Guilin’s iconic landscape is the gateway to Guangxi. This classic 5-day route captures the essence of karst mountains, countryside villages, and terraced fields—perfect for both sightseeing and photography.

Overview of the Route

Route:

Guilin (1 day) – Yangshuo (1 day) – Xingping (1 day) – Longji Rice Terraces (2 days)

Itinerary at a Glance:

Day 1: Elephant Trunk Hill – Seven Star Park – Jingjiang Princes' City – East & West Alleys – Two Rivers and Four Lakes
Day 2: Yulong River Cycling (50km round trip) – Yulong River Bamboo Rafting – West Street
Day 3: Xianggong Hill / Damei Mountain – Xingping Ancient Town – Yuanbao Hill
Day 4: Xingping to Longji (180km drive, ~3.5 hrs) – Viewpoint #2
Day 5: Viewpoint #1 – Return journey

Highlights of the Trip

This itinerary centers on Guilin and stretches northward to the scenic rice terraces and southward to karst peaks. It’s ideal for first-time visitors to Guangxi. If you’re visiting in November, consider adding 2–3 days to visit Gongcheng for persimmons or Haiyang Township for ginkgo trees.

Transportation Options

This trip can be done via public transportation or self-driving.

Guilin to Yangshuo: Take the direct shuttle bus to Yangshuo’s Fengming Bus Terminal, then transfer to Bus 801 toward Jima Parking Lot and get off at West Street. Alternatively, take a high-speed train to Yangshuo Station and then a shuttle bus (40 mins) into town.
Yangshuo to Xingping: Take a 40-minute bus from Yangshuo Bus Station.
Xingping to Longji: First return to Guilin via high-speed rail, then transfer to a long-distance bus to Longji (about 3 hours).
- From Guilin North/West Station: ¥65
- From Guilin Station: ¥50

Day 1: Guilin – Timeless Charm of a Former Travel Icon

Once a social media favorite, Guilin’s fame may have waned, but its natural beauty remains timeless. With hills, caves, and rivers framed like traditional Chinese paintings, Guilin is beautiful in any weather.

📍 Classic Downtown Route

Elephant Trunk Hill – Seven Star Park – Jingjiang Princes’ City – East & West Alleys – Two Rivers and Four Lakes

Elephant Trunk Hill

A must-see landmark that resembles an elephant drinking from the river. You can climb to the top to visit Puxian Pagoda and see the Shuiyue Cave between the “trunk” and “leg.”
For the best photo spot of the hill, go to Zizhou Island across the river, where you get a 180° panoramic view. In autumn, Zizhou’s colorful foliage makes it a highlight itself.

Seven Star Park

This park offers a condensed version of Guilin’s karst beauty: mountains, rivers, and caves all in one place.
Don’t miss Seven Star Cave and Camel Hill. History buffs will enjoy the Guilin Stele Forest , home to one of only two surviving Yuan You Dang Ji steles.
There’s even a hidden abandoned airplane worth hunting down.

Jingjiang Princes’ City & East–West Alleys

A 30-minute walk from Seven Star Park brings you to this historic site. Once a Ming Dynasty princely residence, it now houses the famous cliff inscription “Guilin’s scenery is the best under heaven” (Guilin shanshui jia tianxia , 桂林山水甲天下). Climb Solitary Beauty Peak (Duxiufeng) for a panoramic city view.
Nearby, East–West Alleys (Dongxi Xiang) combine traditional architecture with shops, restaurants, and even a small opera theater.

Two Rivers and Four Lakes

Perfect for an after-dinner stroll. This waterway network recreates the charm of ancient Guilin. Visit at night when the lights make the scenery even more enchanting.
Recommended walking area: along Shan Lake (Shanhu) and Banyan Lake (Ronghu).

🏨 Where to Stay in Guilin

Most hotels are near the pedestrian area:

Budget: Yinianjian Hostel, Gangshe Inn
Scenic views: Sheraton Guilin Hotel, Li River Secluded Hotel (漓江泊隐酒店)

🍜 What to Eat in Guilin

Guilin Rice Noodles (Guilin Mifen)

The city’s signature dish: round or flat rice noodles tossed in savory brine, served with various toppings.
Recommended shops: Lao Dongjiang, Tianyuan Rice Noodles (go to the original store).
Tip: Look for shops where locals eat standing outside—always a good sign. Order by weight like locals do: 2 liang (100g) for women, 3 liang for men.

