Weekend Guilin Check-in (Two-Day Trip)

Mode of travel: Self-driving tour

Travel time: 2 days

Cost per person: 400

DAY 1: The elementary school textbook saying 'Guilin's landscape is the best under heaven' filled us with longing for Guilin's scenery. Over the weekend, I brought my elders, children, and spouse from Hunan to Guilin to see its true beauty.

1. Elephant Trunk Hill Scenic Area: Arrived at Elephant Trunk Hill at 10 a.m., booked tickets online in advance for 150 yuan (including Elephant Trunk Hill + Reed Flute Cave + Fubo Hill). Elephant Trunk Hill, originally named Li Hill, is located at the confluence of the Taohua River and the Li River in Guilin, Guangxi. The hill is named for its resemblance to a giant elephant standing by the river, extending its trunk to drink the sweet waters of the Li River, and is known as the symbol of Guilin's landscape.

Legend has it that Elephant Trunk Hill was transformed from a divine elephant from the Tianshan Mountains. The divine elephant was originally the mount of the Jade Emperor. One year, when the Jade Emperor went on an expedition, the divine elephant was severely injured while protecting him and became lost. It fell ill in Guilin. When the divine elephant was near death, an elderly Guilin couple rescued it. They fed it rice noodles made with the clear waters of the Li River, which were full of vitality, and the divine elephant gradually recovered. To repay the old couple's life-saving kindness, the divine elephant remained in Guilin, transforming into Elephant Trunk Hill to watch over the people of Guilin…

About two hours were spent visiting Elephant Trunk Hill, and it was already noon when we came out. In Guilin, the famous Guilin rice noodles are a must-try. Guilin rice noodles come in round (called rice noodles) or flat (called cut noodles) forms. I personally prefer the round ones, usually 6 yuan a bowl. The noodles and soup are served separately. The noodles are topped with marinade, lettuce, barbecue pork, pork liver, roast pork, etc. The soup is clear, and with one bite of noodles and one sip of soup, it's incredibly delicious. I feel like I could eat it for all three meals.

2. Reed Flute Cave: Located on the bank of the Taohua River northwest of Guilin, about 7 kilometers from the city center, Reed Flute Cave is a scenic area primarily featuring a karst cave tour, complemented by stunning mountain and river views. The area boasts magnificent karst landscapes and natural wonders.

3. Evening stroll on West Street: About two hours' drive from Guilin. The hotel booked for the night was Meihao Hotel (around 200 yuan). It felt clean and upscale upon entering, with relatively new facilities. Overall satisfied, convenient for dining and shopping. In the evening, we ate at Chun Ji Roast Goose, right in front of the hotel. After eating, we strolled along West Street. It's best to visit West Street at night; the streets and alleys are dazzling, with restaurants, supermarkets, shops, bars, hotels, snack streets, and local specialties—everything you need for eating, drinking, and having fun!

DAY 2: Check in at Yangshuo

4. Yulong River Bamboo Raft: Known as the 'humble beauty,' the Yulong River is the essence of Yangshuo's landscape. It is world-famous for its green mountains, clear waters, bamboo groves, unique bridges, and charming villages—a rare gem in Guilin's scenery. Sitting on the bamboo raft, drifting quietly on the Yulong River, the scenery on both sides slowly moves backward. The area is empty and quiet, the air fresh and pleasant, giving a sense of a paradise. I absolutely love this atmosphere. The scenery of Yulong River is endlessly captivating and unforgettable. Highly recommended.

5. Ruyi Peak Cableway: A popular check-in spot, enjoy the sky garden.

Cable car: Gliding along the mountaintop offers a panoramic view of Guilin's peak forest landscape.

Ruyi Rope Bridge: A bridge woven from wooden planks, slightly swaying when standing on it.

Ruyi Cloud Summit: The highest point of Ruyi Peak, a 360-degree viewing platform, a sacred place for making wishes, and the best spot to overlook the karst peak wonders.

Forest Walkway: Composed partly of glass and partly of steel grating, it resembles a dragon when viewed from afar.

Glass Skywalk: Built along the cliff face, suspended in the air, thrilling to walk on.

Afterthought: Guilin's landscape is the best under heaven, and Yangshuo's landscape is the best in Guilin. When you come to Guilin, you must visit Yangshuo, and when in Yangshuo, you must go to Ruyi Peak to witness such spectacular scenery!

PS: Due to the pandemic, there are fewer visitors in various scenic spots now, but when traveling, you still need to take proper precautions—wear masks, wash hands frequently…