3–4 days · Apr–OctKarst peaks & river mornings
Guilin
Guilin’s limestone peaks have defined the Chinese idea of landscape for a thousand years. The signature experience is drifting the Li River to Yangshuo, where the hills rise straight out of the water.
🗓
Best Time to Visit
April–May & September–October
Lush, green and calm after the plum rains. Avoid the soggy May–June flood season and the hot, crowded July–August; winter is cool but quiet.
📍
Must-See Attractions
- Li River cruise — Guilin to Yangshuo past the peaks on the ¥20-note view.
- Yangshuo — West Street, Yulong River bamboo rafts, Moon Hill and rice fields.
- Longji Rice Terraces — dramatic terraced valleys, golden in late September–October.
- Elephant Trunk Hill — the city’s mascot, a hill shaped like a trunk in the water.
- Reed Flute Cave — lit limestone caverns just outside town.
🏨
Where to Stay
- Guilin city — riverside hotels handy for the cruise pier.
- Yangshuo — boutique stays in the countryside or along West Street.
- Longji — village homestays among the terraces (best in harvest season).
🍜
What to Eat
Guilin rice noodles (mifen)Beer fish (Yangshuo)Stuffed snailsLipu taroOsmanthus desserts
🧭
Suggested Itinerary
- Day 1 — Guilin: Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave, riverside walk.
- Day 2 — Li River cruise to Yangshuo, West Street at night.
- Day 3 — Yulong River raft, Moon Hill, countryside cycling.
- Day 4 — Longji Terraces day trip, or a slower morning before departure.
