Guilin

Written by Alexander Kopp, Wei Li
18/08/2025
A stunning night view of the illuminated Sun and Moon Pagodas reflecting in a serene river in Guilin, China.
YFS Visuals, Pexels

Guilin captivates with its surreal karst landscapes, featuring towering limestone peaks reflecting in the tranquil waters of the Li River. It is a destination that feels like stepping into a traditional Chinese ink painting, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences.

Yangshuo's West Street provides a vibrant hub for social interaction, offering a mix of restaurants and shops. For backpackers, areas like Xingping offer a more authentic, quieter village atmosphere right on the river. Some hostels in Guilin also serve as good gathering points.

Top 6 Things to do in Guilin

Experiences in Guilin revolve around navigating its surreal natural landscapes, exploring ancient formations, and engaging with the vibrant local culture.

1. Li River Cruise

Embarking on a Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo reveals a breathtaking panorama of towering limestone peaks, tranquil villages, and local fishermen. This 4 to 4.5-hour journey offers a quintessential experience of Guilin's famous scenery, feeling like a traditional Chinese ink painting brought to life. Opting for a 4-star cruise provides more comfort and a buffet lunch, while 3-star options are more budget-friendly.

Cost: A 3-star cruise ticket typically costs between 215 to 280 CNY per person, often including a simple Chinese packaged lunch. A 4-star cruise can range from 360 to 480 CNY, including a buffet lunch.

Transport: Departure piers (Mopanshan or Zhujiang) are approximately 20-30 kilometers from Guilin city center. A taxi ride to the pier costs around 100 CNY. Many tour packages include private hotel transfers to the pier. Upon arrival in Yangshuo, a public bus back to Guilin is about 20 CNY, or private transfers can be arranged for an additional fee.

2. Longji Rice Terraces

Journeying to the Longji Rice Terraces offers an opportunity to wander through magnificent terraced fields and visit ethnic minority villages of the Zhuang and Yao people. This experience provides insights into local customs and stunning panoramic views of the 'Dragon's Backbone' landscape. Visitors can choose to hike between villages or utilize a cable car for elevated perspectives.

Cost: The entrance fee for Longji Rice Terraces is 80 CNY. A cable car ride for panoramic views costs 70 CNY for a single trip or 110 CNY for a round trip. Organized day tours from Guilin, often including transport, guide, entrance fee, and lunch, typically range from $70 to $193 USD per person.

Transport: Direct buses are available from Guilin Qintan Bus Station to Longji Rice Terraces (Jinkeng Dazhai), taking about 2.5 to 3 hours and costing approximately 45 CNY. Shuttle buses also operate from Guilin Railway Station parking area. Private car hire from Guilin can cost around 800 CNY for a group.

3. Yangshuo Countryside Cycling

Cycling through the countryside of Yangshuo provides an immersive way to experience the area's natural beauty, pedaling past distinctive karst peaks, tranquil rivers, vibrant rice fields, and traditional villages. Popular routes often include the serene Yulong River area. This activity allows for a peaceful connection with the rural scenery.

Cost: Bicycle rentals in Yangshuo typically range from 15 to 60 CNY per day, depending on the bicycle's quality, with higher quality mountain bikes being at the upper end.

Transport: Yangshuo is readily accessible from Guilin via the Li River cruise or a local bus. Within Yangshuo, bicycle rentals are widely available, particularly around West Street, making cycling the primary mode of transport for exploring the countryside.

4. Reed Flute Cave

Visiting the Reed Flute Cave offers an exploration of a spectacular natural limestone cave system. Inside, illuminated by colorful artificial lights, stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations create a 'Crystal Palace' atmosphere, earning it the nickname 'Art Gallery of Nature'. Ancient inscriptions dating back to the Tang Dynasty can also be found within. A typical tour takes about an hour.

Cost: The admission fee for Reed Flute Cave is 90 CNY per person.

Transport: Located approximately 5 kilometers northwest of Guilin city center, the cave is accessible by public buses (such as No. 3, 13, 58, or City Sightseeing Bus Line 1) for 1-2 CNY. A taxi ride from Guilin Railway Station might cost around 23-28 CNY.

5. Elephant Trunk Hill

Observing Elephant Trunk Hill, a natural karst formation, reveals why it is a symbol of Guilin. Its unique shape resembles an elephant drinking from the Li River. Visitors can stroll through the surrounding park, climb to the top for city views, or take a short bamboo raft ride on the river for a unique water-level perspective.

Cost: Entrance to Elephant Trunk Hill Park typically costs 55-70 CNY. A 20-minute bamboo raft ride offering views from the water is available for approximately $30 USD for up to four passengers.

Transport: Situated in downtown Guilin, Elephant Trunk Hill is often within walking distance from many central hotels. Public buses (No. 2, 16, 23, or Sightseeing Bus 1) are available for 1-2 CNY. A taxi from most urban areas in Guilin costs approximately 10-25 CNY.

6. West Street, Yangshuo

Exploring Yangshuo's West Street offers a dynamic cultural experience, transitioning from natural landscapes to a bustling hub. This street provides a vibrant atmosphere with a variety of restaurants, shops, and cafes, serving as a popular spot for social interaction and experiencing local nightlife. It has long been a known gathering point for travelers from around the world.

Cost: The cost of visiting West Street is dependent on individual spending on dining, shopping, and entertainment.

Transport: West Street is centrally located in Yangshuo and is easily walkable. Yangshuo is reached from Guilin by the Li River cruise or a local bus.

Check out our other pages on Guilin

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