Guilin Travel Guide: Guilin Free Travel Guide

Guilin Travel Guide: Guilin is located in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, at the southern end of the 'Xiangxi Corridor,' and has been renowned since ancient times for having 'the finest mountains and waters under heaven.' It is famous for its landscapes, culture, customs, and leisurely, comfortable lifestyle. Guilin’s scenery is beautiful, featuring landscapes represented by the Li River scenery and karst landforms: the mountains rise abruptly from the ground in myriad poses; the Li River winds and twists, clear and mirror-like. In addition, Guilin boasts unique folk customs and cultures of more than a dozen ethnic minorities, including the Zhuang, Yao, Miao, and Dong, adding even more charm to this land. Guilin is an important tourist city in China and the world, a famous scenic and historical cultural city in China, and one of the most suitable cities for independent travel. It is said that 'Guilin's mountains and waters are the best under heaven, and Yangshuo's are the best in Guilin.' You won't know it until you go! The beauty of the Li River cannot be described in words; you must feel it with your heart, see it with your eyes, and touch it with your feet. Here, you are not just touring the landscape but truly immersing yourself in the blue waters and green mountains, as if walking in a painting. I have traveled to many places and seen many landscapes; each place has its own distinctive features: Mount Tai is majestic, Wuyi Mountain is delicate, and Mount Huangshan is stunning. But Guilin's beauty lies in the company of the Li River. Xingping Li River Scenery: If you don't cruise the Li River, you haven't truly been to Guilin. On the Li River, there's no need to worry about weather changes; different weather brings different beauty. On cloudy days, you can see misty mountains; on rainy days, you can see the Li River in the rain; on sunny days, you can see clear breezes and reflections. Indeed, 'Guilin's mountains and waters are the best under heaven, and the Li River in autumn is a perfect painting.' As the raft moves on the blue waves, people roam in the painting. Seeing this scenery, you know it's the background of the 20 yuan note, taken from the scenery of Xingping Town, Yangshuo County. The red sunset clouds and mountain peaks reflect in the Li River, touching everyone by the river. Xianggong Mountain, the First Bend of the Li River: After climbing Xianggong Mountain, looking far into the distance, the peaks are arranged in order, and the clear Li River winds through the embrace of the mountains. This poetic scene tells you that the trip is worth it. Overlooking the many small karst peaks, with rivers winding around and fields dotting the landscape, you experience the feeling of 'viewing all small mountains from a high peak.' Gudong Waterfall: In mountain tours, you can climb the mountain, touch it, paint it on paper, or keep it at home. In water tours, from small forest streams to waterfalls cascading thousands of feet, it seems you can only walk and watch. But in Guangxi, there is a place where the waterfall can not only be seen but also touched and climbed. In short, everyone who has been there wants to go again. This place, where opinions vary, is in Guilin, known for its finest landscapes, and has a nice name: Gudong Waterfall. Yulong River Cycling: Along the Yulong River, both sides present idyllic scenery that is a feast for the eyes. Green mountains, clear waters, bamboo groves, and unique bridges are pleasing. Riding an electric bike or bicycle leisurely, taking a deep breath of the freshest air, cupping a handful of Li River water with reflections, letting your heart fly over the fields, letting your body and mind blend into nature... Yinzi Rock (Silver Cave) is magical, mysterious, and naturally formed. It is a karst cave with magnificent, peculiar, quiet, and beautiful features that attract countless visitors. Outside the cave, it is quiet and beautiful, with mountains and waters so green they make your heart ripple. Inside the cave, it is a world of its own, another realm. Shangri-La (Worldly Paradise): In spring, with grass growing and orioles flying, birds singing, and a riot of colors everywhere, plus the singing of local women, it is especially wonderful. The village is full of trees and wild grass, with distant green mountains like dark brows and white clouds curling, very beautiful. Yulong River Rafting: This is an absolutely beautiful experience. When you sit on a bamboo raft on the Yulong River, you glide on the water, and your body and mind blend into the peaceful beautiful mountains and waters. The Yulong River, a tributary of the Li River, is a primitive shallow water belt that flows quietly and winds through the forests of Yangshuo. Floating on the Yulong River, no matter the changing perspective, the Yulong River always presents you with a perfectly composed picture. Elephant Trunk Hill: Beneath the water is a bright moon; above the water is a floating moon. The flowing water does not take the moon away; the moon goes, but the water returns. Gui-style cuisine: Discover different flavors. Itinerary Preview: Take you to appreciate the landscape along the way. D1: Guilin: East-West Alley - Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area - Rongshan Lake and Shan Lake · Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas. Accommodation: Guilin. D2: Gudong Waterfall - Xingping Li River