Guilin
Experience breathtaking karst landscapes along the Li River. Explore Yangshuo and Longji Rice Terraces.
Last reviewed October 23, 2026 · conditions change — confirm opening times and permits before you go
Why Guilin
Guilin and Yangshuo are the landscape you have seen on every China poster: limestone karst peaks rising out of rice fields and rivers. It is the most photogenic region in China — and the most developed for tourism, so expect crowds in season and manage your expectations about “authentic” villages.
How to plan your days
Three full days. Day one in Guilin city: Elephant Trunk Hill and the Reed Flute Cave (skip the cave if caves bore you). Day two: the Li River cruise or bamboo raft from Yangdi to Xingping — the classic 4-hour float that ends at the 20-yuan-note view. Day three: rent a bicycle or e-bike in Yangshuo and ride through the countryside between karst peaks. The Longji rice terraces need a separate full day, best in May–June (water) or September–October (harvest gold).
Getting around
High-speed trains link Guilin to Guangzhou (2.5h), Hong Kong and Guiyang; the airport has flights to most hubs. Between Guilin and Yangshuo, the boat is the experience and the bus the fallback (about 1.5 hours). In Yangshuo, e-bikes are the right vehicle — the countryside roads are quiet and flat.
Where to stay
Stay in Yangshuo, not Guilin city — the scenery is the point and Yangshuo sits in the middle of it. West Street is the party district; West Bank and the countryside guesthouses give you karst views from your window at the same price.
What to eat
Guilin rice noodles (mifen) are breakfast religion here — a bowl costs ¥5–10. Yangshuo does beer fish, a local river fish braise, in nearly every restaurant. Stick to busy local noodle shops; the riverfront tourist menus are the weakest food in the region.
Practical notes
Summer is hot and humid, and the Li River can turn brown after heavy rain — spring and autumn are the best windows. National holidays turn West Street into a pedestrian jam; avoid Golden Week if you can. Bamboo raft tickets sell out in peak season — book a day ahead.
Routes that include Guilin
Panorama China 10 Days
Beijing, Xi’an, Guilin and Shanghai in ten days — with the internal flights, rail legs and booking order that make the route actually work.
View day-by-day →Natural Wonders
Zhangjiajie, Guilin and Chengdu in ten to twelve days: sandstone pillars, Li River karst and pandas, with flights that avoid wasted days.
View day-by-day →Other destinations
Beijing
China's capital, from the Great Wall and Forbidden City to hutongs and night markets: what to see, how many days you need and when to go.
Best time: April - May, September - October
Shanghai
Experience the dynamic blend of East and West in China's most cosmopolitan city. Explore historic Bund, modern Pudong, and vibrant food scenes.
Best time: March - May, October - November
Xi'an
Step back in time at the ancient capital with the Terracotta Army and City Wall. Taste amazing Muslim Quarter street food.
Best time: April - May, September - October
Questions about your trip?
If you want help with routes or want to ask me something directly, you can find me here.