The landscape of Guilin looks like a Chinese painting brought to life — limestone peaks rising from flat plains, a river winding through bamboo forests, and rice terraces that look like staircases to the sky.
Guilin isn't about temples or history. It's about nature, scenery, and slowing down. This guide covers everything you need to experience it.
How Many Days?
| Duration | What You Can Do |
|---|---|
| 2 days | Guilin city highlights + Li River cruise to Yangshuo |
| 3 days | Above + Yangshuo countryside + Longji rice terraces |
| 4 days | Above + Xianggong Mountain sunrise + Yulong River bamboo raft |
Recommended: 3 full days. One for Guilin, one for the cruise + Yangshuo, one for Longji.
Guilin City Highlights
Reed Flute Cave (芦笛岩)
The most spectacular cave in China — illuminated limestone formations with names like "Crystal Palace" and "Pagoda in the Clouds."
- Ticket: ¥90
- Time needed: 1-1.5 hours
- Pro tip: Go early morning to avoid tour groups. The cave is cool (18°C year-round) — bring a light jacket even in summer.
Elephant Trunk Hill (象鼻山)
Guilin's iconic symbol — a hill shaped like an elephant drinking from the river.
- Ticket: Free (opened to public in 2023)
- Best photo spot: From the river bank, especially at sunset
- Time needed: 30-45 minutes
Two Rivers and Four Lakes (两江四湖)
A scenic waterway system through the heart of Guilin. The night cruise is the highlight.
- Night cruise ticket: ¥210
- Time: ~90 minutes
- Best part: The illuminated pagodas (Sun Pagoda and Moon Pagoda) reflected in the lake
Seven Star Park (七星公园)
The largest park in Guilin, with karst peaks, gardens, and the famous Camel Hill.
- Ticket: ¥75
- Time needed: 2-3 hours
- Combine with: Reed Flute Cave (same direction from city center)
The Li River Cruise — The Iconic Experience
This is the reason most people come to Guilin. A cruise (or bamboo raft) from Guilin to Yangshuo through the most dramatic karst landscape in China.
Option 1: Full Cruise (Guilin → Yangshuo)
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Route: Mopanshan Pier → Yangshuo (83 km)
- Ticket: ¥210-360 (depending on boat class)
- Departure: 9:00-9:30 AM
- Best months: April-November
- What you'll see: Nine Horses Fresco Hill, Yellow Cloth Shoal (the ¥20 banknote image), Xingping ancient town
Option 2: Bamboo Raft (Xingping section)
- Duration: 1-1.5 hours
- Route: Xingping → Nine Horses → Xingping (return loop)
- Price: ¥160 per raft (2-4 people)
- Best for: Closer-to-nature experience, great photos
- Note: Not real bamboo — it's PVC pipes designed to look like bamboo (safety regulations)
Option 3: Yulong River Bamboo Raft (Yangshuo)
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Route: Several sections available
- Price: ¥160-300 per raft
- Why it's better than Li River: Quieter, more peaceful, surrounded by rice paddies instead of tourist boats
Yangshuo — Where the Magic Happens
Yangshuo is the laid-back riverside town at the end of the Li River cruise. It's where travelers come to relax, bike, and take in the scenery.
West Street (西街)
The backpacker heart of Yangshuo — restaurants, bars, shops, and street food along a pedestrian street.
- Best time: Evening (comes alive after dark)
- What to eat: Beer Fish (啤酒鱼 — Yangshuo's signature dish), Guilin Rice Noodles
- Atmosphere: Touristy but fun. Go for the energy, not the authenticity.
Countryside Cycling
Rent a bike and ride through rice paddies, karst peaks, and tiny villages.
- Bike rental: ¥10-30 per day
- Best route: Yangshuo → Moon Hill → Back Road → Yulong River (20 km)
- Terrain: Flat, suitable for all fitness levels
- Pro tip: Go early morning (6-8 AM) for the best light and fewest tourists
Moon Hill (月亮山)
A hill with a natural arch that looks like a full moon.
