Guilin Itinerary: Plan Your Memorable Guilin Tour
Guilin's attractions are spread over a wide area, from the classic city sights to the Li River scenery in Yangshuo, and further to the Longji Rice Terraces and the Dong and Miao ethnic culture in Sanjiang. Different routes serve different travel needs.
Whether you just want to see the iconic sights, dive deeper into the Li River area, or explore ethnic minority culture, you can plan your trip with a flexible number of days.
Guilin Itinerary for Visiting Essential Spots
Best for: those who have a short-stay
This three‑day Guilin itinerary is designed for time‑limited travelers who want to see the region's most representative scenery in one go.
You will start with Guilin's classic city landmarks, then take a boat through the magnificent Li River down to Yangshuo, and finally end with the peaceful countryside of the Yulong River and the morning mist at Xianggong Mountain.
- Day 1: Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave
- Day 2: Li River Cruise, Impression Liu Sanjie
- Day 3: Xianggong Mountain, Yulong River Bamboo Raft, Ten-Mile Gallery Cycling
Elephant Trunk Hill
As the undisputed symbol of Guilin, Elephant Trunk Hill is located at the confluence of the Peach Blossom River and the Li River. This natural karst formation looks incredibly lifelike-like a giant elephant drinking water from the river with its trunk.
Beyond its iconic shape, Elephant Trunk Hill Park also holds deep historical significance: ancient inscriptions are carved on the rock face, and the Puxian Pagoda from the Ming Dynasty stands on the hilltop.
Travel Tip: Elephant Trunk Hill does not require an entrance ticket, but you need to make a reservation through the Elephant Trunk Hill WeChat mini‑program before entering. For a unique perspective, try taking a small bamboo raft on the river to view Elephant Trunk Hill from a distance.
Reed Flute Cave
Reed Flute Cave is known as the Palace of Natural Art. It is a spectacular limestone cave formed millions of years ago and has welcomed many leaders from both China and abroad. Stepping inside, you enter an underground world of stalactites, stalagmites, and stone pillars. The most famous chamber, the Crystal Palace, is spacious and bright, with still underground water reflecting the colorful lights to create a sparkling scene.
Travel Tip: The cave maintains a constant temperature of around 20°C all year round, making it an especially good choice for rainy days or hot afternoons. A full visit usually takes 60 to 90 minutes.
Li River Cruise
The Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is a classic journey, often called one of the most beautiful river trips in the world. Traveling slowly along a 60‑kilometer waterway, the entire trip takes about 4 hours.
You will see the rolling peaks from the back of the 20‑yuan banknote, fishermen on bamboo rafts, and water buffalo grazing along the shallows. The scenery changes with the weather: under a clear sky, the peaks reflect in the mirror‑like water; in light mist, the view looks like a traditional Chinese ink painting.
Travel Tip: Li River cruises are mainly divided into three‑star (standard) and four‑star (luxury) options. Four‑star boats have better facilities, including a Western‑style buffet lunch and more comfortable viewing decks.
Three‑star cruises depart from Mopanshan Pier, while four‑star cruises depart from Zhujiang Pier-both end at Longtoushan Pier in Yangshuo. During peak season (April to October), tickets should be booked 1 to 2 days in advance to avoid sellouts.
Impression Liu Sanjie
Impression Liu Sanjie is a world‑class outdoor night show directed by the famous Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou. Unlike a traditional theater, its stage is on the Li River itself, with twelve karst peaks forming a natural backdrop.
The show features over 600 local performers, many of whom are local fishermen. Through grand lighting and choreography, it tells the legend of the folk singer Liu Sanjie. Using music, dance, and beautiful water‑based visual effects, it also showcases the cultural traditions of the Zhuang, Yao, Miao, and other ethnic groups.
For many travelers, this is an emotional highlight of the trip, creating a deep connection with the region's legends and traditional culture.
Travel Tip: The Impression Liu Sanjie theater is about a 30‑minute walk from Yangshuo West Street. There are usually two shows per night, with exact times varying by season and weather. For the best view, choose a VIP or Chairman's Row seat, which is higher and gives you a clearer view of the light patterns on the water. Because it is an outdoor show, bring insect repellent in summer and pack a light jacket for the cool night breeze.
Xianggong Mountain
To enjoy the ultimate panoramic view of the Li River's First Bend, Xianggong Mountain is an unbeatable choice. After a short but somewhat steep 20‑minute climb, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking scene: the Li River winding endlessly through a sea of karst peaks. The sunrise here is especially legendary-morning mist often fills the valley, creating a dreamy, misty landscape that looks like an ancient Chinese ink painting.
Travel Tip: For sunrise viewing, you need to depart between 4:30 and 5:00 AM. The steps have handrails and are well maintained, but the slope is steep. Just go at your own pace-there's no need to rush. Don't be disappointed if it's cloudy. A misty sea of clouds often has even more charm than a perfectly clear day.
