This Guilin travel itinerary will guide you through everything I discovered during my packed three days in the beautiful Guangxi Province. You will find the best things to do in Guilin and how to plan your stay most efficiently. If you’re a nature lover like me, you absolutely need to include Guilin in your trip to China because the landscape and nature there are out of this world!
If this is your first time in China, check out my China Travel Guide for First-timers! It’s packed with tips and tricks to avoid those last-minute emergencies!
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Guilin has been on my bucket list for over four years. Since first stepping foot in China, I have dreamed of the Karsic Hills landscape and the Southern China vibe. Fast-forward to the summer of 2024—my dream finally came true! And if you’re reading this Guilin Travel Itinerary, it means you’re on the verge of making that dream a reality! I am so happy for you!
Planning Your Trip to Guilin
General Tips for First-Timers in China
1. Download Alipay and Add Your Credit Card (but bring some cash with you!): Everything in China works with digital payments, even in more remote areas. Alipay will be your lifesaver. It allows you to add your country credit or debit card quickly and is immediately ready to be used.
2. Purchase an E-SIM with VPN Included: If your phone is recent, you can consider purchasing an E-SIM for your stay. It is very convenient, as you will not have to pay for a VPN and will have unlimited internet data. If you can’t use an E-SIM, download a VPN in your home country and then purchase a local SIM at the airport.
3. Download Pleco and DIDI App: Pleco is a helpful dictionary you can use during your stay in China. It is handy when ordering food at restaurants. DIDI is the Chinese Uber.
4. Licensed Taxis Only!: Upon arrival or anywhere else, you will be bombarded by “drivers” asking if you need a ride. Please don’t go with them! They see you as a foreigner, and if you don’t speak a word of Chinese, they will try to charge you more than they should. Stick to licensed taxis only! It’s easy to recognize them.
5. Book Your Visits in Advance: In China, you will find few foreign tourists. However, Chinese tourism is wild! Book your entry tickets to sites in advance on trip.com or GetYourGuide.com. Make sure to book your tickets for top attractions in Guangzhou
6. Avoid National Holidays To Travel to China: national holidays in China are not the ideal period to visit this beautiful country (unless you want to get stuck in queues). Periods such as the first week of October and the Chinese New Year are a no!
Guilin at A Glance
📍 Where To Stay: the Shanhu Lake area is centrally located and within walking distance from restaurants, perfect if you need a quick bite for breakfast or dinner. Plus, you’re near the 2 Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area
🏠 Lijiang Waterfall Hotel Guilin: Located close to the Shanhu Lake. After a full day of exploring Guilin, unwinding at the hotel’s swimming pool is bliss!
🚄 How To Get To Guilin: High-speed train is the way! It’s a 5-hour journey from Chengdu and only 3 hours from Guangzhou. If you arrive by air, you will land at landing at Guilin Liangjiang International Airport.
🗓️ Best Time To Visit: from mid-September to October or March to April. Spring months offer the ideal weather to enjoy the stunning green-yellow hues of the rice terraces.
⚡ Rainy Season Warning: from May to September. I wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re keen on experiencing days of pouring rain.
Hotels in Guilin
I highly recommend exploring various listings on Booking.com, as many hotels and hostels frequently offer discounts and promotions. This way, you can find the best deals that suit your budget and preferences.
How Many Days Should You Stay in Guilin?
Guilin and its nearby territories are one of those areas that could be explored from 3 to 5 days. The nature and its landscapes are just so beautiful that you want to keep exploring more scenic hikes and views from the top of the hills. However, I know Guilin will likely be just one stop of a longer itinerary for you. Therefore, you won’t have the time to plan a 5-day itinerary in Guilin (unless you live in China and Guilin is a trip on its own). I recommend at least a 3-day itinerary in this area to discover Guilin and Yangshuo and the rice terraces in Longji.
Why You Should Go to Guilin
- Hidden Gem for Most Western Travelers: Let’s be honest—Guilin probably isn’t the first destination that comes to mind when you think of China.
- Pure, unfiltered nature: Guilin and the surrounding area are all about dreamy landscapes: karst hills rising like sculptures, winding rivers, stunning rice terraces, and remote villages untouched by globalization.
- Difference Side of China: you have to experience it! Even if it’s your first time here. China is more than just bustling cities and historic monuments. Trust me—Guilin is one destination you won’t want to miss!
Suggested 3-Day Guilin Travel Itinerary
Depending on when you arrive in Guilin, there are a few ways to kick off your trip. If you’re getting in late afternoon or early evening, why not head straight to the city center for a bowl of Guilin’s famous rice noodles? After that, an early night might be a great idea so you’re fully recharged for what’s ahead.
