GUILIN REGION
Guilin is one of China’s most famous regions with karst mountains, winding rivers, and rice terraces. The area splits into three main parts: Guilin city, the Longji rice terraces to the north, and Yangshuo to the south.
🚄 Getting There
From Zhangjiajie: high-speed train to Guilin, about 7 hours 15 minutes with 17 stops. The train reaches 245 km/h and is comfortable enough for the journey.
Guilin
⏱ Allow 1 Day
Reed Flute Cave
About 250 metres deep, thousands of stalactites and stalagmites. Lit up in multiple colors which gives it a slightly Disney feel, but it’s genuinely impressive. Very crowded during Chinese holidays so go early or avoid peak periods.
Elephant Trunk Hill & Riverside Walk
A walk along the Li River leads to Elephant Trunk Hill, a rock formation that looks exactly like an elephant drinking from the river. The river water is noticeably clean, people swim and fish in it, which says a lot.
Twin Pagodas
Two pagodas on the lakes in the city center, one of 7 floors, one of 9. Beautiful at night when the lakes are lit up. The two pagodas are connected by an underground passage beneath the lake.
Longji Rice Terraces
⏱ Full day
About 100km north of Guilin. Terraced rice fields cut into hillsides, forming wave-like patterns down the slopes, their name means “dragon’s backbone” which is exactly what they look like from above.
Best in late May/June (green terraces) or October/November (golden harvest) – check the season before you go.
You can go there by bus or taxi.
Guilin to Yangshuo
⏱ Full day
One of the classic China experiences. 3-star and 4-star boats available – the 4-star includes a buffet lunch on board. We spent most of the journey on the deck, so the difference between classes mattered less than expected. That said, if it rains or the sun is strong, having an indoor option is useful. The first boats have the clearest views ahead as they follow one another.
The scenery along the way is spectacular, karst peaks on both sides the whole way. The river is very clean. The Yellow Cloth Shoal reflection is a highlight, the landscape reflected in the water is the image on the back of the 20 yuan note.
Book in advance during China holidays !!!!
You can also do a cheaper version by bus, with stops along the river, followed by a boat trip around Yangshuo. It’s a great option if everything else is fully booked.
Yangshuo
⏱ At least 2 days
75km south of Guilin and noticeably warmer and more humid.
Bamboo Boat on the Li River
Xianggong Hill
A 20-30 minute hike up to one of the best viewpoints in the region.
Xingping Ancient Town
A small old town along the Li River. Worth combining with Xianggong Hill nearby
Yulong River
Walk along the path beside the river through countryside and old stone bridges, or take a bamboo boat ride, more relaxed than the main Li River cruise.
Moon Hill
A short hike to a natural arch in the shape of a crescent moon, good views over the valley.
Impression Liu Sanjie
An outdoor night show directed by Zhang Yimou, the filmmaker who also directed the 2008 Beijing Olympics opening ceremony. Worth seeing but not unmissable, the setting is spectacular, the show itself is more visual than narrative. The higher seats give a better overall view, lower seats give better visibility of the costumes and performers. Book in advance.
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