Things to Do in Guilin in March

March Weather in Guilin

17°C (63°F) High Temp

11°C (52°F) Low Temp

152mm (6.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Spring blooms transform the karst landscape - peach and rape flowers create stunning yellow carpets around Yangshuo, peak blooming period is March 10-25
Comfortable hiking temperatures between 11-17°C (52-63°F) make the Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces and Xianggong Hill climbs pleasant without summer's brutal heat
Li River water levels are optimal for bamboo rafting - crystal clear visibility and stable flow rates after winter dry season, before summer floods
Shoulder season pricing saves 30-40% on accommodations compared to April-May peak season, with good availability at premium riverside hotels

Considerations

Persistent drizzle and fog obscure mountain views 6-8 days per month - the famous sunrise at Xianggong Hill has only 40% success rate in March
Cool evenings require layers - outdoor dining along the Li River becomes uncomfortable after 7pm when temperatures drop to 11°C (52°F)
March is university spring break season for Chinese students, creating unexpected crowds at Instagram-famous spots like Yellow Cloth Shoal on weekends

Best Activities in March

Li River Bamboo Rafting Tours

March offers perfect water conditions for the classic Guilin experience. Post-winter water levels provide crystal-clear visibility of submerged karst formations, while comfortable 15°C (59°F) midday temperatures make the 4-hour journey pleasant. Morning mist creates ethereal photography conditions around the famous 20 Yuan note scenery near Xingping. Avoid weekend crowds by booking Tuesday-Thursday departures.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead for better raft selection. Tours typically cost ¥180-280 per person for the full Guilin to Yangshuo route. Morning departures (8-9am) offer better weather and fewer crowds. Look for operators providing waterproof bags and life jackets meeting international standards.

Longji Rice Terraces Hiking

Cool March temperatures make the steep 3km (1.9 mile) climb to Ping'an viewpoint manageable without summer's oppressive humidity. Terraces are filled with water for spring planting, creating mirror-like reflections perfect for photography. Local Zhuang minority villages come alive with spring farming activities. Avoid the challenging hike during March's 10 rainy days - trails become dangerously slippery.

Booking Tip: Day tours typically cost ¥300-450 including transport and guide. Book midweek to avoid domestic tourist crowds. Look for small group tours (8-12 people) that include traditional lunch in Ping'an village. Allow 8-10 hours total including 3-hour round-trip drive from Guilin.

Yangshuo Cycling Adventures

March's moderate temperatures and blooming countryside make cycling ideal before summer heat arrives. Famous routes through Yulong River valley showcase yellow rape flower fields at peak bloom (March 10-25). Traditional farming villages like Jiuxian and Langshi are accessible via flat, paved paths perfect for casual cyclists. Light rain creates muddy conditions on unpaved trails.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals cost ¥30-50 per day for quality mountain bikes. Guided countryside tours run ¥150-250 per person for half-day excursions. Book electric bikes if you're not comfortable with 20-30km (12-19 mile) distances. Most operators provide helmets and basic repair kits.

Reed Flute Cave Photography Tours

March's variable weather makes indoor attractions essential backup plans. The limestone cave's colorful LED illumination creates stunning reflection photography in underground pools. Cool 16°C (61°F) cave temperature provides relief during humid days. New lighting installation in 2024 enhanced the famous Crystal Palace chamber. Avoid weekends when domestic tour groups create 30-minute wait times.

Booking Tip: Entry tickets cost ¥90-120 depending on season. Photography-focused tours run ¥200-350 including tripod rental and expert guidance on camera settings. Book early morning (8-9am) or late afternoon (4-5pm) slots for smaller crowds. Allow 90 minutes for thorough exploration.

Impression Liu Sanjie Evening Show

March evenings are perfect for this outdoor spectacle on the Li River - cool 13°C (55°F) temperatures make the 70-minute performance comfortable without summer's mosquitoes. The show's water stage effects are enhanced by March's optimal river levels. Karst mountain backdrop creates dramatic silhouettes against the illuminated performance area. Rain cancellations occur 2-3 times per month.

Booking Tip: Tickets range ¥238-988 depending on seating section. VIP seats (¥588-988) include covered areas for rain protection. Book 3-5 days ahead for weekend shows, day-of for weekday performances. Shows start at 8pm, arrive 30 minutes early for best photo opportunities of the pre-show lighting effects.

Xianggong Hill Sunrise Photography

March offers the year's most dramatic sunrise conditions when weather cooperates - morning mist and changing cloud patterns create layered mountain silhouettes. The 45-minute pre-dawn hike up 300m (984ft) is comfortable in cool temperatures. Success rate for clear sunrise views is only 40% due to spring weather variability, but successful mornings rival any landscape photography location globally.

Booking Tip: Photography tours cost ¥280-450 including 4:30am hotel pickup and professional guidance. Independent visits require headlamps and sturdy shoes for dark trail conditions. Check weather forecasts carefully - overcast mornings offer zero visibility. Book accommodations in Xingping town to reduce travel time.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March

Guilin Peach Blossom Festival

Thousands of peach trees bloom throughout Guilin's parks and countryside, with the main celebration at Seven Star Park featuring traditional performances, local food stalls, and photography competitions. The pink blossoms against karst limestone create Guilin's most photogenic seasonal display.

March 10-25

Yangshuo Rape Flower Festival

Yulong River valley transforms into golden carpets of blooming rape flowers, celebrated with cycling tours, traditional Zhuang minority performances, and local honey tastings. Peak blooming period creates some of South China's most spectacular rural landscapes.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket - March drizzle lasts 2-4 hours, heavier than typical light rain

Layered clothing system for 6°C (11°F) temperature swings between day and night

Quick-dry hiking pants - morning dew and muddy trails make jeans impractical

Waterproof phone case for bamboo rafting - Li River spray and sudden showers threaten electronics

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even on cloudy days due to water reflection

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - limestone surfaces become extremely slippery when wet

Compact umbrella over rain poncho - easier to manage during photography and sightseeing

Moisturizer for 70% humidity - skin alternates between dry indoor heating and humid outdoor conditions

Insect repellent for evening activities - March warmth brings mosquitoes to riverside areas

Portable phone charger - photography opportunities drain batteries quickly in cool weather

Insider Knowledge

Local farmers flood rice terraces for spring planting between March 5-20, creating the year's best mirror reflections at Longji - timing varies by weather

Guilin's university students return from Chinese New Year break in early March, filling weekend buses and popular spots - plan major attractions for Tuesday-Thursday

Book Li River rafts for Tuesday mornings when water is clearest after weekend boat traffic settles and sediment clears

March's variable weather creates the year's most dramatic sunrise photography conditions, but success rate is only 30-40% - budget extra days if sunrise shots are priorities

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming March weather will be consistently warm - pack for 11°C (52°F) evenings even when days reach 17°C (63°F)

Booking outdoor activities without backup plans - 10 rainy days per month require flexible itineraries

Visiting Xianggong Hill for sunrise without checking weather forecasts - overcast conditions provide zero visibility