Why Guilin
"Guilin's scenery is the best under heaven, and Yangshuo's scenery is the best in Guilin." That one line tells you everything about Guilin's status in Chinese landscape culture.
The Li River's karst formations, Yangshuo's pastoral countryside, Longji's terraced mountains — every stop feels like stepping into a traditional Chinese painting.
This guide is based on multiple trips to Guilin. It's not a "ten attractions in three days" speed-run itinerary — it's a slow-travel guide that lets you truly experience the mountains, rivers, and rural charm.
If you have 240 hours (10 days) of visa-free time, you'll have enough to fall in love with this "landscape corridor."
Visa-Free Rules
The 240-hour visa-free transit policy applies to citizens of 54 countries. Key requirements:
- Valid passport from one of the 54 eligible countries
- Onward ticket to a third country/region (not the country you departed from)
- Apply in advance through the National Immigration Administration app
- Entry/exit ports: Guilin Liangjiang International Airport, or designated land/sea ports
- Stay limit: Up to 240 hours (10 days) within Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region
Important: You can travel freely between all cities within Guangxi during your stay. High-speed rail connects Guilin to Nanning (1.5 hours) and Beihai (3 hours).
Beyond Guilin
Guangxi has 12 cities worth exploring:
- Guilin: Li River, Elephant Trunk Hill, Yangshuo, Longji Rice Terraces, Two Rivers Four Lakes
- Beihai: Silver Beach, Wuzhou Island, Old Street
- Nanning: Qingxiu Mountain, Zhongshan Road food street
- Liuzhou: Luosifen (river snail rice noodles), Liujiang night view
Must-See Attractions
Elephant Trunk Hill
Elephant Trunk Hill is Guilin's most iconic landmark, named for its resemblance to an elephant drinking from the river. It's the city emblem and a must-visit photo spot.
Tickets: ¥70 (exterior viewing recommended for better value)
Time needed: 1-2 hours
Li River Cruise
The Li River is the essence of Guilin scenery. The 83km cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is called the "Hundred-Mile Gallery," passing landmarks like Nine Horse Fresco Hill and Yellow Cloth Reflection.
Tickets: From ¥210 (cruise boat)
Time needed: 4-5 hours
Yangshuo West Street
West Street is Yangshuo's liveliest pedestrian area, packed with specialty snacks, bars, and souvenir shops. The street comes alive at night with colorful lights.
Tickets: Free
Time needed: 2-3 hours
Yulong River
The Yulong River is the Li River's longest tributary in Yangshuo, known as the "Little Li River." Bamboo rafting here offers stunning pastoral scenery.
Tickets: Bamboo raft from ¥200
Time needed: 2-3 hours
Longji Rice Terraces
The Longji Rice Terraces are one of Guilin's most spectacular natural wonders. Layer upon layer of terraces spiral from valley floor to mountain peak. Best viewed during spring planting (April-May) and autumn harvest (September-October).
Tickets: ¥80
Time needed: Full day
Two Rivers Four Lakes
Two Rivers Four Lakes is Guilin's circular water system, connecting the Li River, Taohua River, Rong Lake, Shan Lake, Gui Lake, and Mulong Lake. The night cruise features the Sun & Moon Twin Towers.
Tickets: Night cruise from ¥190
Time needed: 2-3 hours
Reed Flute Cave
Reed Flute Cave is Guilin's most beautiful stalactite cave, with fantastical rock formations illuminated by colorful lights — a dreamlike underground world.
Tickets: ¥90
Time needed: 1-2 hours
Xingping Ancient Town
Xingping is a thousand-year-old town on the Li River, famous as the backdrop of the 20-yuan banknote. Take a bamboo raft to enjoy the Li River scenery here.
Tickets: Free
Time needed: 2-3 hours
9-Day Itinerary
DAY 1: Arrive Guilin — Elephant Trunk Hill — Two Rivers Four Lakes night cruise
DAY 2: Guilin — Li River cruise — Yangshuo — West Street
DAY 3: Yangshuo — Yulong River bamboo raft — Ten-Mile Gallery — Xingping Ancient Town
DAY 4: Yangshuo — Longji Rice Terraces — Ping'an Village
DAY 5: Longji — sunrise — Guilin — Reed Flute Cave — Zhengyang Street
DAY 6: Guilin → Beihai — Silver Beach — Old Street
DAY 7: Beihai → Wuzhou Island — Volcanic Geological Park — Dripping Water Screen
DAY 8: Wuzhou Island — Five-Color Beach — Shiluo Kou — Return to Beihai
DAY 9: Beihai → Nanning — Qingxiu Mountain — Depart
D1: Arrive Guilin — Elephant Trunk Hill — Two Rivers Four Lakes
After arriving in Guilin, check into your hotel. Afternoon at Elephant Trunk Hill for the iconic city emblem photo. Evening at Zhengyang Street for local food, then a night cruise on Two Rivers Four Lakes to see the Sun & Moon Twin Towers illuminated.
