Guilin Sunset Viewing Guide: Encounter the Most Beautiful Mountain and Water Twilight Guilin

🌅Guilin Sunset Viewing Guide: Encounter the Most Beautiful Mountain and Water Twilight Guilin, a city known for its stunning scenery, is not only famous for its picturesque peaks and clear waters during the day, but also for its dreamlike beauty at sunset. When the afterglow casts upon the Lijiang River and the mountains, the whole world seems to be bathed in warm hues, creating a scene worth cherishing. This guide will help you capture the most beautiful sunset in Guilin. I. Best Viewing Spots Elephant Trunk Hill Park As a landmark of Guilin, Elephant Trunk Hill offers an unparalleled sunset view. Standing in front of the hill, as the sun sets in the west, the afterglow outlines the hill's silhouette, and its reflection in the Lijiang River creates a magical scene of "a bright moon in the water, a bright moon floating above." As the sun gradually sinks, the sky's colors change from orange to pink, contrasting with the emerald green river, resembling a flowing oil painting. There are also many snack stalls and souvenir shops nearby, perfect for strolling around and enjoying the lively atmosphere after watching the sunset. Tickets: General admission is 55 yuan/person, and can be booked online in advance. Transportation: Many bus routes, such as No. 2 and No. 16, go directly to the park. Taxis are also convenient, with a 15-20 minute ride from the city center. Lijiang River Bamboo Raft Drifting down the Lijiang River on a bamboo raft and chasing the sunset is a unique romantic experience in Guilin. From Yangdi to Xingping, the mountains undulate on both sides of the river. As the sun sets, the sunlight filters through the gaps in the peaks, creating a shimmering effect on the water. The boatman rows leisurely, occasionally startling a few water birds. You just need to sit on the raft and quietly enjoy this sunset feast on the water. Along the way, scenic spots such as Nine Horse Fresco Hill and Yellow Cloth Shoal are even more enchanting under the sunset glow. Every photo you take will be a masterpiece. Tickets: Yangdi-Xingping bamboo raft tickets are about 160 yuan/person, including round-trip transportation, and must be purchased at the pier. Transportation: It is recommended to go to Yangdi Pier first. You can take a shuttle bus from Guilin Bus Station to Yangdi, which takes about 1 hour. Yao Mountain If you want a panoramic view of the Guilin sunset, Yao Mountain is the perfect choice. Take the cable car up the mountain, and as the altitude increases, the view gradually expands. At the top, the entire Guilin city, the Lijiang River, and the rolling mountains come into view. As the sun sets, the city lights gradually come on, forming a magnificent urban landscape painting with the sunset glow and the mountains in the twilight. The gentle breeze will make you forget the hustle and bustle of the world. Tickets: Round-trip cable car + admission ticket is 95 yuan/person, and can be booked on major travel platforms. Transportation: Take bus No. 24 from Guilin city center to the entrance of Yao Mountain Scenic Area. A taxi ride takes about 30-40 minutes and costs 50-60 yuan. II. Viewing Time The sunset time in Guilin varies throughout the year: Spring (March-May): Sunset is around 6:30-7:30 pm. The temperature is pleasant, and the mountains are full of blooming flowers, creating a vibrant sunset scene. Arrive 30-40 minutes in advance. Summer (June-August): Days are long and nights are short, with sunset around 7:00-8:00 pm. The sky often displays gorgeous fiery clouds. Remember to take sun protection and mosquito repellent measures. Arrive 40-50 minutes early to secure the best viewing spot. Autumn (September-November): Sunset is earlier, around 5:30-6:30 pm. The autumn air is crisp and clear, and the landscape colors are richer. The sunset glow paints the mountains and forests golden and crimson. Arrive half an hour in advance. Winter (December-February): Sunset is the earliest, between 5:00-6:00 pm. The weather is cold, but on a clear day, the warm sunset glow on the cold landscape has a unique charm. Arrive 20-30 minutes in advance. Check the exact sunset time for the day on a weather app and plan your trip accordingly to avoid missing the spectacular moment. III. Recommended Food Nearby Near Elephant Trunk Hill After watching the sunset, walk a few minutes to Zhengyang Pedestrian Street, a long-established food street in Guilin. Here you can find Guilin rice noodles, stuffed snails, beer fish, and other local snacks. Guilin rice noodles are highly recommended, with rich and mellow marinade, smooth and chewy noodles, and toppings like crispy pork, char siu, and pickled bamboo shoots. A bowl of noodles will bring you great satisfaction. Chongshan Rice Noodles is a popular old shop with affordable prices, offering a satisfying meal for 15-20 yuan per person. Along the Lijiang River Xingping Ancient Town is located on the banks of the Lijiang River, and the restaurants in the town specialize in fresh fish from the river. Freshly caught fish, steamed, braised, or made into fish soup, are tender and flavorful. Lijiangyuan Restaurant's beer fish is highly praised by tourists. Freshly killed and cooked, the fish is simmered in local beer, absorbing the malt aroma. The fish melts in your mouth, and the average cost is 60-80 yuan, offering great value. Around Yao Mountain If you're hungry after descending the mountain, try the farmhouse dishes at the foot of Yao Mountain. Chicken soup, stir-fried vegetables, and bamboo rice are all excellent choices. Free-range chicken stewed in a rich golden soup, with firm and chewy meat; bamboo rice with the fragrance of bamboo, soft, glutinous, and sweet. Yaoshan Farmhouse Restaurant offers a rustic environment and authentic dishes, with an average cost of 40-50 yuan, allowing you to taste the authentic Guilin farmhouse flavor. IV. Photography Tips Equipment preparation: Bring a DSLR camera or a high-pixel phone. A wide-angle lens can capture more of the sunset scenery, while a telephoto lens can capture details of distant peaks and boats on the river. A tripod is essential for stable shots in low light conditions during the later stages of sunset. Also, bring a neutral density filter and a graduated neutral density filter to balance the light and ensure even exposure of the sky and ground. Shooting techniques: Half an hour before sunset, the light is soft, suitable for shooting panoramic views of the landscape, using light and shadow to highlight the three-dimensional sense of the mountains. At sunset, focus on capturing the sun and surrounding scenery, such as the silhouette of Elephant Trunk Hill against the orange-red sunset. Lower the exposure compensation to enhance the silhouette effect. After sunset, the sky turns blue. Capture the reflection of the Lijiang River, which is serene and beautiful. Extend the exposure time to create a silky smooth effect on the water. The sunset in Guilin embodies the tenderness of the mountains and rivers and the poetry of time. Whether you are a photography enthusiast, a couple on a trip, or a family traveling, follow this guide to experience the beautiful sunset in Guilin and create unforgettable memories, making your Guilin trip shine with this twilight. Pack your bags and head towards the stunning sunset of Guilin!