Guilin and Yangshuo, located in southern China’s Guangxi province, are famous for their surreal karst mountain landscapes, winding rivers, and rich cultural heritage. Known as one of the most picturesque regions in China, this area is perfect for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and travelers wanting to experience authentic Chinese countryside life.
From cruising the Li River to cycling through rice fields, exploring ancient villages, and hiking breathtaking peaks, Guilin and Yangshuo offer a once-in-a-lifetime journey through history, culture, and nature.
📍 Top Attractions in Guilin & Yangshuo
1️⃣ The Li River – The Most Scenic River in China
🚣 Why Visit?
- One of China’s most iconic landscapes, featured on the 20 RMB banknote.
- Famous for limestone karst mountains rising from the misty riverbanks.
- Take a bamboo raft or river cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo.
📷 Photo Opportunity: Traditional bamboo rafts drifting on the river with misty peaks in the background
🎟 Tip: Take the sunrise cruise for the most magical views.
2️⃣ Yangshuo – A Hidden Paradise
🏕 Why Visit?
- A charming riverside town surrounded by towering karst mountains.
- A hub for outdoor adventures like rock climbing, kayaking, and hiking.
- Explore the small villages, farmlands, and serene countryside by bike.
📷 Photo Opportunity: A cyclist riding through golden rice fields with karst peaks behind
🎟 Tip: Visit in spring or autumn when the weather is mild and the landscapes are lush.
3️⃣ Xingping Ancient Town – The Best View of the Li River
🏯 Why Visit?
- A quaint village with over 1,700 years of history.
- Features the famous Nine Horse Fresco Hill and the 20 RMB view of the Li River.
- A great spot for bamboo rafting and traditional photography.
📷 Photo Opportunity: A fisherman in a straw hat with his cormorant birds at sunset
🎟 Tip: Stay overnight in a guesthouse to experience the village’s peaceful charm.
4️⃣ Reed Flute Cave – The Underground Palace of Guilin
🌄 Why Visit?
- A 1,200-year-old limestone cave filled with colorful stalactites and rock formations.
- Known as the “Palace of Natural Art” for its mystical appearance.
- Features a spectacular underground lake with glowing reflections.
📷 Photo Opportunity: A stunning rock formation illuminated in rainbow colors
🎟 Tip: Visit in the early morning to avoid crowds.
5️⃣ Longji Rice Terraces – The Dragon’s Backbone
🌾 Why Visit?
- One of China’s most impressive rice terrace landscapes, built over 600 years ago.
- A stunning sight, especially in spring when flooded with water or in autumn when golden-hued.
- Hike between Ping’an Village and Dazhai for breathtaking panoramic views.
📷 Photo Opportunity: Sunrise over the golden rice terraces
🎟 Tip: Stay in a traditional wooden guesthouse to experience local culture.
6️⃣ Elephant Trunk Hill – Guilin’s Symbolic Landmark
🐘 Why Visit?
- A natural limestone hill shaped like an elephant drinking from the Li River.
- One of the most famous attractions in Guilin.
- Features a small pagoda on top with beautiful panoramic views.
📷 Photo Opportunity: The elephant-shaped rock arch reflecting in the river
🎟 Tip: Visit at sunset when the lights illuminate the rock formation.
7️⃣ Impression Liu Sanjie – A Spectacular Outdoor Show
🎭 Why Visit?
- A breathtaking night performance directed by Zhang Yimou (director of Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony).
- Features 600 performers on rafts, using the Li River as a natural stage.
- A mesmerizing blend of music, lights, and traditional folk culture.
📷 Photo Opportunity: The glowing stage with misty karst mountains as a backdrop
🎟 Tip: Book VIP seats in advance for the best view.
8️⃣ Moon Hill – Yangshuo’s Most Famous Hike
🧗 Why Visit?
- A unique karst mountain with a giant moon-shaped hole at the peak.
- A 40-minute hike to the top offers incredible views of the countryside.
- A popular spot for rock climbing enthusiasts.
📷 Photo Opportunity: Framing the karst mountains through the moon-shaped hole
🎟 Tip: Hike at sunrise or sunset for the best scenery.
🚆 How to Get to & Around Guilin & Yangshuo
✈ By Air:
- Fly into Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) from major Chinese cities.
🚆 By Train:
- High-speed trains connect Guilin to Guangzhou (2.5 hours), Hong Kong (3 hours), and Chengdu (6 hours).
