Guilin — China's Most Beautiful Landscape

"Guilin's Scenery is Best Under Heaven"

For centuries, Chinese poets and painters have declared Guilin's landscape the most beautiful in the world. The saying goes: "Guilin's mountains and waters are the finest under heaven, and Yangshuo's are the finest in Guilin" (桂林山水甲天下，阳朔山水甲桂林).

Geological Wonder: The iconic karst landscape was formed over 300 million years when limestone seabeds were pushed upward, then sculpted by erosion into the towering peaks seen today.

Top Attractions

Li River Cruise (漓江)

The crown jewel of any Guilin visit. A 4–5 hour cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo through some of the most dramatic karst scenery on Earth. This landscape appears on the ¥20 banknote — you can recreate the view at the famous photo spot.

Detail	Information
Duration	4–5 hours (Guilin to Yangshuo)
Distance	83 km
Boat types	Large tourist boats (4★ or 3★) or bamboo rafts (partial routes)
Cost	4★ boat ~¥360, 3★ ~¥245
Departure	Zhujiang Pier or Mopanshan Pier

Yangshuo (阳朔)

The small town at the end of the Li River cruise, surrounded by breathtaking karst peaks. Many travelers prefer to base themselves here instead of Guilin city.

Must-do in Yangshuo:

• Bike through the countryside — The Yulong River valley is a cyclist's paradise
• Bamboo rafting on Yulong River — Smaller, more intimate than Li River boats
• Xianggong Mountain sunrise — The single best viewpoint of the Li River bend
• Impression Sanjie Liu — Nighttime outdoor light show directed by Zhang Yimou (2008 Olympics)

Longji Rice Terraces (龙脊梯田)

Often called the "Dragon's Backbone," these terraced rice fields were carved into the mountainsides over 650 years ago by the Zhuang and Yao ethnic minorities.

• Distance from Guilin: 2–3 hours by bus
• Best times: May–June (water-filled terraces reflect sky) and September–October (golden harvest)
• Villages: Ping'an (Zhuang village), Dazhai (Yao village)
• Activity: Hike between villages (2–3 hours), cable car at Dazhai

Reed Flute Cave (芦笛岩)

A spectacular limestone cave filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and colorful lighting. Known as the "Palace of Natural Arts," it has been a tourist attraction for over 1,200 years.

Elephant Trunk Hill (象鼻山)

Guilin's city symbol — a hill that resembles an elephant drinking from the Li River. Best viewed from the park or from a river boat.

Outdoor Activities

Activity	Location	Best For
Rock climbing	Yangshuo	World-class limestone climbing
Cycling	Yulong River valley	Scenic countryside rides
Hiking	Longji Rice Terraces	Cultural and scenic trekking
Bamboo rafting	Yulong River	Relaxing scenic float
Photography	Xianggong Mountain	Iconic sunrise views
Hot air balloon	Yangshuo	Aerial karst views

Local Cuisine

Guangxi cuisine is influenced by Cantonese and Zhuang traditions:

• Guilin Rice Noodles (桂林米粉) — The city's signature dish: fresh rice noodles with pickled vegetables, peanuts, and spiced pork
• Beer Fish (啤酒鱼) — Yangshuo specialty: river fish cooked in beer with peppers and tomatoes
• Snail Rice Noodles (螺蛳粉) — A famous Liuzhou dish with a distinctive pungent snail broth
• Zongzi (粽子) — Glutinous rice dumplings in bamboo leaves
• Oil Tea (油茶) — A savory tea soup with puffed rice, a local Zhuang tradition

Getting Around

Getting to Guilin

• Guilin Liangjiang Airport (KWL) — Airport bus (50 min, ¥20) or taxi (~¥100)
• High-speed train — From Guangzhou (2.5 hrs), Shenzhen (3 hrs), Hong Kong (3.5 hrs)

Within Guilin/Yangshuo

• Guilin city: Taxis, buses, Didi
• Guilin to Yangshuo: Li River cruise (most scenic), bus (1–1.5 hrs), or taxi (1 hr)
• Yangshuo: Bicycle or electric scooter rental — the best way to explore!

Suggested Itinerary (4 Days)

• Day 1: Arrive Guilin → Elephant Trunk Hill → Reed Flute Cave → Seven Star Park → Night market dinner
• Day 2: Li River cruise (morning) → Arrive Yangshuo → West Street evening
• Day 3: Yulong River bamboo raft → Countryside cycling → Xianggong Mountain sunset
• Day 4: Longji Rice Terraces day trip → Hike between villages → Return

Where to Stay

Location	Vibe	Recommendation
Guilin city	Convenient for Li River cruise departure	Near the central lakes
Yangshuo countryside	Peaceful, stunning views	Boutique hotels among rice paddies
Yangshuo West Street	Tourist hub, nightlife	Hostels and mid-range hotels
Longji terraces	Authentic, remote	Guesthouses in Ping'an or Dazhai

Photography Tip: For the classic misty karst photos, visit in spring (March–May). For clear mountain views, come in autumn (September–November). The best photos happen right after rain, when mist wraps around the peaks.