Written by
Anthony
Highlights: Iconic landmarks, local flavors, and a dreamy lakeside night cruise
Arrival Tips:
Once you land at Guilin Liangjiang International Airport, you can head straight into the city via:
Airport Shuttle Bus Line 1 to Minhang Mansion Stop — ¥20, about 40 minutes
Taxi to hotels near Elephant Trunk Hill — around ¥80, 30 minutes
This iconic karst peak is the symbol of Guilin—its shape resembles an elephant drinking from the Li River. It’s also the backdrop featured on China’s ¥20 bill.
Best time to visit: Arrive before 7:00 AM for quiet photos with light morning mist—perfect for that ink-painting vibe.
Night view: After 7:00 PM, the hill is illuminated with soft lighting outlining the rock formations—ideal for evening photography.
Admission: Free, but advance real-name reservations are required via the official WeChat account (book 7 days in advance).
Don’t miss the Water Moon Cave (水月洞), where the elephant’s trunk and body form a circular arch reflected in the river.
Recommended Spot: Old Dongjiang Rice Noodle Shop (老东江米粉店 – Jiefang West Road Branch)
Must-try: Dry-tossed rice noodles (干捞米粉) with braised pork, pickled beans, crushed peanuts, and soy-sesame sauce.
Pair it with iced soy milk to cool down.
Price: Around ¥12/person
Bonus: The owner is used to foreign visitors—pointing and smiling will get your order across easily.
Step into the Ming Dynasty with a visit to this royal complex, once home to regional princes. Duxiu Peak rises dramatically from the center—just a 20-minute climb to sweeping views of Guilin’s unique “city of hills” layout.
Why visit:
See the original stone carving of “Guilin’s scenery is the best under heaven”
Explore ancient royal architecture and peaceful courtyards
Tickets: ¥100
English audio guide rental: ¥30
Just a 5-minute walk from the royal city, this historic district blends Qing-era alleys with modern boutiques and local crafts.
Try your hand at woodblock rubbing at a heritage print studio — ¥68 per piece
Tip: Get a dinner queue number early from Xie Sanjie Beer Fish Restaurant to avoid long waits later.
Wind down with a magical boat ride through Guilin’s famous inner-city water loop. The cruise passes over 10 beautifully lit ancient bridges and reflections of pagodas and pavilions in the water.
Price: ¥210 per person
Duration: 1.5 hours
Booking: Must book 1 day in advance via official WeChat; request English narration when reserving
Tip: Bring a light jacket—it gets breezy at night on the water
After your cruise:
Walk to Zhengyang Pedestrian Street (正阳步行街) for a casual local dinner.
Try:
Chongshan Rice Noodles (崇善米粉) set meal: rice noodles, braised egg, mung bean dessert — only ¥15
Osmanthus cake (桂花糕): Sample at street stalls — ¥10 per box, soft and fragrant, perfect as a gift
Book Elephant Trunk Hill entry and night cruise tickets in advance via WeChat
Start early to avoid crowds and enjoy the best light for photography
Most street vendors and small shops accept Alipay/WeChat Pay, but carry some cash just in case
Hotel check-in times are usually after 2:00 PM, so consider storing your luggage if you arrive early
Highlights: Ride through the most iconic section of the Li River, explore a 1,700-year-old village, and end your day in Yangshuo’s lively West Street.
Getting There:
From your hotel in Guilin, head to Xingping Ancient Town by:
Express Bus from Guilin Railway Station – ¥25, ~1.5 hours
Taxi or car hire – around ¥150, ~1 hour
This 5 km stretch is the most famous section of the Li River, often called the “mini Li River” for how much beauty it packs into a short ride.
Scenery Highlights:
Nine Horse Fresco Hill (九马画山) – rock patterns resembling galloping horses (locals say you’re lucky if you spot all nine!)
Yellow Cloth Reflection (黄布倒影) – the view on the back of the ¥20 banknote
Morning mist adds a dreamlike touch—ideal for photos!
Practical Tips:
Ticket: ¥85 per person (round trip)
Raft capacity: 4 people max; children under 1.3m not allowed
Best time: Before 9:00 AM for fewer crowds and better light
Photos: Ask your raft guide for help snapping that “you + the 20 yuan view” moment (¥20 tip optional)
What to Bring: Water-friendly sandals (you might get splashed), sun hat, and sunscreen
Where to Eat: Old Place Restaurant (老地方餐馆) in town center
Must-tries:
Li River fish stewed with tofu – fresh, tender, and lightly spicy
Yam with braised pork – soft taro with flavorful pork belly
Price: Around ¥50/person
English menu available, and the owner speaks basic English—just tell them “less spicy” or “no chili” if needed.
With over 1,700 years of history, this riverside town features stone-paved alleys, Ming/Qing-era houses, and a slower local vibe.