🚤 By River Cruise:
- The best way to reach Yangshuo is by Li River cruise or bamboo raft.
🚲 By Bike:
- The best way to explore Yangshuo’s countryside is by bicycle.
🚖 By Taxi/Didi:
- Use Didi (China’s Uber) for easy transport.
🌦 Best Time to Visit Guilin & Yangshuo
🌸 Spring (March–May): Best for green landscapes, mild weather, and blooming flowers.
☀ Summer (June–August): Hot but great for river activities and lush scenery.
🍂 Autumn (September–November): Best for golden rice terraces and clear skies.
❄ Winter (December–February): Chilly but great for fewer crowds and peaceful scenery.
🕰 Opening Hours: Most attractions open from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
🍽 What to Eat in Guilin & Yangshuo
✅ Guilin Rice Noodles – The most famous dish, served with pickled vegetables and peanuts.
✅ Beer Fish – Yangshuo’s specialty, fresh fish cooked in a rich beer sauce.
✅ Stuffed Li River Snails – A local delicacy filled with pork and herbs.
✅ Oil Tea – A unique tea soup with crispy rice and peanuts.
✅ Bamboo Rice – Sticky rice cooked inside bamboo tubes.
🍵 Tip: Try local osmanthus tea, a sweet floral tea native to Guilin!
🏞 Enjoy Your Journey Through Guilin & Yangshuo! ✨
Would you like a custom itinerary for your trip? Let me know your preferences! 😊
Guilin & Yangshuo Travel Guide – FAQ 🇨🇳🏞️🚣
Thinking about visiting Guilin & Yangshuo? This breathtaking region in southern China is famous for its stunning karst mountains, winding rivers, picturesque rice terraces, and laid-back countryside vibe. Whether you want to cruise down the Li River, cycle through scenic villages, or explore mystical caves, this is one of the most beautiful places in China!
Here’s your fun, detailed, and budget-friendly travel guide!
1. Is Guilin & Yangshuo worth visiting? 🤩
Absolutely! Guilin & Yangshuo are perfect for:
✅ Nature lovers & adventure seekers 🏞️ (Karst mountains, rice terraces, caves).
✅ Photographers & scenery lovers 📸 (Li River, Elephant Trunk Hill).
✅ Relaxing countryside getaways 🚴 (Yangshuo’s peaceful villages).
✅ Outdoor activities 🚣 (River rafting, hiking, rock climbing, biking).
✅ Foodies 🍜 (Rice noodles, beer fish, street food).
✅ Anyone who loves postcard-perfect landscapes 🌅.
💡 TIP: Yangshuo is more scenic & fun than Guilin – spend more time there!
2. How much does a trip to Guilin & Yangshuo cost? 💰
Guilin & Yangshuo are cheaper than Beijing or Shanghai, making them great for budget travelers.
| Expense | Budget Traveler 💸 | Mid-Range 💰 | Luxury 💎 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (per night) | $10–$50 (hostels, guesthouses) | $80–$200 (3–4-star hotels, boutique inns) | $300+ (luxury riverside resorts) |
| Food (per meal) | $2–$10 (street food, local restaurants) | $15–$40 (riverside restaurants, Western food) | $80+ (fine dining, private dining) |
| Attractions | $0–$20 (parks, caves, scenic spots) | $30–$80 (Li River cruise, bamboo rafting) | $150+ (private guides, VIP experiences) |
| Transport | $1–$5 buses/taxis | $10–$30 private drivers/scooters | $100+ luxury car rental |
💡 TIP: Local street food is cheap & delicious – perfect for budget travelers!
3. How do I get to Guilin & Yangshuo? ✈️🚆🚢
🛫 By Plane:
- Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) – 40 minutes from downtown Guilin.
- Direct flights from Beijing (~3 hrs), Shanghai (~2.5 hrs), Chengdu (~2 hrs), and international cities.
🚆 By Train (Best for Domestic Travel):
- High-speed trains from Guangzhou (~2.5 hrs), Shenzhen (~3 hrs), Chengdu (~6 hrs).
🚍 By Bus:
- Buses from Guilin to Yangshuo (~1.5 hrs, $5–$10).
🚢 By River Cruise (The Scenic Route!):
- Li River Cruise (4–5 hours from Guilin to Yangshuo, ~$50–$100).
