Guilin, China-4-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Downtown Guilin

  • Morning
    • Arrive at Guilin Liangjiang International Airport
    • Take a taxi or bus (Y200) to your hotel in downtown Guilin
    • Check-in at Guilin Bravo Hotel (3-star, Y450/night)
  • Afternoon
    • Visit the Elephant Trunk Hill, a iconic hill that resembles an elephant’s trunk
    • Take a short walk to the nearby Folded Brocade Mountain, which offers great views of the city
  • Evening
    • Try some local cuisine at Yangshuo County Restaurant (try their famous Guilin rice noodles)
    • Explore the lively streets of downtown Guilin, including the popular Guilin Pedestrian Street

Day 2: Li River and Yangshuo Countryside

  • Morning
    • Take a high-speed train from Guilin to Yangshuo County (Y30, 1 hour)
    • Visit the iconic Li River, which offers stunning views of karst mountains and villages
    • Take a leisurely walk along the riverbank or rent a bike to explore the countryside
  • Afternoon
    • Visit the Xingping Village, a picturesque village that’s been featured in many Chinese movies and TV dramas
    • Try some local snacks at Yangshuo Snack Street
  • Evening
    • Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Li River (Y150, 2 hours)
    • Dine at West Street Restaurant, which offers a range of international cuisine

Day 3: Reed Flute Cave and Seven Star Park

  • Morning
    • Visit the famous Reed Flute Cave, one of China’s most impressive caves
    • Explore the stunning rock formations, ancient sculptures, and intricate carvings
  • Afternoon
    • Visit the beautiful Seven Star Park, which features stunning views of the surrounding landscape
    • Take a leisurely walk through the park or rent a bike to explore the surrounding area
  • Evening
    • Enjoy some local street food at Guilin Food Street

Day 4: Bili Lake and Guilin Outskirts

  • Morning
    • Visit the beautiful Bili Lake, one of China’s largest freshwater lakes
    • Take a boat ride or rent a bike to explore the surrounding area
  • Afternoon
    • Visit the nearby Guilin Outskirts, which offers stunning views of the city and surrounding landscape
    • Explore the scenic countryside, including the picturesque Wenji Cave
  • Evening
    • Return to your hotel and pack up for departure

Things to Know

  • Guilin is a popular tourist destination, so be prepared for crowds and long lines during peak season (June-August)
  • The city has a subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters
  • Learn some basic Chinese phrases, such as “hello” (nǐ hǎo), “thank you” (xiè xiè), and “excuse me” (duì bù qǐ)
  • Be prepared for occasional power outages or internet disruptions

Transportation

  • Guilin Liangjiang International Airport is located about 30 kilometers from downtown Guilin
  • Take a taxi or bus (Y200) to your hotel in downtown Guilin
  • High-speed trains connect Guilin to Yangshuo County and other nearby cities
  • Renting a bike or taking a taxi are good options for getting around the city

Tips

  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples or cultural sites
  • Try some local cuisine, such as Guilin rice noodles or roast duck
  • Don’t drink tap water, as it may not be safe for tourists
  • Bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun

Other Things to Do

  • Visit the Guilin Museum, which features exhibits on the city’s history and culture
  • Take a day trip to the nearby Longsheng County, which is famous for its dragon’s spine rice terraces
  • Try some local street performances, such as traditional Chinese music or dance