What to Do:
Wander the quiet main street and soak in daily village life—locals drying chilies, weaving bamboo baskets, or sipping tea on doorsteps
Visit the Xingping Town History Museum (¥10) to see old boat gear and Li River shipping stories
Grab a crispy river shrimp cake (¥5) as a snack and enjoy a cup of local green tea (¥10) by the roadside
A short drive from Xingping, this small hill offers the most epic panoramic view of the Li River’s giant U-turn bend—surrounded by rolling karst peaks.
Getting There: 10-minute taxi ride, ~¥20
Entry Fee: ¥60 per person
Hike Time: Just 10 minutes to the top
Photo Tip: Go 1 hour before sunset for golden light over the peaks and river—no filter needed!
Take a shuttle from Xingping to Yangshuo West Street (西街) – ¥10, ~30 minutes. The bus drops you right at the entrance.
What to Expect:
This pedestrian-only street comes alive at night, with glowing lanterns, live music, and international flavors.
Find: Street performers singing English songs, stalls selling silver jewelry and embroidered balls, and coffee shops tucked into historic buildings.
Dinner Spot: Liu Jie Beer Fish Music Restaurant (刘姐地道啤酒鱼)
Signature Dish:
Beer-braised fish — made with Li River swordbone fish and secret sauce (ask for mild if you prefer!)
Pair with stuffed river snails — minced pork mixed with snail meat
Price: Around ¥70/person
English menu and live music included!
Post-Dinner Wandering:
Buy a hand-pulled osmanthus sugar painting (¥15) shaped like animals—made fresh in front of you
Or grab a seat on the rooftop terrace at Mountain View Café (山色西餐厅) and enjoy the street’s energy from above
Book bamboo raft tickets in advance via the official Li River WeChat mini program (you can register using your passport number)
Choose an early morning raft slot (before 9:00 AM) for fewer tourists and misty river views
Wear sandals or water-friendly shoes—there may be splashes during the ride
Bring sun protection like a hat and sunscreen—the UV rays on the river can be strong
West Street gets busy in the evening, so keep an eye on your belongings and avoid carrying too much
Highlights: Drift down the peaceful Yulong River, ride through picture-perfect rice fields, explore a glittering cave, and end the day with a magical riverside show.
The Yulong River is like a quieter, more serene version of the Li River—no motorboats, no crowds. Just bamboo rafts gliding through rice paddies, bamboo groves, and small karst hills.
You’ll pass over 6 gentle dams with a refreshing splash and may spot locals washing clothes or grazing water buffalo along the banks. It’s peaceful and full of rural charm.
Getting There:
From West Street (Yangshuo’s town center), take a taxi (~¥20, 15 mins) or rent a shared e-scooter (~¥30/day). There’s a parking area near the Jinlong Bridge dock (金龙桥码头).
Details:
Raft price: ¥225 per raft (max 2 people; shared rides available)
Duration: ~1.5 hours
Bag storage: Available at the dock for ¥10 per piece
Photo stops: The guide will pause at scenic spots like small dams or rice field edges (no extra charge)
Tip: Wear sandals—your feet might get wet during dam drops!
The raft drops you at Jiuxian Village (旧县村), a charming hamlet with ancient stone houses and peaceful rice terraces.
Recommended Spot: Jiuxian Farmhouse Kitchen
Must-try dishes:
Wok-fried free-range chicken with local chili – aromatic and spicy (but you can request mild!)
Stir-fried seasonal greens – picked fresh from the backyard
Price: ~¥45 per person
Owners speak basic English and use gestures—ordering is easy and fun.
From Jiuxian, rent an e-bike (~¥30/day) to explore Yangshuo’s most famous countryside route, known as the Ten-Mile Gallery. The path winds through lush fields, past dramatic peaks, and into hidden villages.
What to See:
Big Banyan Tree (大榕树): The iconic tree from the classic film Liu Sanjie – ¥20
Totem Ancient Path (图腾古道): Tribal dance shows + totem carvings – ¥60
Cafés in the rice fields: Pause at Yulong River Coffee for an osmanthus latte (¥25), watch farmers work the land, and relax into the rhythm of rural life
No ticket needed for the main ride. The e-bike’s battery lasts round-trip. Helmets provided.
This massive karst cave is cool year-round (18°C) and filled with dazzling formations—some that shimmer like waterfalls, others that “sing” when tapped.
Getting There:
From the Ten-Mile Gallery area, it’s a ~20-minute taxi ride (¥40) to Silver Cave, one of the most famous limestone caves in the region.
