Guilin, in the northeast of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in southern China, is set in one of the most beautiful landscapes on Earth: a forest of steep, green limestone peaks rising from rice fields and rivers, the scenery of countless Chinese scroll paintings. The Li River winds south from the city through this karst to the town of Yangshuo, and a Li River cruise, past peaks with names like Nine Horses Fresco Hill and the view printed on the 20-yuan banknote at Xingping, is one of the great journeys in China. In the city itself, which has about 5 million people in its wider municipality, you can see the famous Elephant Trunk Hill, explore the colored caverns of Reed Flute Cave, climb small peaks for views and take a night cruise on the Two Rivers and Four Lakes. In Yangshuo, cycle through the countryside, drift on a bamboo raft down the Yulong River and climb the karst; to the north, the Longji rice terraces curve up the mountainsides around Yao and Zhuang villages. The Guilin karst is part of the South China Karst UNESCO World Heritage Site. High-speed trains now link Guilin and Yangshuo with Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong in about 3 hours. The best seasons are April to May and September to November.
Right now in Guilin
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Top tours in Guilin
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Guilin at a glance
- Best for: karst scenery, the Li River cruise, Yangshuo’s countryside, cycling, bamboo rafting, caves, rice terraces and minority villages.
- How long: 3–5 days: 1–2 in Guilin, 2–3 in Yangshuo, plus a day or night at the Longji terraces.
- Best time: April to May for green fields and September to November for clear skies; June is the wettest month, and winters are cool.
- Getting there: by air to Guilin Liangjiang (KWL), or by high-speed train from Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong West Kowloon and Guiyang.
- Getting around: by taxi, DiDi and bus in Guilin; by bike, scooter or bus in Yangshuo; by cruise or train between them.
- Good to know: Li River cruises run from Guilin to Yangshuo; book ahead in holidays and buy only from official sellers.
- Before you go: visa-free entry, the 240-hour transit, the arrival card, payments and general safety are in our China travel guide.
Guilin’s areas and where to stay
Most visitors split their stay between Guilin city and Yangshuo, about 65 km (40 miles) to the south by road, and 83 km (52 miles) by river.
Central Guilin
The city center lies on the west bank of the Li River around the Two Rivers and Four Lakes, with hotels near Zhengyang Pedestrian Street, the Sun and Moon pagodas and Elephant Trunk Hill. It is walkable, with night markets and riverside promenades, and convenient for cruise departures and the stations.
Yangshuo town
Yangshuo is the travelers’ base among the peaks: around West Street, the lively pedestrian street of cafés, bars and shops, are hotels with views of the karst, while the quieter riverside hotels look over the Li River.
Yangshuo countryside
Outside town, boutique hotels and guesthouses in farmhouses along the Yulong River and in villages such as Jiuxian and Aishanmen give peaceful views of rice paddies and peaks, ideal for cycling.
Xingping and the Longji terraces
The old riverside town of Xingping, upstream from Yangshuo, has small guesthouses close to the 20-yuan note view. At the Longji terraces, guesthouses in the villages of Ping’an and Dazhai let you see sunrise over the terraces.
Where to stay in Guilin
- Central Guilin: hotels near the lakes, pagodas and night market.
- Yangshuo West Street: lively, with views, restaurants and nightlife.
- Yulong River countryside: boutique hotels among the fields.
- Xingping: quiet guesthouses by the river.
- Longji terraces: village guesthouses for sunrise views.
Rooms fill and prices rise during the May Day and National Day holidays and summer weekends.
Top things to see in Guilin
The Li River cruise
The classic cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo leaves from piers south of the city, mainly at Mopanshan (Zhujiang), about 30 minutes by shuttle bus from the center, and sails about 4–4.5 hours downstream past the most spectacular stretch of the karst: the Crown Cave, the Yangdi section, Nine Horses Fresco Hill, where you are supposed to count the horses in the patterns on the cliff, and the Yellow Cloth Shoal near Xingping, the view on the back of the 20-yuan note. Ships range from large three-star vessels with English commentary and lunch to simpler domestic boats; tickets usually include the shuttle bus to the pier, and you return from Yangshuo by bus or train. An alternative is a motorized bamboo raft on the section from Yangdi to Xingping, about 1–1.5 hours through the best of the scenery. Cruises run all year, but low water in winter can shorten routes. Book through your hotel, a licensed agency or the official sales channels, with your passport.
