private customized |
US$180–250+ |
US$1,250–1,750+ |
The above budgets are for reference only and exclude airfares. Actual costs may vary depending on travel dates and prices at the time of booking.
Hotels: Xi’an and Guilin have a wide range of hotels to choose from, among which mid-range hotels are usually not that expensive. However, the scenic boutique hotels in Yangshuo may be much more expensive than those in Guilin city. Hotel rates also increase significantly during the Labor Day, National Day, and summer vacation (July to August).
Attractions and activities: The Xi’an travel budget includes the Terracotta Army, the Ancient City Wall, and several shows. The Guilin travel budget mainly includes a Li River cruise, bamboo rafting along the Yulong River, tickets for Longji Rice Terraces, and transport.
Public transportation: For your trip to Xi’an, you can get around mostly by metro and Didi (like Uber). While in the Guilin area, it is complicated to get from Guilin to Longji Rice Terraces and around the Yangshuo countryside by public transportation. For families and groups, a private car is often the most convenient and time-saving option.
Practical Tips
Try to book an early morning or pre-noon flight from Xi’an to Guilin.
Upon arrival, you will have a half day to visit the Elephant Trunk Hill and Reed Flute Cave.
Take a Li River cruise and a Yulong River bamboo raft ride to get different experiences.
The Li River cruise offers a sweeping view of stunning karst peaks along the river. Yulong River bamboo rafting is perfect for relaxing and soaking up the countryside scenery. You can try both of them.
Visit the Longji Rice Terraces from Guilin.
For a day trip to the Longji Rice Terraces, Guilin is a better starting point than Yangshuo because it is much closer, reducing the time spent on the road.
Book Xi’an’s popular museums in advance.
Tickets go fast, particularly those to the Shaanxi History Museum. It’s best to decide which museums to visit before your trip, especially during the summer vacation (July to August) and Chinese public holidays.
Try to plan a one-way route across China.
For example, Beijing → Xi’an → Guilin → Guangzhou/Hong Kong is more time-efficient than returning to Beijing or Shanghai for your departure flight.
