Guilin
Otherworldly karst landscapes and the Li River
Best Time to Visit
AprilβOctober
Average Cost
$40β70/day
Language
Mandarin Chinese
Getting There
KWL international airport, high-speed rail from Guangzhou (2.5h) and Guiyang (2.5h)
Guilin, in southern China, is famous for its otherworldly karst mountain landscapes, the scenic Li River that inspired countless Chinese paintings, and photogenic rice terraces of Longji. This Guilin travel guide covers the best things to do in Guilin, top attractions including the Li River cruise, Elephant Trunk Hill, Yangshuo countryside, and Longji Rice Terraces, and essential travel tips for overseas visitors. Whether you are planning a 3-day or 4-day Guilin itinerary or extending to Yangshuo, our AI trip planner helps you discover the best places to visit in Guilin, China.
Top Attractions
Li River Cruise
Scenic boat ride through iconic karst peaks from Guilin to Yangshuo. The most beautiful river scenery in China.
Elephant Trunk Hill
Guilin's symbol β a rock formation shaped like an elephant drinking from the Li River. Best viewed from across the river.
Yangshuo Countryside
Rural landscapes with limestone peaks, bamboo groves, and rice paddies. Best explored by bike or e-bike.
Reed Flute Cave
Spectacular limestone cave with colorful lighting highlighting stalactites and stalagmites. Ancient inscriptions date back 1,300 years.
Longji Rice Terraces
Stunning terraced rice fields carved into mountains by Zhuang and Yao minority communities. Best visited in autumn.
Sun and Moon Pagodas
Twin pagodas on Fir Lake β one bronze, one glass. Absolutely stunning at night with illuminated reflections on the water.
What to Eat in Guilin
Guilin cuisine features bold flavors with rice noodles at its heart. The famous Guilin rice noodles (mifen) are a must-try, along with beer fish from nearby Yangshuo and stuffed Li River snails.
Where to Stay in Guilin
Guilin Sheraton Hotel
Central location near Sun and Moon Pagodas. Walking distance to night markets and restaurants.
Yangshuo Mountain Retreat
Boutique hotel in the heart of Yangshuo. Surrounded by karst peaks and rice paddies.
Guilin Waterfall Hotel
Famous for its nightly waterfall. Close to the Li River cruise departure point.
Longji Inn & Hostel
Traditional stilted house in the rice terraces. Wake up to stunning mountain views.
Essential China Travel Tips
Internet Access
Google, Instagram, WhatsApp are blocked. Get an eSIM with VPN before arrival.
Get Airalo eSIM with VPN βPayment
China is nearly cashless. Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay. Some rural areas near Longji prefer cash.
Travel Insurance
Medical evacuation can cost $50,000+. Don't travel without comprehensive coverage.
Check SafetyWing plans βNavigation
Google Maps is unreliable. Use Amap or Apple Maps. Yangshuo is best explored by bike.
Power Adapter
China uses Type A/I plugs, 220V. Most hotels have USB ports, but bring a universal adapter.
Universal adapter on Amazon βEmergency Numbers
Police: 110, Ambulance: 120, Fire: 119. English operators on the foreigner hotline (12308).
What to Pack for Guilin
Need gear? Shop travel essentials on Amazon β
Where to Stay β Neighborhood Guide
Downtown Guilin
Convenient location near Sun and Moon Pagodas, Elephant Trunk Hill, and night markets. Best area for first-time visitors.
Yangshuo West Street
The most popular base for exploring Yangshuo's countryside. Bars, restaurants, and bike rentals at every corner.
Yangshuo Countryside
Farmstays and boutique hotels surrounded by karst peaks and rice paddies. Peaceful but requires transport.
Longji Terrace Area
Traditional Zhuang and Yao minority villages on the mountainside. Incredible views but basic amenities.
Day Trips from Guilin
Yangshuo Countryside
Full day (1.5h bus)Explore the iconic karst landscape by bike or e-bike. Visit Moon Hill, the Big Banyan Tree, and Yulong River.
Longji Rice Terraces
Full day (2.5h bus)Terraced rice fields carved into the mountains. Visit in autumn for golden harvest views.
Xianggong Mountain
Half day (1h from Yangshuo)The classic view used on the 20 RMB note. Best at sunrise for misty karst landscapes.
How Much Does a Guilin Trip Cost?
Estimated total: $600 β $1,000 (4 nights, per person)
| Item | Cost | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| International flights (from US/Europe) | $300 β $600 | Fly via Guangzhou or Shenzhen then take bullet train. |
| Hotel (4 nights) | $100 β $300 ($25β75/night) | Yangshuo has excellent budget options. |
| Food & drinks | $25 β $60 ($6β15/day) | Rice noodles Β₯10β15. Beer fish Β₯60β80. |
| Attractions & entrance fees | $30 β $50 | Li River cruise is the biggest expense (Β₯300β450). |
| Local transportation | $15 β $30 | E-bike rental Β₯30β50/day in Yangshuo. |
| eSIM / Internet | $10 β $25 | Airalo China eSIM from $4.50/week. |
| Travel insurance | $15 β $40 | SafetyWing from $42/4 weeks. |
4-Day Guilin Itinerary
Guilin City
- Elephant Trunk Hill (9:00 β 10:30 AM)
- Reed Flute Cave (11:00 AM β 12:30 PM)
- Lunch β Guilin rice noodles
- Sun and Moon Pagodas (3:00 β 5:00 PM)
- Night market dinner at Zhengyang Pedestrian Street
Li River & Yangshuo
- Li River cruise to Yangshuo (9:00 AM β 1:00 PM)
- Lunch at Yangshuo West Street
- E-bike countryside tour (2:30 β 5:30 PM)
- Beer fish dinner
- West Street bar-hopping
Rice Terraces
- Bus to Longji Rice Terraces (8:00 β 10:30 AM)
- Hike the terraces (10:30 AM β 2:00 PM)
- Lunch at Zhuang minority village
- Photography at sunset viewpoint
- Overnight at Longji guesthouse
Return & Departure
- Sunrise hike at Longji (6:00 β 7:30 AM)
- Return to Guilin (9:00 β 11:30 AM)
- Lunch and souvenir shopping
- Airport transfer
- Departure
Guilin Travel FAQ
Ready to Visit Guilin?
Get a personalized itinerary with AI-powered recommendations tailored to your preferences
Create My Guilin Trip