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One-Day Guilin Travel Guide

Morning: Li River Cruise to Yangshuo

Start your day early by taking a Li River cruise, one of the most scenic boat trips in China. The cruise offers an iconic view of the Guilin Karst mountains—steep limestone peaks that rise dramatically from the river, surrounded by lush greenery. To get to the Li River Pier, you can take a taxi or a pre-arranged transfer from your hotel. The cruise typically takes 4-5 hours, so be prepared for a morning of stunning natural beauty. Keep your camera ready, as the views are truly breathtaking, and this is a prime opportunity to capture one of China’s most photographed landscapes.

Once you reach Yangshuo, take some time to explore the town. It’s known for its laid-back atmosphere, quaint streets, and charming cafes. You can grab lunch at one of the riverside restaurants, where you can enjoy fresh fish or local specialties like Beer Fish.


Early Afternoon: West Street in Yangshuo

After lunch, spend some time strolling along West Street in Yangshuo, the heart of the town. The street is famous for its blend of traditional Chinese architecture and international influences, with many Western-style shops, cafes, and boutiques. You can shop for local handicrafts such as embroidered silk or hand-carved wooden items. If you’re in the mood for more nature, consider renting a bike or electric scooter to explore the picturesque countryside around Yangshuo, where you’ll find even more stunning karst peaks, rice paddies, and small villages.


Mid Afternoon: Return to Guilin and Reed Flute Cave

After spending some time in Yangshuo, head back to Guilin in the late afternoon. The drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, so you can relax and enjoy the landscape on your way back.

Once you return to Guilin, your next stop is Reed Flute Cave, a famous natural limestone cave located about 5 kilometers from the city center. The cave is known for its spectacular rock formations, which are illuminated by colorful lights, creating a magical atmosphere. The walk through the cave takes about an hour, and you’ll be amazed by the various stalactites and stalagmites that resemble animals, flowers, and other interesting shapes.


Evening: Elephant Trunk Hill and Guilin Night Market

After visiting the cave, head to Elephant Trunk Hill, one of the most iconic landmarks in Guilin. It’s located right where the Li River and Taohua River meet, and the rock formation here is shaped like the trunk of an elephant drinking water. The hill offers a great spot for photos, and you can take a leisurely walk around the park and along the river.

In the evening, visit the Guilin Night Market. This market is bustling with vendors selling everything from local snacks like Guilin rice noodles and fried shrimp crackers to souvenirs such as jade jewelry and hand-painted fans. It’s a great place to experience the local culture and pick up a few unique souvenirs to take home.


Dinner: Local Cuisine in Guilin

For dinner, try some of Guilin’s traditional dishes at a local restaurant. Guilin rice noodles are a must-try—this dish features thin rice noodles served in a savory broth, often accompanied by pork, beef, or chicken. Another famous dish is beer fish, a flavorful fish cooked with beer, which is often served in restaurants by the river. You can find many restaurants around the Elephant Trunk Hill area or along the Xiangshan Road.


Night: Enjoy a Li River Night Cruise

End your day with a Li River night cruise to see the stunning cityscape of Guilin illuminated under the night sky. The city’s lights reflect on the water, creating a peaceful and enchanting atmosphere. The night cruise is a fantastic way to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and unwind after a full day of sightseeing.


One-Day Guilin Travel Guide

Morning: Li River Cruise to Yangshuo

Start your day early by taking a Li River cruise, one of the most scenic boat trips in China. The cruise offers an iconic view of the Guilin Karst mountains—steep limestone peaks that rise dramatically from the river, surrounded by lush greenery. To get to the Li River Pier, you can take a taxi or a pre-arranged transfer from your hotel. The cruise typically takes 4-5 hours, so be prepared for a morning of stunning natural beauty. Keep your camera ready, as the views are truly breathtaking, and this is a prime opportunity to capture one of China’s most photographed landscapes.

Once you reach Yangshuo, take some time to explore the town. It’s known for its laid-back atmosphere, quaint streets, and charming cafes. You can grab lunch at one of the riverside restaurants, where you can enjoy fresh fish or local specialties like Beer Fish.


Early Afternoon: West Street in Yangshuo

After lunch, spend some time strolling along West Street in Yangshuo, the heart of the town. The street is famous for its blend of traditional Chinese architecture and international influences, with many Western-style shops, cafes, and boutiques. You can shop for local handicrafts such as embroidered silk or hand-carved wooden items. If you’re in the mood for more nature, consider renting a bike or electric scooter to explore the picturesque countryside around Yangshuo, where you’ll find even more stunning karst peaks, rice paddies, and small villages.


Mid Afternoon: Return to Guilin and Reed Flute Cave

After spending some time in Yangshuo, head back to Guilin in the late afternoon. The drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, so you can relax and enjoy the landscape on your way back.

Once you return to Guilin, your next stop is Reed Flute Cave, a famous natural limestone cave located about 5 kilometers from the city center. The cave is known for its spectacular rock formations, which are illuminated by colorful lights, creating a magical atmosphere. The walk through the cave takes about an hour, and you’ll be amazed by the various stalactites and stalagmites that resemble animals, flowers, and other interesting shapes.


Evening: Elephant Trunk Hill and Guilin Night Market

After visiting the cave, head to Elephant Trunk Hill, one of the most iconic landmarks in Guilin. It’s located right where the Li River and Taohua River meet, and the rock formation here is shaped like the trunk of an elephant drinking water. The hill offers a great spot for photos, and you can take a leisurely walk around the park and along the river.

In the evening, visit the Guilin Night Market. This market is bustling with vendors selling everything from local snacks like Guilin rice noodles and fried shrimp crackers to souvenirs such as jade jewelry and hand-painted fans. It’s a great place to experience the local culture and pick up a few unique souvenirs to take home.


Dinner: Local Cuisine in Guilin

For dinner, try some of Guilin’s traditional dishes at a local restaurant. Guilin rice noodles are a must-try—this dish features thin rice noodles served in a savory broth, often accompanied by pork, beef, or chicken. Another famous dish is beer fish, a flavorful fish cooked with beer, which is often served in restaurants by the river. You can find many restaurants around the Elephant Trunk Hill area or along the Xiangshan Road.


Night: Enjoy a Li River Night Cruise

End your day with a Li River night cruise to see the stunning cityscape of Guilin illuminated under the night sky. The city’s lights reflect on the water, creating a peaceful and enchanting atmosphere. The night cruise is a fantastic way to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and unwind after a full day of sightseeing.