Guilin Travel Guide: Karst, Rivers & Rice Terraces (2026)
Guilin and Yangshuo in Guangxi offer China's most famous landscape โ misty karst peaks, the Li River cruise, and Yulong bamboo rafts, best explored by bike and e-bike.
๐ South China (Guangxi)
๐๏ธ Suggested: 2โ3 days
Show this to your driver
ๅนฟ่ฅฟๅฃฎๆ่ชๆฒปๅบๆกๆๅธ
Guangxi Zhuangzu Zizhiqu, Guilin Shi
Hotel / city name in Chinese โ show to taxi or DiDi drivers
Why visit
โGuilinโs scenery is the best under heaven.โ The Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo is the postcard view โ misty karst peaks reflected in green water. Yangshuo is the chill base for biking, caving, and river cruises. For dishes see Guangxi Food โ.
Getting around
- Guilin Liangjiang (KWL) airport; high-speed trains from major cities โ see Trains & Transport โ.
- In Yangshuo, rent a scan-to-ride bike or e-bike; DiDi covers longer hops.
- The Li River cruise (Guilin โ Yangshuo) is the signature experience.
Payment tip
Alipay/WeChat widely used; set up Mobile Payment โ and carry cash for rural stalls and bike rentals.
Suggested plan
- Day 1: Guilin city (Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave) + evening stroll.
- Day 2: Li River cruise to Yangshuo + West Street.
- Day 3: Yulong River bamboo raft + countryside biking.
Donโt miss
Sunset from Xianggong Hill or a bamboo raft on the Yulong River.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Guilin and Yangshuo?
Two to three days: a Li River cruise, Yangshuo biking, and a Yulong raft, with a night in each.
Is the Li River cruise worth it?
Yes โ the Guilin to Yangshuo cruise is the classic way to see the karst peaks; book the upper deck for the best views.
When is the best time to visit Guilin?
Apr-Jun and Sep-Nov have lush green hills and good river levels; avoid the crowded National Day week in Oct.
Can I use credit cards in Guilin and Yangshuo?
Rarely outside big hotels. Use Alipay or WeChat Pay and carry cash for bike rentals and rural stalls.
How do I get around Yangshuo?
Rent a scan-to-ride bike or e-bike, use DiDi for longer hops, and join a raft or cruise for the river.
Last updated: 2026-08