Location & Accessibility

Beidaidi sits quietly on the northern edge of Guilin city, nestled between Jiashan Street and Cuizhu Road. Though it’s less famous than spots like Elephant Trunk Hill or Reed Flute Cave, its tucked-away location makes it a hidden gem. To get there, take Bus 25 or 89 to Jiashan Street, then walk west for about 10 minutes—you’ll spot Beidaidi’s modest sign near a bamboo grove. If you’re staying downtown, a 15-minute bike ride is perfect, as the paths along Li River are scenic and flat.

Natural Beauty: A Mini Guilin

What makes Beidaidi special? Imagine miniature karst peaks rising from rice paddies, with the Li River’s calm waters reflecting them like a mirror. The area feels like a “pocket-sized Guilin,” where you can see the iconic limestone hills up close without the crowds. Walk along the riverbank, and you’ll find local fishermen casting nets, their bamboo hats matching the swaying reeds. In spring, pink lotus flowers dot the water, while autumn turns the hillsides golden with rice fields. For photographers, sunrise here is magical—soft light wraps the peaks in a warm glow.

Cultural Touches: Village Life & Legends

Beyond nature, Beidaidi offers a peek into rural Guilin life. A short hike leads to a centuries-old village, where elderly women weave silk scarves (a local specialty) and men repair wooden boats. There’s no grand temple, but a tiny Longmen Temple carved into a rock cliff tells a folktale: legend says a dragon once rested here, leaving behind a stone gate. You won’t find tour guides here—just friendly villagers who’ll share stories if you stop for tea.

Practical Tips: What to Bring

Beidaidi isn’t overly commercialized, so plan ahead. Wear comfy shoes for walking on dirt paths, and bring cash (many stalls don’t take cards). There’s a small bamboo raft dock where you can rent a boat for ¥50–¥100 to drift past the hills. Pack snacks, as the only café is a family-run spot serving oil-tea camellia—a local treat. Restrooms are basic but clean, and free Wi-Fi is available near the entrance.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

For a unique adventure, visit during the Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival, when villagers float handmade lanterns down the river. Or join a morning fishing tour with locals, who’ll teach you to catch carp with nets. If you’re lucky, you might spot a white heron nesting in the reeds—a rare sight in these parts. Unlike crowded spots, Beidaidi lets you truly slow down. Sit on a riverside rock, listen to cicadas, and forget you’re near a city.

Why Beidaidi Stands Out

While Guilin’s big attractions dazzle with lights and tours, Beidaidi charms with simplicity. It’s where you can chat with farmers tending water buffaloes, watch children playing by the river, and feel the rhythm of rural life. Yes, some paths are muddy after rain, and there’s no English menu—but that’s part of its authenticity. Come here to escape the tourist rush and connect with Guilin’s soul.

Use Beidaidi as a day trip or a quiet retreat. Pair it with nearby Jiashan Park for panoramic views, or cycle to Xiangbi Mountain afterwards. Just remember: this spot is a secret no more—visit soon before word spreads!