Guilin & Yangshuo 桂林·阳朔
About Guilin & Yangshuo 桂林·阳朔
Highlights
- ✓ Li River Cruise — the classic 4-hour boat journey
- ✓ Yulong River Bamboo Rafting — 8km of karst scenery
- ✓ Nine Horse Hill — the best sunset viewpoint
- ✓ Cycling the Xingping Ancient Village route
- ✓ Elephant Trunk Hill — Guilin's landmark
- ✓ Yangshuo West Street — the international backpacker strip
- ✓ Rice paddy cycling in the countryside
Trip Essentials
Photo Gallery
Karst mountains along the Li River in Guilin, China
Local cuisine
Local people
Adventure
Guilin & Yangshuo 桂林·阳朔 Itinerary
Suggested Travel Plan
Suggested Itinerary
Li River Cruise
The 4-hour boat journey from Guilin to Yangshuo. Pass through dozens of karst peaks, each with its own name and legend. The water is so clear you can see the fish swimming below.
Arrive in Yangshuo
Check in at your hotel. The town is 30 minutes from the Li River dock by bus.
Lunch — Guilin Rice Noodles
Guilin's signature dish: rice noodles in a clear broth with pork slices and pickled vegetables. A local favorite.
Yulong River Bamboo Rafting
An 8km bamboo raft journey down the Yulong River. The karst scenery is even more intimate than the Li River. The rafters will point out the best spots for photos.
Nine Horse Hill
Climb the 200 steps to the top of the Nine Horse Hill for a panoramic view of Yangshuo and the surrounding karst peaks. The sunset from the top is the best in the region.
Dinner on West Street
Yangshuo's international street: craft beer, live music, and a mix of Chinese and international restaurants. Try the local specialties: bamboo tube rice and grilled fish.
Cycling to Xingping Ancient Village
A 20km cycle through rice paddies, karst peaks, and small villages. The route passes through the most scenic part of the Li River. The village itself is a UNESCO-listed traditional village.
Xingping Ancient Village
A 1,500-year-old village with a temple, a stone arch bridge, and a market. The best version of old China, untouched by tourism.
Lunch in Xingping
A local farmhouse restaurant. Try the local specialties: bamboo tube rice, grilled fish, and wild vegetables.
Return Ride
Cycle back to Yangshuo. The afternoon light on the rice paddies is the best part of the ride.
Rest & Tea
A local teahouse in Yangshuo. Try the local oolong tea and relax after the cycling.
Farewell Dinner
A proper Yangshuo restaurant: grilled fish, bamboo tube rice, and the local beer. The town's food is one of the best reasons to visit.
Location
Practical Information
✈️ Getting There
Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) is 28km from the city. High-speed trains from Guangzhou (3h), Beijing (8h), and Shanghai (10h) arrive at Guilin Station. The Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo takes 4 hours. Yangshuo is 65km from Guilin — take the bus (1.5h) or a taxi (40 min).
🏨 Where to Stay
Stay in Yangshuo (more international, better for nightlife, $30-100/night) or in Xingping Ancient Village (quieter, more local, $20-50/night). Guilin city is a good base if you want to combine with other attractions. The best hotels are on the banks of the Yulong River.
💡 Travel Tips
Guilin and Yangshuo are best visited April to June and September to November. The rainy season (June - August) can be beautiful with the mist, but the water can be brown after heavy rain. The Li River cruise is the must-do experience. Wear comfortable shoes for the cycling. The bamboo rafting is best in the morning. The night market on West Street runs until 2 AM — bring cash for the street food.
Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) is 28km from the city. High-speed trains from Guangzhou (3h), Beijing (8h), and Shanghai (10h) arrive at Guilin Station. The Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo takes 4 hours. Yangshuo is 65km from Guilin — take the bus (1.5h) or a taxi (40 min).
Stay in Yangshuo (more international, better for nightlife, $30-100/night) or in Xingping Ancient Village (quieter, more local, $20-50/night). Guilin city is a good base if you want to combine with other attractions. The best hotels are on the banks of the Yulong River.
Guilin and Yangshuo are best visited April to June and September to November. The rainy season (June - August) can be beautiful with the mist, but the water can be brown after heavy rain. The Li River cruise is the must-do experience. Wear comfortable shoes for the cycling. The bamboo rafting is best in the morning. The night market on West Street runs until 2 AM — bring cash for the street food.
Travel Tips
The Li River cruise is the classic experience
The 4-hour boat journey from Guilin to Yangshuo is the most iconic way to experience the karst landscape. The water is so clear you can see the fish swimming below. The best time is after the rain, when the mist rises from the river and the mountains look like a watercolor painting. Book the upper deck for the best views.
Cycling in Yangshuo is a must
The 20km cycle to Xingping Ancient Village is one of the most beautiful cycling routes in China. You'll pass through rice paddies, karst peaks, and small villages. The afternoon light on the paddies is the best part. Rent a bike at any hotel ($5/day). Bring sunscreen and water.
Guilin & Yangshuo are affordable
A full day of sightseeing, meals, and transport costs under $30. The Li River cruise is $35, the bamboo rafting is $10, and the cycling is $5/day. Meals range from $2 for street food to $15 for a proper restaurant. The region is one of the cheapest in China.
Pack for Four Seasons in One Day
China's climate varies dramatically by region. In the north, winters can be -20°C; in the south, it's 30°C year-round. Pack layers, a light rain jacket, and comfortable walking shoes for any trip.
High-Speed Trains Are a Game Changer
China's high-speed rail network covers most major cities. A Beijing-Shanghai trip that used to take 12 hours by plane now takes 4.5 hours by train — and the experience is far more comfortable. Book tickets on the 12306.cn website or app.
Cash Is Still King in Small Towns
While major cities are increasingly cashless (WeChat Pay and Alipay), many smaller towns and rural areas still rely on cash. Always carry RMB bills (¥10, ¥20, ¥50, ¥100) for small purchases and street food.
The Li River cruise is the classic experience
The 4-hour boat journey from Guilin to Yangshuo is the most iconic way to experience the karst landscape. The water is so clear you can see the fish swimming below. The best time is after the rain, when the mist rises from the river and the mountains look like a watercolor painting. Book the upper deck for the best views.
Cycling in Yangshuo is a must
The 20km cycle to Xingping Ancient Village is one of the most beautiful cycling routes in China. You'll pass through rice paddies, karst peaks, and small villages. The afternoon light on the paddies is the best part. Rent a bike at any hotel ($5/day). Bring sunscreen and water.
Guilin & Yangshuo are affordable
A full day of sightseeing, meals, and transport costs under $30. The Li River cruise is $35, the bamboo rafting is $10, and the cycling is $5/day. Meals range from $2 for street food to $15 for a proper restaurant. The region is one of the cheapest in China.
Pack for Four Seasons in One Day
China's climate varies dramatically by region. In the north, winters can be -20°C; in the south, it's 30°C year-round. Pack layers, a light rain jacket, and comfortable walking shoes for any trip.
High-Speed Trains Are a Game Changer
China's high-speed rail network covers most major cities. A Beijing-Shanghai trip that used to take 12 hours by plane now takes 4.5 hours by train — and the experience is far more comfortable. Book tickets on the 12306.cn website or app.
Cash Is Still King in Small Towns
While major cities are increasingly cashless (WeChat Pay and Alipay), many smaller towns and rural areas still rely on cash. Always carry RMB bills (¥10, ¥20, ¥50, ¥100) for small purchases and street food.