Overview
Guilin covers about 27,800 square kilometres and has around 4.93 million people. It's a well-known travel city with both natural beauty and history. Yangshuo, much smaller, is about 1,428 square kilometres with about 300,000 people. But small as it is, it's full of character. Both share the same area code (0773). To call from overseas, dial (+86) first. Getting around is easy.
Guilin and Yangshuo are probably the most famous landscapes in China. People say: "Guilin's scenery is the best under heaven, and Yangshuo's is the best in Guilin." You'll find the odd-shaped limestone peaks, the clear Li River, and the old northern Guangxi culture. It's a place where nature and local life come together nicely.
Guilin & Yangshuo at a Glance
Guilin
Guilin is one of China's most famous scenic cities. For a long time, people have called it the best place for scenery under heaven. The views you've seen in poems and paintings—you can see them for real here. Guilin is best known for the night views of its two rivers and four lakes, the limestone peaks that rise straight out of the ground, and the city's landmark, Elephant Trunk Hill.
Besides the scenery, Guilin is also the transport hub for the area. There's an international airport, high-speed trains, and good roads. It's a great starting point for visiting other parts of Guangxi.
Yangshuo
It takes about an hour and a half to get from Guilin to Yangshuo. Yangshuo feels more relaxed and closer to village life. Surrounded by limestone peaks, bamboo groves, fields, and rivers, the best parts of Yangshuo are the quiet Yulong River, the cycling routes, the peaceful villages, and the lively West Street.
Compared to Guilin, Yangshuo moves slower. There's more green, and it feels more welcoming. It's a great place to stay a few days and really get into local life.
Why Visit Guilin and Yangshuo Together
Putting Guilin and Yangshuo on the same trip gives you two different kinds of beauty.
Guilin is for city views, famous landmarks, and history. You get museums, old sites, boat rides on the lakes at night, and all the modern services you need.
Yangshuo is where you really get into nature. You drift down the river on a bamboo raft, cycle between villages, climb a hill for the view, and just sit in an open field and let your mind go quiet.
The two places are close, and it's easy to link them. In just a few days, you can see a bit of city life, old traditions, outdoor fun, and countryside peace.
Spots You Must-go
In Guilin
Elephant Trunk Hill
The most famous landmark in Guilin. The hill looks like an elephant drinking from the river. It's one of the most photographed spots in town.
Opening hours: Usually 7:00–18:30 (changes slightly with seasons)
Ticket: About 55 yuan. Some city passes include it.
Booking: You can buy at the gate or online. Book one day ahead on holidays.
Time needed: 1–1.5 hours
Tips: The best place to take photos is from the other side of the river or from the viewing platform on the hill. The light is softest in the late afternoon.
Two Rivers and Four Lakes Night Cruise
A slow boat ride after dark. You pass under bridges and see pagodas and old buildings lit up. It's the nicest way to see Guilin at night.
Hours: Night cruises usually 18:30–21:30. Boats leave about every half hour.
Ticket: About 190–220 yuan (depends on the route)
Booking: Book 1–2 days ahead. Earlier on holidays.
Duration: About 90 minutes
Tips: Pick a seat on the upper deck for a better view. Bring an extra layer in winter.
Jingjiang Princes' City
This is where you find the old stories of Guilin's princes. Old palaces, city wall ruins, and cultural displays give you a glimpse of royal life from long ago.
Hours: 8:30–17:30
Ticket: About 100 yuan (includes a guide)
Booking: You can buy on the day, but it's better to book online before weekends.
Time needed: 1.5–2 hours
Tips: Guides are assigned to groups. Follow one to learn all the details.
Climb a Hill for the View
Pick one of the hills in the city and climb up. You'll see the river, the bridges, and the limestone peaks all spread out below.
Good choices: Fubo Hill, Diecai Hill, Duxiu Peak (inside Jingjiang Princes' City)
Fubo Hill hours: 7:30–17:30, ticket about 30 yuan
Diecai Hill hours: 7:30–17:30, ticket about 35 yuan
Booking: No need to book. Just buy at the gate.
Time needed: About 1 hour per hill
Tips: Diecai Hill has the widest view. It's a good spot for sunset.
In Yangshuo
Bamboo Rafting on the Li River or Yulong River
Float through a painting on the Li River, or pick the quieter Yulong River for a slower drift.
Li River section (Yangdi–Xingping)
Hours: 8:00–17:00 (stops if the water is too high)
Ticket: About 170–200 yuan per raft (4 people per raft)
Booking: Must book ahead. In peak season, book 3–5 days early.
Duration: About 1.5 hours
Yulong River section
Hours: 8:00–17:00
Ticket: Charged by section, about 160–320 yuan per raft (2 people per raft)
Booking: Must book ahead. The Jinlong Bridge–Jiuxian section is the most popular.
Duration: 40–90 minutes, depending on the section
Tips: Yulong River is quieter and more rural. Good for slow travellers. The Li River is grander — better for first-time visitors.
