Chen Liu
What You'll Find Here
Three hours. That's how long my clients waited in the sun at the South Gate last week. Forget the glossy brochures—if you don't know the exact WeChat mini-program trick, you aren't getting in. I've been guiding travelers through China for over a decade, and the Guilin to Xi'an itinerary is one of the most popular, yet most misunderstood. Most online guides tell you to spend 3 days in Guilin and 2 in Xi'an, but they leave out the critical details: the hidden costs, the best time to visit each site, and how to avoid the crowds that can ruin your experience.
Here's the truth: you can see the Li River and the Terracotta Warriors without feeling like you're in a human traffic jam. You just need the right plan. I'll show you exactly which train to book, which hotel to choose for easy access, and which restaurants serve authentic food without ripping you off. Let's start with the big question.
Why This Route Works
Guilin and Xi'an are two of China's most iconic destinations, but they're on opposite ends of the country. Most tourists try to squeeze in Beijing or Shanghai, but I always recommend focusing on just these two for a 7-day trip. Why? Because they offer the perfect contrast: Guilin's surreal karst landscape versus Xi'an's ancient capital history. And the high-speed train connection is surprisingly smooth—under 6 hours from Guilin West to Xi'an North. No flights, no hassle.
Getting from Guilin to Xi'an
You have two main options: high-speed train or flight. Here's a quick comparison table based on my personal experience and current schedules (always check 12306.cn or Trip.com for real-time updates).
| Method | Duration | Cost (approx.) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-Speed Train (G-series) | 5.5–6 hours | ¥750–¥950 (second class) | Comfortable, reliable, no airport transfers | Need to book days in advance during peak |
| Flight (Guilin – Xi'an) | 2 hours | ¥600–¥1200 (economy) | Faster, sometimes cheaper | Airport transfer + security delays kill time |
| Overnight Train (Z-series) | ~13 hours | ¥400–¥600 (soft sleeper) | Save a night's accommodation | Hard beds, shaky ride |
7-Day Sample Itinerary
This itinerary is designed for first-timers. It balances major sights with local experiences, and I've included alternative options for bad weather or low energy. Let's break it down day by day.
Day 1: Arrive in Guilin
Land at Guilin Liangjiang Airport (or Guilin Station). Take the airport shuttle to city center (¥20, 40 minutes). Check into Guilin Waterfall Hotel (right in the city center, near Sun & Moon Pagodas). Evening: walk along Two Rivers and Four Lakes. Skip the boat cruise—it's overpriced (¥180). Instead, stroll from Jingjiang Princes City to the pagodas for free. Grab dinner at Old Guilin Restaurant (address: 2 Binjiang Road). Try the snakefish (sweet and sour) and beer fish. Note: they only accept WeChat/Alipay, no foreign cards.
Day 2: Li River Cruise to Yangshuo
This is the highlight. Book your Li River cruise through Klook or your hotel (same price, about ¥400 per person). The cruise departs from Zhujiang Pier (30 mins from Guilin by bus). Warning: The official website often sells out 2 weeks ahead during peak season. If you can't get a cruise, take a bus to Yangshuo (¥30, 1.5 hours) and rent a bamboo raft on the Yulong River instead—much more peaceful. In Yangshuo, stay at Yangshuo Mountain Nest (B&B with English-speaking staff, from ¥300/night). Evening: wander West Street. Skip the touristy bars; head to Li Family Restaurant (address: 32 Chengzhong Road) for the best beer fish—they use the local Guilin beer.
Day 3: Yangshuo Morning & Transfer to Xi'an
Morning: rent a bicycle (¥30) and ride to Moon Hill and the Big Banyan Tree. Or if it's raining, visit the Yangshuo Tea Plantation (indoor tasting, ¥50). After lunch, take a bus back to Guilin (1.5 hours). Then catch the high-speed train from Guilin West to Xi'an North (book a 15:00–16:00 departure, arrive around 21:00). In Xi'an, take metro Line 2 to Bell Tower station. Check into Xi'an City Walls Hotel (inside the wall, near Muslim Quarter, from ¥400/night).
Day 4: Terracotta Warriors & Huaqing Palace
Here's where most tourists waste time. They start late and end up in a crowd. My trick: go at 7:30 AM (opening time). Take bus 306 (also called Tourist Bus 5) from Xi'an Railway Station (¥7, 1 hour). The bus leaves every 15 minutes, but avoid the fake buses—look for the official one with a blue sign that says '306'. At the site, walk straight to Pit 1 (the main one) since it's the busiest. Spend 30 minutes there, then explore Pits 2 and 3 at leisure. By 10:30 AM, the tour groups arrive and you'll be leaving. If you have time, visit Huaqing Palace (next door, ¥120). But I honestly think it's just a rebuilt imperial bathhouse—skip it if you're tired. Return to Xi'an by 2 PM.
Day 5: Xi'an City Wall & Muslim Quarter
Rent a bike on the City Wall (¥45, 2 hours to cycle the full 14 km). Rent from the South Gate (Yongning Gate). Heads-up: The wall is very bumpy; if you have back problems, take the electric cart (¥80). After cycling, head to Muslim Quarter for lunch. Don't miss the biangbiang noodles at Laoshan Jia (address: 125 Beiyuanmen). The noodle is thick and chewy with chili oil—I always order extra garlic. For lamb skewers, go to Yang Rou Pao Mo (address: 210 Beiyuanmen). Rip the bread into small pieces yourself (it's part of the ritual). Evening: watch the Bell Tower light show at 8 PM (free).
Day 6: Shaanxi History Museum & Big Wild Goose Pagoda
The Shaanxi History Museum is world-class, but you must reserve tickets online on their official WeChat mini-program (search '陕西历史博物馆'). The free tickets run out within minutes, so book at least 3 days in advance. Alternatively, buy the paid exhibition ticket (¥30) which includes the free sections—easier. Spend 2-3 hours there. Then walk to Big Wild Goose Pagoda (15 mins). The pagoda itself is ¥25 to climb, but the surround square has a musical fountain show at 7 PM (free). Dinner at Defachang (address: 71 Zhonglou Square) for dumpling banquet—a bit touristy but fun.
Day 7: Departure
Depending on your flight, you can visit the Xi'an Forest of Stone Steles (if you like calligraphy) or do last-minute shopping at Muslim Quarter. Xi'an Xianyang Airport is 1 hour by taxi (¥120). The airport has a direct metro line now (Line 14, from Xi'an North Station). I recommend taking the metro if you're not in a rush.
Where to Stay in Guilin & Xi'an
Here are my hotel recommendations after years of testing. Prices fluctuate by season.
| City | Hotel | Price/Night (low/high) | Why I Recommend It | Drawback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guilin | Guilin Waterfall Hotel | ¥400–800 | Central, next to Sun & Moon Pagodas, English-speaking staff | Breakfast buffet is mediocre |
| Yangshuo | Yangshuo Mountain Nest | ¥300–600 | Quiet, great views, friendly English-speaking owner | About 15 min walk from West Street |
| Xi'an | Xi'an City Walls Hotel | ¥400–900 | Inside the wall, walking distance to Muslim Quarter, stable Wi-Fi | Elevator can be slow during peak hours |
| Xi'an (budget) | Hanting Express (Bell Tower) | ¥200–350 | Cheap, clean, no frills, good location | No English sign, ask reception |
Money-Saving Tips
Tourists often overpay for transport and tickets. Here are my insider hacks:
- Skip the Li River VIP booth. The standard cruise is the same route. VIP just gives you a better seat (not worth the extra ¥150).
- Buy Terracotta Warriors tickets online. Scan the QR code at the entrance. No need to queue—shows you the QR code on your phone. ¥120 standard.
- Use Alipay for small purchases. Most street vendors accept it. Withdraw cash from Bank of China ATMs (lowest fee).
- Avoid the airport taxis. In Xi'an, take metro Line 14 from Xi'an North Station to the airport (¥8). In Guilin, the airport shuttle is ¥20 vs taxi ¥100.
- Eat like a local. In Muslim Quarter, the street food is half the price of sit-down restaurants. Try the steamed persimmon cake and cold noodles.
Frequently Asked Questions
This content has been fact-checked to ensure informational precision. Prices and schedules change, so always verify with official sources before your trip.
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