Guilin Tour
"Guilin's landscape tops the world" is not just a phrase that has been passed down for a thousand years, but also the most genuine awe every traveler feels when starting their journey in Guilin.
From the poetic reflections on the Li River to the dreamlike karst peaks of Yangshuo, Guilin, with its unique natural charm, has become an unsurpassed classic destination in southern China.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or seeking a deep cultural experience, you will find a visual feast that exceeds all expectations in this city.
Guilin Tour: Classic Guilin & Yangshuo
Want to see the most beautiful landscape of Guilin all at once? This classic route combines a Li River bamboo raft, Yangshuo West Street, the Ten-Mile Gallery, and Elephant Trunk Hill, making it an excellent choice for first-time visitors to Guilin.
4-Day Classic Guilin & Yangshuo Tour
- Take a Li River cruise to appreciate Nine Horse Hill and Yellow Cloth Reflection.
- Visit local farming families to experience authentic rural life.
3-Day Classic Guilin Highlights Tour
- Visit Reed Flute Cave, known as the Palace of Natural Art.
- Take a cable car to the top of Yao Mountain, the highest peak in the city area.
5-Day Tour of Guilin and Yangshuo
- Experience a hand‑poled bamboo raft ride on the Yulong River.
- Explore the picturesque Ten-Mile Gallery scenic area.
Guilin Tour: Longsheng Rice Terraces & Hiking
Go deep into the magnificent curves of the Longji Rice Terraces and experience the local culture of Yao and Zhuang villages. This tour includes hiking routes and connecting travel between Guilin, Yangshuo, and Longsheng, perfect for those who love nature and outdoor walking.
4-Day Guilin Scenery & Longsheng Ethnic Minorities Tour
- See the Longji Rice Terraces spiral from the mountain foot into the clouds like a ladder to the sky.
- Visit the villages of the Zhuang and Yao ethnic minorities to experience their life and traditional customs.
7-Day Complete Package for Guilin, Yangshuo, and Longsheng
- Cover Elephant Trunk Hill, along with Fubo Hill, Jingjiang Princes' City, and Yao Mountain.
- Take a walk through the thousand‑year‑old Daxu Ancient Town and visit local families.
5-Day Guilin and Yangshuo Highlights with Longji Hiking Tour
- Easily cycle or ride an e‑bike through the rice paddies and villages along the Yulong River.
- Learn to make traditional bamboo rice, deeply experiencing mountain life and farming wisdom.
Guilin Tour: Culture, Photography & Outdoor
Designed specifically for in-depth travelers, this tour features visits to ethnic minority cultures, professional photography excursions, and a combination of cycling and hiking. Discover a different side of Guilin through your lens and on your own two feet.
7-Day Essence of Guilin with Minority Ethnic Discovery Tour
- Go deep into Sanjiang Dong Autonomous County to visit the iconic Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge.
- Travel to Danzhou Ancient Town to experience the unique charm of a multi‑ethnic community.
6-Day Photography Tour of Longji and Yangshuo in Guilin
- Head to Huixian Glass Field to capture the mirror‑like reflections of the water in the morning light.
- By the Li River at sunset, photograph an old fisherman with his faithful companion, the cormorant.
5-Day Essential Guilin Tour and Li River Hiking Adventure
- Enjoy a riverside afternoon tea at Gou Dan Camp in Xingping.
- From the top of Xianggong Mountain, take in the magnificent panoramic view of the Li River's First Bend.
Guilin Tour: Tailored & Seasonal Escapes
Whether you are traveling with your family, departing from Hong Kong, or hoping to enjoy a hot spring in winter, these carefully designed itineraries can meet your specific needs and help you easily enjoy your time in Guilin.
5-Day Guilin Winter Hot Spring Tour
- Soak in the hot springs at Longsheng Hot Spring National Park for a warm and cozy winter vacation.
- Visit the countryside of Yangshuo, stepping into local farmers' homes to deeply experience authentic rural life and farming culture in China.
5-Day Round Trip from Hong Kong to Guilin
- Take a high‑speed train from Hong Kong West Kowloon directly to Guilin-the journey takes about 3 hours.
- Stay in Ping'an Zhuang Village, immersing yourself in the Longji Rice Terraces, which have a history of more than 600 years.
5-Day Guilin & Yangshuo Family Tour
- Venture deep into the undeveloped Yanzi Cave and explore its stalactite wonders under the guidance of a caving expert.
- Hike from Xingping Ancient Town to Xianggong Mountain, taking in the classic karst scenery featured on the back of the 20‑yuan banknote.
FAQs on Guilin Tour
1. Do I Need to Apply for a Visa to Visit Guilin?
China has now implemented a unilateral visa‑free policy for citizens of 50 countries and has mutual visa exemption agreements with 30 countries. If you are from any of these countries, you do not need a visa to travel to Guilin.
Additionally, citizens of the 10 ASEAN countries can stay in Guilin visa‑free for 6 days. If you meet the requirements for the 240‑hour visa-free transit, you can also stay visa‑free for 10 days in the designated cities, including Guilin.
Related Reading: Who Can Enjoy Guilin Visa-free Entry
2. What is the Best Month to Visit Guilin?
The best times to visit Guilin are in spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October). In April, with abundant rainfall, the Li River often appears misty and rainy, with the peaks emerging and disappearing from view.
By May, temperatures are comfortable, and water levels are high, making it perfect for bamboo rafting. From September to October, the weather is clear and crisp, and the Longji Rice Terraces turn golden.
At the same time, it is best to avoid the Labor Day and National Day holidays, as these are peak travel periods and the scenic spots will be more crowded than usual.
Related Reading: Guilin Weather by Month
3. How Many days do you need to visit Guilin?
In 2 days, you can quickly see the core attractions. In 3 days, you can check off the classic must‑do activities. With 4 to 5 days, you can go deeper and explore attractions farther from the city center, such as the Longji Rice Terraces.
Related Reading: Plan Your Memorable Guilin Tour
4. What Transportation Options are Available in Guilin?
Guilin Liangjiang Airport has airport shuttle buses and ride‑hailing services that go directly to the city center. Within the city, shared e‑scooters and city buses are very convenient, covering major attractions such as Elephant Trunk Hill and the Two Rivers and Four Lakes. For travel between Guilin and Yangshuo, you can choose a high‑speed train (about 30 minutes) or a Li River cruise (about 4 hours).
To get to the Longji Rice Terraces, you need to take a direct shuttle bus from the city or charter a car. Once in Yangshuo town, renting an e‑bike is the most recommended option-it's flexible and convenient, allowing you to venture deep into the countryside roads.
Related Reading: How to get to Guilin and get around
5. What Kind of Food Can You Eat in Guilin?
The top recommendation is Guilin rice noodles with braised meat. After mixing the noodles dry, you add toppings such as crispy pork, braised beef, and pickled beans.
After finishing the noodles, you drink a bowl of bone broth-it's authentic and affordable. Yangshuo beer fish uses fresh Li River fish as the main ingredient, stewed with tomatoes and beer. The fish is tender and filled with a rich, wine‑infused aroma.