Scenery - Cycling Yulong River - Ten Mile Gallery. Accommodation: Yangshuo. D3: Yinzi Rock - Shangri-La - Xianggong Mountain. Accommodation: Xianggong Mountain. D4: Yulong River Rafting - Elephant Trunk Hill - Send-off. Accommodation: Warm home. Itinerary Plan: Enjoy beautiful scenery all the way. Day 1: From all over the country to Guilin. Arrive at Guilin Liangjiang Airport or Guilin Railway Station by plane/train. Pick up your luggage and walk to the exit. A professional pick-up staff will wait for you at the exit. After pick-up, head to Guilin city center (about 1 hour) and check into the hotel. (The tour guide/pick-up staff will contact you in advance. Please keep your communication line open. Due to different flight schedules, there may be a slight wait, no more than 30 minutes. Please note.) Internet-famous spot #1: [Guilin East-West Alley] (visit for at least 60 minutes), (Zhuangyuan Gate - Jingjiang Prince's Palace Gate - East-West Alley - Xiaoyao Tower), visit about 40 minutes. Discover the Guilin Prince City that Xu Xiake tried three times but failed to enter. Pass through East-West Alley, arrive at the Li River, climb the Xiaoyao Tower on the Li River in Guilin (visit about 20 minutes), and overlook the perfect combination of Guilin's mountains, rivers, and city. Internet-famous spot #2: Stroll along [Guilin Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area]. The night view is beautiful, with lights and lake water forming a beautiful scene. Tourists from all over come to take photos. Internet-famous spot #3: Stroll along [Rongshan Lake and Shan Lake] (about 40 minutes). The Two Rivers and Four Lakes are the symbol of Guilin, and Rongshan Lake and Shan Lake gather the essence of them. Stroll freely, savor the comfortable life of this beautiful small city with bridges, flowing water, and homes. Stop at the Ancient South Gate, view the 800-year-old banyan tree, and take a photo with the [Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas] (not climbing the tower)... Note: On the first day, we provide pick-up service. The internet-famous spots on the first day are the most beautiful places in Guilin at night. You can go out at night. There will be no staff accompanying you at night, so take care of your belongings and personal safety! Day 2: Guilin to Yangshuo. Morning: Internet-famous spot #4: The only climbable waterfall in China, [Gudong Waterfall] (about 120 minutes). The only climbable waterfall in the country, zero-distance contact with Guilin landscape. The benevolent enjoy mountains, the wise enjoy water. Gudong's uniqueness comes from human involvement. Gudong Waterfall is a waterfall you can intimately touch and climb. Get wet together, feel the thrill and joy; seek up and down, 'Walk to where the water ends, sit and watch when clouds rise.' Every deep autumn, the mountains turn red, with layered forests dyed, a magnificent scene, perfect for autumn maple viewing. TIPS: In summer, if you want to climb the waterfall at Gudong Waterfall Scenic Area, you must change into safety equipment provided by the scenic area, such as helmets, straw sandals, raincoats, etc., costing 10 yuan/person and up. Purchase from the scenic area. Afternoon: Internet-famous spot #5: Xingping Li River Bamboo Raft, visit the background of the 20 yuan note [Xingping Li River Scenery] (90 minutes). Drift on a bamboo raft on the water, visit the background of the 20 yuan note, Nine Horse Painting Mountain, etc. As the boat moves on the river, it feels like opening a wonderful landscape painting. You can see reflected peaks, clear waters, pastoral scenes, and truly experience the beautiful Li River wonderland of 'boats move on the river, people swim in the painting.' Note: Children under 1.2m and seniors over 75 are not allowed to take bamboo rafts; they can choose to take a boat tour. The pier for Xingping bamboo rafts and boats is under renovation, requiring a round-trip electric cart fee of 40 yuan/person, paid by yourself. You can also choose to walk to the pier. Internet-famous spot #6: Cycling Ten Mile Gallery and Yulong River, the most beautiful place in China. [Cycling Yulong River] [Ten Mile Gallery] (about 120 minutes). Going to Yangshuo without visiting Yulong River is a pity! Yulong River is 43.5 km long, 38-60 meters wide, with slow flow and clear water. If the Li River is a grand lady, then Yulong River is a delicate beauty. Harvard scholar Carl exclaimed: This is the most beautiful place in China! From Gongnong Bridge on Yulong River, slightly to the side, there is a mountain shaped like a camel leisurely walking forward as if to cross the river, called 'Camel Crossing the River.' Photos taken at dawn, sunrise, misty rain, or blue sky with white clouds are masterpieces. Many photo albums, paintings, calendars, and covers featuring 'Camel Crossing the River,' 'Fields Like Brocade,' 'Rainbow Over Yulong' come from here. Evening: Internet-famous spot #7: Stroll on West Street, encounter a love like Kangmei's love. In the evening, you can freely stroll on the cosmopolitan 'Foreigners' Street.' Many foreign tourists visit here, so it is called Foreigners' Street. Guilin is an international tourist city, with many foreign tourists vacationing here. [Yangshuo West Street] (no vehicle or guide accompanying), feel the strong exotic atmosphere. The nightlife here is very lively; you can experience Yangshuo's night culture. Day 3: Yangshuo to Guilin. Morning: Internet-famous spot #8: Yinzi