What You’ll See:
Snowy Waterfall Rock – looks like a cascading frozen stream
Musical Stone Screen – tap it to hear clear tones
Fairyland Pool – colorful lights make this area glow like a fantasy scene
Details:
Ticket: ¥80/person
Audio guide: Rent English headset for ¥20
Tip: Wear non-slip shoes (floor can be wet), and avoid touching the formations—they grow extremely slowly and are sensitive to human contact.
No flash photography—it harms the cave ecosystem.
Directed by Zhang Yimou, this 1-hour open-air performance takes place on the Li River, using real mountains and water as the backdrop. It tells the love story of Liu Sanjie through dance, light, and music—no dialogue, but incredibly moving.
Spectacular Scenes Include:
Hundreds of illuminated fishing boats drifting in sync
Zhuang ethnic costumes and torch-lit dances across the river
Practical Info:
Showtime: 19:30 nightly
Ticket: ¥218 (standard seat, book 1 day in advance on Trip.com or WeChat)
Transport: Free shuttle returns you to West Street after the show
Rain? No problem—they provide ponchos and the show goes on!
Reserve Yulong River bamboo raft and Impression Liu Sanjie tickets in advance via WeChat or Trip.com
Go rafting before 9:00 AM for fewer people and soft morning mist—perfect for photos
Wear sandals or water shoes during the raft ride to stay comfortable and dry
E-bike rentals along the Ten-Mile Gallery usually include helmets and full-day battery—confirm before riding
Avoid using flash inside Silver Cave; it harms the formations and disturbs the lighting effects
The open-air Liu Sanjie show runs rain or shine—ponchos are provided for free if it drizzles
Highlights: Marvel at ancient terraced mountains, witness the long-hair tradition of Yao women, and discover rural Chinese wisdom carved into the land.
Best Way to Visit:
Join a Longji Rice Terraces day tour with English guide (¥350/person) via [Klook or Trip.com]—includes hotel pickup in Guilin, scenic area tickets, lunch, and guide services.
Driving solo? Expect 3 hours on winding mountain roads—only recommended for confident drivers.
DIY travel? Take a bus from Guilin North Station to Longji Scenic Area Gate (¥50, ~2.5 hrs), then transfer to the mandatory eco-shuttle.
Tickets:
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Scenic entry (covers Ping’an, Dazhai, and Huangluo villages) | ¥80 |
| Scenic shuttle (required to access villages) | ¥20/ride |
| Optional cable car to Dazhai summit | ¥100 round-trip (saves 1 hr hike) |
With over 2,300 years of history, the Longji Rice Terraces (龙脊梯田) are a true feat of human-land harmony—built by the Zhuang people as “sculptures on the earth.”
The “Seven Stars with Moon(七星伴月)” formation is the most iconic view: 7 small fields (stars) circle a large one (moon).
In spring (Apr–May): Water fills the terraces like mirrors reflecting the sky
In autumn (Oct–early Nov): Golden rice waves ripple like stairways of gold
Hike Info:
Start with a shuttle to Ping’an Village (平安寨)
1.5-hour hike (stone steps, moderate difficulty) to the viewpoint
Buy cold bamboo spring water at the top (¥5/bottle)
Listen to your guide explain the traditional irrigation system—fed by ancient trees and natural springs, no electricity needed!
Don’t miss a wide-angle shot of yourself standing above the terraces. It’s breathtaking.
Where to Eat: Tian Tian Rice Terrace Restaurant (梯田人家餐馆) inside the scenic area.
Recommended Dishes:
Smoked pork with bamboo shoots – hearty and flavorful, made from local pigs and seasonal shoots
Bamboo tube rice – sticky rice, corn, and cured pork steamed in fresh bamboo
All ingredients are grown or raised by local villagers. Price: ~¥50/person. Your guide can help adjust spice levels.
Huangluo Village (黄洛瑶寨) is famous as the “World’s Longest Hair Village.” Here, Yao women follow a tradition of cutting their hair only once in a lifetime. Some hair reaches over 1.8 meters (6 ft) long!
What to Expect:
Take a shuttle to the village
Watch the Long Hair Show (¥80, every 20 mins)
See women untie their hair, wash it with rice water, and weave it into high buns
Final act: traditional Yao dance in full costume
After the show:
Take photos with performers (¥10, polite compliments welcome!)
Browse embroidered Yao-style purses (¥25) as souvenirs
Stroll past stilt houses decorated with corn, chili strings, and village life
Tip: “One cut for a lifetime” is a symbol of dignity and identity—show respect when engaging with locals.
Be sure to descend by 4:00 PM—the cable car stops at 5:00 PM and the last eco-shuttle leaves soon after.
Day tours return to your Guilin hotel directly.
Traveling solo? Reserve your return bus ticket in advance (last bus ~6:00 PM).
Back in town, grab a quick local bite at Chongshan Rice Noodle Shop—the beef brisket noodles (牛腩粉) are filling and flavorful for just ¥15. Great option near hotels.
