Guilin 5 Days 4 Nights Ultimate Travel Guide: Explore Scenic Beauty and Cultural Gems

Named a “must-visit destination” by National Geographic China, Guilin is famous for its world-class karst landscapes, Danxia landforms, and idyllic scenery. This tour covers unique experiences such as bamboo rafting on the Yulong River, hiking on the Longji Terraces, nightlife on West Street, etc., taking you to experience the natural wonders and humanistic flavors.

🚩Itinerary Planning
DAY1 Getting to know Guilin

• Arrive at Guilin Liangjiang International Airport → Check in hotel
• Must See: Elephant Trunk Hill Elephant Trunk Hill (Landmark Natural Landscape)
• Historical Exploration: Prince Jingjiang’s Palace (Ming Dynasty Royal Relic)
• Cultural Neighborhood: East-West Alley (traditional architecture combined with fashionable business)
• Night View: Sun & Moon Pagodas + Two Rivers and Four Lakes Night View (recommended boat trip)

DAY2 Longji Wonderland

• Drive to Huangluo Yao Village Huangluo Yao Village (Red Yao Cultural Experience)
• Highlights: Longji Rice Terraces Longji Rice Terraces (recommended 1 hour hike to experience the magnificent farming landscape)
• Accommodation: Terraces landscape B&B (confirm luggage transfer service in advance)

DAY3 Landscape Painting Gallery

• Go to Xingping Ancient Town Xingping Ancient Town (20 yuan RMB background scene)
• Bamboo Rafting: Yulong River Bamboo Rafting (Recommended from Gima Pier)
• Nightlife: West Street, Yangshuo (try the craft beer bar)

DAY4 Deep Exploration

• Bicycle Tour: Ten-Mile Gallery (recommend electric bike rental)
• Photography Mecca: Xianggong Mountain (about 20 minutes to the top, overlooking the panoramic view of the Li River)
• Classic Cruise: Li River Highlights Cruise (including Nine Horses Painted Mountain and other iconic sites)

DAY5 Return Preparation

• Departure (Yangshuo→Guilin Liangjiang International Airport About 1.5 hours by taxi)

🏨 Accommodation Guide (Key Information)
Guilin city center preferred:

Around Elephant Trunk Hill: rooms with view to visualize landmarks

Center Square: walking distance to major attractions (budget needs to be increased by 30%)

Yangshuo Specialty Accommodations:

Back of West Street: balance convenience and quiet

Yu Long Riverbank: High-end B&B concentration (need to book pick-up and drop-off in advance)

Longji Terraces Accommodation:

Jinkeng Dazhai: high-end view hotel

Ping’an Zhai: traditional hammock experience

🚗 Transportation Tips

• Airport transportation: airport bus directly to the city (40 minutes / 20 yuan)
• High-speed rail options: priority Guilin Station/North Station (West Station is more remote)
• Yangshuo connection: cruise/charter bus is more convenient than high-speed train station
• Traveling in the city: shared electric bikes (double riding is strictly prohibited!)

🍜 Food Map
Three must-try delicacies:

Yangshuo Beer Fish (fresh fish from Li River + secret local beer)

Guilin Rice Vermicelli (dry marinated meat noodles + self-serve sour bamboo shoots topping)

Lipu Taro Button Meat (National Geographical Indication Product)

Specialty Snack Recommendation:

Stuffed Conch (Stuffed with a mixture of conch meat and pork)

Pine candy (century-old traditional dessert)

Cinnamon Cold Flower Powder (a holy product to eliminate summer heat)

⚠️ Important Reminder

Li River Cruise needs to be booked 3 days in advance (we recommend choosing the package with transfer).

Bamboo rafting on the Yu Long River opens at 20:00 every night for the next day’s reservation (WeChat: Yu Long River Scenic Area Bamboo Rafting).

Weather in mountainous areas is changeable, so you must have a waterproof jacket + non-slip shoes.

Cash preparation: some villages may not be able to use mobile payment

📷 Photography Hot Spots

• Sunrise: Longji Terraces No.1 Observation Deck
• Sunset: Xianggong Mountain Viewing Platform
• Net red card: 20 yuan RMB scene (near Xingping dock)

This itinerary has been optimized to avoid regular tour group routes, if you need personalized adjustments or in-depth experience suggestions (such as a photography guide, minority home visits, etc.), you can get customized services through our official website.