How many days do I need in Guilin?

Five days is the full version. One day for Guilin city, from Elephant Trunk Hill to East-West Alley. One day up to the Longji terraces when they are in season. One day down the Li River to Yangshuo, ending on West Street. One day for the Yangshuo countryside, with a Xianggong dawn, the Yulong bamboo raft, and Moon Hill. One day for Reed Flute Cave and the Two Rivers and Four Lakes. Three days covers the Li River and Longji core; two works for the Li River and Yangshuo alone.

When is the best time of year to visit?

April to May is best for flooded Longji terraces and fresh green countryside. September through early November is the strongest all-round window, with clearer light, gold in the rice terraces, and less humidity than midsummer. June through August can still work, but rain and river levels shape the day more. Winter is quieter, with paler hills and shorter countryside hours.

Is Guilin worth the trip from Shanghai or Beijing?

Yes, if the season works. Guilin pays off most when April to May fills the Longji terraces, or September to November turns them gold, and when river levels still let the Li run smoothly. Shanghai to Guilin is roughly two and a half hours by direct flight; Beijing to Guilin is around three hours. A three-night Guilin stop sits comfortably inside a wider Shanghai or Beijing route. Outside those windows, two nights for the Li River and Yangshuo alone is the more honest plan.

It depends on the passport you hold. Ordinary Australian, British, New Zealand and Canadian passports enter mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days; the scheme is confirmed through 31 December 2026 and covers tourism, family visits, transit, and short business. Re-entries reset the 30-day counter. United States passports still need a tourist visa under current rules, and we manage the application end-to-end as part of your booking. Tell us your nationality before we quote, and we will check the live entry rule against the embassy and the relevant foreign-affairs source for your country.

Is the Li River cruise private?

It can be, when dates, water levels, and local operating rules line up. The public scenic area runs standard star-rated cruise ships; for private trips we brief a smaller vessel where available, or we build the day around the best public-boat cabin and a private Yangshuo afternoon on the Yulong. The promise is not a boat label. The promise is the day you approve, written clearly before you confirm.

How do payments work?

Overseas Visa and Mastercard from most major markets can now be linked to Alipay and WeChat Pay; the policy update came through in 2024. Set one up before you fly. Guilin hotels and larger restaurants may take international cards directly, but Yangshuo cafés, village lunches, and small stalls will usually expect mobile payment or cash. If your card is issued in a smaller market, we check the setup in your pre-departure brief. The guide and driver handle ticketed and tolled items on the trip.

Will there be any forced shopping or factory visits in the itinerary?

No. No pearl factory, no silk demonstration, no tea-mountain sales pitch. The route you approve is the route we brief. If a driver or guide suggests an unscheduled detour, you have a named specialist to contact. The figure on your quote is what you pay. The trip you read is the trip you take.

What is actually included when you quote a Guilin trip?

Every quote covers the daily guide and driver, hotel nights at the category you approve, daily breakfast, and the internal flight or train if Guilin is part of a wider route. The Li River arrangement and any Longji entrance fees are written in once we agree the shape of the day. Planned meals and optional costs are named before you confirm. Priced per person, up front, in the currency you switch the site to.

Aerial view of the Li River running between karst peaks toward Yangshuo at sunset

Destination · China

Guilin

karst peaks and quiet river

Guilin is the landscape Chinese painters have returned to for a thousand years. Along the Li River, limestone peaks rise straight from rice fields and fishing villages. North of the city, Zhuang and Yao families have farmed the Longji terraces for seven centuries.

Design my trip See the signature moments

Signature moments

South China,
at the pace
of the river.

What to see

A small private river vessel drifting under misty karst peaks on the Li River — Li River(Guilin to Yangshuo)
Flowing through a landscape of misty limestone peaks, the Li River is the heart of Guilin's breathtaking scenery.
Every bend reveals postcard-perfect views that have inspired poets and painters for centuries. Cruising these tranquil waters offers an unforgettable glimpse into rural China, where bamboo groves, fishing villages and dramatic karst mountains create a journey unlike any other.
For the best experience, we recommend a morning cruise when the soft light and calm waters showcase the river at its most beautiful.

