Things to Do in Guilin in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Guilin
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect hiking weather - 8-14°C (46-58°F) means comfortable all-day outdoor activities without overheating on karst mountain trails
- Misty mornings create dramatic photography conditions at Li River and Yangshuo peaks between 7-9am, with fog lifting to reveal limestone formations
- Low tourist season means 40-60% fewer crowds at Reed Flute Cave and Elephant Trunk Hill, with accommodation prices dropping 25-30% from peak season
- Ideal conditions for Li River cruises - calm waters, clear air after rain, and comfortable temperatures for 4-hour boat journeys
Considerations
- Persistent humidity at 70% means clothes take 24-36 hours to dry, and rain gear stays damp between uses
- Unpredictable mist can obscure mountain views for entire days - particularly affects scenic spots like Moon Hill and Seven Star Park visibility
- Cool evenings require layering - temperature drops 6-8°C (10-15°F) after sunset, catching many visitors unprepared
Best Activities in December
Li River Photography Cruises
December's misty mornings and dramatic cloud formations create optimal conditions for landscape photography. Cool temperatures make 4-5 hour river journeys comfortable, while low water levels reveal more rock formations. Morning departures (8am) catch the best light as mist lifts from karst peaks.
Yangshuo Karst Mountain Hiking
Cool December temperatures (8-14°C/46-58°F) make this the ideal month for climbing Moon Hill and exploring karst cave systems. No risk of heat exhaustion, and clear post-rain air offers 15-20 km (9-12 mile) visibility of surrounding peaks. Trails are less muddy than summer months.
Traditional Cormorant Fishing Experiences
December evenings (5:30-7pm) provide perfect lighting for watching traditional cormorant fishing on the Li River. Cool air means fishermen stay out longer, and calm waters create better conditions for the birds. This centuries-old practice is most active during winter months when fish move to deeper, warmer waters.
Reed Flute Cave and Underground Karst Exploration
December's cool exterior temperatures make the consistent 18°C (64°F) cave interiors feel warm and comfortable. Lower tourist numbers mean better photography opportunities in the illuminated chambers, and you can spend more time exploring without crowds pushing through.
Longji Rice Terraces Winter Landscapes
December transforms the famous terraces into a different kind of beauty - golden stubble patterns and morning frost create striking geometric patterns. The 2-hour drive (100 km/62 miles) from Guilin is comfortable in cool weather, and mountain village stays are cozy with traditional heating.
Guilin City Cultural Walking Tours
Perfect walking weather allows comfortable exploration of historic neighborhoods, traditional markets, and temple complexes. December's clear air makes the 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 mile) walking routes through old Guilin enjoyable, with frequent stops at tea houses to warm up.
December Events & Festivals
Winter Solstice Festival Celebrations
Local communities celebrate the shortest day with traditional glutinous rice ball making and family gatherings. Temples hold special ceremonies, and night markets feature seasonal specialties like sweet osmanthus soup and winter warming teas.
Guangxi Minority Winter Arts Festival
Zhuang, Yao, and Miao ethnic minorities showcase traditional winter crafts, textiles, and performances in Guilin's cultural centers. Features authentic handweaving demonstrations, traditional medicine workshops, and folk music performances adapted for indoor venues.