Elephant Trunk Hill
The symbol of Guilin, Elephant Trunk Hill is a karst hill at the meeting of the Li and Taohua rivers whose arch looks like an elephant drinking from the river. The best view is from the riverside park or from across the water, free at night when it is lit.
Reed Flute Cave
In the northwest of the city, Reed Flute Cave is a limestone cave about 240 m (790 ft) long, with stalactites, stalagmites and stone curtains lit in vivid colors, and inscriptions on the walls from the Tang dynasty onward. A guided walk takes about 45 minutes.
The Two Rivers and Four Lakes
The city’s central lakes, Shanhu, Ronghu, Guihu and Mulong, are linked to the Li and Taohua rivers by canals and bridges, with the bronze Sun Pagoda and the glazed Moon Pagoda rising from Shanhu Lake. Evening boat tours glide past lit pagodas, bridges and waterfalls; walking the lakeshores is free.
Hills, parks and the Princes’ City
Climb Diecai Hill or Fubo Hill for views over the city; explore Seven Star Park, with its cave, camel-shaped hill and stone carvings; and visit the Jingjiang Princes’ City, a Ming-dynasty palace complex, now a university campus, around the Solitary Beauty Peak, with a stone inscription praising Guilin’s scenery as “the best under heaven.”
More classic sights
- Zhengyang Pedestrian Street and the night market: food stalls, souvenirs and snacks in the center.
- Yao Mountain: the highest peak near the city, with a cable car and a summer toboggan.
- Silver Cave: a large cave between Guilin and Yangshuo, often combined with Yulong River trips.
- Daxu Ancient Town: an old trading town of stone streets on the Li River, about 20 km (12 miles) south of the city.
- Guilin Museum: the culture of Guangxi’s ethnic minorities.
Yangshuo and the countryside
Yangshuo is the best place to enjoy the karst at your own pace. Rent a bike or electric scooter and ride the lanes along the Yulong River, past rice fields, water buffalo and old bridges such as the Ming-dynasty Yulong Bridge, or take a bamboo raft drifting gently downstream between the peaks. Climb to Moon Hill, a peak pierced by a moon-shaped arch, for views, or to Xianggong Hill above the Li River for sunrise. Yangshuo is one of China’s top rock-climbing destinations, with hundreds of bolted routes and local guides. In the evening, Impression Liu Sanjie, an outdoor show staged on the river with the illuminated peaks as a backdrop, created by film director Zhang Yimou, runs most nights. Cooking schools offer classes, often starting with a market visit. See our cycling, hiking and boat trips guides.
Food and drink
Guilin’s signature dish is Guilin rice noodles (mifen), served with braised meat, peanuts, pickles and a rich broth, eaten for breakfast at every street corner. In Yangshuo, try beer fish, river fish cooked with local beer, tomatoes and chili; stuffed snails and stuffed vegetables; and the bitter, savory oil tea (youcha) of the Yao and Dong minorities, served with puffed rice and peanuts. Guilin chili sauce, sweet osmanthus wine and tofu are local specialties.
Day trips from Guilin
- Longji rice terraces: spectacular terraces built over centuries by the Zhuang and Yao peoples, around the villages of Ping’an and Dazhai in Longsheng county, about 2 hours north by road; the terraces are flooded and mirror-like in spring, green in summer and golden in late September and October. Huangluo Yao village is known for its long-haired women. Best overnight.
- Xingping: the old town and the 20-yuan view, about 1.5 hours by road, or on the way back from a raft trip.
- Huangyao Ancient Town: a well-preserved old town of stone lanes and banyan trees, about 2.5–3 hours east.
- Detian Waterfall: a broad waterfall on the border with Vietnam, in the southwest of Guangxi; far, best on a longer trip.
- Sanjiang: Dong minority villages with wooden wind-and-rain bridges and drum towers, about 1.5–2 hours by high-speed train or road.
Nearby destinations
- Yangshuo58 km
Getting there and getting around
By air
Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL), about 28 km (17 miles) southwest of the center, has flights across China and some international routes in Asia, and is a designated port for the 240-hour visa-free transit, with 12 Guangxi cities, including Guilin, as permitted areas. Under a separate rule, tour groups from ASEAN countries organized by a Chinese travel agency can enter visa-free through Guilin’s airport for up to 6 days. Airport buses run to the city in about 40 minutes, and some to Yangshuo.
