Best Weekend Trips in China – Guilin(桂林)

Located in the northeastern part of Guangxi Province(广西省), Guilin has long been renowned for its breathtaking scenery, famously described as “the best landscape under heaven.” The city is known for its outstanding natural beauty, particularly its karst mountains and the Li River. 

The mountains rise steeply from the ground, while the Li River winds its way through the landscape, crystal clear and reflective like a mirror. Guilin is a quintessential example of China’s natural wonders, with its unique blend of city and landscape that make it truly special.

Guilin is an important tourist destination in China and around the world, famous for its scenic attractions and cultural history. It’s also one of the best cities for independent travelers.

In this guide, we’ll introduce several must-see spots to help you get to know Guilin better: 

Elephant Trunk Hill(象鼻山): This is one of Guilin’s most famous and iconic landmarks, named for its resemblance to a giant elephant standing by the Li River, dipping its trunk into the water for a drink.

The park itself is not large, but its main feature is the city’s emblem—Elephant Trunk Hill. When you arrive, the scene that has been imprinted in your mind becomes a reality: an elephant-like formation stands by the river, with its long trunk reaching into the water. You can stand on “Love Island(a part of this park)” to enjoy a serene view of the hill mirrored in the Li River, or climb to the elephant’s back to explore Puxian Pagoda and the mythical stories surrounding the hill. From the top, you’ll have a stunning view of the Li River winding its way through Guilin.

 

Li River(漓江): The best way to experience the Li River is by taking a bamboo raft, feel like you are drifting through a painting. The scenery of the river changes with time and weather, performing different beautiful atmospheres.

The Li River originates from Mao’er Mountain, known as “the highest peak in South China.” It flows through Guilin and Yangshuo, covering a total length of 170 km. This area, featuring karst landforms, is often referred to as “a hundred-mile Li River, a hundred-mile gallery,” as it meanders gracefully through thousands of unique peaks like a green silk ribbon.

The back of the new  20-yuan banknote of China features a section of the Li River. This 100-mile stretch can be divided into three main scenic areas: the first from Guilin City to Huangniu Gorge, the second from Huangniu Gorge to Shuiluo Village, and the third from Shuiluo Village to Yangshuo. One of the magical aspects of the Li River is that its scenery is stunning in all conditions, whether sunny, cloudy, or rainy. On sunny days, the reflection of the green peaks is visible; on cloudy days, mist blankets the mountains; and on rainy days, the river is shrouded in a dreamlike mist.

There are two main docks for Li River cruises: Mopanshan Dock for domestic tourists and Zhujiang Dock for foreign visitors. The cruise starts at Mopanshan (or Zhujiang) and heads towards Longtoushan Dock or Bilian Peak Dock in Yangshuo. Along the way, you’ll pass by Guilin’s largest cave, Crown Cave, and Xiushan Hill (with Xiushan Cave at its back), then Langzhou Village, and the ancient waterway post station, Xinlin Post.

Next, the cruise moves past Half-Side Crossing to Xiufeng Hill, where various scenic spots like Xiangba Island, Taoyuan Village, Shuangquan Village, and Luochui Drumstick Mountain offer unique and stunning views. Floating downstream from Xiufeng Hill, you’ll reach Moonlight Island, with its lush Wubai trees.

In Xingping, you’ll witness some of the most iconic landscapes along the river, including the famous “Nine Horses Fresco Hill” and the beautiful “Yellow Cloth Reflection.” Continuing downstream, you’ll reach Zhubitan, from where you can disembark and hike up to Foshan Mountain for a panoramic view of Xingping Ancient Town. To the east is FishingVillage. After leaving Fisherman’s Village, the journey concludes in Yangshuo. 

Yangshuo(阳朔): A land of stunning mountains and rivers stretching over 100 miles, Yangshuo is known for its fabulous scenery and vibrant local culture. The most famous attractions such as West Street, Yulong River, and Xingping Fishing Village.

Yangshuo County is part of Guilin City in the Guangxi Province and was established in 590 AD during the Sui Dynasty. Its breathtaking natural scenery, featuring the Li River winding over 100 kilometers, blends seamlessly with the unique karst landscape.And what’s more worth mentioning is , in addition to the scenic beauty of the Li River we just mentioned, former U.S. President Bill Clinton once visited, leaving his footprints on the ancient  streets.