Flooded rice terraces stepping up the Longji ridges — Longji Rice Terraces(Dragon's Backbone, Longsheng)
Carved into the mountains over 700 years ago, the Longji Rice Terraces are a masterpiece of human ingenuity.
Layer upon layer of emerald fields transform with the seasons, creating one of China's most spectacular landscapes. Home to the Zhuang and Yao ethnic communities, the terraces offer a unique blend of natural beauty, rich traditions and panoramic mountain views.
An early visit rewards you with cooler temperatures, peaceful trails and unforgettable views before the crowds arrive.

Elephant Trunk Hill on the Li River, the karst formation shaped like an elephant lowering its trunk to drink, with Water Moon Cave forming a perfect circle with its reflection on the still water — Elephant Trunk Hill(Xiangbi Shan, the symbol of Guilin)
The iconic symbol of Guilin, Elephant Trunk Hill resembles a giant elephant drinking from the Li River.
This natural limestone formation has captivated visitors for centuries with its distinctive shape and legendary stories. Surrounded by peaceful gardens and riverside scenery, it's the perfect introduction to Guilin's remarkable karst landscape.
Visit in the morning for softer light, quieter surroundings and the best photo opportunities.

Sunrise over the 180-degree Li River bend seen from the Xianggong Hill summit, with karst peaks layered in mist — Xianggong Hill(the 180-degree Li River bend, Xingping)
Famous for its breathtaking panoramic views, Xianggong Hill offers one of the finest overlooks of the Li River.
A short climb rewards visitors with sweeping vistas of winding waterways and dramatic karst peaks. At sunrise, the landscape is transformed by golden light and drifting mist, creating a scene that feels almost surreal.
We recommend an early morning visit to witness one of Guilin's most unforgettable sunrises.

Aerial view of Xingping town nestled along the Li River bend, karst peaks ringing the valley in golden afternoon light — Xingping Ancient Town(265 CE, the 20-yuan banknote view)
Steeped in over 1,700 years of history, Xingping Ancient Town charms visitors with its stone streets, traditional architecture and timeless riverside atmosphere.
Surrounded by the spectacular peaks of the Li River, this peaceful town offers a glimpse into the region's rich heritage and enduring beauty.
Explore in the morning to enjoy the quiet lanes before tour groups arrive.

The gold-illuminated Sun Pagoda and silver-illuminated Moon Pagoda reflected in Shanhu Lake at night in central Guilin — Sun and Moon Pagodas(Riyue Shuangta, Shanhu Lake)
Standing gracefully on Shanhu Lake, the Sun and Moon Pagodas are among Guilin's most recognisable landmarks.
By day they reflect elegantly across the water, while at night they glow with dazzling golden lights. Connected by an underwater passage, the twin pagodas beautifully blend ancient architecture with modern engineering.
An evening visit offers the most magical views as the illuminated pagodas sparkle across the lake.

Yangshuo town centre illuminated at dusk, the lights of West Street reflecting on the Li River with karst peaks silhouetted behind — Yangshuo West Street(Xi Jie, 590 CE, the evening hour)
Lively, colourful and full of character, Yangshuo West Street has welcomed travellers for over 1,400 years.
Ancient stone buildings now house vibrant cafés, local boutiques and traditional restaurants. The unique mix of history, culture and modern energy makes it the perfect place to experience Yangshuo's welcoming atmosphere.
Visit in the late afternoon and stay into the evening as the street comes alive with lights and local entertainment.