Yulong River Bamboo Rafting
If the Li River is grand and magnificent, then the Yulong River -a tributary of the Li-is intimate and peaceful. This is old Yangshuo in its purest form. Unlike the motorized boats on the Li River, the Yulong River uses small, non‑motorized bamboo rafts that are manually poled by boatmen.
This eco‑friendly experience lets you quietly float past ancient stone bridges, lush bamboo groves, and local farmers working in the rice paddies. The only sounds you hear are the pole cutting through the water and the occasional call of a kingfisher. This is widely considered the most relaxing and romantic activity in the Guilin area.
Travel Tip: The most popular section of the Yulong River is Jinlong Bridge to Jiuxian Village, which takes about 90 minutes. Along the way, you will pass several small low‑head dams that create a little drop-adding fun without being dangerous.
Depending on the raft type, they come for two, three, four, or more people. It is recommended that you take a two‑person raft, as this section has the best scenery and includes the dam drops for a better experience.
It's best to wear sandals or waterproof shoes, as your feet may get slightly wet when going over the dams. It's also better to start in the early morning or late evening to avoid the midday sun.
Ten-Mile Gallery Cycling
The Ten-Mile Gallery is a scenic road that winds through the countryside south of Yangshuo town. It is named for the stunning scenery that unfolds like a painting at every turn. Cycling or riding an e‑scooter through this area is the travel style that best represents the spirit of Yangshuo.
The route passes iconic landmarks such as Moon Hill (with its natural circular hole through the peak), the Big Banyan Tree, and Butterfly Spring. The beauty of the Ten-Mile Gallery lies in its freedom-whenever you see a patch of bright wildflowers, a village, or a uniquely shaped karst peak, you can simply stop. It's a low‑carbon way to explore and deeply experience the unique rural charm of this land.
Travel Tip: Near West Street, there are many rental stands for bicycles and e‑bikes. Because Yangshuo's climate is humid, an e‑bike is highly recommended — it saves you energy while letting you go farther.
The main road has designated bike lanes, but they often share space with tourist buses, so you need to watch out for passing vehicles. For a more authentic rural experience, leave the main road and turn onto the small paths that lead into the rice paddies and toward the Yulong River.
- 3-Day
- Li Rive Cruise
- Elephant Trunk Hill
- Reed Flute Cave
Guilin Itinerary for Enjoying Natural Scenery
Best for: those who seek natural beauty
- Day 1: Elephant Trunk Hill, Two Rivers and Four Lakes
- Day 2: Li River Cruise, Xingping Ancient Town
- Day 3: Yulong River, Ten-Mile Gallery Cycling
- Day 4: Longji Rice Terraces
Two Rivers and Four Lakes
Two Rivers and Four Lakes is an urban waterway project in Guilin that connects the Li River, Peach Blossom River, and Rong Lake, Shan Lake, Gui Lake, and Mulong Lake. It was designed to recreate the water city layout that existed as far back as the Song Dynasty.
The highlight of this water landscape is the Sun and Moon Pagodas standing on Shthean Lake: Sun Pagoda is the world's tallest copper pagoda, glowing with golden light, while the Moon Pagoda shines in silver white.
Travel Tip: The best way to experience Two Rivers and Four Lakes is definitely at night — the pagodas, bridges, and lakeside trees look especially beautiful under coordinated lighting. The free lakeside walking path is perfect for a casual stroll after dinner. You can start from the Sun and Moon Pagodas and follow the path toward Rong Lake, where you will see an ancient banyan tree and the Glass Bridge.
Xingping Ancient Town
Xingping Ancient Town is a historic town located on the banks of the Li River. It is the filming site for the scene on the back of the 20‑yuan banknote-the Yellow Cloth Reflection. The old town itself retains moss‑covered brick walls, traditional courtyards, and narrow stone alleys, surrounded by a series of famous karst peaks such as Nine Horse Hill and Laozhai Mountain.
Trave Tip: a 10 to 15‑minute walk from Xingping Bus Station takes you to the riverbank, where you can see the famous 20‑yuan banknote background scene. You can also take a Li River raft from Chaobanshan Pier to enjoy the mountain and river scenery along both banks up close.
Longji Rice Terrace
The Longji Rice Terraces are mainly divided into two areas: Ping'an and Jinkeng. Jinkeng is larger and more remote, with a cable car that goes up to the highest viewing point, Jinfo Summit. Ping'an is more developed and has the famous Seven Stars Accompanying the Moon viewing point.
The terraces look completely different as the seasons change: in spring, when water fills the fields, they become thousands of mirrors reflecting the sky; in summer, they are lush and full of life; in autumn, they turn golden, like a harvest painting spread across the earth.
