桂林阳朔
Best season
Apr–Oct
Region
South China
Private journeys
3 itinerary options
Coordinates
25.27° N, 110.29° E
Guilin's landscapes have been celebrated for a thousand years; in 2014, the Guilin Karst was inscribed on the UNESCO World Natural Heritage list, finally bringing global recognition to its beauty. The classic way to experience it is by water: an 83-kilometer Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, drifting through misty peaks, past water buffalo, and by riverside villages.
Beyond the Li River, this land is perfect for slow travel: bamboo rafting on the Yulong River, the golden mirror of Longji Rice Terraces, the 20 RMB photo spot in Xingping, and the night lights of Guilin's Two Rivers Four Lakes or Yangshuo's 1,400-year-old West Street.
Start your day with Guilin Rice Noodles (dry mix first, then add soup), then head to the Li River at dusk to watch cormorant fishing. If your timing aligns, plan your trip for the spring irrigation or autumn harvest of the rice terraces—these are considered the most beautiful seasons by locals.
1The 83-kilometer waterway from Guilin to Yangshuo is an unforgettable journey: four unhurried hours drifting through limestone peaks, bamboo forests, and water buffalo. The "Guilin Karst" was designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage in 2014. Keep an eye out for the Nine-Horse Fresco Hill and the Yellow Cloth Reflection, which is featured on the back of the 20 RMB banknote.
2The flatlands around Yangshuo reveal a gentler side of the landscape: rice paddies and water buffalo set against peak walls. Boatmen pole bamboo rafts down the shallow Yulong River—purely human-powered, no motors, just tranquility. Rent a bicycle between villages and watch the peaks change colors as the morning mist lifts.
3In the mountains of Longsheng, Zhuang and Yao farmers have carved terraced fields into the mountainsides for generations—the "Dragon's Backbone." The Jinke and Dazhai villages offer the most panoramic views, with wooden stilted villages nestled among them. In spring, when filled with water, they become like mirrors; in autumn, when the rice ripens, they turn golden.
4A limestone hill extends its trunk into the confluence of the Li River and Peach Blossom River—this silhouette is Guilin's city emblem. Best viewed at dusk from the river or the opposite bank: the stone arch and its reflection merge into a stone moon.
5The lakes in downtown Guilin are connected into a night cruise route: boats glide past bridges, pavilions, and the Sun and Moon Twin Towers. At night, the golden and silver towers burn their reflections into Shan Lake. This is the city's most elegant overnight experience.
6The riverside scene in Xingping—fishing rafts, calm waters, and a wall of peaks—is the exact image on the back of the 20 RMB banknote. The ancient town's stone-paved street leads to the dock, and the short riverside hike toward Yangdi is considered the most精华 section of the Li River. Most visitors take a day trip from Yangshuo.
The postcard scene is real: fishermen in conical hats and straw coats paddle bamboo rafts at night, with cormorants diving into the Li River following the lights. It's a traditional craft—now mostly a dusk performance for tourists rather than for actual fishing. For an authentic glimpse, Xingping is the most photogenic spot.
The mountains around Longji are home to Zhuang and Yao villages: wooden stilted houses climb the slopes, and festival attire features indigo embroidery and silver headdresses. The "Long Hair Village" of Huanglu Yao Village is famous for its traditional waist-length hair, and the folk songs of Liu Sanjie have been listed as a national intangible cultural heritage.
Guilin locals live on rice noodles: braised beef or pork, peanuts, sour beans, and chili oil are mixed into a bowl of noodles. The soul of the dish is the braising sauce—each restaurant's spice recipe is a secret. The local way: eat half dry first, then add free hot soup for the rest.
On a section of the Li River outside Yangshuo, Zhang Yimou's team stages this open-air performance using the real mountains and river as a backdrop: over 600 actors—mostly local fishermen and villagers—stand on bamboo rafts singing the folk songs of Liu Sanjie. Rain or shine, the river is the stage.
The road from Yangshuo to Moon Hill is known as the "Ten-Mile Gallery": a 10-kilometer scenic route of karst landscapes, featuring the Gongong Bridge and a 1,400-year-old banyan tree. Rent a bicycle or electric scooter, start early, and ride at the pace of the morning mist lifting.
Yangshuo's West Street has been a trading hub for over 1,400 years, a crossroads for international travelers—locals call it "Global Village." Marble pavement, lanterns, Chinese and Western restaurants, bars, and craft shops line the street, where every day by the river concludes. Turn into the side alleys for quieter old neighborhoods.
Tell us your dates and travel style — a licensed local team replies within 2 hours (09:00–23:00 CST) with a tailored, CNY-settled quote.
Fifth Timezone Travel