1.1 Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo
Your adventure starts the following day with the highlight of Guilin: the stunning Li River cruise to Yangshuo. The earlier you go, the better—karst hills look even more magical in the morning light! Yangshuo is a charming village south of Guilin, surrounded by green scenery and known for outdoor adventures.
You can book your cruise tickets easily online (I recommend checking out this site for tickets). Heads-up: you’ll need to grab a taxi to the cruise departure point in Guilin, and the ticket is only for the one-way journey to Yangshuo. Once you arrive, you have options—you can either stay a night in Yangshuo (highly recommended for more adventure) or catch a shuttle bus back to Guilin the same day.
As for the cruise itself, prepare to be wowed. Reaching the most iconic karst formations takes about an hour, and the landscape feels almost otherworldly. You’ll glide past famous hills like Fubo Hill, Elephant Trunk Hill, and Diecai Hill, with remote fishing villages dotting the riverbanks.
If you want to opt for a guided tour of Guilin and Yangshuo, below are some options from GetYourGuide.com
1.2 Discover Yangshuo
Yangshuo is one of those places that will capture your heart the moment you step off the boat! Whether you stay overnight or head back to Guilin the same day, you must take some time to explore this charming village. Your first stop? West Street—local restaurants, bars, and shops. Yes, it’s touristy, but the atmosphere is unbeatable.
If you’re feeling hungry, this is the right place for lunch. Guilin has some tasty dishes you have to try! Ever tried stir-fried meat with Upu taro? (Think potato, but even better!). And don’t miss the beer fish—it’s famous here for a reason! And, of course, the rice noodles if you’re looking for comfort food!
To me, what makes Yangshuo truly special is its natural backdrop. The village is nestled between karst hills that rise like nature’s skyscrapers. It’s a safe, welcoming place, just so different from the “type” of China you have experienced until now!
If you want to discover other activities in Yangshuo, here are some proposition from GetYourGuide.com
2.1. Hike on The Xianggong Mountain
Day two in Guangxi promises another adventure. Start with an early hike up Xianggong Mountain, where you’ll see the stunning karst landscape from a completely different perspective—from above! This hike is for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts, as it offers the most fantastic view of the Li River, winding through the surreal karst peaks.
Photo by William Zhang on Unsplash
The hike is short and sweet once you’re at the mountain’s base. It only takes about 15–20 minutes to reach the top, and the stairs are safe and easy to climb. The entry fee is around 80 CNY, but the view from the top is worth every step.
How to Get To Xianggong Mountain
If you’re the DIY type when it comes to travel, there are a few ways to reach the base of Xianggong Mountain. The simplest option is grabbing a taxi (if you don’t want to lose time and have nasty surprises), which takes about an hour and costs around 100 – 150 CNY. If you’re tight on time, this is the most efficient choice. Don’t hesitate to ask your hotel staff for help with this—they can often arrange a taxi or at least explain the plan to the driver for you.
For the adventurous souls, you can take a bus from Yangshuo Bus Station to Xingping, then rent a bamboo raft at the dock and head upstream. You disembark at Lengshui Ferry; from there, it’s a one- to two-hour scenic hike along a country road to reach Xianggong Mountain. While this route is the most adventurous (and picturesque!), it’s probably not the best choice if you’re on a tight schedule. If DIY is not your thing, this is a great sunrise tour of Xianggong Mountain.
💡PRO TIP – Instead of staying overnight in Yangshuo, consider heading to Xianggong Mountain in the late afternoon of your first day. You can stay at the Xianggongshan Villa, right at the foot of the mountain.
2.2. Back to Guilin & Visit
The easiest way to arrange your trip back to Guilin is, hands down, to have your accommodation staff book you a van! If you’re leaving Yangshuo, you could also take a bus or taxi for a quick one-hour journey.
Now, let’s talk about what to do once you’re back in Guilin! It’s a smaller city than some of China’s mega-metropolises, but it’s so charming. Here are a few areas worth checking out:
Shanhu Lake Area
When you’re in the Shanhu Lake area, the vibe is magical! This spot is right in the heart of Guilin and is home to the Sun and Moon Pagodas, which come to life with blinding lights in golden and silver.
Beautiful Chinese-style gardens surround the lake, making it a great place to wander. If you’re into history, these pagodas are a modern symbol of Guilin’s culture and heritage. The Moon Pagoda is made of glazed glass and lights up in a cool blue, while the Sun Pagoda glows in warm gold tones. You can visit the two pagodas, even crossing an underwater tunnel between them!