The narrow restored grey-brick lanes of Dongxi Xiang at the front of Jingjiang Princes' City, lined with snack stalls and red lanterns — East-West Alley(Dongxi Xiang, fronting the Princes' City)
Blending centuries of history with contemporary charm, East-West Alley is Guilin's best-preserved historic district.
Traditional architecture, local crafts and authentic flavours come together in a lively cultural setting. As you wander its picturesque lanes, you'll discover the city's heritage alongside stylish cafés and boutique shops.
An evening stroll offers a wonderful atmosphere, with beautifully illuminated streets and vibrant local life.

The yellow Ming-era main gatehouse of Jingjiang Princes' City in central Guilin — Jingjiang Princes' City(1372, Solitary Beauty Peak)
Built over 600 years ago during the Ming Dynasty, Jingjiang Princes' City was once the royal residence of Guilin's imperial princes.
Its grand halls, ancient walls and elegant courtyards reveal the city's rich royal heritage. Set beneath Solitary Beauty Peak, the historic complex offers a fascinating journey through China's imperial past.
Arrive early to enjoy a peaceful visit and take your time exploring this remarkable piece of history.

What to eat

A bowl of Guilin rice noodles topped with sliced beef, scallion, chilli oil and peanuts — Guilin rice noodles(mifen, the breakfast bowl)
Guilin rice noodles are the bowl this city wakes up to.
The bowl arrives dry: round noodles topped with cured horsemeat, slow-cooked beef shin or roast pork, then peanuts, sour bamboo, pickled long beans, fresh coriander, and chilli oil. You pour the slow-simmered master stock over the lot. Warm and savoury, faintly sweet from the bones, with crunch from the peanuts and sour bite cutting through the chilli.
Breakfast is set at the stall the guide rates highest, with the order placed in rounds so your companions can try each topping side by side. Skipping the hotel buffet means walking into a city already awake, at a counter where regulars are known by name.

A whole carp braised with beer, tomato and scallion on a metal plate, Yangshuo style — Yangshuo beer fish(Pijiu yu, Li River carp in beer)
Yangshuo beer fish, or pijiu yu, is the signature dish of the southern Li River.
A whole river carp is pan-seared, then braised in a wok with Liquan beer, red chilli, ginger, garlic, and spring onion. The flesh stays tender, the skin crisps, the broth turns malt-sweet from the beer and sharp with chilli. The dish started in West Street kitchens in the early 1980s.
Dinner is set at a riverside kitchen the guide books after seeing the day's catch and the table size, so the fish hits the pan after you sit down. The wok arrives still hissing, the broth bright with chilli, the kind of finish a coach-load kitchen cannot hold.

A layered braised pork belly dish glazed in dark soy sauce, served Guilin banquet style with rice, blanched greens, soup and pickles around the plate — Lipu taro pork(yutou kourou, the banquet table)
Lipu taro pork is the dish Guilin lays on the table for a banquet.
Slices of slow-braised pork belly are layered with Lipu taro, a tribute-grade variety the Qing court took from Lipu County, then steamed for an hour. The taro turns deep purple, soft and starchy, faintly sweet. The pork belly stays glossy and rich, the skin crisp at the edges under a dark soy glaze.
Dinner is booked at the Guilin kitchen the guide rates highest for the taro, with the dish ordered at the start of the meal so the full hour of steaming runs while the table moves through the lighter courses. The first slice arrives still hissing under its glaze.

Shows and experiences

Hundreds of performers in conical hats and yellow tunics work the red fabric stage spread across the Li River at the Impression Liu Sanjie evening show — Impression Liu Sanjie(Zhang Yimou's outdoor show)
Impression Liu Sanjie is the outdoor evening show staged on the Li River below Yangshuo.
Zhang Yimou directed the 2004 premiere, with the river itself as the stage and the karst peaks behind. Around 600 performers work the water, most of them local farmers, fishermen, and Yao and Zhuang villagers. The show runs 70 minutes.
We book mid-tier seats far enough back to read the full water stage, with a private car held near the exit so the ride back skips the post-curtain queue. A thin layer is worth packing; the riverside cools quickly once the sun has gone.

