Written by Natalia |
Guilin, a city in the southern part of China, has long attracted visitors from all over the world with an incredible beauty of nature With the temperate climate, Guilin invites travelers to explore year-round. There are various things to see while traveling in Guilin, such as the limestone mountains, winding river networks, and most importantly, the Li River, which flows 83 kilometers southward to Yangshuo, flanked by jagged peaks that have starred in Chinese poetry and art for over thousands of years. The city’s rich natural and cultural heritage have together made itself a top destination beyond China’s urban hubs.
In this guide, we’ll list top 10 things to do in Guilin to help you craft your perfect itinerary. Start planning your Guilin adventure right now.
Fast Facts about Guilin
- Location: Northeast Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Southern China
- When to visit:April–October (avoid July–August peak heat and crowds)
- Transport:
Guilin Liangjiang Airport (KWL): Connects to major hubs like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, plus Chengdu and others.
High-Speed Rail:
From Beijing (10h) | Shanghai (9h) | Hong Kong (3h)
From Chengdu (6h) | Nanning (3h) | Guangzhou (2.5h)
1. Cruise Along the Stunning Li River
Taking a Li River cruise, a 83-kilometer voyage through landscapes, allows visitors to see some of China’s most splendid scenery. This journey from Guilin to Yangshuo shows:
- Dramatic karst peaks rising like limestone sentinels
- Ancient riverside villages where life moves at a slower pace
- Cormorant fishermen at work, a tradition dating back centuries
Practical Details:
- Time Needed: Full cruise (Guilin to Yangshuo): 4-5 hours. Shorter options (partial routes): 2-3 hours
- Departure Points: Zhujiang Pier (main departure point, 40km from downtown). Mopanshan Pier (closer but with fewer departures)
- Ticket Options: Standard Cruise (¥215)/VIP Cruise (¥360+)
- Schedule: 9:00am-11:00am departures
2. Cycle Through Yangshuo‘s Timeless Countryside
Yangshuo’s countryside is a paradise for cyclists. It has some of China’s most fascinating biking routes.: flat trails lead people through karst hills and farmland, with endless views of rice fields. A ride along the Yulong River shows:
- Working farm villages which havewater buffalo still plowing the fields
- Scenery that inspired the movie “The Painted Veil”
Practical Details:
- Where to Rent: Yangshuo’s West Street (English-friendly shops). Most hotels (often provide quality bikes)
- Bike Options:
Standard (¥30-50/day): Ideal for paved paths
Mountain (¥80-120/day): Handles dirt trails
E-bike (¥100-150/day): Conquers hills easily
Tip: Bring your passport for rentals
Top Cycling Routes:
Li River Cruise & Yangshuo Countryside Ride
- Distance: ~15 km
- Duration: Half-day
- Route: After a scenic Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, embark on a leisurely bike ride through the picturesque countryside, passing by rice terrace, traditional villages, and karst hills.
Aishan–Puyi–Yangshuo Loop
- Distance: ~40 km
- Duration: Around 6 hours
- Route: Starting from Yangshuo’s West Street, then cycle through the villages of Aishan and Puyi, this route also allows visitors to enjoy the scenic views along the Yulong River.