By day, you can cycle along country paths, capturing the scenery through your lens; in the afternoon, relax on a bamboo raft, immersing yourself in the tranquil beauty of the mountains and rivers, ignoring time; at night, strolling through the famous West Street. 

Longji Rice Terraces(龙脊梯田): Located in Heping Township, in the southeastern part of Longsheng County, the Longji Rice Terraces form a vast and magnificent landscape. The terraces wind from the foot of the mountains to their peaks, with flowing lines and grand scale, earning the title “Crown of the World’s Terraces.”

The construction of the Longji Rice Terraces began in the Yuan Dynasty and was completed in the early Qing Dynasty, with a history of over 650 years. The terraces are distributed across altitudes ranging from 300 to 1,100 meters, with slopes mostly between 26-35 degrees, and the steepest slope reaching 50 degrees. The terraces rise layer upon layer from the foot of the mountains to the peaks, creating a staggered pattern of small hills resembling spirals and larger mountains resembling towers.

The terraces offer spectacular views year-round, making it one of the great wonders of the world.

Must-Try Foods in Guilin

Beer-Braised Li River Fish(啤酒鱼) : This is a local specialty of Yangshuo. Fresh carp from the Li River is first fried in fragrant tea oil produced in the northern mountains of Guangxi, then braised in premium Guilin beer. The result is a dish with a distinctive blend of crispy, tender, and flavorful fish . The fish scales are fried to a crunchy layer, soaked in rich sauce, giving you a truly unique culinary experience.

Guilin Rice Noodles(桂林米粉) : Famous for their unique flavor, Guilin rice noodles come in two forms: round noodles called “mi fen” and flat noodles known as “qie fen,” both commonly referred to as rice noodles. They are known for being white, tender, and smooth. The secret hides in the preparation of the broth, which varies from one vendor to another. The differences in ingredients and methods create a wide range of flavors. You can try many variations, such as braised beef, seafood, marinated toppings, or the most famous version—horse meat noodles.

Transportation in Guilin:

Since Guilin is a well-known tourist destination, there are plenty of flights available. If there is no direct international flight from your city to Guilin, you can consider flying to Nanning, the capital of Guangxi Province, and then take China’s high-speed train to Guilin. This is a convenient and scenic option for reaching the city.

For transportation around the city, you could use both Didi(滴滴打车) or Gaode map(高德地图) to call a taxi, or if you don’t wanna download so much apps, only if you have WeChat or Alipay( called 支付宝 in China),  you can get this service easily by searching keywords such ass “didi or gaode maps”.By the way, if you wanna try local bus, you’d better have a WeChat or Alipay with balance then open the QR code to switch on the bus’ machine, in China cash is not popular anymore.

Best Time to Visit Guilin:

The best time to visit Guilin is from April to November. The rainy season begins in late May, causing the water level of the Li River to rise, making the currents stronger and muddier. However, temperatures remain comfortable, and the rain brings a cool, refreshing breeze. By July and August, the rainy season ends, and the river becomes clearer, but temperatures rise significantly, and it’s also the peak tourist season with large crowds. If you’re sensitive to heat, it’s recommended to visit in May or September.

Guilin Travel Itinerary Tips:

Start your journey from Guilin City(桂林). If you have 2-3 days, spend the first day exploring the city, beginning with the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill(象鼻山). Afterward, head to The Crossing Street(十字街) to sample local Guilin cuisine—set aside half a day to a full day for these activities.

And next, take a train to Yangshuo(阳朔) Station. In Yangshuo, enjoy a bamboo raft trip to enjoy the full view of the Li River. If you’re interested in cycling, ride through the stunning mountain scenery and blooming canola fields. You can easily spend a whole day here, enjoying both the natural beauty and outdoor activities.

The next stop is Longsheng County(龙胜县), which you can reach by bus from Yangshuo. Make sure to check the bus departure times; you can catch the bus at the Yangshuo gas station. Once at Longji Rice Terraces(龙脊梯田), you can explore for half a day. Afterward, decide whether to stay overnight at the terraces or return to Guilin for accommodation, as hotels in the city generally offer better conditions.

If you have ample time, a three-day trip will guarantee for a relaxed and enjoyable pace. A two-day itinerary is also possible but will feel more rushed. Plan according to your available time!

Hope you find your own joy in Guilin and enjoy the stunning scenery. Have a great trip!

For more weekend trip ideas in China, visit our Travel Inspiration Hub.

Guilin Location

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