- Ticket: ¥15
- Climb: 800 steps (~30 minutes)
- View: Panoramic karst landscape
- Time needed: 1-1.5 hours round trip
Xianggong Mountain (相公山)
The best sunrise spot in the Guilin area. The sea of clouds and karst peaks at dawn is worth waking up at 4 AM for.
- Distance from Yangshuo: 1 hour by car
- Entrance: ¥60
- Climb: ~15 minutes
- Tour option: Many Yangshuo hotels organize sunrise tours (¥150-200 including transport)
Longji Rice Terraces (龙脊梯田)
The "Dragon's Backbone" — 650-year-old terraced rice fields carved into mountain slopes by the Zhuang ethnic minority.
- Distance from Guilin: 2-3 hours by car
- Entrance: ¥80
- Best time to visit:
- May-June: Water-filled terraces, mirror-like reflections
- September-October: Golden harvest season (most popular)
- Winter: Snow-covered terraces (dramatic but cold)
- Where to stay: Ping'an Village (most tourist-friendly) or Dazhai Village (more authentic)
- Time needed: Overnight stay recommended (sunrise from the terraces is the highlight)
Ping'an Village vs Dazhai Village
| Feature | Ping'an | Dazhai |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility | Easier, paved paths | More hiking required |
| Crowds | More tourists | Quieter |
| Accommodation | More options, better quality | Basic but charming |
| Scenery | Classic terrace views | More dramatic, wider views |
| Best for | First-timers, families | Hikers, photographers |
Best Time to Visit Guilin
| Season | Temperature | Landscape | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar-May) | 15-25°C | Misty, ethereal, water-filled terraces | Low-Medium |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | 25-35°C | Lush green, but hot and rainy | High |
| Autumn (Sep-Nov) | 18-28°C | Golden harvest — best photos | Peak |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | 5-15°C | Bare terraces, peaceful | Low |
Best months: May (water terraces) and September-October (golden harvest).
For the full month-by-month guide for all of China, see our best time to visit guide.
Getting There & Around
Getting to Guilin
- Flights: From Beijing (3 hours), Shanghai (2.5 hours), Guangzhou (1.5 hours)
- High-speed rail: From Guangzhou (3 hours), from Yangshuo via Yangshuo Station (30 min)
Guilin → Yangshuo
- Li River cruise: 4-5 hours (the scenic option)
- Bus: 1.5 hours (the fast option, ¥50)
- Private car: 1.5 hours (¥300-400, comfortable)
Around Guilin
- Didi: Cheap, ¥10-20 for most trips
- Bike rental: ¥10-30/day in Yangshuo
- Private driver with guide: ¥400-600/day — best for Longji day trips
For transport apps setup, see our China apps guide.
Budget
| Item | Budget | Mid-Range |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel (per night) | ¥150-300 | ¥400-800 |
| Li River cruise | ¥210 | ¥360 |
| Bamboo raft | ¥160 | — |
| Longji tour (day trip) | ¥200 (group) | ¥500 (private) |
| Meals (per day) | ¥80-150 | ¥200-400 |
Guilin is cheaper than Beijing and Shanghai. For the full China budget breakdown, see our cost guide.
FAQ
Is the Li River cruise worth it?
Yes, it's one of China's most iconic experiences. But if you're short on time, the bamboo raft section (Xingping) gives you 80% of the experience in 25% of the time.
Can I swim in the Li River?
Technically yes, but the water quality near Guilin is poor. The Yulong River (near Yangshuo) is cleaner and more swim-friendly.
How fit do I need to be for Longji?
The terraces require walking up stone steps. It's moderate fitness — not extreme, but not easy either. Take your time and enjoy the views.
What's the "Beer Fish" in Yangshuo?
A local specialty — freshwater fish from the Li River cooked with beer, garlic, and chili. It's Yangshuo's answer to regional cuisine. Expect ¥80-120 per fish.
Ready to plan your Guilin adventure? Use our AI Trip Planner and we'll build a customized itinerary with the best cruise timing and Longji sunrise schedule for your travel dates.