Day-by-Day Itinerary
Settle into Guilin and explore the iconic downtown waterways and lakes that define this karst wonderland city.
Morning
Arrival and hotel check-in
Arrive at Guilin Liangjiang International Airport and transfer to your accommodation in the city center. Take time to rest and freshen up after your journey. Orient yourself with the neighborhood and perhaps take a short walk around the immediate area to get your bearings in this riverside city.
2-3 hours
$15-25 for airport transfer
Arrange airport pickup through your hotel in advance for convenience, or use the airport shuttle bus which typically runs every 30 minutes
Lunch
A local noodle restaurant near Guilin Central Square
Guilin rice noodles (mifen)
Budget
Afternoon
Guilin Two Rivers & Four Lakes Scenic Area
Stroll around this interconnected waterway system that weaves through downtown Guilin. Walk along the lakeside promenades, admiring the willow-lined banks and traditional Chinese bridges. The area showcases the harmonious blend of natural karst scenery with urban planning. You'll see local residents practicing tai chi, playing traditional instruments, and enjoying leisure time by the water.
2-3 hours
$5-10 for walking access
Evening
Evening cruise and dinner
Consider an evening boat cruise on the Two Rivers & Four Lakes system to see the illuminated bridges and pagodas, followed by dinner at a restaurant serving Guangxi cuisine near the waterfront
Where to Stay Tonight
Guilin City Center near Zhongshan Road (Mid-range hotel with river or lake views)
Central location provides easy access to major attractions and dining options, perfect for your first days exploring the city
The lakes are beautifully illuminated after dark, making evening walks particularly magical and perfect for photography
Day 1 Budget: $80-100
Discover Guilin's most famous landmark and explore the historic residence of Ming Dynasty princes.
Morning
Solitary Beauty Peak Prince City Scenic Area
Explore the Jingjiang Princes' Palace, a magnificent Ming Dynasty complex that once housed 14 generations of princes. Climb the 306 steps to Solitary Beauty Peak for panoramic views of Guilin's karst landscape. The palace grounds feature traditional architecture, stone inscriptions, and beautiful gardens. This site offers insight into imperial Chinese history and provides your first elevated view of the city's distinctive topography.
2-3 hours
$15-20
Arrive early to avoid crowds and get the best morning light for photography from the peak
Lunch
A traditional restaurant near the palace serving local specialties
Guilin cuisine with beer fish and stuffed snails
Mid-range
Afternoon
Visit Guilin's most iconic symbol, where a karst formation resembles an elephant drinking from the
Li River. This natural wonder has become the city's emblem and appears on countless postcards. Walk through the surrounding park along the riverbank, explore small caves at the base, and capture the perfect photo of this geological marvel. The site also features pagodas and stone carvings that add cultural depth to the natural beauty.
1.5-2 hours
$10-15
Evening
Riyue Shuangta Cultural Park at sunset
Visit the Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas as they light up at dusk, then enjoy dinner at a lakeside restaurant with views of the illuminated towers reflected in the water
Where to Stay Tonight
Guilin City Center (Same hotel as Day 1)
Continuing to stay centrally allows easy access to remaining city attractions
The view of
Elephant Trunk Hill from across the river often provides better photo opportunities than from inside the park itself
Day 2 Budget: $75-95
Journey underground into illuminated limestone caverns and explore Guilin's largest urban park.
Morning
Explore this spectacular limestone cave system adorned with multicolored lighting that illuminates stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations. The 240-meter route through the cave reveals chambers with poetic names like Crystal Palace and Dragon Pagoda. Natural inscriptions on the walls date back over 1,200 years, showing this has been a tourist attraction since ancient times. The cave maintains a comfortable temperature year-round and offers a mystical underground experience.
1.5-2 hours
$15-20
Tours run regularly throughout the day, but mid-morning visits typically have smaller crowds than afternoon slots
Lunch
Local Guangxi dishes and dumplings
Budget
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon in Guilin's largest and most comprehensive park, named for seven peaks that resemble the Big Dipper constellation. Explore karst caves, visit the Giant Panda Hall, walk across ancient bridges, and admire centuries-old osmanthus trees. The park combines natural scenery with cultural sites including stone carvings and pavilions. The extensive grounds provide a peaceful retreat with winding paths through bamboo groves and alongside streams.