Travel Tip: If you want to see the terraces filled with water, come during the water‑filling period from April to June. If you want to see the golden rice harvest, come during the harvest season from September to November.
Guilin Itinerary for In-depth Exploring
Best for: experience-first, couples
Exploring Guilin in depth means going beyond the camera lens and truly feeling the pulse of South China's most classic landscapes. This itinerary focuses on the sensory pleasures of exploration — the crisp mountain breeze over the rice terraces, the cool, mysterious air inside hidden caves, and the rhythmic sound of a bamboo pole cutting through the water.
- Day 1: Longji Rice Terraces
- Day 2: Huixian Cave
- Day 3: Xingping Ancient Town, Xianggong Mountain
- Day 4: Yulong River Bamboo Raft, Ten-Mile Gallery Cycling
- Day 5: Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave
Huixian Cave
Yanzi Cave (Swallow Cave) is a natural cave formed over tens of thousands of years as an underground river carved through the rock. Inside, you'll find stalactites, stalagmites, stone pillars, and an underground river, making the cave feel like an untouched underground art palace.
Travel Tip: Because this cave is completely natural and undeveloped, you need a professional guide to take you there.
- 5-Day
- Yanzi Cave
- Longji Rice Terraces
- Xing Ping Ancient Town
Guilin Itinerary to Sanjiang for Minority Ethics Discovery
Best for: those who seek for cultural experience
This Guilin itinerary focuses on exploring ethnic minority culture and is designed for people who value cultural heritage and local life stories. Although Guilin is famous for its karst peaks, its true depth lies in the cultural tapestry woven by the Zhuang, Yao, Dong, and other ethnic groups.
- Day 1: Elephant Trunk Hill, Daxu Ancient Town
- Day 2: Longji Rice Terraces
- Day 3: Travel to Sanjiang, Chengyang Eight Villages, Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge, Sit Me (Zuo Mei) performance
Daxu Ancient Town
Daxu Ancient Town is located on the banks of the Li River and is one of the four most famous ancient towns in Guangxi. It was first built around 200 BC and became a busy trading center during the Qing Dynasty.
Today, it still has well‑preserved ancient buildings, smooth old flagstone streets, and long‑standing cultural traditions. It is truly an ideal place for history and antique lovers.
Travel Tip: Daxu Ancient Town is not in downtown Guilin. Only Bus 306 goes directly there, and the fare is CNY2
Sanjiang
The Chengyang Bridge in Sanjiang spans the river. The five ornate pavilions and covered walkways on the bridge serve not only as a passage but also as a social center for the villages. The Dong people's love for music-especially Dong Grand Songs, which have been listed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity-further enriches the cultural experience of this land.
In the evenings, the Zuo Mei cultural show brings these traditions to life, displaying the colorful costumes, rhythmic dances, and unique courtship customs of the Dong youth.
Travel Tip: The Zuo Mei show runs daily from 8:00 PM to 9:15 PM. If there are two shows on the same day, the first starts at 7:40 PM and the second at 9:15 PM. You need to arrive 15 minutes early. The venue is the Zuo Mei Grand Theater in Yueye Dong Village.
Guilin Itinerary Tip: Enjoy a Hassel-free Trip
1. Check if you need a visa to visit Guilin
China now has unilateral visa‑free policies for citizens of 50 countries and mutual visa exemption agreements with 30 countries. If you are from any of these countries, you do not need a visa to visit Guilin.
Additionally, citizens of the 10 ASEAN countries can stay visa‑free in Guilin for 6 days. If you meet the requirements for the 240‑hour transit visa exemption, you can stay visa‑free for 10 days in the allowed cities, including Guilin.
2. Ensure your passport is valid for more than 6 months
Whether or not you need a visa to visit Guilin, make sure your passport is valid for more than 6 months.
3. Book a local guide
Although Guilin is a tourist city, the main language spoken here is Chinese. Having a tour guide will help you communicate smoothly with local people.
4. Get a Chinese SIM card
Having a Chinese mobile number allows you to register for apps like Didi (ride‑hailing) and Meituan (food delivery), letting you make the most of their features. Drivers or delivery riders usually call you in advance to confirm, so your number must be Chinese to receive these calls, unless you have activated international roaming.
Booing Your Guilin Tour
Guilin has unique karst landforms and is super famous. The landscapes in Yangshuo are also incredibly beautiful. We can take you to tour the stunning scenery along both sides of the Li River and let you experience local customs and cultures.
You can ride a bike on country paths, make glutinous rice cakes by hand, and even learn Chinese kung fu. Share your ideas to the travel advisors. They'll do their best to meet your needs and arrange an unforgettable Guilin trip for you!
4-Day Classic Guilin & Yangshuo Tour
7-Day Complete Package for Guilin, Yangshuo, and Longsheng