Tao Xu
Let me guess. You've read a dozen "top things to do in Guilin" lists that all say the same thing — take a Li River cruise, see the rice terraces, maybe ride a bike in Yangshuo. And they're not wrong. But here's what they're not telling you: the cruise is overpriced, the queues are brutal, and most of the "locals only" spots they whisper about are actually tourist traps.
I've been leading small groups around Guilin for years. If you've only got 48 hours, here's my honest advice: skip the official luxury cruise ship. Take the local bamboo raft from Yangdi to Xingping instead. It's a fraction of the price, you'll stand right at water level, and you'll score those same karst mountain shots without a ship full of selfie sticks.
That's the kind of practical, money-saving info you'll get below. Now, let's dive into the list.
Top Things to Do in Guilin: My Honest 10-Pick List
I’ve divided the list into experiences that are actually worth your time. Each one includes how to book, the exact name to show your driver, and the best time to go. Because nothing kills a vacation faster than showing up to a locked gate or a queue that takes three hours.
1. Board a Bamboo Raft on the Li River (Yangdi to Xingping)
This is the quintessential Guilin experience, and my top pick every single time. The official cruise ships from Zhujiang Pier cost about ¥400 per person and take 4 hours, but they’re packed with tour groups and you watch the mountains through glass.
Instead, head to Yangdi Pier (杨堤码头). You can take a taxi from downtown Guilin — show the driver this: 杨堤码头. It’s about 40 minutes and costs around ¥150. Or take the shuttle bus from Guilin Bus Station. At the pier, you’ll find licensed bamboo rafts (motorized, but low and open). The official price for the Yangdi–Xingping section is ¥216 per raft (seats 2). You split that with a friend, and it’s a bargain. The raft ride takes around 90 minutes, and you’ll float past the famous 20-Yuan note backdrop (just before Xingping).
Book early in the morning — the river is calm and the mountains reflect perfectly. By 10:30, the tour ships appear and the water gets choppy. Also, bring a waterproof bag for your phone. The raft motor sprays water, and I've seen more than one phone die.
At Xingping, you can catch a public bus back to Yangshuo (¥10) or a taxi. Insider tip: the bus stop is a 10-minute walk from the pier, ask a local — they'll point you.
2. Hike the Longji Rice Terraces (Less Crowded Than You Think)
The rice terraces are about 2 hours north of Guilin, but they’re worth every bumpy bus ride. I usually take my guests to the Ping'an (平安) village terraces — they're the most iconic. The entrance fee is ¥80 (includes access to multiple viewpoints). You can hike from the entrance up to the “Nine Dragons and Five Tigers” viewpoint (九龙五虎) — it takes about 40 minutes and is steep. Wear real shoes, not sandals.
The bus from Guilin Bus Station to Longji costs ¥30 each way. The last bus back leaves at 4pm, so plan to start the hike by 9am. If you want to stay overnight — and I highly recommend it — book a wooden guesthouse in Ping'an. Walking up the stone steps with your luggage is a workout, so pack light. I've stayed at Longji One Hotel, which has decent beds and a balcony facing the valley. Sunrise there is unreal.
One thing most guides won't tell you: the terraces are best in April–May (flooded) or September–October (golden). In July they’re green, but still beautiful. Just don’t show up in winter — it’s mostly mud.
3. Cycle the Yulong River in Yangshuo
Yulong River (遇龙河) is the less touristy little brother of the Li River, and cycling along its banks is my absolute favorite thing in Yangshuo. Rent a bike in Yangshuo town (¥20–30 per day) and ride south out of town. The main road is flat, but the best paths are the ones that run right beside the river. Look for signs pointing to Yulong Bridge (遇龙桥).
The ride from Yangshuo town to Yulong Bridge is about 8 km — 1 hour at a leisurely pace. You’ll pass rice paddies, water buffalos, and hardly any cars. At the bridge, you can take a bamboo raft (engine-powered, but the section near Yulong Bridge has some small rapids). The official price for a two-person raft is ¥150; if someone offers you ¥80, it’s probably a side hustle that isn't licensed. Ride it for 30 minutes, then cycle back.
Bring your own water. There are small fruit stands along the way, but they only take cash or Alipay/WeChat. Remember your passport if you want to rent a budget bike — some shops require it as a deposit.
