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Guilin, in Guangxi in southern China, is famous for some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world: dramatic karst mountains rising from green rice fields, misty rivers and bamboo rafts gliding past limestone peaks. The scenery is so iconic that it appears on the back of the 20-yuan banknote. The highlight is the Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, a small town surrounded by karst hills that has become a hub for cycling, rafting, rock climbing and hiking. Nearby, the Longji Rice Terraces cascade down mountainsides, home to Zhuang and Yao ethnic minority villages. Guilin itself has scenic parks, caves and lakes. This Guilin travel guide covers the best time to visit, the top places to see, where to stay, how to get there and around, costs, entry rules and practical tips.

Best Time to Visit Guilin

Guilin has a humid subtropical climate with hot, rainy summers and mild winters.

Spring (April–May) brings green landscapes and full rivers, though there's frequent rain and mist, which can create magical scenery.

Autumn (September–November) is generally considered the best time, with comfortable temperatures (20–28°C), clearer skies and the golden rice harvest at the Longji terraces (late September–October).

Summer (June–August) is hot and humid (30–35°C), with heavy rain; the Li River can flood, occasionally suspending cruises.

Winter (December–February) is cool (8–15°C) and quiet, with lower water levels on the river.

Avoid: China's Golden Week holidays (1–7 October and early May), when Guilin and Yangshuo are very crowded.

Top Places to Visit in Guilin

1. Li River Cruise

The classic way to experience Guilin's landscapes: a cruise of about 4–5 hours from Guilin (Mopanshan or Zhujiang pier) to Yangshuo, passing karst peaks, bamboo groves, villages and water buffalo. Highlights include Nine Horses Fresco Hill and the scenery shown on the 20-yuan note near Xingping.

2. Yangshuo

A lively town surrounded by karst peaks, with West Street full of bars and restaurants, and a perfect base for outdoor activities.

3. Yulong River

A quieter river near Yangshuo, best explored by bamboo raft or bicycle, with stone bridges such as the Dragon Bridge and peaceful villages.

4. Longji Rice Terraces (Dragon's Backbone)

Spectacular rice terraces about 2 hours from Guilin, carved into mountain slopes over centuries. Visit the Ping'an and Dazhai areas and the Yao village of Huangluo, where women are famous for their very long hair.

5. Elephant Trunk Hill

Guilin's symbol, a hill shaped like an elephant drinking from the Li River.

6. Reed Flute Cave

A large limestone cave with colourful lit stalactites and stalagmites.

7. Xingping and Laozhai Hill

An ancient fishing village with spectacular views from Laozhai Hill, one of the best sunset spots in the region, and traditional cormorant fishermen.

Also worth visiting: Two Rivers and Four Lakes (night boat cruise), the Sun and Moon Pagodas, Seven Star Park, Fubo Hill, Silver Cave, Moon Hill in Yangshuo and the Impression Liu Sanjie light show on the river.

Suggested 4-Day Guilin Itinerary

Day 1 – Guilin city: Visit Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave and the Sun and Moon Pagodas at night.

Day 2 – Li River: Cruise to Yangshuo, then explore West Street and watch Impression Liu Sanjie.

Day 3 – Yangshuo countryside: Cycle or raft the Yulong River, hike Moon Hill and visit Xingping at sunset.

Day 4 – Rice terraces: Day trip to the Longji Rice Terraces.

Outdoor Adventures in Yangshuo

Yangshuo is one of Asia's top destinations for rock climbing, with hundreds of routes on karst limestone. Other activities include cycling along country lanes, kayaking, hot-air ballooning over the peaks, hiking between villages, and cooking classes where you learn local dishes using ingredients bought at the market.

Guilin Food Scene

Try Guilin rice noodles (mifen), served with braised meat, peanuts and pickles, beer fish (pijiu yu), a Yangshuo speciality cooked with local beer, stuffed dishes such as stuffed snails and peppers, bamboo rice, and oil tea (youcha), a savoury tea of the local minorities.

China: Practical Information

Payments are mostly made with Alipay or WeChat Pay, which accept foreign cards. Many foreign apps, such as Google and WhatsApp, are blocked, so prepare maps, translation and booking apps in advance. English is limited outside tourist areas, though Yangshuo is more international. Always carry your passport for hotels, trains and tickets.