Gongcheng Oil Tea (Gongcheng Youcha)

A hearty, savory tea often paired with crispy snacks like chuan shang gao (steamed rice cakes), aiye baba (mugwort sticky cakes), and baitang ciba (sweet rice balls).
Recommended shops: Chuanjia Oil Tea House, Jingjing Snacks, Xin Guoji Oil Tea

Local Dishes

Stuffed vegetables (酿菜, niangcai), taro from Lipu, and Li River fish are regional specialties.
Recommended restaurants: Zeng San, Chunjix Roast Goose, Xiuli Sesame Ribs

Niuba Bao Hot Pot

A feast of eight types of beef offal.
Where to try: Dianxianchang Niuba Bao, Liangjiang Niulao

Day 2: Yangshuo – Where Nature Meets New Lifestyles

“Guilin has the best scenery under heaven, but Yangshuo’s is even better.”
If Guilin is a noble lady, Yangshuo is a graceful girl-next-door. The Li River flows through both, but Yangshuo lets you dive into the landscape. It’s also home to some of China’s most artistic countryside guesthouses.

📍 Day Trip Highlights:

Yulong River Cycling – Yulong River Rafting – West Street

Getting Around

Rent an electric scooter for ¥50–¥80/day. Many rental shops are around West Street. Bring a charger; restaurants usually let you recharge while dining.

Yulong River Cycling & Rafting

Route: Yangshuo Town – Gongnong Bridge – Jiwo Ferry – Village Café Stop – Yulong River Trail – Yulong/Fuli/Bamboo Bridge
You’ll pass villages, rice fields, and hidden cafés—perfect for a full-day ride + rafting.
Best rafting stretch: Yulong Bridge downstream.
Rafting price: ¥250/boat

West Street (Xijie)

First popularized by foreign travelers, this pedestrian street is full of bars, cafes, and restaurants. Yes, it’s commercial—but also atmospheric.
Wind down here after an active day.

🏨 Where to Stay in Yangshuo

Near West Street: Yangshuo Lijiang Puxian Boutique Hotel
Riverside Retreats: Yuyuan Landscape Resort, Sugar House Hotel

🍲 What to Eat in Yangshuo

Try beer fish , spotted fish hot pot , and Yangshuo’s Eighteen Stuffed Delicacies (Shiba Niang).
Western food is also widely available on West Street. And yes—don’t skip a bowl of Guilin noodles in the morning!

Day 3: Xingping – Catching the Sunrise Over the Li River

Thanks to the ¥20 RMB bill, Xingping’s Yuanbao Hill is famous. But for stunning sunrise shots, Xianggong Hill and Damei Mountain are unbeatable, located where the Li River makes a dramatic U-turn.

📍 Itinerary:

Xianggong Hill / Damei Mountain – Xingping Ancient Town – Yuanbao Hill

Xianggong vs. Damei – Which to Choose?

Xianggong Hill: Easy 15-min climb, but crowded. The top platform fills with photographers early.
Damei Mountain: 1-hour hike, fewer people, and higher elevation for better views.
Xianggong also allows riverside strolls all the way to Nine Horses Fresco Hill (Jiǔ Mǎ Huà Shān).

🏨 Where to Stay in Xingping

For peace and quiet: Xianyunju Hotel (大河背村), Shanshuiyao Hotel
For style: Huashan Yun Residence, Joy View Yunlu Hotel

Days 4–5: Longji Rice Terraces – A Gift from the Mountains

Built by generations of minority communities, Longji’s rice terraces are a blend of artistry and agriculture.

May–June: water-filled fields reflect the sky
Sept–Oct: golden harvest season
Lunar June 6: Yao ethnic group’s Clothes Drying Festival

📍 Terrace Areas

There are 4 main villages:

Xiaozhai (Red Yao)
Jinkeng (Red Yao, also called Dazhai)
Ping’an (Zhuang)
Guzhuang Village (Old Zhuang)

Once you’ve bought your ticket, you can visit all areas freely by car.

Jinkeng (Dazhai) is the most popular, with key stops like Zhuangjie, Tian Tou Zhai, and key viewpoints.

Route:
Arrival – Viewpoint #2 (“Thousand-Layer Ladder”) – Ping’an’s “Seven Stars with the Moon” (sunset) – Overnight in Dazhai – Viewpoint #1 “Music from Paradise” (sunrise)

🧳 Travel Tips

With seniors or kids: Stay in lower Dazhai village and take the cable car to Viewpoint #3.
Hikers: Stay near Viewpoint #1 or #2 for sunrise access. Some inns offer free porter service.

🏨 Where to Stay in Longji

Best views: Wanjinglou, Panoramic Hotel
More modern comfort: Muchen Mountain Lodge, Yunmantian View Lodge
Self-driving? Confirm hotel has parking.

👉 For more travel inspiration, check out our full guide: [Top Guilin & Yangshuo Attractions: Must-See Sights & Activities Guide]