4. Explore the Reed Flute Cave
Reed Flute Cave (芦笛岩) is a limestone cave filled with insane stalactites — and the lighting makes it look like a fantasy movie set. I'll be honest: it’s touristy, but it's also genuinely impressive. The cave is 500 meters long and the walkway is easy, so it's great for a rainy day.
Address: 1 Ludi Road, Xiufeng District (芦笛路1号, 秀峰区). Show that to your driver — it’s 20 minutes from downtown Guilin by taxi (¥40). Ticket costs ¥86, but you can get it on Trip.com for ¥75. You don't need to book in advance unless it's a Chinese holiday — then it's mandatory. The entrance requires your passport number; so don't forget yours.
The cave is lit with colored lights. Photographers might be disappointed — you’re not allowed to bring in tripods. One tour around takes about an hour. Pro tip: the humidity inside is high, so wear a light jacket and avoid a huge backpack.
5. Walk the Two Rivers and Four Lakes at Night
The night lights of the “Two Rivers and Four Lakes” (两江四湖) are pure magic. This is a 5 km waterway that connects the Li River with the city's lakes. The most relaxing way to see it is the night cruise (Night Tour of the Four Lakes), which departs from Liberation Bridge Pier (解放桥码头). The official price is ¥185, but I think the walking route is better — and free.
Start at the Sun and Moon Pagodas (日月双塔) on Shanhu Lake. The spotlights reflecting off the golden pagodas is postcard perfect. Then walk north along the lake to the glass bridge (玻璃桥). It’s about 2 km total, and you’ll see families flying kites and old men playing chess. The best time is 7:30–9:00 pm after the lights come on. Security is everywhere, so it feels very safe.
If you want to ride the boat, book on Klook or Trip.com for about ¥150. But the walking version lets you stop at the Guilin Nightlife area to snack.
6. Climb the Solitary Beauty Peak (Duxiu Feng)
Duxiu Feng (独秀峰) is a 66-meter-high limestone peak right in the city center, inside the Prince's City (靖江王府). To climb it, you have to enter the Prince's City complex, which costs ¥100. I’ll be straight with you — the entry fee is steep, and the main attraction is the view from the top. If views are your thing, it’s worth it because you get a 360° panorama of Guilin’s karst skyline.
But here’s a money-saving trick I use: you can actually see the peak from the city walls — the East Gate of the Prince's City (东华门) has a small park that’s free. For the real climb, you need the full ticket, and the “Shangri-La” view from the top is stunning. Allow an hour. Climbing is 306 steps — not too bad. The ancient stone steps are uneven, so wear shoes with good grip.
Address: 1 Wangcheng Road, Xiufeng District (王城路1号). Nearby is the lively East and West Lane (东西巷) pedestrian street, where you can grab a snack and buy souvenirs.
7. Watch the Sunset at Xianggong Mountain
Xianggong Mountain (相公山) is the place I take every serious photographer. It’s a 30-minute drive from Yangshuo, and then a 20-minute stair climb to a broad viewpoint overlooking a perfect bend in the Li River. The entrance fee is ¥60.
You need to take a taxi or hire a driver — no public bus goes there. From Yangshuo, tell your driver “相公山” (Xiānggōng Shān). Round-trip with 2 hours waiting time is about ¥250. That might seem pricey, but the view from the top, especially at sunset, is one of the best in the region. I always tell my guests to go at sunset, not sunrise. Sunrises require a 4am departure, and the trail is in the shade anyway. At sunset, the warm light hits the karst peaks directly.
Bring a windbreaker — the summit is exposed and can be windy. Also, there’s only one small restroom at the base. Use it before you climb.
8. Visit the Ancient Cave Homes in Fuli Bridge
Fuli Bridge (富里桥) is an ancient stone bridge about 20 minutes north of Yangshuo, and a hidden gem even many local guides skip. The bridge dates back 600 years and crosses the Yulong River. What makes it special is the surrounding karst landscape — you get this peaceful, pastoral scene that looks like a Chinese watercolor.
You can combine this with a Yulong River cycling route. If you're on a tight schedule, just take a motorbike taxi from Yangshuo town — negotiate to ¥50 round-trip. There’s no ticket to cross the bridge, and you can walk down to the riverbank. This is the spot for quiet reflection. No souvenir stalls, no crowd. Even better — it’s free.