Guilin's Ethnic Minorities

Guangxi is officially the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, home to the Zhuang, China's largest ethnic minority, as well as the Yao, Miao and Dong peoples. Around the Longji terraces, you can visit Zhuang villages with wooden stilt houses and the Red Yao village of Huangluo, where women traditionally cut their hair only once in their lives, at around 18, and wear it wound around their heads. Further north, the Dong villages around Sanjiang are famous for their wooden wind-and-rain bridges and drum towers, built without nails. Local festivals feature folk songs, embroidered costumes and bamboo dances. The legend of Liu Sanjie, a Zhuang folk singer, inspired the famous Yangshuo light show directed by Zhang Yimou.

Where to Stay in Guilin

• Guilin city centre: Near Elephant Trunk Hill and the lakes.
• Yangshuo West Street: Lively, with bars and restaurants.
• Yangshuo countryside: Boutique hotels among karst peaks along the Yulong River.
• Xingping: Quieter village with river views.
• Longji terraces: Guesthouses in Ping'an or Dazhai villages.

Compare hotel prices and availability in Guilin and Yangshuo here.

Getting There & Around

Flying to Guilin

Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) is about 30 km from the city, with flights from major Chinese cities and some Asian destinations. Search and compare cheap flights to Guilin to find the best fares.

By High-Speed Train

High-speed trains connect Guilin and Yangshuo stations with Guangzhou (about 2.5–3 hours), Shenzhen, Hong Kong West Kowloon and other cities.

Getting Around

• Li River cruise: Guilin to Yangshuo.
• Buses: Frequent between Guilin and Yangshuo (about 1–1.5 hours).
• Bikes and e-bikes: Ideal around Yangshuo.
• Didi and taxis: Available in Guilin and Yangshuo.
• Private driver: Useful for the rice terraces.

Travel Costs in Guilin

Prices are in Chinese yuan (CNY). US$1 is roughly CNY 7 (rates vary).

Travel style	Accommodation	Food & drink	Transport & activities	Daily total (per person)
Budget	CNY 80–180 (hostel)	CNY 50–100	CNY 50–150	CNY 180–430 (US$25–60)
Mid-range	CNY 250–600 (boutique hotel)	CNY 120–250	CNY 200–500 (Li River cruise)	CNY 570–1,350 (US$80–190)
Luxury	CNY 1,000–3,000 (luxury resort)	CNY 300–700	CNY 500–1,500	CNY 1,800–5,200 (US$255–740)

Visa & Entry Rules

• 30-day visa-free entry: Citizens of most EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Norway and others can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days under a policy currently running until 31 December 2026. The UK and Canada joined from 17 February 2026. Check that your nationality is included.
• US citizens: Usually need a tourist visa, or can use the 240-hour visa-free transit with an onward ticket to a third country (Guilin is an eligible port in Guangxi).
• Arrival card: Complete the online arrival card or fill one in on arrival.
• Passport: Valid for at least 6 months.

Rules change frequently; check official sources before you travel.

Local Tips for Guilin

• Book the Li River cruise in advance: Especially in high season.
• Bamboo rafts: Choose licensed operators.
• Mosquitoes: Bring repellent in summer.
• Rain gear: Rain is common; mist can make the landscapes even more beautiful.
• Bargain: In markets, but not in shops with fixed prices.
• Staying connected: Many foreign apps are blocked; a travel eSIM usually allows access to familiar apps while roaming. Get your China eSIM here.

Tours & Experiences

• Li River cruise: Guilin to Yangshuo.
• Yulong River bamboo rafting: Peaceful countryside.
• Longji Rice Terraces day tour: With minority villages.
• Hot-air balloon flight in Yangshuo: Karst views at sunrise.
• Cooking class in Yangshuo: Market visit and local dishes.
• Rock climbing: Courses for all levels.

Browse and book the best tours in Guilin here.

FAQ

How long is the Li River cruise?

About 4–5 hours from Guilin to Yangshuo.

Is Yangshuo better than Guilin as a base?

Many travellers prefer Yangshuo for its scenery and activities.

When is the best time to visit the Longji Rice Terraces?

Late September–October for golden terraces, or May–June when filled with water.

Do I need a visa for Guilin?

Many nationalities can visit visa-free for 30 days until 31 December 2026; check your nationality.

Where is the 20-yuan note scenery?

Near Xingping on the Li River.

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