Things to Do in Guilin in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Guilin
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect river cruising conditions: November's mild temperatures and minimal fog make Li River visibility exceptional - you'll get those crystal-clear karst reflections in photos that summer's humidity obscures
- Peak persimmon harvest season: Local villages around Yangshuo are heavy with golden persimmons, creating stunning photography opportunities and the sweetest seasonal treats you'll find nowhere else in China
- Comfortable hiking weather: Temperatures of 13-21°C (55-69°F) mean you can tackle the 2-hour climb up Laozhai Hill (400m/1,312ft elevation) without the summer heat exhaustion or winter joint stiffness
- Shoulder season pricing: Hotel rates drop 30-40% from October peaks, and you'll avoid the Golden Week crowds while attractions remain fully operational with extended hours
Considerations
- Unpredictable rainfall pattern: Those 10 rainy days aren't evenly spread - you might get 3 consecutive days of steady drizzle that limits outdoor photography and river activities
- Cool mornings require layers: 13°C (55°F) dawn temperatures mean bundling up for sunrise shoots at Xingping, then stripping down by 10am when it hits 18°C (64°F)
- Shorter daylight for photography: Sunset comes by 6pm, giving you less golden hour time for those iconic karst landscape shots compared to summer's 7:30pm sunsets
Best Activities in November
Li River Photography Cruises
November's stable weather patterns and 70% humidity create ideal conditions for capturing those mirror-like karst reflections. Morning cruises (8am-12pm) offer the best visibility before afternoon clouds build. The 83km (51.6 miles) Guilin to Yangshuo route showcases landscapes at their most photogenic - locals say the rock formations appear sharpest in November's clear air.
Reed Flute Cave and Underground Exploration
November's moderate outdoor temperatures make the cave's constant 18°C (64°F) perfectly comfortable - not the shock of summer's 35°C (95°F) to cave coolness. The 240m (787ft) limestone cave system is at its most spectacular with optimal lighting conditions and fewer crowds obscuring photo angles.
Yangshuo Countryside Cycling
November's 13-21°C (55-69°F) range is cycling perfection - warm enough for comfortable pedaling, cool enough to prevent overheating on the 20-30km (12-19 miles) rural routes. Persimmon trees heavy with fruit line the paths, and rice paddies show their golden post-harvest beauty. The 2-3 hour rides through Yulong River valley are unbeatable this time of year.
Longji Rice Terraces Hiking
Post-harvest November transforms the terraces into golden geometric art stretching up mountainsides. The 2-3 hour hike from Ping'an village to Viewpoint 1 (elevation gain 300m/984ft) is manageable in November's cool air. Local Zhuang villages celebrate harvest season with traditional performances and seasonal foods unavailable other times.
West Street Night Food Exploration
November evenings are perfect for outdoor dining - 15-18°C (59-64°F) means comfortable street food wandering without summer's oppressive heat or winter's bone chill. Local sweet potato vendors, chestnuts, and seasonal persimmon desserts are at their peak. The 800m (0.5 miles) street stays lively until midnight with perfect temperature for lingering.
Elephant Trunk Hill Sunrise Photography
November's clear morning air provides exceptional visibility for the iconic karst formation silhouette. 6:30am sunrise timing means reasonable wake-up calls, and the 55m (180ft) hill climb is comfortable in cool morning temperatures. The symbol of Guilin photography is most dramatic with November's sharp atmospheric clarity.
November Events & Festivals
Guilin International Photography Festival
Annual celebration of landscape photography featuring exhibitions, workshops, and guided photo tours of classic karst locations. Local and international photographers showcase techniques specific to Guilin's unique terrain and lighting conditions.
Persimmon Harvest Festival
Rural villages around Yangshuo celebrate the golden persimmon harvest with traditional Zhuang minority performances, persimmon wine tastings, and hands-on fruit picking experiences. The backdrop of orange trees against karst peaks is photographer's dream.