💡 TIP: The Li River Cruise is the BEST way to reach Yangshuo – stunning views! 🚢
4. Do I need a visa for China? 🛂
✔️ Visa-Free Transit (Up to 144 Hours / 6 Days) – Available for many nationalities if you’re stopping in Guilin before flying to a third country.
✔️ Tourist Visa (L Visa, ~$60–$140 USD, varies by nationality) – Required for longer stays.
✔️ Apply in advance – Chinese visas must be obtained BEFORE arrival.
💡 TIP: If using the 144-hour visa-free policy, you must have a confirmed flight out of China! ✈️
5. What are the must-see places in Guilin & Yangshuo? 🏞️🚴
🏙️ Guilin’s Best Attractions:
- Elephant Trunk Hill – Famous rock formation shaped like an elephant drinking water. 🐘.
- Reed Flute Cave – Colorful limestone cave with impressive rock formations. 🕳️.
- Seven Star Park – A beautiful park with caves, pandas & monkeys! 🐼.
- Two Rivers & Four Lakes Scenic Area – Best seen at night when the bridges light up! 🌉.
- Longji Rice Terraces (Dragon’s Backbone) – Incredible views of layered rice fields. 🌾.
🌄 Yangshuo’s Best Attractions:
- Li River & Bamboo Rafting – The most scenic river in China! 🚣.
- West Street (Xi Jie) – Lively old town with shops, cafes, and bars. 🏮.
- Yulong River – More peaceful than Li River, great for cycling & rafting. 🚴.
- Moon Hill – A famous arch-shaped mountain with stunning views. 🌙.
- Xingping Town – Where you’ll find the iconic landscape on the ¥20 RMB banknote! 💴.
💡 TIP: Wake up early for the best sunrise views at Xianggong Hill! 🌅
6. What’s the best way to get around Guilin & Yangshuo? 🚲🚕
🚲 Biking ($5–$10 per day) – Best for Yangshuo’s countryside!
🛶 Bamboo Rafting ($10–$30) – Perfect for Yulong or Li River.
🚌 Public Buses ($1–$3 per ride) – Cheap but slow.
🚖 Taxis & DiDi ($5–$20 per ride) – Convenient for city travel.
🏍️ Scooter Rentals ($10–$15 per day) – Fun & fast way to explore Yangshuo!
💡 TIP: Cycling in Yangshuo is AMAZING – the best way to see the scenery! 🚴
7. What’s the food like in Guilin & Yangshuo? 🍜🥢
This region is famous for its unique southern Chinese flavors!
🍜 Guilin Rice Noodles – Iconic local dish with a savory broth.
🐟 Beer Fish – Yangshuo’s signature dish, fresh fish cooked in beer sauce! 🍺.
🥟 Stuffed Snails – A delicious and popular street food snack. 🐌.
🍡 Osmanthus Flower Cake – A sweet, fragrant dessert. 🌸.
🍗 Braised Duck with Ginger – A must-try in rural Yangshuo!
💡 TIP: Eat at local street stalls for authentic & cheap food!
8. When’s the best time to visit Guilin & Yangshuo? 🗓️
☀️ Best Time: April–October – Warm, green landscapes, great for outdoor activities.
🌸 Spring (March–May) – Mild weather, rice terraces start growing.
🔥 Summer (June–August) – Hot & humid but amazing for river activities.
🍁 Fall (September–November) – Golden rice terraces, perfect for photography.
❄️ Winter (December–February) – Cool but peaceful, fewer tourists.
💡 TIP: Avoid major Chinese holidays (Golden Week in October, Chinese New Year).
9. Is Guilin & Yangshuo expensive? 💵
✔️ No! It’s one of China’s best budget destinations!
💰 Budget Travel Tips:
✔️ Stay in hostels or guesthouses instead of hotels. 🏡.
✔️ Eat at local noodle shops & markets. 🍜.
✔️ Use bikes & public transport instead of taxis. 🚲.
✔️ Visit free natural attractions like the Yulong River. 🌿.
Guilin & Yangshuo are one of China’s most breathtaking destinations, full of stunning landscapes, delicious food, and unforgettable outdoor adventures! Whether you’re rafting on the Li River, cycling through rice fields, or climbing karst mountains, you’ll have an amazing adventure! 🇨🇳🏞️🚴
💬 Need more tips? Let me know! 😊
