Guilin, China-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Guilin Liangjiang International Airport or take a high-speed train from other cities.
  • 9:00 AM: Check-in at your hotel. Recommended hotels:
    • Luxury: Shangri-La Hotel Guilin, Guilin Marriott Hotel
    • Budget-friendly: Guilin Bravo Hotel, Guilin Parkland Hotel
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the Reed Flute Cave (, Lúzhū Dòng) - a stunning limestone cave featuring various rock formations and ancient inscriptions.
  • 1:00 PM: Lunch at Li River Restaurant (, Li Jīng Jiā), known for its traditional Chinese cuisine. Try their Guilin-style roast duck!
  • 2:30 PM: Explore the nearby Elephant Trunk Hill (, Xīāo Shǒu Lǐ) - a natural wonder featuring a rock formation resembling an elephant’s trunk.
  • 5:00 PM: Take a leisurely walk along the Seven Star Park (, Qīxīng Yùhuí), a beautiful park with gardens and a lake.
  • 7:30 PM: Dinner at Yangshuo County Restaurant, serving authentic Cantonese cuisine.

Day 2: Li River Cruise

  • 8:00 AM: Breakfast at your hotel or try some local street food, like Guilin’s famous pancakes (, Guìlín Miàn).
  • 9:00 AM: Take a stunning Li River Cruise (, Lǐ Jiāng Chuǎng) - a 4-hour cruise along the beautiful Li River. Enjoy breathtaking views of karst mountains and lush greenery.
  • 1:00 PM: Lunch on board or at one of the many restaurants in Yangshuo County.
  • 3:30 PM: Explore the charming town of Yangshuo (, Yángshuò), with its ancient streets and local markets.
  • 6:00 PM: Return to Guilin for dinner.

Day 3: Longji Rice Terraces

  • 7:00 AM: Breakfast and then depart for Longji Rice Terraces (, Lóngjǐ Miàn Dào).
  • 9:00 AM: Visit the breathtaking Longji Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hike through the scenic rice fields and take in the stunning views.
  • 1:00 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant near the terraces.
  • 3:30 PM: Return to Guilin for a relaxing evening.

Day 4: Daxiangguo Temple and Seven Star Park

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the impressive Daxiangguo Temple (, Dàxiāng Guō Sì), one of China’s largest Buddhist temples.
  • 11:30 AM: Explore the beautiful Seven Star Park, a scenic park with gardens and a lake. Take a leisurely walk and enjoy the surroundings.
  • 1:00 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant in the park.
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the nearby Guilin Museum (, Guìlín Bówùguǎn) to learn about the city’s history and culture.

Day 5: Return Home

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring Guilin’s charming streets.
  • 12:00 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant before departing for your next destination.
  • 2:00 PM: Depart from Guilin Liangjiang International Airport or take a high-speed train back home.

Things to Know

  • Guilin is generally a safe city, but petty theft and pickpocketing can occur. Take necessary precautions to protect yourself.
  • Learn some basic Chinese phrases, such as "" (nǐ hǎo) for hello and "" (xiè xiè) for thank you.
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples or other cultural sites.
  • Try the local cuisine, including Guilin-style roast duck and traditional Cantonese dishes.

Transportation

  • Guilin Liangjiang International Airport is well-connected to major Chinese cities via high-speed trains and flights.
  • The city has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses and taxis. You can also hire a private car or driver for the day.
  • Yangshuo County Restaurant and other local restaurants are accessible by taxi or on foot.

Tips

  • Guilin is a popular tourist destination, so it’s best to book your accommodations and tours in advance to avoid sold-out situations.
  • Bring sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes, as you’ll be spending time outdoors exploring the city and its surroundings.
  • Don’t forget to try some of the local street food, like Guilin’s famous pancakes!
  • Respect the local environment and recycle whenever possible.

Other Attractions

  • Guilin Museum: Learn about the city’s history and culture at this museum.
  • Guanyin Temple: Visit this beautiful temple dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy.
  • Baiyun Park: Explore this scenic park with gardens, a lake, and walking trails.

Remember to enjoy your time in Guilin and take in the stunning natural beauty of this unique city!