3-4 hours
$10-15
Evening
Dinner and rest
Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a restaurant near your hotel specializing in clay pot rice and local vegetables, then rest up for tomorrow's river cruise
Where to Stay Tonight
Guilin City Center (Same hotel)
Final night in Guilin before heading to Yangshuo tomorrow
Seven Star Park is extensive—focus on the eastern section with the caves and panda hall if time is limited
Day 3 Budget: $70-90
Experience
China's most famous river cruise through ethereal karst landscapes to the charming town of Yangshuo.
Morning
Embark on the iconic
Li River cruise, a 4-5 hour journey through landscapes that have inspired Chinese painters for centuries. Float past limestone karst peaks rising dramatically from the riverbanks, water buffalo grazing near bamboo groves, and traditional fishing villages. The scenery constantly evolves with each river bend, revealing formations with names like Five Finger Mountain and Nine Horses Fresco Hill. This is the quintessential Guilin experience, offering endless photo opportunities.
4-5 hours
$40-60
Book your cruise at least 2-3 days in advance, especially during peak seasons; morning departures typically offer better light for photography
Lunch
Lunch is typically included on the cruise boat
Chinese buffet with local dishes
Included
Afternoon
Arrival in Yangshuo and West Street exploration
Disembark in Yangshuo and check into your accommodation. Explore Xijie Pedestrian Street, the famous West Street lined with shops, cafes, and galleries. This 1,400-year-old street blends traditional architecture with international influence, creating a unique atmosphere. Browse for souvenirs, watch street performers, and soak in the laid-back vibe that has made Yangshuo a favorite among travelers. The backdrop of karst peaks makes even this touristy street feel magical.
2-3 hours
$0-10 for browsing
Evening
Dinner and optional Impression Sanjie Liu show
Dine at a rooftop restaurant on West Street with mountain views, then optionally attend the famous outdoor light show on the
Li River directed by Zhang Yimou
Where to Stay Tonight
Yangshuo West Street area (Boutique guesthouse or mid-range hotel)
Central location allows easy exploration of Yangshuo's dining and nightlife while being close to countryside activities
Arrive at West Street after 7pm when it's beautifully lit and the evening energy peaks, but shop earlier in the day for better prices
Day 4 Budget: $90-130
Pedal through postcard-perfect rural landscapes of rice paddies, ancient villages, and towering karst formations.
Morning
Cycling through Yangshuo countryside
Rent a bicycle and ride through the stunning countryside surrounding Yangshuo. Follow scenic routes past emerald rice paddies, traditional farming villages, and karst peaks that seem to touch the sky. Stop at small villages where life continues much as it has for centuries. The flat terrain makes cycling easy and enjoyable. You'll encounter farmers tending fields, water buffalo cooling in ponds, and locals going about daily life against a backdrop of extraordinary natural beauty.
3-4 hours
$5-10 for bike rental
Lunch
A family-run restaurant in a countryside village
Home-style Chinese cooking with farm-fresh ingredients
Budget
Afternoon
Yulong River bamboo rafting
Experience the Yulonghe Scenic Area via traditional bamboo raft. This gentler alternative to the
Li River offers intimate views of the karst landscape. Your bamboo raft, operated by a local boatman with a long pole, drifts peacefully along the clear water. Pass under ancient stone bridges, through shallow rapids, and alongside farmers working the fields. The experience is tranquil and romantic, offering a slower pace to appreciate the scenery.
1.5-2 hours
$15-25
Evening
Sunset at Yangshuo Park and dinner
Climb to the viewpoint at Yangshuo Park for sunset views over the town and karst peaks, then enjoy dinner at a restaurant serving Yangshuo's famous beer fish
Where to Stay Tonight
Yangshuo West Street area (Same accommodation as Day 4)
Convenient base for continued Yangshuo exploration
Start cycling early to avoid midday heat and have the countryside trails less crowded with tour groups
Day 5 Budget: $65-85
Visit the riverside town featured on
China's 20-yuan note and explore its ancient streets and river views.
Morning
Xingping Scenic Area exploration
Travel to Xingping, an ancient fishing village that offers some of the
Li River's most photographed views. The landscape here appears on the 20-yuan banknote, making it instantly recognizable. Wander through narrow cobblestone lanes lined with Qing Dynasty buildings, visit the old theater, and explore the riverside market. The town retains authentic character despite its fame, with elderly residents playing mahjong and fishermen preparing their cormorant birds for traditional fishing demonstrations.