If you have time, continue 10 minutes to the small village of Jiantong (建通) — it has a few traditional houses and a tiny Buddhist shrine. Not a must, but nice for a stroll.
9. Catch a Cormorant Fishing Show (But Skip the Fake Ones)
You'll see many “cormorant fishing” shows in Guilin, and most are staged for tourists near the West Street pier. Do the shows feature real cormorants? Yes, but many are just birds with a string tied around their neck, and they’re pulled up for photo ops. If you want an authentic experience, you need to head to a local village.
My favorite is in Yulong Village (遇龙村), along the Yulong River. Local fishermen still practice traditional cormorant fishing — they release the birds without the neck string (they get the fish later). You’ll only see this if you hire a private driver to take you off the tourist path. Ask your hotel to arrange a fisherman — cost is around ¥200 per couple.
Alternatively, there’s a nightly “li River Fish Fight” show near the Sun and Moon Pagodas, but it’s more for families. Skip the tourist version — it's overpriced and the birds look miserable. Supporting the individual fishermen keeps a dying tradition alive.
10. Get Lost in the West Street (Yangshuo) — But Go Early
West Street (西街) is Yangshuo’s nightlife hub, but it’s also a tourist trap. During the day, it’s a maze of souvenir shops, cafes, and expat bars. At night, it’s shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. I still think it’s worth a visit, but your experience will be 10x better if you go at 8am when the stores are opening and the street is quiet.
Grab a bowl of Guilin rice noodles (桂林米粉) at one of the local spots — look for busy ones, not the ones with English menus. You’ll pay ¥10 instead of ¥40. Then wander the alleys to see the preserved Qing dynasty architecture. By 10am, the tour groups roll in. So go early, eat, and get out.
For those who love people-watching, the evening is still a show — but keep your phone secure and negotiate any “massage” prices before you sit down. I've seen tourists pay ¥300 for a foot massage that normally costs ¥80.
How to Build a Guilin Itinerary Around the Top Things to Do
Planning an itinerary that hits the top things to do in Guilin without rushing can feel overwhelming. Here’s a step-by-step approach based on the most common trip lengths I've seen.
For 3 days (most common):
- Day 1: Arrive in Guilin, check into a hotel near Zhengyang Road. In the afternoon, walk the Two Rivers and Four Lakes area, and climb Solitary Beauty Peak. Evening: night walk back to your hotel.
- Day 2: Take a morning bus to Yangdi Pier, bamboo raft to Xingping. After arriving, catch a bus to Yangshuo, check in, and rent a bike to cycle to Yulong Bridge. Evening: explore West Street before it gets chaotic.
- Day 3: Wake up early for Xianggong Mountain sunrise (if you can handle a 4am start), or sleep in and have a relaxed brunch. Then head back to Guilin via bus or high-speed train (book on Trip.com) for your departure.
If you have 4 days, add the Longji Rice Terraces as a second-day trip. It’s a little tight but doable — take the overnight bus to Longji and stay in Ping'an village. Wake up early, hike, then return the same day.
Transport tip: The high-speed train from Guilin West Station to Yangshuo takes only 20 minutes and costs ¥30. But if you’re taking the raft from Yangdi, you need to take a bus directly to Yangdi Pier — so plan a half-day. Don’t attempt this with huge luggage; the pier has no storage. Use a train station luggage service or ask your hotel to hold it.
For rainy days: have a backup plan. Reed Flute Cave is your best bet. It’s inside the city, and the walkway is clean. For a coffee fix, try Nest Hotel Café near Zhengyang Road.
Where to Stay and Eat Near the Top Guilin Attractions
| Hotel Name | Area | Price Range (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nancy's Guesthouse | Xingping (near pier) | $30–50 | Budget travelers, early rafters |
| Yangshuo Mountain Lodge | Yulong River area | $120–200 | Couples, cyclist enthusiasts |
| Guilin Sheraton | Downtown Guilin | $100–150 | Business, first-timers |
| Longji One Hotel | Ping'an village, Longji | $60–80 | Terraces sunrise views |
All these hotels have staff who speak basic English and can help you arrange tickets. Wi-Fi is fine in most places. If you're picky about noise, avoid rooms directly on West Street in Yangshuo — the nighttime music can be loud. Ask for a room facing the courtyard.
