5 Days Guilin & Yangshuo, China Itinerary
This 5-day itinerary immerses you in the breathtaking scenery of Guilin and Yangshuo. Experience the iconic Li River cruise, explore ancient towns, and enjoy the local cuisine. This itinerary balances must-see attractions with opportunities for relaxation and cultural immersion.
Duration
5 days
Budget
$500-1000 (excluding flights)
Best Time
The best times to visit Guilin and Yangshuo are spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November)
Activities
19
Daily Avg
$150/day
Pace
Moderate
Guilin and Yangshuo are renowned for their stunning karst mountain landscapes, serene Li River cruises, and unique cultural experiences. This region offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and authentic Chinese culture, making it an unforgettable travel destination.
Your itinerary covers 5 of 10 must-have experiences
Li River Scenic Cruise
Day 3: Yulong River Cycling
Panoramic Karst Views
e.g., Xianggong Mountain Viewpoint, Laozhai Mountain (Yangshuo)
Authentic Guilin Cuisine Experience
Day 1: Elephant Trunk Hill
Explore Ancient Villages & Towns
e.g., Xingping Ancient Town, Fuli Ancient Town
Karst Cave Adventures
Day 1: Reed Flute Cave
Rural Cycling & Hiking Trails
Day 3: Yulong River Cycling
Immersive Cultural Performances
e.g., Impression Liu Sanjie Show (Yangshuo), Cormorant Fishing Show (Yangshuo)
Spectacular Rice Terraced Landscapes
e.g., Longji Rice Terraces (Ping'an Village), Longji Rice Terraces (Dazhai Village)
Local Crafts & Tea Culture
Day 3: Lunch at local farm house
Lively Nightlife & Evening Strolls
e.g., West Street (Yangshuo) bars and cafes, Guilin Central Square (evening lights)
Guilin and Yangshuo offer a unique culinary experience, blending Cantonese and Hunan flavors with local ingredients. Expect fresh river fish, rice noodles, and locally grown vegetables prepared in a variety of ways. Don't miss the chance to try dishes unique to the region!
Must-Try Dishes
The quintessential Guilin dish. Rice noodles served in a flavorful broth, topped with fried peanuts, pickled vegetables, and your choice of meat (usually braised pork or horse meat). The broth is the key - look for places with long lines.
📍 Street food stalls and small restaurants throughout Guilin
A Yangshuo specialty. Fresh river fish (usually carp) braised in beer with local vegetables and spices. The beer adds a unique sweetness and depth of flavor. It's often cooked in a wok at your table.
📍 Restaurants along West Street in Yangshuo and Li River banks
River snails stir-fried with chili, ginger, garlic, and other spices. A popular snack, especially in Yangshuo. It's a bit messy to eat, but the flavor is addictive.
📍 Street food stalls and restaurants in Yangshuo, particularly West Street
Rice cooked inside a section of bamboo, often with meat and vegetables. The bamboo imparts a subtle, earthy flavor to the rice. A great option for a quick and satisfying meal.
📍 Restaurants and street vendors in both Guilin and Yangshuo
Food Neighborhoods
Touristy but packed with restaurants and street food stalls offering local specialties and international cuisine.
A bustling street with a mix of restaurants, street food vendors, and shops.
A vibrant night market with a wide variety of street food and snacks.
Known for more authentic and less touristy local eateries
Vegetarian options are available, especially in larger cities, but it's helpful to learn a few basic phrases in Mandarin to communicate your needs. Tofu dishes and vegetable stir-fries are common. 'Wo shi chi su de' (我是吃素的) means 'I am a vegetarian.' Halal food is not widely available. Allergies should be clearly communicated, ideally with a written card in Chinese.
It's customary to use chopsticks. Don't stick your chopsticks upright in your rice bowl, as this resembles incense offerings for the dead. Sharing dishes is common. Offer to pour tea for others before yourself. It is generally considered polite to leave a small amount of food on your plate to indicate that you are full and satisfied.
Chinese New Year
ChunjieMost important Chinese holiday with fireworks, dragon dances, and family reunions.
Note: Book flights/hotels 2 months ahead
Mid-Autumn Festival
Zhongqiu JieHarvest festival with mooncakes, lanterns, and moon viewing.
Note: Book 1 month ahead
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶Taxi from hotel to Elephant Trunk Hill (approx. 15 minutes)$12
9:00 AM - Elephant Trunk Hill
Visit Guilin's iconic landmark, a hill shaped like an elephant drinking water from the Li River. Climb to the top for panoramic views. Arrive early to avoid the crowds.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk from Elephant Trunk Hill to Seven Star Park (approx. 30 minutes)$8
11:00 AM - Seven Star Park
Explore the largest park in Guilin, featuring caves, pavilions, and animal exhibits. Take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the scenery.
Book on Klook - 🚶Taxi from Seven Star Park to Chunji Roasted Goose (approx. 10 minutes)$10
1:00 PM - Lunch at Chunji Roasted Goose
Enjoy a delicious and authentic Cantonese-style roasted goose lunch. A local favorite known for its crispy skin and flavorful meat.
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- 🚶Taxi from Chunji Roasted Goose to Reed Flute Cave (approx. 20 minutes)$15
3:00 PM - Reed Flute Cave
Discover a stunning cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites illuminated by colorful lights. The guided tour explains the cave's geological formations and history.
Book on Klook
Ronghu Lake or Shanhu Lake area
Central location with easy access to attractions, restaurants, and nightlife.