3-4 hours
$5-10 entrance plus $10-15 transport
Arrive early morning before tour groups for the most peaceful experience and best light for photography
Lunch
A riverside restaurant in Xingping serving fresh river fish
Afternoon
Li River viewpoint hike or continued exploration
Hike to the famous viewpoint where you can capture the exact scene depicted on Chinese currency—karst peaks reflected in the
Li River's curve. The moderate climb takes about 30 minutes and rewards with spectacular panoramic views. Alternatively, explore more of Xingping's ancient streets, visit small temples, or watch fishermen with their trained cormorants. Return to Yangshuo in late afternoon via local bus or private transport.
2-3 hours
$5-10
Evening
Relaxed evening in Yangshuo
Return to Yangshuo for a leisurely dinner at a café with outdoor seating, enjoying the illuminated karst peaks visible from town
Where to Stay Tonight
Yangshuo West Street area (Same accommodation)
Final night in Yangshuo before heading to Longji
The 20-yuan note viewpoint is best photographed in early morning when mist often rises from the river, creating ethereal conditions
Day 6 Budget: $70-90
Travel to the spectacular Longji terraced rice fields, one of
China's most impressive agricultural landscapes.
Morning
Travel to Longji Rice Terraces (龙脊梯田)
Depart Yangshuo for the 3-4 hour journey to Longji Rice Terraces in Longsheng County. The drive itself offers scenic views as you leave the karst landscape and enter mountainous terrain. Upon arrival, check into a traditional wooden guesthouse in one of the minority villages—either Ping'an (Zhuang minority) or Dazhai (Yao minority). These terraces, carved into the mountainside over 700 years ago, create a stunning pattern of curved lines following the mountain contours.
4-5 hours including breaks
$25-40 for private transport or $10-15 for bus
Arrange transport the day before; private drivers offer more flexibility than scheduled buses
Lunch
Stop at a roadside restaurant during the journey
Guangxi regional dishes
Budget
Afternoon
Initial exploration and viewpoint visit
Settle into your guesthouse and take a short hike to one of the nearby viewpoints. The terraces change appearance with the seasons—flooded and reflective in spring, green with growing rice in summer, golden at harvest in autumn, and snow-dusted in winter. Walk along the narrow paths between terraces, observing the ingenious irrigation system. Meet local Zhuang or Yao people, often dressed in traditional clothing, tending their fields using centuries-old farming methods.
2-3 hours
$15-20 entrance fee
Evening
Dinner at guesthouse and stargazing
Enjoy a home-cooked dinner at your guesthouse featuring local mountain vegetables and rice wine, then step outside to view stars unobscured by city lights
Where to Stay Tonight
Ping'an or Dazhai village in Longji (Traditional wooden guesthouse run by local minority families)
Staying in the villages provides authentic cultural immersion and convenient access to hiking trails at sunrise
Pack light for Longji—most guesthouses require walking up stairs and paths with your luggage as vehicles can't reach them
Day 7 Budget: $75-95
Hike through the magnificent rice terraces and experience the culture of ethnic minority villages.
Morning
Sunrise viewing and terrace hiking
Wake before dawn to catch sunrise over the terraces—one of
China's most breathtaking sights. Watch as golden light gradually illuminates the curved terraces creating a rippling effect across the mountainside. After breakfast, embark on a longer hike through the terraces, following stone paths that connect different villages. The trails wind through the terraced landscape, offering constantly changing perspectives. Observe farmers working the fields and water buffalo navigating the narrow terrace walls.
4-5 hours
$0 (included in entrance ticket)
Lunch
A small restaurant in one of the villages along your hiking route
Minority specialties including bamboo rice and mountain herbs
Budget
Afternoon
Village cultural exploration
Visit a traditional Yao or Zhuang village to learn about minority culture. Many Yao women are famous for their extremely long hair, which they traditionally cut only once in their lifetime. Watch demonstrations of traditional crafts like embroidery or silver jewelry making. Visit a local home to see traditional wooden architecture with fire pits and learn about customs and daily life. Some villages offer performances of traditional music and dance in the afternoon.
2-3 hours
$5-10
Evening
Sunset viewing and farewell dinner
Return to a viewpoint for sunset over the terraces, then enjoy a special dinner at your guesthouse with local rice wine and traditional dishes
Where to Stay Tonight
Longji village (Same guesthouse as Day 7)
Second night allows full experience of the terraces in different lights and conditions
The hiking trails between Ping'an and Dazhai villages offer the most spectacular terrace views and take about 3-4 hours at a leisurely pace
Day 8 Budget: $60-80
Travel back to Guilin and enjoy a leisurely afternoon around the scenic lake areas.