Food guide: the top things to do in Guilin aren't just sights, they're tastes. Must-eats are:
- Guilin rice noodles (桂林米粉) — the city’s signature. The broth is rich, the noodles are silky, and it’s dirt cheap. Go to Chongshan Rice Noodles (崇善米粉) at 3 Zhongshan Road. A big bowl costs ¥12. They have picture menus, so you can point.
- Beer fish (啤酒鱼) — Yangshuo’s specialty. The fish is cooked with beer, tomatoes, and chili. It’s sweet and spicy. Try Meeting Bar and Restaurant on West Street. Budget ¥80 for a fish dish, enough for two.
- Li River fish (漓江鱼) — smaller, similar to beer fish, but saltier. Ask for it crispy.
If you have dietary restrictions, be careful — many local places use pork lard in dishes. Always say “不要肉” (no meat) or “我吃素” (I eat vegetarian). For halal, head to the Dongjiang Muslim market near the north gate.
Getting Around Guilin: Transport Tips for Foreign Travelers
Google Maps is unreliable in China. Use Apple Maps for walking or download AMap (高德地图) Global — it has an English interface. Before you arrive, install:
- VPN — needed to access Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc. Set it up at home.
- Alipay — link your international credit card; it’s essential for payments. Most places don’t accept plastic directly.
- WeChat Pay — similar, but Alipay is more foreigner-friendly now.
- Translation app — Apple Translate works offline. Or use Baidu Translate.
- Trip.com app — for train tickets and private day tours. It’s the English-friendly version of Ctrip.
For taxis: use Didi (Chinese Uber) — set it up with your phone number and Alipay. It shows the price in advance, and you can pay by Alipay. Don't worry if the app is in Chinese, the interface is easy. If you must use a street taxi, show the address in Chinese and agree on the meter. Taxis always start at ¥9.
High-speed trains: You can book tickets on Trip.com or directly on the official 12306 website (requires a bit of setting up). For Guilin to Yangshuo train station, it’s only 20 minutes. The new Yangshuo station is actually in Xiping, which is a 10-min taxi from the town.
Buses: Local buses and intercity buses are cheap but may be confusing. For Yangdi Pier, there’s a direct bus from Guilin Bus Station (桂林汽车总站) at 8:00 and 9:00. Buy tickets at the station, and keep your passport handy because they'll ask for it.
We spent two days in Guilin using this article as our backup plan and it paid off. The tip about the two-day pass at Longji was spot on—we watched sunset and sunrise from the same viewpoint and had the mountains to ourselves. The traditional bamboo rice with black beans near the parking lot was the best thing I ate in all of Guangxi. Every recommendation felt doable, and the 'skip crowds' part really worked even though we traveled in July. This deserves a save for anyone visiting.
Had mixed results. We followed the instructions to skip the Li River cruise and take a local bamboo raft instead, but the spot listed was jammed with group tours, and someone came around asking for an unexpected 'environment fee.' The money-saving part didn't really happen. The early bird tip for Reed Flute Cave helped a little, but we still waited 20 minutes at the ticket office. Some good ideas, but the article sets expectations too high.
As a solo traveler on a budget, I treated this like a checklist. The local bus detour to Yangshuo instead of the boat? Pure genius. I sat next to the window with the breeze on my face and saw water buffalo along the bank—it cost around ¥20 instead of ¥500. The walking route to Xianggong Mountain was also accurate, and I got to that famous viewpoint with almost nobody around. It made me feel like I discovered Guilin, not just visited it. Thank you for this!
Mostly helpful. The Yulong River quiet section was a highlight; we rafted near Chaoyang village and it was serene, with just the sound of the bamboo pole and birds. But one suggestion about a noodle shop was outdated, and the map for the hidden viewpoint on Diecai Mountain led us up a closed path. Still, it gave us enough to avoid the worst crowds, so I'd call it a useful guide if you're short on time.
This article completely changed our Guilin trip. We took the early morning bus to Longji Terraces at 7am like it said, and the mist was still hanging over the rice paddies—absolutely no crowd on the viewpoint. A local lady sold us bamboo rice and we just sat there listening to water. Later we used the minibus-sharing tip to get back for a fraction of what our hotel quoted. I’ve never written a review for a travel article before, but this one honestly saved us money and stress. Highly recommend reading before you book anything.