A hot air balloon rising over the Yangshuo karst peaks at sunrise — Hot air balloon at dawn(Yangshuo karst from above)
A Yangshuo dawn balloon flight is an hour over the karst peaks at sunrise.
The burner fires, the basket rises, and the route drifts above mandarin orchards, the Yulong's meanders, and the peaks of the Ten-Mile Gallery. Landings sit in the rice fields north of Moon Hill.
We book a private basket and a pre-dawn lift from Yangshuo, with hotel coffee and a breakfast hamper at the landing field. Weather rules the morning; if winds cancel, we hold the next clear dawn as a backup, or the day pivots to the Yulong instead.

A bamboo raft drifting under the single stone arch of Fuli Bridge on the Yulong River, with karst peaks behind — Yulong River bamboo raft(the quieter tributary, west of Yangshuo)
The Yulong is the quieter tributary west of Yangshuo, parallel to the Li, closed to power vessels.
Bamboo rafts drift sections of the 43-kilometre river at the pace of the current, past stone bridges and karst peaks reflected in slow water. The Ming-era Fuli Bridge anchors the upstream end; the Jinlong-to-Jiuxian section runs 9.5 kilometres past 28 small dams.
We choose the raft section after looking at your appetite for a longer drift, the river flow that morning, and how busy the public landings are. Fuli-to-Gongnong starts early so the light still sits on the bridge stones. On a busier day, the Jinlong-to-Jiuxian section runs better.

How long to stay

Recommended
5 days.

City centre
Day 1: Guilin City Highlights
Begin at Elephant Trunk Hill, the limestone arch shaped like an elephant drinking from the Li River, then walk the shore to the twin Sun and Moon Pagodas on Shanhu Lake. Spend the afternoon inside Jingjiang Princes' City, the Ming prince's walled residence, and climb Solitary Beauty Peak for the view over the rooftops. As evening falls, wander the restored lanes of East-West Alley and the crowds along Zhengyang Pedestrian Street.
Morning
1. Visit Elephant Trunk Hill on the Li River
2. Walk to the Sun and Moon Pagodas on Shanhu Lake
Afternoon
1. Explore Jingjiang Princes' City
2. Climb Solitary Beauty Peak
Evening
1. Wander the lanes of East-West Alley
2. Stroll Zhengyang Pedestrian Street
Longsheng
Day 2: Longji Rice Terraces
Private car north, about two and a half hours
An early start heads north into the mountains of Longsheng, about two and a half hours from Guilin. Spend the morning in Ping'an, the Zhuang village terraced into the ridge over seven centuries of farming. In the afternoon, walk the paths up to the Seven Stars with Moon and Nine Dragons and Five Tigers viewpoints, where the fields step away below you. Stay the night in Ping'an or Dazhai, with the quiet of the mountains once the day walkers leave.
Morning
1. Travel up to the Longji Rice Terraces
2. Visit the Ping'an Zhuang village
Afternoon
1. Hike to the Seven Stars with Moon viewpoint
2. Take in the Nine Dragons and Five Tigers viewpoint
Evening
1. Settle in for the night in Ping'an or Dazhai
Li River
Day 3: Li River and Yangshuo
Li River cruise downstream to Yangshuo
The morning belongs to the Li River, drifting south from Guilin through the limestone peaks that Chinese painters have returned to for a thousand years. Step ashore at Xingping, the old town of slate roofs and stone lanes, and find the river bend printed on the back of the 20-yuan note. As evening falls, the lanterns come up along Yangshuo West Street, the pedestrian lane that has served travellers for over 1,400 years.
Morning
1. Cruise the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo
Afternoon
1. Explore Xingping Ancient Town
2. Find the 20-yuan banknote viewpoint
Evening
1. Stroll Yangshuo West Street
Yangshuo
Day 4: Yangshuo Countryside
Begin before dawn with a quiet climb up Xianggong Hill for sunrise over the Li River's most photographed bend, the peaks layered in morning mist. The afternoon drifts down the Yulong River, the quieter tributary west of Yangshuo, on a bamboo raft at the pace of the current. Continue to Moon Hill, the arch worn clean through the limestone. As evening falls, settle by the riverside and enjoy the town's lively evening atmosphere.
Morning
1. Climb Xianggong Hill for sunrise
Afternoon
1. Drift the Yulong River by bamboo raft
2. Walk up to Moon Hill
Evening
1. Relax by the riverside in Yangshuo
City and river
Day 5: Caves and Riverside
Spend the morning underground at Reed Flute Cave, the lit chambers of stalactites and stone curtains northwest of the city. Climb Fubo Hill in the afternoon for the river view, then walk the linked waterways of the Two Rivers and Four Lakes scenic area at the heart of Guilin. As evening falls, follow the Riverside scenic area along the Li, where the lit pagodas and bridges close the day on the water.
Morning
1. Visit Reed Flute Cave
Afternoon
1. Climb Fubo Hill for the river view
2. Walk the Two Rivers and Four Lakes scenic area
Evening
1. Follow the Guilin Riverside scenic area at night

