Guilin

April to October is a good time to explore Guilin's scenery, with October usually bringing clear skies and crisp autumn weather.

The information below covers attractions, itineraries, food, transport and accommodation to help you plan your route and avoid backtracking.

• Elephant Trunk Hill: This hill is Guilin's city landmark. Entry is free with an advance reservation. You can enter through Gate 3; for a view of the entire hill and its reflection in the water, try the viewpoint across the river at Zizhou Park.

• Li River Highlights Section: A bamboo raft trip from Yangdi to Xingping takes about 1.5 hours, passing Nine Horse Fresco Hill and the scenery featured on the 20-yuan banknote. This route is more compact than the full river trip and helps avoid the fatigue of viewing similar scenery for a long time.

• Yulong River: Known as the “Little Li River,” it offers two-person, manually propelled bamboo raft rides from Jinlong Bridge to Jiuxian. With no engine noise, the trip takes you over 28 small weirs, combining the gentle rises and drops of crossing them with the river's relatively peaceful surroundings.

• Longji Rice Terraces: About two hours by road from central Guilin, the terraces turn golden in September and October. Jinkeng Dazhai offers good panoramic views, and a cable car is available for the journey up and down.

• Silver Cave: This karst cave is known for its stalactites, which appear in various colors under the lighting. A local saying associates visiting Silver Cave with prosperity. The cave is relatively cool, so bring a light jacket.

• Yangshuo West Street: This area has an international feel, with a concentration of night-market stalls, bars and local snacks. Visit in the evening to experience its lively street scene.

Suggested 4-Day, 3-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Explore Central Guilin: After arriving in Guilin, check into a city-center hotel. Visit Elephant Trunk Hill in the afternoon and stroll along Binjiang Road toward evening. After dark, see the illuminated Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas, then browse the shops and sample snacks in East-West Alley.

• Day 2: Li River Highlights and Xingping Ancient Town: Take a morning bamboo raft trip along the most scenic stretch of the Li River, including the view featured on the 20-yuan banknote. Explore Xingping Ancient Town in the afternoon, then head to Yangshuo toward evening. Browse West Street and try beer fish for dinner.

• Day 3: Yulong River and Ten-Mile Gallery: Take a manually propelled bamboo raft ride on the Yulong River in the morning. In the afternoon, rent an electric scooter and ride through the Ten-Mile Gallery, passing rice fields and karst peaks. Head to Gongnong Bridge toward evening to watch the sunset.

• Day 4: Silver Cave and Departure: Explore Silver Cave and its formations in the morning. Plan your return journey in the afternoon around your high-speed train or flight departure time.

Local Food Suggestions

Beyond restaurants in tourist areas, look for local flavors in residential neighborhoods and small alleyway eateries.

• Guilin Rice Noodles: Try the dry-tossed version with braised toppings. Its flavor comes mainly from the seasoned braising sauce, and it is often served with sour bamboo shoots and crispy pork. Noodle shops in Shijiayuan and the lanes of older residential neighborhoods are worth considering. Expect to spend about 6–10 yuan per person.

• Yangshuo Beer Fish: Fresh Li River fish is cooked with local beer, producing tender, flavorful flesh. Farmhouse restaurants beside the Yulong River are an option, with meals costing about 50–60 yuan per person.

• Lipu Taro with Pork Belly: This northern Guangxi dish pairs taro with pork belly. The taro becomes soft and flavorful as it absorbs the meat juices, while the pork is tender and the fatty portions taste less greasy.

• Stuffed River Snails: A Guangxi specialty made by stuffing snail shells with a mixture of snail meat and pork, then cooking them with perilla. The flavor is savory, aromatic and spicy.

• Gongcheng Oil Tea: A common part of the local daily diet, this drink is made by simmering tea leaves and ginger and is served with toasted rice and peanuts. Traditionally, it is said to ward off cold and dampness. Try it at breakfast or as an afternoon refreshment.

• Osmanthus Cake / Water Chestnut Cake: Both cakes have a light sweetness without being overly rich, while osmanthus cake has a strong floral fragrance. They work well as afternoon snacks or gifts to take home.

Transport and Accommodation

• Getting In and Out: For high-speed rail, consider Guilin Railway Station first: it is in the city center and close to attractions. Guilin North Railway Station is another option. Guilin West Railway Station is farther from the center, making taxi transfers less convenient. Flights arrive at Guilin Liangjiang Airport; a taxi from the airport to the city center costs about 80 yuan.
• Getting Around and Traveling Between Towns: Attractions in central Guilin are relatively close together, so taxis or shared electric bikes are practical options. High-speed trains from Guilin to Yangshuo take about 20–30 minutes; coaches are also available.
• Getting Around Yangshuo: Rent an electric scooter to explore the Ten-Mile Gallery and Yulong River area. Rentals cost about 30–50 yuan per day.
• Staying in Central Guilin: Staying near the Two Rivers and Four Lakes or Zhengyang Pedestrian Street puts major sights within walking distance, with convenient dining and shopping. Chain hotels cost about 200–400 yuan per night.
• Staying in Yangshuo: If you enjoy a lively setting, stay on the outskirts of West Street. You can reach it in a few minutes on foot while avoiding some of the main street's noise. For scenic surroundings, consider guesthouses near the Yulong River, some with views directly from the room. Prices are about 300–600 yuan per night.
• Staying in Longji: For easy access to terrace views, stay in a traditional stilt house within the scenic area, such as accommodation in Jinkeng Dazhai. Views are available right from the window, but prices are relatively high. For better value, consider Heping Township at the foot of the mountains.

Reservations and Travel Tips

• Attraction Reservations: Elephant Trunk Hill is free to enter, but advance reservations through official channels are still required. Yulong River bamboo raft tickets are in short supply during peak season, so book one day ahead through official online channels.
• Raft Types and Passenger Restrictions: The Li River uses four-person motorized rafts, while the Yulong River uses two-person, manually propelled rafts. Children under 1 meter tall and pregnant women cannot ride bamboo rafts. Avoid unofficial raft services offered by roadside touts and cheap tickets sold by scalpers.
• Choosing Restaurants: Some restaurants near scenic areas charge high prices without necessarily offering good food. For rice noodles or home-style dishes, consider places near older residential neighborhoods or markets where local residents are lining up.
• Spending on West Street: West Street is good for strolling and soaking up the atmosphere, but consider eating away from the main street. Check prices before entering a bar or ordering cocktails to avoid an unexpectedly high bill.
• Riding and Sun Protection: When renting an electric scooter in Yangshuo, test it first, then record a video of its condition to help avoid disputes over damage when returning it. UV levels in Guilin are strong, so use sun protection even on cloudy days.
• Changing Weather: Guilin's weather can change quickly. Rain forecasts may give way to sunshine, while sunny days can bring sudden downpours. Carry an umbrella suitable for both sun and rain.