Things to Do in Guilin in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Guilin
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Lush green karst landscapes at peak beauty - May's rains create the most vibrant scenery for photography, with waterfalls at full flow and vegetation at its greenest
- Ideal river cruise weather with 21-28°C (69-82°F) range - comfortable for 2-3 hour Li River journeys without winter's chill or summer's oppressive heat
- Fresh lychee season begins - local markets overflow with premium Guilin lychees at ¥8-12/kg, plus May bamboo shoots appear in restaurant dishes
- Comfortable cave exploration conditions - 70% humidity outside matches cave interiors, eliminating the shock of entering Reed Flute or Silver Cave from dry winter air
Considerations
- Frequent afternoon thunderstorms disrupt outdoor plans - 320mm (12.6 inches) of rain across 10 days, with 60% chance of 2-3pm downpours lasting 45-90 minutes
- Yangshuo outdoor activities limited by rain - rock climbing and cycling tours frequently cancelled or shortened, with muddy trails for several days after storms
- Higher accommodation prices due to domestic tourism surge - Chinese university students and workers take May Day holidays, inflating hotel rates 40-60% during first week
Best Activities in May
Li River Scenic Cruises with Covered Decks
May's variable weather makes covered cruise boats essential, but rewards you with the year's most dramatic scenery. Morning mist clings to karst peaks, creating ethereal photography conditions impossible in dry months. The 21-28°C (69-82°F) temperature range means comfortable 3-4 hour journeys without winter coats or summer heat exhaustion. Book boats with enclosed lower decks for rain protection while maintaining scenic upper deck access during clear periods.
Longji Rice Terraces Hiking Tours
May transforms the terraces into mirror-like pools reflecting green karst peaks - the most photogenic time before summer's dense rice growth. Recent rains create perfect water levels for reflections, while 21°C (69°F) morning temperatures make the steep 2-3 hour hikes comfortable. Afternoon storms usually clear by evening, revealing spectacular sunset conditions. The Zhuang minority villages celebrate early rice planting with traditional songs and ceremonies.
Yangshuo Cooking Classes and Market Tours
May's rain makes indoor cultural activities perfect, while markets showcase seasonal ingredients impossible to find other times. Fresh bamboo shoots, early lychees, and May vegetables create unique dishes. Local cooking schools offer 3-4 hour experiences including covered market tours during morning hours before afternoon storms. Learn to prepare beer fish using Li River catch and seasonal vegetables while staying dry and comfortable.
Reed Flute Cave and Indoor Karst Formations
May's 70% humidity perfectly matches cave conditions, eliminating the uncomfortable transition from dry outdoor air. Recent rains enhance underground streams and formations, creating optimal lighting conditions for the colorful illumination displays. Constant 18-20°C (64-68°F) cave temperatures provide relief during humid outdoor periods. Spend 2-3 hours exploring without weather concerns affecting your schedule.
Guilin Cormorant Fishing Evening Tours
May evenings after afternoon storms create magical conditions with clearing skies, calm Li River waters, and perfect 22-25°C (72-77°F) temperatures. Traditional fishermen demonstrate ancient techniques using trained cormorants, with dramatic karst backdrops enhanced by post-rain atmospheric conditions. The 6-8pm timing avoids afternoon thunderstorms while capturing golden hour lighting impossible during winter's early darkness.
Xingping Ancient Town Photography Tours
Featured on the ¥20 RMB note, Xingping offers iconic Guilin scenery enhanced by May's dramatic weather patterns. Morning mist from overnight rains creates ethereal conditions for the classic karst peak photography, while afternoon storm clouds add dramatic backgrounds impossible during clear seasons. The 1.5km (0.9 mile) riverside walk remains accessible with proper rain gear, offering multiple angles of the famous landscape.
May Events & Festivals
Guilin Lychee Festival
Local celebration of the premium lychee harvest beginning in late May. Markets throughout the city offer tastings of different varieties, with the sweetest Guilin lychees available at ¥8-12/kg. Local restaurants create special lychee-based dishes and desserts during this period.
Longji Terraces Rice Planting Ceremonies
Zhuang and Yao minority communities perform traditional water blessing ceremonies for the rice planting season. Visitors can observe ancient songs, traditional dress, and participate in symbolic planting activities. Most authentic experiences occur in Ping'an and Dazhai villages.