By train
Guilin North and Guilin West are the main high-speed stations, with Guilin Station in the center; trains run to Guangzhou South (about 2.5–3 hours), Shenzhen North (about 3–3.5 hours), Hong Kong West Kowloon (about 3–3.5 hours), Guiyang, Nanning, Changsha and Beijing. Yangshuo station, on the Guiyang–Guangzhou line about 30–40 minutes by bus from Yangshuo town, has direct trains to Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Guilin. Book on the 12306 website or app with your passport.
Between Guilin and Yangshuo
By Li River cruise (one way, about 4–4.5 hours), by bus from Guilin’s bus stations in about 1.5 hours, by high-speed train to Yangshuo station and then a bus, or by taxi or DiDi.
Around town
In Guilin, the center is walkable, with buses, taxis and DiDi for the caves and hills. In Yangshuo, rent a bike or electric scooter, or hire a driver; check brakes and lights before you set off.
When to go and how long to stay
Guilin has a humid subtropical climate, with lots of rain. Spring (March–May) is green and lush, but often misty and rainy, and the rains build to a peak in May and June, the wettest months, when the Li River runs high; mist on the peaks can be beautiful. Summer (July–August) is hot and humid, with highs around 33 °C (91–92 °F), but drier from August. Autumn (September–November) is the best season, with clear skies, comfortable temperatures and golden terraces at Longji, though river levels drop. Winter (December–February) is cool and damp, rarely freezing, and quiet. The table uses the 1991–2020 climate normals for the Guilin station of the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), as submitted to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO): average daily highs and lows, total precipitation, and days with at least 1 mm of rain.
| Month | Average high / low | Rain (days with 1 mm or more) | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12 °C (53 °F) / 6 °C (43 °F) | 69 mm (2.7 in), 8 days | Cool and damp; quiet |
| February | 14 °C (58 °F) / 8 °C (47 °F) | 84 mm (3.3 in), 9 days | Cool; Chinese New Year |
| March | 18 °C (64 °F) / 11 °C (53 °F) | 153 mm (6.0 in), 14 days | Mild; misty and showery |
| April | 24 °C (75 °F) / 17 °C (62 °F) | 227 mm (8.9 in), 14 days | Warm and green; rains increase |
| May | 28 °C (82 °F) / 21 °C (69 °F) | 321 mm (12.6 in), 15 days | Warm; heavy rain; high river |
| June | 31 °C (87 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F) | 449 mm (17.7 in), 15 days | The wettest month; floods possible |
| July | 33 °C (91 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F) | 266 mm (10.5 in), 13 days | Hot and humid; storms |
| August | 33 °C (92 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F) | 148 mm (5.8 in), 9 days | Hot; drier; lotus season |
| September | 31 °C (87 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F) | 81 mm (3.2 in), 6 days | Warm and drier; very good |
| October | 26 °C (79 °F) / 18 °C (65 °F) | 55 mm (2.2 in), 5 days | Mild and clear; ideal; Golden Week crowds |
| November | 21 °C (69 °F) / 13 °C (56 °F) | 82 mm (3.2 in), 6 days | Pleasant; golden terraces ending |
| December | 15 °C (59 °F) / 8 °C (46 °F) | 54 mm (2.1 in), 7 days | Cool and quiet |
Guilin receives about 1,990 mm (78 in) of rain a year, most of it from March to July.
Three days in Guilin
Day one, Elephant Trunk Hill, the Sun and Moon pagodas, Reed Flute Cave and the Two Rivers and Four Lakes night cruise. Day two, the Li River cruise to Yangshuo, West Street and Impression Liu Sanjie. Day three, cycling and rafting on the Yulong River and Moon Hill.
Four to five days
Add a night at the Longji rice terraces, sunrise at Xianggong Hill, a day at Xingping and a cooking class; then continue to Guangzhou, Shenzhen or Hong Kong by high-speed train.
What a trip to Guilin costs
Prices are approximate, for October 2026, converted at about 6.74 yuan to the US dollar.