Book Longji Terrace tours and cable car tickets at least 3 days in advance via Klook or WeChat
Start hikes early to beat the heat and catch the best terrace views before 10:00 AM
Wear non-slip shoes—stone steps can be slippery, especially after rain
Bring a light jacket—mountain weather shifts fast with cooler evenings
Avoid touching stalactites in caves like Silver Cave to protect their natural growth
Carry sunscreen and a hat—there’s little shade in the terrace areas
Stay hydrated—spring water is sold at viewpoints for ¥5/bottle
Want sunrise photos? Book a local guesthouse near Ping’an or Dazhai for an overnight stay
Highlights: Explore Guilin’s most famous cave, taste traditional rice noodles, shop for meaningful souvenirs — and head home with a full heart.
Nicknamed the “Cave of State Guests,” Reed Flute Cave (芦笛岩) has welcomed heads of state and dignitaries from around the world. It’s named after the reeds once growing at its entrance and is considered a geological wonder.
Inside the cave (a constant 18°C all year), millions of years of mineral deposits have created stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and natural stone formations. Key highlights include:
Lion Greeting Visitors: A lion-shaped formation near the entrance
Crystal Palace: A vast 1,000㎡ hall lit up like an underwater kingdom
Frozen Waterfall: Layered white limestone resembling a cascading fall
How to Get There:
Subway Line 2 to Reed Flute Cave Station (~30 mins, ¥3)
Or take a taxi from downtown (~15 mins, ¥20) — drop-off at the main entrance
Visitor Info:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours | 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Entry Ticket | ¥110 per person |
| Audio Guide | ¥20 (English device available at the gate) |
| Tip | Wear shoes with good grip – the cave floor can be slippery |
| Reminder | No flash photography; avoid touching the formations |
Each rock has a story — using the audio guide makes the experience much richer.
Where to Go: Guilin Rice Noodle Culture Center Restaurant (桂林米粉文化中心餐厅)
More than just lunch — this is a quick cultural deep dive.
What Makes It Special:
Watch a live demo of the traditional rice noodle-making process
Learn about 2,000+ years of local noodle history (English display boards available)
Staff explain the local “mix first, sip later” eating ritual
What to Eat:
Intangible Heritage Set Menu (¥35):
Dry-mixed rice noodles
Marinated meats
Osmanthus jelly dessert
Customize with local toppings: pickled long beans, chili oil, roasted peanuts
Friendly staff may walk you through the steps if you’re unsure. It’s hands-on and fun.
Back at the historic East-West Alley (first visited on Day 1), this is the perfect spot for gift hunting. The area is less crowded in the afternoon, so you can browse in peace.
Top Souvenir Picks:
| Item | Price | Why It’s Worth It |
|---|---|---|
| Osmanthus Cake | ¥25/box | Fragrant, lightly sweet, great for tea time |
| Luo Han Guo Tea | ¥30/can | Herbal tea good for the throat |
| Zhuang Embroidered Balls | ¥20/each | Hand-stitched, symbol of luck and love |
Most shops provide an English price list. Don’t hesitate to ask: “Can I try a sample?” — usually welcomed!
Extra Tip:
After shopping, relax at an old-style teahouse tucked into the alley. Try a cup of osmanthus oolong (¥15) and soak up the peaceful Guilin vibe before departure.
Options from East-West Alley:
Taxi: ~¥80, 30 minutes to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport
Airport Shuttle Line 1: ¥20, runs every 30 mins (~40 mins ride)
Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours early for check-in and security.
Visit Reed Flute Cave before 10:00 AM to avoid tour groups and get better photo opportunities
Wear non-slip shoes inside the cave — the stone paths can be damp and slippery
At souvenir shops, feel free to ask: “Can I try a sample?” — most offer tastings for snacks like osmanthus cake
East-West Alley shops accept WeChat Pay and Alipay, but carry small cash for tea stalls or street vendors
Arrive at Guilin Airport at least 2 hours early to allow time for check-in and security
There’s a currency exchange counter at the airport if you want to convert leftover RMB — or save some as souvenirs
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Share your travel ideas, and we’ll help you plan a smooth, personalized trip across China.
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Hi there!
Just a quick heads-up — a helpful user named Volker let me know that some of the non-English content on this site may not be accurate.
This site is a one-person project I run part-time. I research and publish all the content myself, and the translations are currently done by machine (Google Translate). Balancing accuracy and accessibility across multiple languages is a real challenge.
If you spot any errors, I recommend switching to the English version using the button at the bottom left. I’ll continue working to improve the translations over time.
I truly appreciate your understanding. And if you have any suggestions, feel free to leave a comment — it means a lot to me.
— Anthony 2025.6.18