Morning
Return journey to Guilin
After breakfast and final photos of the terraces in morning light, begin your return journey to Guilin. The 3-4 hour drive allows you to reflect on the past days' experiences. Arrive in Guilin around midday and check into your accommodation. Take time to rest, do laundry, and recharge after several active days in the countryside. Perhaps visit a local supermarket to stock up on snacks or gifts.
4-5 hours including breaks
$25-40 for transport
Lunch
A restaurant near your Guilin hotel upon arrival
Guilin rice noodles or other local favorites
Budget
Afternoon
Guilin Rongshanhu Scenic Area
Enjoy a relaxed afternoon strolling around Rongshan Lake, part of the Two Rivers & Four Lakes system. This area features beautiful landscaping, traditional architecture, and the famous Rongshan Lake Bridge. Walk at a leisurely pace, sit by the water, watch locals flying kites or practicing calligraphy with water brushes on the pavement. The peaceful atmosphere provides a nice contrast to the previous days' hiking and offers a chance to simply relax and people-watch.
2-3 hours
$0-5
Evening
Guilin Central Square and dinner
Visit Guilin Central Square to see the evening fountain shows and locals dancing, then enjoy dinner at a restaurant specializing in Guilin's eighteen signature dishes
Where to Stay Tonight
Guilin City Center (Mid-range hotel near the lakes)
Central location for final days exploring remaining Guilin attractions
Many hotels offer laundry service—this is a good day to get clothes cleaned before your final days of travel
Day 9 Budget: $70-90
Explore ancient stone inscriptions and historic city landmarks revealing Guilin's rich cultural heritage.
Morning
Guihai Tablets Forest
Visit this remarkable collection of over 2,000 stone tablet inscriptions carved into cliff faces and caves. Dating from the Tang Dynasty through the Qing Dynasty, these tablets represent one of
China's most important collections of stone carvings. The inscriptions include poetry, historical records, and calligraphy by famous scholars and officials. Walking among these ancient writings provides insight into Guilin's long history as a cultural and administrative center in southern
China.
2-3 hours
$10-15
Lunch
A restaurant near the historic district serving traditional Guilin dishes
Local specialties including steamed pork with preserved vegetables
Mid-range
Afternoon
Gunanmen and old city exploration
Explore the Gunanmen area, one of the ancient city gates that once protected Guilin. Though much of the old city wall is gone, this area preserves historical atmosphere with traditional architecture and narrow lanes. Wander through old neighborhoods where residents still live in traditional courtyard houses. Visit small temples, observe daily life, and discover hidden corners of old Guilin that most tourists miss. The area provides authentic glimpses into local life away from major tourist sites.
2-3 hours
$0-5
Evening
Night market and street food
Explore a local night market to sample Guilin street food including grilled skewers, stinky tofu, and sweet rice cakes while mingling with locals
Where to Stay Tonight
Guilin City Center (Same hotel as Day 9)
Continuing central location for easy access to remaining attractions
The tablet inscriptions are more meaningful if you understand some Chinese characters, but the artistic calligraphy and ancient atmosphere are impressive regardless
Day 10 Budget: $65-85
Venture to a scenic river bay area combining karst scenery with water activities and natural beauty.
Morning
荔江湾 (Lijiang Bay) exploration
Travel to Lijiang Bay, a scenic area featuring karst landscapes, river scenery, and cave systems. This less-visited destination offers a more intimate experience with nature. Explore the area's unique geological formations, walk along riverside paths surrounded by towering karst peaks, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere away from major tourist crowds. The area combines natural beauty with opportunities for photography and quiet contemplation of the landscape.
3-4 hours
$20-30 including transport and entrance
This attraction is best visited with arranged transport as public transit options are limited
Lunch
A restaurant at or near Lijiang Bay serving river fish
Fresh fish and local vegetables
Budget
Afternoon
Return to Guilin and free time
Return to Guilin in the afternoon and enjoy free time for personal interests. Options include revisiting a favorite spot, shopping for souvenirs at local markets, getting a traditional Chinese massage, or simply relaxing at a teahouse. This flexible afternoon allows you to customize your experience based on what you've enjoyed most during the trip or anything you've missed. Use this time to purchase any final gifts or take care of practical matters.
3-4 hours
$10-30 depending on activities
Evening
Farewell dinner cruise
Book an evening dinner cruise on the Two Rivers & Four Lakes to see the illuminated cityscape one final time while enjoying a meal
Where to Stay Tonight
Guilin City Center (Same hotel)
Familiar accommodation for your final nights in Guilin
Use this free afternoon to visit any shops you spotted earlier in the trip—you'll have better bargaining power when you're not rushed
Day 11 Budget: $75-100
Gain elevated perspectives of Guilin's karst landscape and spend time at scenic viewpoints.