Rock, after visiting Yinzi Rock, you will never lack money. [Yinzi Rock] (about 60 minutes) is a typical karst cave, passing through twelve peaks, a multi-layered cave. Inside, there are stalactites grown in different geological ages, known as the most beautiful cave in Guilin. The cave houses stalactites dozens of meters high, magnificent, strange, quiet, beautiful, like silver and diamonds. The natural landscapes inside are uncanny, colorful, and diverse stalactite pillars, towers, drapes, and waterfalls constitute the wonders of world karst art, making visitors linger. Former US President Clinton was also a fan; in 1998, he postponed his flight to Hong Kong to visit Yinzi Rock! Morning: Internet-famous spot #9: Find the source of 'Kangmei's Love,' listen to the charm of Shangri-La. [Shangri-La] (about 70 minutes) personally experience the pure natural conception of 'small bridges, flowing water, and homes' in 'Peach Blossom Spring.' Here, peach blossoms bloom all year round, with peach forests, orioles singing, swallows dancing, and beautiful scenery. It resembles the peach blossom paradise described by Tao Yuanming: 'fragrant grass and beautiful fallen petals,' 'fine fields, beautiful ponds, mulberry trees and bamboo.' Just sitting here, what does ten thousand years in the world matter to us? Afternoon: Finally, visit internet-famous spot #10: International photography base, beautiful scenery not seen in group tours. [Xianggong Mountain] (70 minutes) is located on the west bank of the Li River in Xingping Town, Yangshuo County, between Huangbu Beach and Nine Horse Painting Mountain, about 28 km from Yangshuo. Climb Xianggong Mountain and look far: peaks arranged orderly, clear Li River winding through the mountains. The light, clouds, sunrise, and colorful clouds here attract countless photographers. Works taken here by Guilin photographers won the bronze award at the 10th International Photography Exhibition. Day 4: Guilin to return. Morning: Internet-famous spot #11: Visit China's most beautiful river [Yulong River Rafting]. Double-person bamboo raft on Yulong River. The picturesque scenery, green hills, clear waters, ancient bridges, all unforgettable. The breeze's call, birds' chirps, waterwheels' creaks, folk songs' duets, frogs' croaks in the fields, and roosters' crows from distant villages are full of poetic charm, refreshing and picturesque. Visit the main filming location of the famous CCTV commercial 'Kangmei's Love.' Note: Children under 1m and seniors over 70 are not allowed to take bamboo rafts. Afternoon: Internet-famous spot #12: Visit Elephant Trunk Hill, take a photo with the symbol of Guilin. [Elephant Trunk Hill] (about 60 minutes) was formerly named Lishan. The mountain resembles a giant elephant standing by the river drinking sweet Li River water with its trunk, considered the symbol of Guilin landscape. Elephant Trunk Hill is famous for its magic. First, it looks exactly like an elephant; second, between the trunk and legs, there is a round cave reflecting the moon, creating the 'Elephant Trunk Hill and Moon' wonder. Therefore, Elephant Trunk Hill is the emblem mountain of Guilin and a landmark of Guilin tourism. It sits at the confluence of the Li River and Peach Blossom River in downtown Guilin, shaped like a giant elephant drinking water from the Li River. The round cave between the trunk and legs is about 150 square meters, with river water flowing through like a floating moon. The 'Elephant Trunk Hill and Moon' on the west bank and the 'Moon Piercing Rock' on the east bank form the 'Li River Double Moon' spectacle. End the pleasant trip and return to your warm home! Best Travel Time: The best time to visit Guilin is from September to November each year. At this time, rainfall is low, the climate is pleasant, and the river water volume is moderate, suitable for boating on the Li River. The 'May Day' and 'National Day' holidays are also peak tourist seasons. Accommodation booking and transportation are tight, and prices are higher than usual. It is recommended to avoid these times. April-May: The rainy season begins, with frequent rain. The Li River water level rises, the current is swift and muddy, not conducive to seeing reflections or outdoor activities. But the temperature is not high, and it is cooler when raining, allowing you to see 'misty rain on the Li River.' June-August: Mid to late rainy season with short heavy rainfall. High humidity, high temperature, stuffy. September-November: Autumn is the best time to visit Guilin. December-February: Dry season, with January-February being low water period; the Li River may close to navigation. The northern mountainous areas of Guilin are cold, with low indoor temperatures, feeling chilly. Consumption Level: Except for major holidays like National Day, the main expenses are on transportation, accommodation, and attractions. Attractions: Tickets are a major expense. For a 3-day trip for one person, visiting the Li River, Elephant Trunk Hill, Longji Rice Terraces, Yulong River, etc., costs about 700 yuan. Dining: There is a wide range of dining expenses. The most distinctive Guilin rice noodles cost as little as 5 yuan. Accommodation: Youth hostels average 80 yuan, three-star hotels average about 180 yuan, four-star hotels average 280 yuan. Transportation: The ferry from Guilin to Yangshuo costs over 200 yuan one way; city buses cost 1-2 yuan; taxi flagfall within 2 km is 9 yuan during the day and 11 yuan at night.