Guilin Travel Guide

_ 3 Days & 2 Nights Itinerary _ **Itinerary** _ **Day 1: Guilin City** _ Morning: After arriving in Guilin, take the airport shuttle to your downtown hotel for check-in. If time permits, visit Dongxi Alley, stroll along the bluestone-paved paths to soak up the historic charm, and try local snacks like Guilin rice noodles and osmanthus cakes. _ Noon: Enjoy a home-style Guilin meal at a local eatery. _ Afternoon: Visit Elephant Trunk Hill, the iconic symbol of Guilin. This 108-meter-long hill resembles an elephant drinking from the Li River. During the day, marvel at the "Elephant Hill and Water Moon" spectacle. _ Evening: Take a night cruise on the Two Rivers and Four Lakes, featuring over 10 scenic spots like the Sun and Moon Pagodas and the Glass Bridge. Opt for the lower-deck open-air seats for better photos, or head to the free viewing platform near Wenchang Bridge to capture the pagodas' reflections on the water. _ **Day 2: Yangshuo** _ Morning: Travel to Xingping Ancient Town and take a boat tour along the Li River's Xingping section to admire the landscape featured on the 20 RMB banknote. _ Noon: Try rustic farmhouse dishes at a small restaurant in Xingping. _ Afternoon: Go bamboo rafting on the Yulong River, then take a shuttle to Silver Cave to explore its colorful stalactites. _ Evening: Return to Yangshuo town for dinner at street stalls or local eateries, sampling specialties like Lipu taro pork and stuffed river snails. _ **Day 3: Yangshuo - Departure** _ Morning: Rent an e-bike to ride through the Ten-Mile Gallery, enjoying the scenic views along the way. _ Noon: Have lunch at a countryside restaurant near the Ten-Mile Gallery. _ Afternoon: Pack up and depart based on your travel schedule. _ **Accommodation Recommendations** _ Guilin City: Ideal for transit, sightseeing, and boat tours. _ Near Yangshuo West Street: Perfect for nightlife, dining, and photography. _ **Food Recommendations** _ Guilin Rice Noodles: A must-try dish, priced at 6-8 RMB for a bowl with braised toppings. _ Beer Fish: A Yangshuo specialty—tender fish with a hint of beer aroma. _ Lipu Taro Pork and stuffed river snails are also worth trying. _ **Transportation** _ High-speed trains arrive at Guilin Station/Guilin North Station; transfer to buses or taxis upon arrival. _ Guilin to Yangshuo: Take a bus (~1.5 hours) or a high-speed train (~20 minutes). _ Within Yangshuo, renting an e-bike or bicycle is recommended. _ Private cars are cost-effective for small groups; shared rides save money for larger groups. _ **4-5 Days Itinerary** _ **Day 1:** Guilin City + Elephant Trunk Hill + Two Rivers and Four Lakes Night Cruise _ Explore downtown and visit Elephant Trunk Hill in the afternoon. _ Evening cruise to see illuminated reflections. _ **Day 2:** Yangshuo West Street + Yulong River Bamboo Rafting _ Morning: Head to Yangshuo. _ Noon: Drift down the Yulong River, feeling like you're floating through a painting. _ Evening: Dine, drink, and enjoy performances on West Street. _ **Day 3:** Ten-Mile Gallery + Silver Cave + Cycling _ Cycle through the Ten-Mile Gallery's pastoral scenery. _ Tour Silver Cave's stunning karst formations. _ **Day 4 (Optional):** Longji Rice Terraces or Xingping Ancient Town _ Longji for majestic terraces; Xingping for relaxed photography. _ **Day 5 (Optional):** Shangri-La Park - Elephant Trunk Hill - Ten-Mile Gallery _ Experience the tranquility of Shangri-La Park. _ Revisit Elephant Trunk Hill. _ Stroll the Ten-Mile Gallery's peaks and farmland. _ **Accommodation Tips** _ Stay in Guilin at the start/end and Yangshuo in between. Yulong River area suits relaxation, photography, and family trips. _ **More Food to Try** _ Luosifen (snail rice noodles), oil tea, and Guilin river snails. _ **Photo Spots** _ Yulong River Bamboo Rafts: Soft morning light is a photographer's dream. _ Xingping Li River: The 20 RMB backdrop. _ Silver Cave: Dreamy interplay of lights and stalactites. _ Yangshuo West Street: Artsy by day, lively by night. _ Longji Terraces: Spring "water mirrors," autumn golden hues. _ **Budget (5D4N Example)** _ Transport: 500 RMB (round-trip train + local transit). _ Accommodation: 600-1,000 RMB (double room). _ Tickets: 300-500 RMB (route-dependent). _ Food/Activities: 400-600 RMB. _ Total: ~1,500-2,000 RMB/person. _ **Tips:** Avoid holidays; hidden gems abound in local shops. Book Li River rafts early. Check e-bike batteries and document rentals. Guilin’s UV is strong—pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.