Morning
Sightseeing Platform visit
Visit one of Guilin's elevated sightseeing platforms offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding karst peaks. From this vantage point, you can appreciate how the city is nestled among limestone formations with the
Li River winding through the landscape. The morning light is ideal for photography, and the elevated perspective helps you understand the unique geography that makes Guilin so special. Take time to identify landmarks you've visited during your stay.
2-3 hours
$10-15
Lunch
A restaurant with a view overlooking the
Li River
Guangxi cuisine with river views
Mid-range
Afternoon
Yangshuo Lijiang River Scenic Area revisit or leisure
If you'd like more time along the
Li River, take a short trip to access different sections of the Yangshuo Lijiang River Scenic Area, perhaps areas you didn't fully explore on Day 4. Alternatively, use this afternoon for leisure activities in Guilin—visit a local tea shop to sample Guangxi teas, explore art galleries featuring paintings of the local landscape, or visit a traditional Chinese medicine shop. This flexible time allows you to tailor the day to your interests.
3-4 hours
$15-25
Evening
Traditional performance and dinner
Attend a cultural performance featuring Guangxi minority music and dance, followed by dinner at a restaurant specializing in clay pot dishes
Where to Stay Tonight
Guilin City Center (Same hotel)
Maintaining consistent accommodation for your final days
Many viewpoints are most spectacular in early morning when mist often hangs over the karst peaks—arrive early if weather conditions are right
Day 12 Budget: $80-105
Revisit favorite spots, complete any missed experiences, and prepare for departure.
Morning
Flexible morning activities
Use this morning to revisit any favorite locations, complete activities you may have missed, or explore areas that sparked your interest. Options include returning to
Seven Star Park for areas you didn't fully explore, shopping at local markets for last-minute souvenirs, visiting a temple for quiet reflection, or simply walking along the
Li River enjoying the scenery one last time. This flexible morning allows you to create your perfect ending to the trip.
3-4 hours
$10-20
Lunch
Return to your favorite restaurant from the trip
Whatever local dish became your favorite
Budget
Afternoon
Souvenir shopping and packing
Spend the afternoon shopping for final souvenirs and gifts. Good options include local teas, hand-painted scrolls featuring karst landscapes, minority handicrafts, osmanthus products, and chili sauces. Visit the area around
Zhongshan Road or near the Two Rivers & Four Lakes for shops. Return to your hotel to pack carefully, organizing your purchases and ensuring you're ready for tomorrow's departure. Perhaps enjoy a final walk around your neighborhood.
3-4 hours
$20-50 for shopping
Evening
Farewell dinner
Choose a special restaurant for your final dinner in Guilin, perhaps one with a view or specializing in a dish you've come to love, and toast to your memorable journey
Where to Stay Tonight
Guilin City Center (Same hotel)
Final night before departure
If you've made friends with restaurant staff or shopkeepers during your stay, stop by to say goodbye—small gestures are appreciated and memorable
Day 13 Budget: $75-100
Final morning in Guilin before departing with memories of karst peaks, winding rivers, and warm hospitality.
Morning
Final breakfast and hotel checkout
Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel, taking time to savor the last morning in Guilin. Complete checkout procedures and ensure you have all belongings and travel documents. If time permits before your departure, take a short final walk around the immediate area, perhaps buying a final snack of Guilin rice noodles for breakfast or stopping at a bakery for treats for your journey. Reflect on the incredible landscapes and experiences of the past two weeks.
2-3 hours
$0
Lunch
At the airport or pack snacks from the city
Light meal or snacks
Budget
Afternoon
Airport transfer and departure
Transfer to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport, allowing plenty of time for check-in and security. The drive typically takes 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. As you travel to the airport, watch the karst peaks fade into the distance, taking with you memories of one of
China's most beautiful regions. Board your flight carrying souvenirs, photographs, and experiences that will last a lifetime.
Varies by flight time
$15-25 for airport transfer
Arrange airport transfer the evening before; allow at least 3 hours before international flights
Evening
Departure
Safe travels and memories of Guilin's magical landscapes
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A (N/A)
Departure day
Keep a small amount of cash in RMB separate from your main wallet for any last-minute purchases at the airport
Day 14 Budget: $40-60