Guilin, located in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, was China's first city to develop tourism after 1949. As a favorite China tour destination for both domestic and foreign travelers, Guilin is well-known for the spectacular view of the surrounding karst peaks, which gave birth to emerald mountains, clean crystal rivers, and peculiar caves. Besides the amazing natural endowments, there are more than a dozen ethnic minorities in Guilin, including Zhuang, Yao, Miao, and Dong, with unique folk customs and exotic local cultures for travelers to explore. Around the south corner of Guilin, Yangshuo county is about 65KM from Guilin, which is an indispensable and important part of landscapes in Guilin. For those natural wonders lovers to tour China, Guilin scenery stands out as China's best, Yangshuo scenery tops those of Guilin.
What to see and do in Guilin and Yangshuo
1. Take a Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo
Board a Li River cruise and leisurely enjoy the 83-kilometer journey through the picturesque scenery, immersing yourself in a classical Chinese landscape painting for about 4 hours.
Admission: Free (cruise or bamboo rafting needs extra payment)
Opening hours: 08:40 - 22:40 (from April to November); 08:40 - 21:40 (from December to March)
Recommended sightseeing time: 4 hours
2. Lose yourself in the 200-year-old Xingping Ancient Town
Explore the well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty buildings, take a bamboo raft ride on the highlight section of the Li River, admire the breathtaking panoramic view from Laozhai Mountain, and visit the ancient fishing village. Xingping offers a diverse range of explorations.
Admission: Free
Opening hours: 24/7
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
3. Embark on a hike in the famous Longji Rice Terraces
Visit the Longji Rice Terraces and witness the dragon-like terraced fields. Then, hike up the layered terraces and experience the marvelous work of nature.
Admission: CN¥ 80 per person (Available from 08:30 to 17:30)
Opening hours: 24/7 (It is recommended to visit during the day)
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 days
4. Bamboo Rafting along the Enchanting Yu Long River
Experience the exciting and exhilarating adventure of bamboo rafting on the Yu Long River. Get up close and personal with the river as you drift along, passing through ancient bridges, historic towns, and fascinating relics. It's the perfect blend of tranquility and thrill.
5. View Impressions Liu Sanjie Show
Enjoy a visual and auditory feast by watching the outdoor live performance that combines the beautiful legends of local girls with Guilin's landscape and stage art.
5. Ten-Mile Gallery (Shili Hualang)
Sauntering down a country road makes you feel like you are travelling in a painting. This is true of the Ten-Mile Gallery in Yangshuo County, a fairyland on earth. As the name implies, Ten-Mile Gallery is a picturesque road stretching from the Yangshuo town area to Moon Hill, endowed with rolling hills, endless fields, idyllic villages and clear rivers on both sides. The peaks form natural sculptures in various shapes against the blue sky and beautiful flowers adorn the road. Birds chirping all the way make the atmosphere merry. As the road is not too long and in good condition, most visitors choose to travel by bike so that they can stop every now and then to enjoy the roadside landscape and take photos.
Admission: Free (an extra payment is required for some sites inside)
Opening hours: 09:00 - 18:00
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
6. Elephant Trunk Hill
Elephant Trunk Hill, formerly known as Li Mountain, is located at the junction of the Taohua River and Li River. The Elephant Trunk Hill got its name because it resembles a giant elephant standing on the edge of the river with its nose stretching out and drinking water from Li River. As the symbol and landmark of Guilin, it is one of the favorite attractions in Guilin.
Admission: CN¥ 55 per person
Opening hours: 06:30 - 19:00 (from April to October); 07:00 - 18:30 (from November to March)
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
7. Silver Cave
Silver Cave, located about 18km from Yangshuo, is the largest and typical karst landscape in Guilin. As a multistory cave, it winds through twelve hills, containing a variety of stalactites developed and grown in different geological ages. Silver Cave got its name because its stalactites are transparently clear and glittering like silver. There are many special spots in the cave, and the most famous are the Flying Waterfall of Snow Mountain, the Music Stone Screen, and Wonderland in a Jade Pool. Silver Cave is called “the Wonder of Worlds’ Cave”, where the magical craftsmanship of nature is shown vividly.
Admission: CN¥ 65 per person
Opening hours: 08:00 - 17:30
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours