Guilin & Yangshuo Travel Essentials: What to Know Before You Go

Where Is Guilin? Why Is It So Special?

Located in southern China bordering Vietnam and facing the Beibu Gulf, Guangxi is famous for its stunning karst landscapes and vibrant ethnic cultures. Among all places in Guangxi, Guilin stands out as the iconic destination for admiring karst mountains and rivers. The Li River flows from Guilin to Yangshuo, eventually joining the Pearl River system—this 80-kilometer stretch is often considered the most picturesque part.

For first-time visitors to Guangxi, the Guilin & Yangshuo route is a must. In just four days, you can truly experience why people say “Guilin’s landscape is the best under heaven.”

But the famed “Guilin landscape” doesn’t just refer to Guilin city itself. It's actually a long, narrow area stretching south to Yangshuo County, including iconic spots like Nine Horses Fresco Hill (Jiǔmǎ Huàshān) and the Ten-Mile Gallery (Shílǐ Huàláng). The most popular way to take in the scenery is by bamboo raft down the Li River all the way to Yangshuo.

Best Time to Visit

When to Go for the Best Experience

Year-round destination : Guilin is beautiful all year, but June to December is generally considered the best time.
January–February : Winters are mild. If you’re lucky, you might see the Longji Rice Terraces covered in snow—an unforgettable sight.
March–May : Spring rains turn the Li River into a dreamy watercolor painting. This is also when the rice terraces start filling with water, reflecting clouds and sky. Great for photography! Plus, yellow canola flowers bloom across Yangshuo—perfect for a spring outing.
June–July : The start of peak season. The Li River and Yulong River are at their fullest—perfect for water activities.
August–October : Less rain, more sunshine—ideal for outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, and rafting. Expect blooming lotus flowers and comfortable water temps.
November–December : Ginkgo leaves turn golden, and December brings the annual Li River Fishing Light Festival.

Can’t-Miss Local Festival: “Sanyuesan”

Every year on the third day of the third lunar month, Guangxi celebrates its grandest festival: Sanyuesan. It’s a huge celebration for the Zhuang ethnic group and features traditional singing and dancing—and a 2-day public holiday that makes the rest of China envious.

In recent years, the Guangxi government has even introduced free or discounted entry to many attractions during this time. If you’re lucky enough to be in Guangxi during Sanyuesan, prepare to be immersed in a sea of Zhuang folk songs and festive vibes.

📅 Note: Since it follows the lunar calendar, the exact date of Sanyuesan varies each year.

Getting to Guilin

By Air

Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) is the second-largest international airport in Guangxi and connects to over 20 major cities across China. Winter flights are often cheaper, making it a great time to visit.

Airport shuttle bus : ¥20, about 40 minutes to downtown Guilin. Runs every 30 minutes. Depart from Guilin at least 2 hours before your flight.
Taxi : Around ¥80 from the airport to the city center.

By Train

Guilin has three train stations :

Guilin Station (mainly regular trains + some high-speed rail): Good for routes toward Nanning and Changsha.
Guilin North Station : Busy with both high-speed and regular trains.
Guilin West Station : 10 km from downtown. Most high-speed trains between Guangzhou and Guilin stop here.

Getting to Yangshuo

About 80% of travelers head to Guilin first, then transfer to Yangshuo. Here are your options:

By Bus

From Guilin Bus Station , take a coach to Yangshuo (about 1.5 hours, ¥30). You can buy tickets via the “铁行网” (Tiexingwang) WeChat mini-app.

By Li River Cruise

The most popular (and scenic) way to get from Guilin to Yangshuo—beautiful landscapes included in the ride.

By Train

Yangshuo doesn’t have an airport, but you can take a train directly to Yangshuo High-Speed Railway Station.

From the station, take a high-speed shuttle bus to Yangshuo town (about 1 hour, ¥20), or pre-arrange a rideshare (roughly ¥80).

Getting Around Guilin & Yangshuo

In Guilin City

Public Bus : Bring small change or download the “Guilin Chuxing” App. The Sightseeing Bus Line 1 offers great views of downtown attractions.
Taxi or Didi : Starting fare is ¥9 (daytime) or ¥11 (night).
Bikes : Many attractions are close together—biking around town is a relaxing option.

In Yangshuo

Getting around Yangshuo is part of the fun:

Didi & Gaode (Amap) work well here for taxis.
Electric scooters and bicycles are popular. Ride along the Ten-Mile Gallery (Shílǐ Huàláng), or explore countryside paths through rice paddies and small villages.
Don’t miss bamboo rafting on the Yulong River —a magical way to experience the "painting come to life" scenery.

Local Transportation in Yangshuo County

Most attractions in Yangshuo town are walkable. For longer trips:

Biking the Ten-Mile Gallery is a must.
Bamboo rafts, electric scooters, or private vans are great for exploring further afield.