Day 1: Guilin City HighlightsCity centre

When to go

When to visit,
and how it feels.


Daily max (°F)	53°	58°	64°	75°	82°	87°	91°	92°	87°	79°	69°	59°
Rainfall (mm)	69	84	153	227	321	449	266	148	81	55	82	54
Crowds	Quiet	Crowded	Quiet	Steady	Busy	Steady	Busy	Busy	Steady	Crowded	Quiet	Quiet

November

Mild · Showery · Quiet

Cool, mostly clear days with the last gold on the higher terraces. One of the calmest months on the river.

Temperature and rainfall are China Meteorological Administration climate normals, 1991 to 2020. Crowd levels follow the Chinese public-holiday calendar and daily booking caps at the major sites.

Everonia

karst peaks and quiet riverGuilin

A five-day itinerary, with practical notes for every day.

Download free
Guilin travel guide

Best time

September to November; April to May

Days needed

5 days; 3 for the Li River and Longji core

Where it sits

South-China leg; pairs with Shanghai or Chengdu

Before you enquire

Questions worth
answering early.

Five days is the full version. One day for Guilin city, from Elephant Trunk Hill to East-West Alley. One day up to the Longji terraces when they are in season. One day down the Li River to Yangshuo, ending on West Street. One day for the Yangshuo countryside, with a Xianggong dawn, the Yulong bamboo raft, and Moon Hill. One day for Reed Flute Cave and the Two Rivers and Four Lakes. Three days covers the Li River and Longji core; two works for the Li River and Yangshuo alone.
Yes, if the season works. Guilin pays off most when April to May fills the Longji terraces, or September to November turns them gold, and when river levels still let the Li run smoothly. Shanghai to Guilin is roughly two and a half hours by direct flight; Beijing to Guilin is around three hours. A three-night Guilin stop sits comfortably inside a wider Shanghai or Beijing route. Outside those windows, two nights for the Li River and Yangshuo alone is the more honest plan.
It depends on the passport you hold. Ordinary Australian, British, New Zealand and Canadian passports enter mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days; the scheme is confirmed through 31 December 2026 and covers tourism, family visits, transit, and short business. Re-entries reset the 30-day counter. United States passports still need a tourist visa under current rules, and we manage the application end-to-end as part of your booking. Tell us your nationality before we quote, and we will check the live entry rule against the embassy and the relevant foreign-affairs source for your country.
It can be, when dates, water levels, and local operating rules line up. The public scenic area runs standard star-rated cruise ships; for private trips we brief a smaller vessel where available, or we build the day around the best public-boat cabin and a private Yangshuo afternoon on the Yulong. The promise is not a boat label. The promise is the day you approve, written clearly before you confirm.
Overseas Visa and Mastercard from most major markets can now be linked to Alipay and WeChat Pay; the policy update came through in 2024. Set one up before you fly. Guilin hotels and larger restaurants may take international cards directly, but Yangshuo cafés, village lunches, and small stalls will usually expect mobile payment or cash. If your card is issued in a smaller market, we check the setup in your pre-departure brief. The guide and driver handle ticketed and tolled items on the trip.
Every quote covers the daily guide and driver, hotel nights at the category you approve, daily breakfast, and the internal flight or train if Guilin is part of a wider route. The Li River arrangement and any Longji entrance fees are written in once we agree the shape of the day. Planned meals and optional costs are named before you confirm. Priced per person, up front, in the currency you switch the site to.

