Two Must-Visit Destinations in Guangxi: Highly Recommended Scenic Spots

📍Beihai and Guilin are two distinct travel destinations in Guangxi. Beihai is famous for its coastal scenery and the volcanic landscape of Weizhou Island, while Guilin is renowned for its "world's best" karst mountains and rivers. Here’s a combined travel guide for both places, perfect for a 7-10 day itinerary: ### **📅 Itinerary Suggestions** **Option 1 (7 days):** 3 days in Guilin + 4 days in Beihai/Weizhou Island **Option 2 (10 days):** 5 days in Guilin & surrounding areas (Yangshuo, Longji) + 5 days in Beihai/Weizhou Island --- ### **🌊 Beihai (3-4 days)** **📍 Must-Visit Attractions** 1. **Silver Beach** - Known as "China's No. 1 Beach" for its fine sand, ideal for swimming and sunset walks. - **Tips**: Free entry; visit early morning or evening to avoid the midday sun. 2. **Weizhou Island (at least 2 days & 1 night)** - China’s largest volcanic island, accessible by ferry (ticket: ¥150-240/person; entrance fee: ¥98). - **Highlights**: - Crocodile Hill Volcanic Park (volcanic rock formations) - Dripping Water Screen (perfect sunset spot) - Five-Color Beach (colorful reefs at sunrise) - Shiluokou Beach (diving & water sports) - **Tips**: Book homestays in advance; rent an e-bike to explore (¥60-80/day). 3. **Beihai Old Street (Zhuhai Road)** - Blend of Chinese and Western arcade architecture, great for photos. Try shrimp cakes and seafood noodles. 4. **Qiaogang Folk Culture Street** - Hub for Vietnamese snacks. Recommended: Coconut Delight, Yuexiang Kitchen, fried ice. **🍜 Food Recommendations** - Seafood: Buy fresh at Weizhou Island’s market or visit Waisha Seafood Island in Beihai. - Snacks: Auntie Li’s Shrimp Cake, crab noodle soup, sweet soups (chestnut & longan). --- ### **⛰️ Guilin (3-5 days)** **📍 Must-Visit Attractions** 1. **Li River Highlights (Yangshuo section)** - **Yangdi-Xingping Bamboo Raft** (electric raft recommended, ~¥120/person) or cruise to see the ¥20 RMB backdrop. - **Tips**: Visit Xingping Ancient Town for a quaint, offbeat experience. 2. **Yangshuo** - **Yulong River Drift** (traditional bamboo raft, most scenic route: Jinlong Bridge-Old County, ~¥255/raft). - **Ten-Mile Gallery**: Cycle through countryside views (bike rental: ¥20/day). - **West Street**: Lively at night but touristy; try bars or beer fish. 3. **Guilin City** - **Elephant Trunk Hill**: Iconic city symbol (free, reservation required). - **Two Rivers and Four Lakes**: Night light show (free to walk; cruise ~¥210). - **Prince Jingjiang’s Palace**: Ming Dynasty relic (entrance: ¥100). 4. **Longji Rice Terraces** (optional, 1-2 days) - **Jinkeng Terraces** (largest) or **Ping’an Terraces**, best in Sept-Oct for autumn hues. - **Tips**: Mountain roads are winding; stay overnight for sunrise. **🍜 Food Recommendations** - Guilin Rice Noodles (try Lao Dongjiang or Chongshan Noodles). - Yangshuo Beer Fish (Master Chef or Sister Xie’s). - Lipu Taro Pork, oil tea. --- ### **🚗 Transportation Guide** - **Guilin ↔ Beihai**: High-speed train (~4.5 hrs, ¥180 for second class) or flight (1 hr). - **Guilin City**: Taxi or e-bike between attractions. - **Yangshuo**: Take a bus (¥20) from Xingping train station to downtown. - **Beihai City**: Taxis are convenient; ferries to Weizhou Island depart from International Passenger Port. --- ### **⚠️ Tips** 1. Book Weizhou Island ferry tickets 3 days in advance (peak season: May-Oct) via "Laiyouba Official Website". 2. Guilin’s rainy season (May-Jun) may muddy the Li River, but misty views are poetic. 3. Sunscreen! Both destinations have strong UV, especially beaches and terraces. 4. Confirm seafood prices in Beihai to avoid scams; order Guilin noodles as "er liang" for local pricing.