Recommended Guilin cycling tours:
- 4 Days Guilin Highlights Tour with Li River Cruise & Yangshuo Cycling
- One Day Cycling Tour of Yangshuo-Aishan-Puyi-Yangshuo
- Guilin Yangshuo Moon Hill
3. Marvel at the Spectacular Longji Rice Terraces
The Longji (Dragon’s Backbone) Rice Terraces is known as one of China’s most remarkable human-built landscapes – over 66 sq km of cascading farmland carved into mountainsides by ethnic minorities 500 years ago. At this UNESCO site, don’t miss:
- Seven Stars Around Moon: The iconic photography spot where terraces spiral around a central hill
- Zhuang & Yao villages: Centuries-old communities with traditional wooden homes on stilts
Practical Details:
- Time Needed:
Minimum visit: 4 hours (Ping’an Village)
Overnight option: Stay in local guesthouse for sunrise/sunset views
- Location Access:
From Guilin: 2.5 hour drive (last 40 minutes on winding mountain roads)
From Yangshuo: 3.5 hour combined transfer
- Ticket Options:
Ticket Type (adult) |
Price (CNY) |
Includes |
Entry Ticket |
¥80 |
Admission only |
Adult + Business Shuttle (Round Trip) |
¥110 |
Admission + Business shuttle (round trip) (Cable car not included) |
Entry + Coach Bus (Round Trip) + Cable Car (Round Trip) |
¥225 |
Admission + Coach bus (round trip) + Round-trip cable car |
Entry + Business Shuttle (Round Trip) + One-Way Cable Car |
¥200 |
Admission + Business shuttle (round trip) + One-way cable car |
Entry + Direct Shuttle (Guilin City ⇄ Scenic Area) |
¥117.9 |
Admission + Direct shuttle between Guilin city and scenic area |
Single Person Ethnic Costume Rental |
¥50 |
Costume rental only |
- Best Viewpoints:
Nine Dragons and Five Tigers (Ping’an Village)
Golden Buddha Peak (Dazhai Village)
Thousand-Layer Terraces (middle section hike)
- Seasonal Highlights:
Late April-May: Mirror-like water-filled terraces
June-July: Emerald green young rice plants
September-October: Golden harvest colors
Winter: Occasional snow creates stunning contrasts
4. Experience the Electric Nightlife of West Street
West Street (Xi Jie) delivers China’s most unexpected nightlife mix – a 1,400-year-old walking street that comes alive after dark with neon-lit energy. Here, Ming-era buildings house:
- 200+ dining spots: Sip craft beers or try guilin mijiu (local rice wine) at bars tucked under tiled roofs
- Live music: Hear everything from folk bamboo flute melodies to rock bands covering international hits
- Night markets: Bargain for embroidered bags, minority silver jewelry, and steaming stuffed liangfen rice noodlesling handmade souvenirs and street food
Practical Details:
- Time Needed:
Quick visit: 1-2 hours (walkthrough and drinks)
Full experience: 3-4 hours (dinner, shopping, and bar hopping)
Late night: Until 2am (for serious revelers)
- Opening Hours:
Shops: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Bars/Restaurants: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM (some until dawn)
Night Market: 6:00 PM – midnight
(Hours may change — it’s really up to each shop)
5. Explore Guilin’s Spectacular Karst Caves
Guilin’s underground caves exhibition hall for nature’s artistry formed over millions of years. Visitors can explore two standout options:
Reed Flute Cave (Ludi Yan)
It’s also called the “Palace of Natural Arts”, with 240-meter illuminated walkway wind through huge chambers.
Don’t miss:
- “Crystal Palace” and “Pine in the Snow”
- Ancient Tang Dynasty inscriptions (over 1,300 years old)
Silver Cave (Yinzi Yan)
A Glittering Underground Wonderland, known for its three-level cave system with spectacular stalactite formations.
Don’t miss:
- “Music Waterfall” – a 20-meter crystal curtain
- Unique “Snow Mountain” and “Silvery Waterfall” formations
Practical Details:
- Time Needed:
Reed Flute Cave: 1-1.5 hours
Silver Cave: 1.5-2 hours
Combined visit: 4-5 hours with transportation
- Best Times to Visit:
Weekdays: 10am-12pm or 2pm-4pm (avoid crowds)
Avoid Chinese public holidays when extremely busy
- Ticket Options:
Reed Flute Cave: ¥90 (includes Chinese/English audio guide)
Silver Cave: ¥65 (guided tour available for ¥30 extra)
6. Watch the Spectacular Impression Liu Sanjie Show
This groundbreaking outdoor spectacle is designed by a renowned Chinese director Zhang Yimou, best known as the Chief Director of the Beijing Olympics opening and closing ceremonies. It creatively blends culture and nature into one single unforgettable experience, having over 600 local performers from the Zhuang, Yao, and Miao ethnic minorities. The Li River itself will also transform into a shimmering stage, while twelve karst mountains illuminating under dynamic lighting.
