Guilin Travel Guide 2026: Itineraries, Transport & Insider Tips
Guilin is the landscape that made China famous — karst peaks rising from misty rivers, the scene on the 20-yuan note, and rice terraces that climb into the clouds. Here’s the complete guide.
Day 1: Guilin City
Morning: Elephant Trunk Hill (象鼻山) — free since 2022, the symbol of Guilin. The classic photo is the elephant drinking from the river.
Afternoon: Reed Flute Cave (芦笛岩) — a spectacular limestone cave of stalactites and colored lights. Or walk the Two Rivers and Four Lakes (两江四湖) area.
Evening: Guilin rice noodles (桂林米粉) — ¥5–8 a bowl, and the proper way is dry-mixed first, then add broth. Chongshan (崇善) and Shiji (石记) are the local institutions.
Day 2: The Li River to Yangshuo
Morning: Li River cruise (漓江游船) — 4 hours from Guilin to Yangshuo, the classic way to see the karst peaks. Or take a bamboo raft on the essence section (精华段) — quieter and more intimate.
Afternoon: Arrive in Yangshuo — check in, then rent an e-bike (¥30–50/day) and ride the Ten-Mile Gallery (十里画廊). The countryside is the real attraction.
Evening: West Street (西街) — Yangshuo’s famous foreigner strip, full of bars and restaurants. For a quieter night, head to the Yulong River (遇龙河) area.
Day 3: Yulong River & Xingping
Morning: Yulong River bamboo raft (遇龙河竹筏) — the quieter, more beautiful alternative to the Li River. Drift past rice paddies and karst peaks.
Afternoon: Xingping Ancient Town (兴坪古镇) — the 20-yuan note view is at the pier. Bring a 20-yuan note and hold it up against the real landscape. Then take the bus or train back to Guilin.
Day 4 (Optional): Longji Rice Terraces
Longji Rice Terraces (龙脊梯田) — 2 hours from Guilin. May–June the terraces are flooded (mirror effect); September–October is the golden harvest. Stay overnight in a village guesthouse to catch the sunrise — it’s worth it.
Where to Eat Like a Local
- Guilin rice noodles (桂林米粉): ¥5–8, dry-mixed first then add broth. Chongshan and Shiji are the classics.
- Beer fish (啤酒鱼): Yangshuo’s signature dish — fish braised in beer. Choose a restaurant with clear prices on the menu.
- Longji bamboo rice: Sticky rice cooked in bamboo tubes at the terraces.
- Guilin three treasures (桂林三宝): Sanhua wine (三花酒), chili sauce (辣椒酱), and fermented bean curd (豆腐乳) — plus osmanthus cakes (桂花糕) as souvenirs.
Practical Tips
- Best time: September–November for clear river water; April–May for the misty “smoke-rain Li River” atmosphere. The river is muddier in the June–August rainy season.
- Getting around: Buses and trains connect Guilin, Yangshuo, and Xingping. E-bikes are the way to explore the countryside.
- Airport: Liangjiang Airport (KWL) is 30 km from the city — airport bus ¥20. Guilin North/West stations to Yangshuo station: 30 minutes by train, then 40 minutes by car to the town.
- Money: Cash is still useful in small villages — carry some.
- Weather: Humid and rainy — pack a light rain jacket year-round.
Where to Stay
- Guilin city — near the Two Rivers and Four Lakes
- Yangshuo West Street — lively, touristy
- Yulong River / countryside — quiet, beautiful guesthouses
Last updated: October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do I need in Guilin?
3 days is the sweet spot: 1 day in Guilin city, 2 days in Yangshuo. Add a 4th day for the Longji Rice Terraces.
What's the best way to see the Li River?
The 4-hour cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is the classic. Or take a bamboo raft on the essence section (精华段) — quieter and more intimate.
Where is the 20-yuan note view?
At Xingping Ancient Town (兴坪古镇) pier — the exact scene on the back of the 20-yuan note. Bring one to compare!
Is Yangshuo worth the hype?
Yes — West Street is touristy, but the countryside around it (Yulong River, Ten-Mile Gallery) is stunning. Rent an e-bike for ¥30–50/day and explore.
When is the best time to see the rice terraces?
May–June when the terraces are flooded with water (mirror effect), or September–October for the golden harvest. Stay overnight to catch the sunrise.
How do I get from Guilin airport to the city?
Liangjiang Airport (KWL) is about 30 km from the city — the airport bus costs ¥20. The high-speed rail from Guilin North/West stations to Yangshuo takes 30 minutes, but Yangshuo station is still 40 minutes by car from the town itself.
Is the Impression Liu Sanjie show worth it?
It's a spectacular Zhang Yimou open-air performance on the Li River — but tickets are ¥200+ and it depends on the weather. Book only if the forecast is clear.