D2: Guilin — Li River Cruise — Yangshuo — West Street
Morning cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo on the Li River — the Hundred-Mile Gallery. See Nine Horse Fresco Hill and Yellow Cloth Reflection along the way.
Arrive in Yangshuo in the afternoon. Check in, then explore West Street in the evening.
D3: Yangshuo — Yulong River — Ten-Mile Gallery — Xingping
Morning bamboo rafting on Yulong River for pastoral scenery.
Afternoon cycling the Ten-Mile Gallery, then visit Xingping Ancient Town at sunset to see the 20-yuan banknote view.
D4: Yangshuo — Longji Rice Terraces — Ping'an Village
Morning departure from Yangshuo to Longji Rice Terraces. Afternoon exploring Ping'an Village with its stunning terraced views.
Stay overnight at a guesthouse near the terraces and experience ethnic minority culture.
D5: Longji — Sunrise — Guilin — Reed Flute Cave — Zhengyang Street
Early morning sunrise at Longji, then return to Guilin. Afternoon at Reed Flute Cave for the stalactite wonderland.
Evening at Zhengyang Street for Guilin rice noodles.
D6: Guilin → Beihai — Silver Beach — Old Street
Morning high-speed rail from Guilin to Beihai (3 hours). Afternoon at Silver Beach for swimming and sand play. Evening at Beihai Old Street for seafood.
D7: Beihai → Wuzhou Island — Volcanic Park — Dripping Water Screen
Morning ferry to Wuzhou Island. Afternoon at the Volcanic Geological Park for unique volcanic landscapes. Evening at Dripping Water Screen for sunset.
D8: Wuzhou Island — Five-Color Beach — Shiluo Kou — Return to Beihai
Morning at Five-Color Beach for sunrise, then explore Shiluo Kou beach. Afternoon ferry back to Beihai.
D9: Beihai → Nanning — Qingxiu Mountain — Depart
Morning high-speed rail from Beihai to Nanning. Visit Qingxiu Mountain and try Nanning local food. Afternoon departure from Nanning airport.
What to Eat
1) Guilin Rice Noodles
Cost: ¥10-15/person
Why try it: Guilin rice noodles are the city's most representative dish. Silky noodles in savory broth, topped with crispy pork, pickled vegetables, and a boiled egg.
2) Yangshuo Beer Fish
Cost: ¥60-80/person
Why try it: Yangshuo's signature dish — fresh fish cooked with beer, tender and aromatic with a hint of chili.
3) Lipu Taro Pork
Cost: ¥50-70/person
Why try it: A Guilin classic — soft taro layered with pork, rich and satisfying without being greasy.
4) Liuzhou Luosifen
Cost: ¥15-25/person
Why try it: Guangxi's most viral snack — sour, spicy, and funky rice noodles with pickled bamboo shoots, peanuts, and tofu skin.
5) Nanning Laoyoufen
Cost: ¥15-20/person
Why try it: Nanning's signature sour-spicy rice noodles, believed to have warming and appetite-stimulating properties.
Anti-Scam Tips
- West Street: Prices are higher here — better value in the city center
- Li River cruise: Buy official tickets only — don't trust street touts
- Longji: Mountain roads are winding — be careful and hire experienced drivers
Where to Stay
Guilin
- City center: Convenient transport, great for shopping and food
- Xiang District: Near Elephant Trunk Hill, ideal for sightseeing
- Two Rivers Four Lakes area: Beautiful night views, great for evening cruises
Yangshuo
- Near West Street: Lively, great for nightlife
- Near Yulong River: Quiet, ideal for relaxation
- Near Ten-Mile Gallery: Scenic, perfect for cycling
Getting Around
Getting to Guilin
- Airport: Guilin Liangjiang International Airport
- High-speed rail: Guilin Station, Guilin North Station, Guilin West Station
Guilin to Yangshuo
- Li River cruise: The classic option, 4-5 hours of scenic cruising
- Bus: 1.5 hours, ¥25 ticket
- High-speed rail: To Yangshuo Station, then transfer by bus
Yangshuo to Longji
- Bus: About 3 hours
- Private car: Most convenient, about ¥400
Practical Tips
- Weather: Guilin is rainy — bring an umbrella
- Sunscreen: Mountain UV is strong — bring sunscreen
- Shoes: Wear comfortable walking shoes — lots of mountain trails
- Cash: Remote areas may not have mobile payment
- Longji: Mountain roads are winding — be careful
- Li River cruise: Book in advance — tickets sell out in peak season
- West Street: Watch out for scams — don't trust street touts
- Ethnic minorities: Respect local customs and traditions