📅 Best Time to Visit
The best times to visit Guilin and Yangshuo are spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November). During these seasons, the weather is pleasant with comfortable temperatures and less humidity, ideal for outdoor activities like cruising and cycling. Summer (June to August) is hot, humid, and rainy, but also peak tourist season. Winter (December to March) is cooler and less crowded, but some activities might be weather-dependent and the landscape can be misty.
The weather is generally mild and comfortable with moderate humidity. Expect occasional light rain, especially in the spring.
Shoulder season offers pleasant weather with fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months.
Golden Week (early October) and Chinese New Year (late January/early February) are peak travel times with higher prices and larger crowds.
Getting Around
Extensive high-speed rail and metro systems in major cities
City-specific transit cards or Alipay QR codes
Download DiDi for ride-hailing. Book train tickets in advance on 12306 or Trip.com.
Travel
$600-1200 (round-trip flights)Accommodation
$150-300 (5 nights)Food
$100-200Activities
$150-300Eat at local 'noodle' or 'rice' shops (mǐfàn diàn) and street food stalls for delicious and incredibly cheap meals. Look for places frequented by locals.
Utilize Didi Chuxing (ride-hailing app) for local transport in Guilin instead of relying solely on metered taxis, as it often provides better value and transparency.
Opt for a deluxe Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo for a more comfortable experience with better views and amenities, truly worth it for the iconic scenery.
Consider a hot air balloon ride over Yangshuo's karst landscape, offering unparalleled panoramic views (weather permitting and seasonal).
Rent a bicycle in Yangshuo to explore the surrounding countryside and small villages at your own pace; it's a quintessential experience and very affordable.
Visit popular attractions like Elephant Trunk Hill or Fubo Hill early in the morning to beat the crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures, often with a more serene atmosphere.
- Download and set up a VPN (Virtual Private Network) before arriving in China to access blocked international websites and apps like Google, Facebook, and WhatsApp.
- Embrace digital payments: WeChat Pay and Alipay are ubiquitous for almost all transactions. It's advisable to link your international card to one of these apps before your trip.
- Bargaining is common and expected in local markets, souvenir shops, and for some tour services. Always negotiate politely but firmly.
- Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases or use a translation app. While some locals in tourist areas may speak English, it's not universally understood.
- Always carry your passport. It's required for checking into hotels, buying train tickets, and for some domestic flights or tours.
- Stay hydrated, especially during the warmer months, and carry a reusable water bottle. Bottled water is widely available.
- Be mindful of local customs; dress modestly when visiting temples or rural villages, and avoid public displays of affection.
- 1Comfortable walking shoes and sandals for exploring towns and nature trails.
- 2Light, breathable clothing (cotton, linen) for warm and humid weather, layers for cooler evenings.
- 3Rain jacket or compact umbrella, as unexpected showers are common year-round.
- 4Sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses for protection against strong UV rays.
- 5Insect repellent, especially for evenings by the rivers and in rural areas.
- 6Small backpack or daypack for daily excursions, carrying water, snacks, and essentials.
- 7Portable power bank for charging your phone, crucial for navigation and payments.
- 8Reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste and stay hydrated.
- 9Basic first-aid kit including pain relievers, band-aids, and any personal medications.
- 10Swimwear if visiting during warmer months and planning river activities or hotel pools.
Chinese Visa
Apply well in advance (1-2 months) as it's mandatory for most foreign visitors and processing times can vary.
Flights or High-Speed Rail Tickets
Book domestic flights (to Guilin Liangjiang Airport GUL) or high-speed train tickets (to Guilin North or West Station) several weeks ahead, especially during peak season.
Accommodation (hotels/guesthouses)
Book at least 1-2 months in advance for prime locations or during peak seasons/holidays, particularly in Yangshuo.
Li River Cruise / Yulong River Bamboo Rafting
These are popular tours; book at least a few days to a week in advance, especially if you have specific time preferences or want a deluxe cruise.
VPN Subscription
Purchase and install a reliable VPN service on all your devices before departing for China. Test it to ensure it works.
Airport/Train Station Transfer
Arrange in advance for convenience upon arrival, especially if arriving late or with lots of luggage, either through your hotel or a trusted service.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo website or app
📍 China Unicom stores at Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) or in city centers
📍 Online rental or at some airports
Free WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants in Guilin and Yangshuo. However, the speed and reliability can vary. Public WiFi is also available in some areas, but it may require registration with a local phone number.
Useful Apps
Consider downloading a VPN before your trip to bypass internet censorship. A local SIM card is often the most reliable option for internet access. Make sure your phone is unlocked before purchasing a SIM card. Mobile payment is extremely common in China, so set up WeChat Pay or Alipay if possible. Google services (Gmail, Google Maps, etc.) are often blocked without a VPN.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two flat parallel pins
Two round pins (Europlug)
Two angled flat pins + ground
220V
50Hz
Tipping Etiquette
Not expected — may be refused
Not expected; round up fare if desired
Not expected in most hotels
Tipping is not part of Chinese culture. High-end international hotels may accept tips.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Guilin and Yangshuo are generally safe for tourists. Be aware of your belongings in crowded areas and avoid scams.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
110
120
119
Limited English support — have your hotel address written in Chinese
Payments
China is nearly cashless — mobile payment dominates
International cards rarely accepted outside luxury hotels
WeChat Pay and Alipay are essential; some now allow foreign card linking
Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before arrival. Carry some cash for rural areas.
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How was this itinerary?
The best times to visit are spring (April-May) and autumn (September-November) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is hot and humid, while winter can be cool and misty.
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