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Li River cruise Guilin–Yangshuo, including shuttle and lunch | about 200–500 CNY (about US$30–74), depending on the ship |
| Bamboo raft, Yangdi–Xingping | about 150–250 CNY (about US$22–37) per person |
| Yulong River bamboo raft | about 150–250 CNY (about US$22–37) per raft |
| Reed Flute Cave ticket | about 90–120 CNY (about US$13–18) |
| Impression Liu Sanjie show | about 200–400 CNY (about US$30–59) |
| Bowl of Guilin rice noodles | 8–20 CNY (about US$1.20–3) |
| Bike rental in Yangshuo, per day | 20–50 CNY (about US$3–7.40) |
| Mid-range hotel double, per night | 300–700 CNY (about US$45–104) |
Practical tips for Guilin
- Book the cruise ahead: holidays and summer weekends sell out; buy from your hotel, a licensed agency or official channels.
- Check river levels: in dry winters, the cruise may start further downstream.
- Bring the right passport: you need it for cruise tickets, trains and hotels.
- Cycle early: Yangshuo’s lanes are quiet and cool in the morning.
- Allow for weather: spring mist and summer rain change the views; keep a flexible day.
- Carry some cash: villages and small vendors may prefer it, though phone payments are common.
Safety
Guilin and Yangshuo are safe and relaxed for visitors. The main problems are touts, who sell unofficial cruises, bamboo rafts or “tours” that turn into shopping stops; buy from licensed sellers and agree what is included. Bamboo-raft and boat operators should provide life jackets: wear them. On bikes and scooters, take care on narrow country lanes shared with trucks and buses, wear a helmet if you can get one, and avoid riding at night. Traffic in Guilin and Yangshuo towns is busy with scooters. Heavy rain in May and June can cause floods and close river trips, and summer heat and humidity are tiring; follow local alerts. On karst climbs and in caves, paths are steep and slippery. Carry your passport for tickets and police checks. In an emergency, call 110 for police, 120 for an ambulance and 119 for fire.
What to pack for Guilin
A light rain jacket or umbrella, quick-drying clothes and sandals for rafting, walking shoes with grip for hills, caves and terraces, a hat and sunscreen from April to October, a light sweater for winter and cool mornings at the terraces, and a dry bag for your phone on the river. China uses 220 V, with flat two-pin, round two-pin and angled three-pin sockets. See our rain jackets, hiking shoes and travel adapters guides.
Guilin travel FAQ
How long is the Li River cruise?
About 4–4.5 hours downstream from the Mopanshan pier near Guilin to Yangshuo, plus about 30 minutes by shuttle bus to the pier.
How much does a Li River cruise cost?
About 200–500 yuan, depending on the ship, usually including the shuttle bus and lunch; bamboo rafts on the Yangdi–Xingping section cost less.
Should I stay in Guilin or Yangshuo?
Both if you can: Guilin for the city sights and transport, Yangshuo for the countryside, cycling and rafting among the peaks.
Where is the 20-yuan note view?
At the Yellow Cloth Shoal near Xingping on the Li River, reached by cruise, bamboo raft or road.
How do I get from Guilin to Yangshuo?
By Li River cruise, by bus in about 1.5 hours, by high-speed train to Yangshuo station and then a bus, or by taxi.
What is the best time to visit Guilin?
April to May for green landscapes and September to November for clear skies and golden terraces. May and June are the wettest months.
How do I get from Guangzhou or Hong Kong to Guilin?
By high-speed train from Guangzhou South in about 2.5–3 hours, or from Hong Kong West Kowloon in about 3–3.5 hours.
Can I use the 240-hour visa-free transit in Guilin?
Yes. Guilin Liangjiang airport is a designated port, and Guilin is one of 12 Guangxi cities in the permitted area.
When are the Longji rice terraces best?
In late September and October, when the rice is golden; in spring, when the terraces are flooded; and in summer, when they are green.
How many days do I need in Guilin and Yangshuo?
Three to five days: one or two in Guilin, two or three in Yangshuo, and a night at the Longji terraces if you have time.
Sources and last review
Researched and last reviewed on 4 October 2026. Visa-free transit, Guilin Liangjiang airport as a designated port, the 12 permitted Guangxi cities and the ASEAN group visa-free rule for Guilin: the National Immigration Administration; train booking with a passport: China Railway’s official 12306 site; climate normals: the China Meteorological Administration via the World Meteorological Organization’s 1991–2020 normals; the exchange rate: the CFETS central parity rate; the South China Karst inscription: the UNESCO World Heritage List. Li River cruise piers, durations and prices, raft sections, cave and show details, Longji access, distances, train times, population and typical prices are general references or estimates, flagged for checking; Guilin’s official tourism sites could not be read. Prices and rules change, so check locally before you go. For entry rules, money and general safety, see our China travel guide.
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