Karst peaks, river cruises and rice terraces
Guilin is the gateway to southern China's dramatic limestone landscape. Visitors come to cruise the Li River, cycle through farmland and stay in Yangshuo. The city itself is small and relaxed, with lakes, caves and pagodas. It suits nature lovers, couples and budget travelers.
Tap a card to open it. Day trips are marked.
A boat cruise along the Li River from Zhujiang or Xingping pier toward Yangshuo, passing the iconic limestone peaks. It is the most famous activity in the area. Boats are large and run daily.
Rough public boat ticket price, 2026; bamboo raft add ons cost extra.
A backpacker friendly town set between karst peaks with a pedestrian street full of cafes and shops. Visitors cycle, climb, take river trips and visit nearby villages. It is livelier than Guilin at night.
Walking the town is free; activities cost extra.
Spectacular terraced hillsides carved by Zhuang and Yao farmers over centuries. Different seasons give green, golden or watery views. Hiking paths link small villages.
Rough entry fee for the main scenic areas, 2026.
A rock formation shaped like an elephant drinking from the river and the city's best known symbol. Visitors walk around the park and take photos. Evenings are lovely when lit.
Park entry fee, 2026 range; some areas are free to view from the outside.
A big limestone cave filled with stalagmites and colored lights. A guided path winds through huge halls. It is a classic family stop.
Rough entry fee, 2026.
A loop of lakes and canals in the center with pagodas, bridges and lit up night cruises. The Sun and Moon Pagodas glow after dark. It is a pretty place for an evening walk.
Rough price for the night cruise, 2026; walking along the lakes is free.
A gentle river lined with fields and peaks where you can ride on bamboo rafts or cycle beside the water. The scenery is more peaceful than the Li River. It is great for photos.
Rough raft ticket, 2026; cycling is free once you have a bike.
A large city park with caves, trails, a small zoo and a flower garden. Locals come to exercise and relax. It is one of Guilin's oldest tourist parks.
Park entry, 2026 range.
A hill inside the Ming dynasty Prince's Palace grounds, with a climb of about 300 steps. The top gives views over the whole city. Old gates and exam halls surround it.
Rough entry, 2026.
A riverside town known for the view that appears on the 20 yuan note. A short boat ride or hike lets you see it. The old lane has food stalls and homes.
Town is free; boats and viewpoints charge small fees.
Everything above is open to read. A Hodolog account lets you build the trip around it.
Choose how many days you have.
Day one is the city sights, day two is the Li River cruise, day three is Yangshuo and the Yulong River.
A well kept Ming and Qing era village in Hezhou.
93 mi · Bus or private car, about 3 hours each way
A 2,000 year old canal that links two rivers.
40 mi · Bus from Guilin, about 1h15 each way
Old river port with merchant houses and quiet streets.
12 mi · Bus or taxi, about 40 minutes
Best: April to May and September to October. Weather is mild and the river is high enough for cruising, while midsummer is hot and floods can happen.
Daily high and average, by month
Typical inches per month
Quiet season. Lower prices, fewer crowds.
Climate normals: NASA POWER (public domain). For your own dates, a trip's Plan tab shows the forecast and the usual weather.
Late September to October
The golden terraces are a highlight before harvest.
January to February (dates vary)
Local temple fairs and lanterns light up the lakes.
March (3rd lunar month)
Zhuang song contests fill Guangxi with music; check exact dates locally.
June (dates vary)
Dragon boat races on the rivers.
China is generally low risk for violent crime and many governments advise exercise normal to increased caution; petty theft and scams around touristy spots are the usual issues.
The city center and the lakes are walkable, but sights like Reed Flute Cave and Yangshuo require a bus or car.
The city has an extensive bus network and a limited metro in development, so visitors mostly use taxis, DiDi and tour buses to reach sights.
The neighborhoods that suit most first visits.
Best for: first-timers, couples
Walkable, scenic and close to the evening illuminations.
Best for: budget travelers, food lovers
Many hostels, street food and transport nearby.
Best for: backpackers, nightlife fans, adventure lovers
Lively base for cycling, climbing and river trips.
Best for: couples, nature lovers
Quiet guesthouses among rice fields and peaks.
Best for: rail travelers
Practical for onward rail travel.
| Main airport | Guilin Liangjiang International (KWL), 17 mi from the center |
| To the center | The airport shuttle bus takes around 40 to 50 minutes, or a taxi or DiDi takes about 35 minutes. |
| Around town | Taxis and DiDi are cheap and easy in Guilin. Between Guilin and Yangshuo, buses, shared minibuses and private cars are common, and the high speed train links Guilin to Guangzhou in around 2 hours. |
| Ride apps | DiDi, Amap taxis |
Round noodles served with beef, pork or sour toppings.
A Yangshuo specialty of river fish cooked with local beer.
Snail meat in a savory filling, common in local spots.
Soft sweet snack scented with local flowers.
A hearty Guangxi dish of taro and pork belly.
| Plugs | Types A, C and I, 220 V |
| Tap water | Use bottled water |
| Tipping | Tipping is not expected, but guides on private tours may appreciate it. |
| Payments | Alipay and WeChat Pay are used almost everywhere: link a foreign card before arrival and carry some cash. |
| Etiquette | Bargain politely at markets, dress modestly at ethnic villages, and ask before photographing people. |
Guilin grew from a Qin dynasty military outpost and became the capital of Guangxi during the Ming dynasty. Poets for centuries praised its hills and rivers, and the area became one of China's best known landscape subjects. The Lingqu Canal, built in ancient times, linked rivers north and south. Tourism boomed from the 1970s onward, and the nearby Li River scenery appears on the 20 yuan banknote.
Researched 2026-10-12. Check official sources and recent changes before you go.