South China · 桂林
Guilin
Karst peaks, rivers and rice terraces
Why Visit
The landscape on the back of the ¥20 note: improbably steep karst hills rising out of flat green plains and the Li River winding between them. Guilin is the base; Yangshuo, an hour south, is where the postcard views become real life.
- Cruise or raft the Li River between 2,000 karst peaks
- Cycle through rice paddies and bamboo groves in Yangshuo
- Climb (or cable car) a karst peak for a 360° panorama
- Trek the Longji rice terraces and stay in a village guesthouse
Top Things to Do
Li River cruise to Yangshuo
Take the 9am departure, sit on the open deck, and count the water buffalo.
Yulong River bamboo raft
A gentler, prettier float than the big river, on motor-assisted bamboo rafts past peaks and weirs.
Bike the Yangshuo countryside
Rent a bike (¥30/day) and follow the riverside paths past Moon Hill and villages — flat, safe, endlessly photogenic.
Xingping viewpoint hike
20-minute climb above the old town for the exact ¥20-note panorama.
Longji terraces overnight
Bus to Dazhai or Ping'an village, hike the ridge trails, wake up above a sea of clouds.
Where to Stay
Yangshuo town / West Street
Lively, backpacker-ishCafés, climbing gyms and tour offices on the pedestrian street; everything bookable in English.
Yangshuo countryside
Riverside retreatBoutique hotels and guesthouses in the villages among the peaks — the views you came for.
Guilin city (near the lakes)
Transit-friendlyComfortable city hotels with the twin pagodas night view, useful for train/flight logistics.
Food You Can't Miss
Guilin rice noodles
The ¥8 local obsession: rice noodles in pork-bone broth with pickled beans and chili — breakfast of the region.
Yangshuo beer fish
Whole Li River fish braised in local beer with tomatoes and chilies — the town's signature dish.
Stir-fried river snails
Snails wok-fried with purple perilla and chili — an adventurous, delicious local classic.
Oil-tea (you cha)
A savoury pounded-tea broth of the local Dong and Yao minorities, drunk with puffed rice.
Sample 3-Day Plan
- 1
Guilin & the river
Reed Flute Cave or the lakes in Guilin, afternoon Li River cruise to Yangshuo, West Street dinner.
- 2
Yangshuo outdoors
Yulong River raft in the morning, countryside cycling in the afternoon, beer fish for dinner.
- 3
Xingping or terraces
Day trip to Xingping's viewpoint — or depart early for an overnight at the Longji terraces.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do I need for Guilin/Yangshuo?
Three days: one for the river, one for Yangshuo's countryside, one flexible. Four if you overnight at the Longji terraces.
Should I stay in Guilin or Yangshuo?
Yangshuo, without hesitation — the scenery and food are there, and it's where you'll want to slow down. Use Guilin only for arrivals/departures.
Is the Li River cruise worth it?
The 4-hour cruise is touristy but the scenery is extraordinary. Cheaper, prettier alternative: bus to Xingping and take the short raft loop there.
When are the rice terraces best?
Late May–June (flooded mirror terraces) and late September–October (golden harvest). Winter is stark; summer is lush green.
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