Designed around you and your companions

You enjoy the trip,
we do the rest.

From your first enquiry to your last airport pickup, our specialists design your trip and stay in contact every step of the way. The guides, drivers and hotels you'll meet are part of our trusted network we've worked with for years, briefed to the same standards.

Dedicated specialists, start to finish
Guides briefed to our standards
Fully transparent, no hidden costs
No deposit until you confirm

How we look after your trip

Often combined with

Stretch the trip. Stitch in another.

Read further

Useful before
you enquire.

Jack Guo

Your travel specialist

Jack has spent ten years working with the guides, drivers and hoteliers across China. He'll be your contact from first enquiry to final airport pickup.

Design your Guilin trip

Tell us your preferences and we'll plan a private itinerary in Guilin that fits how you like to travel.

Guilin

South China,at the paceof the river.

What to see

Li River(Guilin to Yangshuo)

Longji Rice Terraces(Dragon's Backbone, Longsheng)

Elephant Trunk Hill(Xiangbi Shan, the symbol of Guilin)

Xianggong Hill(the 180-degree Li River bend, Xingping)

Xingping Ancient Town(265 CE, the 20-yuan banknote view)

Sun and Moon Pagodas(Riyue Shuangta, Shanhu Lake)

Yangshuo West Street(Xi Jie, 590 CE, the evening hour)

East-West Alley(Dongxi Xiang, fronting the Princes' City)

Jingjiang Princes' City(1372, Solitary Beauty Peak)

What to eat

Guilin rice noodles(mifen, the breakfast bowl)

Yangshuo beer fish(Pijiu yu, Li River carp in beer)

Lipu taro pork(yutou kourou, the banquet table)

Shows and experiences

Impression Liu Sanjie(Zhang Yimou's outdoor show)

Hot air balloon at dawn(Yangshuo karst from above)

Yulong River bamboo raft(the quieter tributary, west of Yangshuo)

Recommended5 days.

Day 1: Guilin City Highlights

Day 2: Longji Rice Terraces

Day 3: Li River and Yangshuo

Day 4: Yangshuo Countryside

Day 5: Caves and Riverside

When to visit,and how it feels.

Download freeGuilin travel guide

Questions worthanswering early.

How many days do I need in Guilin?

When is the best time of year to visit?

Is Guilin worth the trip from Shanghai or Beijing?

What about a visa?

Is the Li River cruise private?

How do payments work?

Will there be any forced shopping or factory visits in the itinerary?

What is actually included when you quote a Guilin trip?

You enjoy the trip,we do the rest.

Stretch the trip. Stitch in another.

Shanghai

Chengdu

Xi'an

Lijiang

Useful beforeyou enquire.

When to visit China, month by month

China tourist visa for US travellers

How our pricing works

Payments and connectivity in China

Jack Guo

Design your Guilin trip

Guilin

Where in China do you want to go?

South China,
at the pace
of the river.

Recommended
5 days.

When to visit,
and how it feels.

Download free
Guilin travel guide

Questions worth
answering early.

You enjoy the trip,
we do the rest.

Useful before
you enquire.