Zhengyang Walking Street
If you’re craving that bustling, never-sleep vibe, Zhengyang Pedestrian Street is the place to be! This lively street is full of that typical Asian energy—bright lights, food stalls, thousands of different smells, and vendors selling everything from local crafts to street snacks. It’s the heart of Guilin’s social life, and you’ll find people wandering here well past midnight. Locals say Guilin is one of the few cities in China where you can find people strolling around at 2 or 3 AM, which is rare in most parts of the country! Zhengyang Street is also home to many university students (Guilin has five universities!), so it’s buzzing with youthful, fun energy.
Elephant Trunk Hill
After exploring the Shanhu Lake area, it’s time to head south and check out one of Guilin’s most iconic landmarks—Elephant Trunk Hill. This natural rock formation, shaped like an elephant dipping its trunk into the Li River, is the symbol of the city! The best view? Head to the east side of the river for that postcard-perfect shot of the “trunk” meeting the water.
Oh, have you ever heard about the elephant legend? The story goes that this hill was once a celestial elephant serving the Jade Emperor, ruler of heaven. Sent to Earth to help humans, the elephant fell in love with Guilin’s charm (I mean, who wouldn’t?). But when it refused to return to the heavens, the emperor got mad and turned the poor elephant into stone. So now, it’s forever there, frozen in the act of sipping from the river.
Ronghu Lake Area
Ronghu Lake is another picturesque area in the city center of Guilin. As you wander the lake, you’ll find ancient banyan trees, charming pavilions, and traditional stone bridges, all of which create a vibe inspired by a beautiful Chinese painting. This area has a relaxed atmosphere, with locals enjoying strolls, practicing tai chi, or relaxing with their families. You can grab a cup of tea at one of the lakeside cafés or wander around.
3.1 Longji Terraces
Day 3 of this Guilin Travel Itinerary is about immersing yourself in one of China’s most stunning landscapes: the rice terraces. There’s something so special about how these terraces transform with the seasons, creating a tapestry of different colors and textures. Whether it’s the vibrant green of spring, the golden hues of harvest, or the reflective silver during the rainy season, every view is worthy. There’s no lousy timing to visit the rice terraces.
Now, you’re in luck because the Longji Rice Terraces near Guilin are some of the most breathtaking in the world. I explored them during the rainy season, and even though it wasn’t the bright green of spring, the misty vibes were beyond magical. The reflections in the water-filled paddies created this dreamy, surreal scene that I’ll never forget.
These terraces are not just about beauty, though—they’re a testament to the ingenuity and hard work of the local Zhuang and Yao people, who have been carving them into the mountains for centuries.
How to Get There
The Longji Rice Terraces are tucked northeast of Guilin, about 2.5 to 3 hours by car. While it might seem like a trek, the journey is worth every minute.
The most hassle-free way to get there is to ask your accommodation if they offer shuttle services to the Longji Ancient Zhuang Village, the closest point you can reach by bus. Most hotels in Guilin offer this service since the rice terraces are a must-see spot for travelers in the area. Now, I’m all about DIY travel, but in this case, I’d recommend skipping the public bus route. Doing it alone would involve taking two buses: one to Longshen County and the second to the Zhuang Village. You can also explore some organized tours from GetYourGuide.com below.
What to Do at The Longi Terraces
Once you arrive at the Longji Terraces, get ready to dive deep into authentic local Chinese culture—where you’ll feel connected to China’s rural beauty. There are a few different ways to spend your time here, and each one will give you a fresh perspective on this charming area.
Hiking the Rice Terraces
For starters, climbing the terraces is a must. As you hike up, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views from different angles, capturing the ever-changing shades and colors of the landscape. It’s like walking through a living painting!
Visiting The Zhuang Village
Next, be sure to visit the nearby Zhuang Village. This tiny, centuries-old village feels like stepping back in time—almost like technology never existed here. Wandering through the streets, you’ll see traditional wooden houses, locals going about their day, and a lifestyle that has remained unchanged for generations.
Lunch at the Guzhang Hostel
And, of course, no visit is complete without lunch at Guzhang Hostel. A lovely local lady will prepare homemade dishes just for you, offering you the chance to try some unique specialties like bamboo rice and snake liquor if you’re feeling adventurous!
Once you’ve soaked in all the magic and charm of the Zhuang Village and the mesmerizing Longji Rice Terraces, it’s time to wrap up your adventure and return to Guilin. By the time you reach Guilin, you’ll be filled with memories and maybe even a sense of accomplishment—you’ve just explored one of the most beautiful spots in the world!
And just like that, we’ve come to the end of this Guilin travel itinerary! I hope this post helped you to plan your trip to one of my bucket list locations! Guilin and the surrounding areas are a must-see in China, especially if you’re looking to experience a different side of the country. There’s so much untamed nature waiting to be explored in China, and Guilin is just one of the gems that show off the country’s natural beauty. So, pack your bags and discover it for yourself! ✨
This blog post was all about the ideal Guilin Travel Itinerary.
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