Ten-mile Gallery Cycling
A bike ride on one of China's most scenic country roads. You pass fields, rivers, caves, and line after line of peaks.
Hours: Open all day, no ticket needed
Booking: No need to book
Bike rental: Regular bike 20–30 yuan/day. E-bike 40–60 yuan/day.
Route: About 10 kilometres. With stops, about 2–3 hours.
Tips: Go in the morning or late afternoon. Midday sun is strong. Small sights along the way — like the Big Banyan Tree and Moon Hill — need separate tickets.
Moon Hill Hike
The climb up Moon Hill is not too hard. The view from the top is excellent—wide open and worth it.
Hours: 8:00–17:30
Ticket: About 15 yuan
Booking: No need to book. Buy at the gate.
Time needed: 20–30 minutes up, plus photos and coming down — about 1–1.5 hours total.
Tips: Wear comfortable sports shoes. Lots of steps. The best photo spot is at the viewing platform halfway up.
West Street
West Street is lively, day or night. Cafés, small shops, music, and people from all over the world make it feel busy and fun.
Hours: Open all day, no ticket needed
Booking: No need
Best time to go: Late afternoon to evening — good for dinner, drinks, and wandering
Tips: Beer fish is all over West Street, but prices are higher here. Walk a couple of streets in and compare.
Impression Liu Sanjie
An outdoor show performed on the river, with real hills and water as the stage. One of China's most unforgettable open-air performances.
Show time: Usually 19:45 or 20:00 (changes with season). About 70 minutes long.
Ticket: About 200–500 yuan, depending on seating area
Booking: Must book ahead. In peak season, book 3–7 days early.
Tips: It's outdoors. If it rains, they give out raincoats. It gets cool in late autumn and winter—bring a jacket. The best seats are in the middle rows, not too close, not too far.
Food You Must-Try
In Guilin
Guilin Rice Noodles
The most famous local dish. Great for breakfast or a quick meal.
Lipu Taro Dishes
Lipu taro is soft and dense. Used in all kinds of savoury dishes.
In Yangshuo
Beer Fish
The most famous dish in Yangshuo. River fish cooked with sauce and beer. Unique flavour.
Countryside Home Cooking
Fresh vegetables, free-range chicken, seasonal ingredients. Simple food with a strong local taste.
Coffee and Western Food
Yangshuo has a lot of foreign visitors, so there are many nice cafés and Western restaurants.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May)
Spring is one of the most pleasant and picturesque seasons in Guilin and Yangshuo. Average temperatures range from 15°C to 26°C, mild and comfortable with light rainfall. Hills are covered in fresh greenery, peach and pear blossoms bloom in the countryside, and the Li River is clear and calm. Morning mist often floats above the peaks and water, creating classic Chinese landscape scenery. It is the peak season for sightseeing and photography, with comfortable weather for hiking, cycling and bamboo rafting.
Summer (June-August)
Summer is warm to hot, with average temperatures between 24°C and 33°C, occasionally rising above 35°C during heatwaves. Rainfall is abundant, making rivers full and the karst peaks lush and green. It is the best season for bamboo rafting, water activities and outdoor adventures. Afternoon showers are common but usually short, cooling down the air. Sunscreen, hats and light, breathable clothing are recommended.
Autumn (September-November)
Autumn offers the most stable weather and best visibility. Average temperatures are 18°C to 28°C, cool and dry with little rain. Skies are clear blue, and the air is fresh, making it ideal for long hours outdoors, photography and panoramic views. The countryside turns golden with harvest scenery, and the light is soft throughout the day. It is widely regarded as the best travel season for Guilin and Yangshuo.
Winter (December-February)
Winter is mild and quiet, with average temperatures from 6°C to 16°C. Cold spells may bring temperatures near 0°C but rarely freeze. There are far fewer tourists, so you can enjoy peaceful scenery and uncrowded attractions. Vegetation stays green year-round, and the landscape takes on a calm, minimalist beauty perfect for relaxed sightseeing. Windproof jackets are needed for cool mornings and evenings.
Q&A
Q: Which is better, Guilin or Yangshuo?
A: If you like city convenience, famous sights, and cultural history, Guilin is better. If you prefer rural scenery and a slower pace, pick Yangshuo. Most visitors do both.
Q: How far is Yangshuo from Guilin?
A: About an hour and a half by car, depending on traffic and the route.
Q: How many days should I spend?
A: At least 3 days. 4 to 5 days is ideal.
Q: Is it good for kids?
A: Yes, very good. The scenery is beautiful, the activities are easy, and it's a family-friendly place.
Q: Can I visit all year round?
A: Yes. Each season has its own feel. Spring and autumn are usually the best.
Welcome
Guilin's beauty is the elegant mix of city and nature. Yangshuo's beauty is the easy-going feel of countryside and freedom. Put them together, and you have one of the best travel routes in China.
Come once, and you'll understand why travellers, generation after generation, say: the hills and waters here have no equal.
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