Guilin and Yangshuo travel guide
Published: April 29, 2026
Short Answer
Guilin and Yangshuo offer some of the most spectacular natural scenery in China, with dramatic karst limestone mountains, the Li River, and endless rice paddies. A Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is the must-do experience, and Yangshuo itself is perfect for cycling, rock climbing, and lazy riverside days. Plan 3-4 days for the full experience.
Karst mountains along the Li River in Yangshuo
Deep Dive
Getting There
- Flights: Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) has domestic connections to most major cities and some international routes (Seoul, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur). Airport to city center: airport bus 25 RMB or taxi 100-120 RMB (about 40 minutes).
- High-speed rail: Guilin has two stations. Guilin North (Guilin Bei) handles most high-speed trains. From Guangzhou: 3 hours, ~180 RMB. From Shenzhen: 3.5 hours, ~210 RMB.
- Guilin to Yangshuo: Bus from Guilin Bus Station (25-30 RMB, 1.5 hours) or the Li River cruise (see below).
The Li River Cruise
This is the highlight of any trip to the region. The 83km cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo takes about 4-5 hours and passes through stunning karst scenery, bamboo groves, and water buffalo grazing by the river.
- Tickets: 280-320 RMB per person (standard boat). Book through your hotel, Trip.com, or at the Mopanshan Pier ticket office.
- Departure: Boats leave from Mopanshan Pier, about 40 minutes from Guilin center. Your ticket usually includes bus transfer from a central meeting point.
- When to go: Morning departures (8-9 AM). The best light for photography is in the morning. Avoid rainy days when visibility is poor.
- Best season: April to October. Water levels are higher and the scenery is greener. December-February can be misty and atmospheric but cold.
- 20 RMB note: The exact spot from China's 20 RMB banknote is near the village of Xingping, about halfway through the cruise. Have your camera ready.
Yangshuo
Yangshuo is the backpacker and outdoor lover's paradise. It's a small town surrounded by karst peaks, rice paddies, and the Yulong River.
Cycling the Countryside
Rent a bicycle (20-40 RMB/day) or electric scooter (80-120 RMB/day) and ride through the villages, rice paddies, and along the Yulong River. The route from Yangshuo to the Ten Mile Gallery (Shili Hualang) is flat, scenic, and about 10km one way. Key stops include Moon Hill (a natural arch in a karst peak, 45 RMB entry) and the Big Banyan Tree.
Yulong River Bamboo Rafting
Float down the Yulong River on a bamboo raft for about 1-2 hours. 200 RMB per raft (fits 2 people). More peaceful and intimate than the Li River cruise. The best section is from Jinlong Bridge to Jiuxian Village.
West Street (Xi Jie)
Yangshuo's main drag, packed with restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, and hostels. It's touristy and can be rowdy at night, but it's the center of activity. For quieter vibes, explore the side streets or head to the riverside.
Rock Climbing
Yangshuo is one of Asia's top rock climbing destinations, with over 400 bolted routes on karst limestone. Rent gear and get a guide at Climb Yangshuo or other local operators. Half-day sessions from 300-500 RMB including equipment.
Guilin City
Guilin itself is worth 1-2 days.
- Elephant Trunk Hill (Xiangbi Shan): Guilin's iconic landmark, shaped like an elephant drinking from the river. Entry 75 RMB. Best photographed from the riverbank outside the paid area.
- Reed Flute Cave (Ludi Yan): A massive limestone cave with colorful lighting. 120 RMB. Touristy but impressive.
- Two Rivers and Four Lakes Night Cruise: See Guilin's illuminated bridges and pagodas from the water. 190 RMB. Book at the pier or through your hotel.
- Seven Star Park: Guilin's largest park with caves, a zoo, and hilltop views. 55 RMB.
Longji Rice Terraces (Dragon's Backbone)
About 2.5 hours north of Guilin, the Longji Rice Terraces are a stunning example of centuries-old farming on steep mountain slopes. The terraces are most beautiful in May (when flooded) and September-October (golden harvest).
- Entry: 80 RMB
- Main villages: Ping'an (most accessible), Dazhai (more dramatic views), and Gu Zhuang (quietest)
- Hiking: Trails connect the villages, ranging from 1-4 hours
- Getting there: Bus from Guilin Qintan Bus Station to Longsheng (25 RMB, 1.5 hours), then local bus to the terraces
Photography Tips
- Golden hour: Sunrise and sunset light on the karst peaks is magical. The Li River at dawn with mist rising is iconic.
- Viewpoints: Xianggong Mountain (near Xingping) offers a panoramic view of the Li River bend. 60 RMB entry, 20-minute climb.
- Tripod: Bring one for sunrise/sunset shots and long exposures of the river.
- Drone: Legal in most areas but check local restrictions. Some scenic areas ban drones.
Where to Stay
- Yangshuo: Riverside guesthouses along the Yulong River (200-500 RMB) are the best experience. West Street hostels from 50 RMB/night.
- Guilin: Stay near the central lakes area for walkability. Hotels from 150-400 RMB.
- Longji: Homestays in the terrace villages (100-250 RMB). Simple but unforgettable.