Practical Details:
- What Makes It Special
Cultural Storytelling – Based on local folk legend Liu Sanjie
Mass Choreography – Featuring fishermen, farmers, and dancers
Traditional Music – Performed on ethnic instruments
- Ticket Options:
Standard (¥200-280)
VIP (¥350-500)
7. Drift Down the Yulong River on a Bamboo Raft
Floating along the Yulong River – a 43.5km tributary of the Li River known as the “small Li Jiang” for its jade-green waters, as your raft drifts silently downstream (propelled by bamboo poles, no motors!), you’ll see:
- Terraced rice fields where farmersworking among their crops
- Water buffalo in the shallows or munching riverside grass
- Over 600-year-old bridges like Ming Dynasty’s Fuli Bridge (built 1412)
Practical Details:
- Time Needed:
Short route (3km): 1 hour
Classic route (5km): 1.5-2 hours
- Departure Pointsand Ticket Options:
Route |
Departure Point → Destination |
Type |
Capacity |
Price |
1 |
Fuli Bridge Pier → Niujinwei |
Round-trip |
2 people |
¥200/raft |
2 |
Fuli Bridge Pier → Sanchakou |
Round-trip |
4 people |
¥358/raft |
3 |
Jinlong Bridge Pier → Jiuxian Comprehensive Pier |
One-way |
2 people |
¥320/raft |
4 |
Yulong Bridge Pier → Xiniutan |
Round-trip |
2 people |
¥180/raft |
5 |
Xinglong Pier → Xiangui Bridge |
Round-trip |
2 people |
¥180/raft |
6 |
Xiatang Pier → Jima Pier |
One-way |
2 people |
¥200/raft |
7 |
Jima Pier → Comprehensive Pier |
One-way |
2 people |
¥320/raft |
8 |
Shui’edi Pier → Comprehensive Pier |
One-way |
2 people |
¥200/raft |
9 |
Scenic Leisure Float |
Round-trip |
8 people max* |
¥45/person |
10 |
Lansheng Bridge Pier → Camel Crossing River |
Round-trip |
2 people |
¥200/raft |
11 |
Yangshuo Bay Leisure Float |
Round-trip |
8 people max* |
¥45/person |
12 |
Longtan Leisure Float |
Round-trip |
8 people max* |
¥45/person |
13 |
Longtan Pier → Fenglou Dam |
One-way |
2 people |
¥180/raft |
14 |
Longcun Pier → Daba Bridge |
Round-trip |
2 people |
¥180/raft |
Note for routes 9, 11 & 12: Minimum charge applies – if fewer than 5 passengers, payment will be calculated as 5 persons (¥225 total).
Recommended Guilin Tours including Yulong River Rafting:
8. Experience the Enchanting Two Rivers & Four Lakes Night Cruise
This evening boat ride will allow you to see how Guilin slowly lights up after dark and watch karst peaks transform into shadows as city lights ripple across the water. You’ll pass under 17 bridges, each lit in a different style. Along the way, laser lights sweep gently across the river, adding color without overwhelming the view. Near the end of the cruise, the Sun and Moon Pagodas come into sight. One gold, one silver, they stand side by side on the lake, mirrored clearly in the water below. It’s the city’s most iconic night scene—and one of its calmest.
Practical Details:
- Time Needed: Standard cruise: 1.5 hours
- Premium experience: 2 hours (includes pre-cruise lakeside walk)
- Departure Points: Lijiang Theater Pier (main departure point)
Shanhu Pier (near city center)
- Ticket Options:Standard Cruise from ¥210
9. Capture the Iconic Elephant Trunk Hill
Standing proudly where the Li River and Peach Blossom River converge, Elephant Trunk Hill (Xiangbishan) is Guilin’s undisputed symbol. This 55-meter tall limestone formation has inspired poets and painters for centuries with its resemblance to an elephant drinking from the river.
Photography Highlights:
- Sunrise (6-7:30am): Soft light illuminates the hill
- Moon Over Water (evenings): Moon appears through the “elephant’s trunk” arch
Elephant Trunk Hill
Practical Details:
- Best Photo Spots:
Riverbank Platform (classic front view)
Water Moon Cave
Puxian Pagoda (elevated perspective)
- Ticket Information:
Adult: ¥75 (includes park entry)
Children: Free under 1.2m
10. Step Back in Time at Xingping Ancient Town
Step into a 600-year-old riverside village where daily life follows the pace of the Li River, it’s the place where the view on the 20 RMB note was taken. Small stone paths lead past over 300 old homes, many from the Qing Dynasty. Their roofs have curved “horse-head” walls—built this way to help stop fires from spreading. You might see fishermen by the river, fixing their nets by hands, while the knots they use haven’t changed in hundreds of years.
Practical Details:
- Ticket Information:
Town Entry: Free
- Best Times to Visit:
Morning (7-9am): Fishermen at work, soft light
Late Afternoon (3-5pm): Golden hour on ancient buildings
Hidden Gem: Every 1st & 15th lunar month, there will be local markets where people selling hand-made traditional products
Related reading: Top Ancient Towns & Villages around Guilin
