Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions In Guilin

1. Li River (Yangshuo Section)

• Natural Wonder: The iconic karst landscape with emerald waters and misty peaks inspired Chinese ink paintings.
• Unique Experience: Bamboo rafting from Yangdi to Xingping (4hrs) passes the 20 RMB note scenery and “Nine Horses Fresco Hill”.
• Best Time: October for clear reflections; dawn/dusk for soft light.

2. Yangshuo West Street

• Cultural Fusion: A 1,400-year-old street blending Chinese handicrafts (e.g., Zhuang brocade) with Western cafés.
• Nightlife: Live music in bars and beer fish cooked with local Li River beer.
• Tip: Visit weekdays to avoid crowds.

3. Longji Rice Terraces

• Agricultural Marvel: World Heritage-listed terraces resembling “earth’s fingerprints” (best in May for mirror-like water, October for golden harvest).
• Ethnic Culture: Stay in Yao minority’s wooden stilt houses; try bamboo-tube rice.
• Access: 2.5hrs from Guilin; check road conditions in winter.

4. Elephant Trunk Hill

• City Symbol: The hill’s natural arch creates a “moon in water” illusion at night.
• History: Tang/Song dynasty carvings inside; hilltop Puxian Pagoda offers panoramic views.
• Free Option: View from Xiangshan Scenic Area across the river.

5. Two Rivers & Four Lakes Night Cruise

• Urban Beauty: Lit-up bridges/pagodas (e.g., Sun & Moon Towers) reflect on the lakes.
• Activity: Watch the Guilin Waterfall Hotel’s 45m artificial cascade with laser shows.
• Ticket: ¥190; book ahead for window seats.

6. Yulong River Bamboo Rafting

• Serene Alternative: Calmer than Li River; float past farmland and water buffalo.
• Thrills: Small drops at 9 weirs (e.g., Jinlong Bridge–Jiuxian section).
• Photography: Sunset turns bamboo groves golden.

7. Reed Flute Cave

• Geological Art: Color-lit stalactites form “Crystal Palace” and “Snowy Mountain”.
• Cool Escape: Constant 18°C; English audio guides available.
• VIP History: Hosted Nixon in 1972.

8. Xingping Ancient Town

• Photography Hub: Hike Laozhai Mountain for Li River’s best sunset views.
• Culture: Ming/Qing-era architecture; local fishermen use cormorants.
• Day Trip: 1hr from Yangshuo by bus.

9. Jingjiang Prince City

• Historical Core: Ming dynasty palace ruins with “Guilin’s scenery tops the world” inscription.
• Viewpoint: Climb Duxiu Peak for 360° city vistas.
• Guides: Hire storytellers to decode royal legends.

10. Silver Cave

• Underground Spectacle: “Music Stone Screen” and “Waterfall on Snow Mountain” formations.
• Accessibility: Well-lit paths; 1hr from downtown by shuttle.
• Combo Ticket: Pair with Butterfly Spring Park.

Pro Tips:

• Transport: Use Didi (English app) or rent e-bikes in Yangshuo.
• Food: Try Guilin rice noodles with crispy pork or stuffed Li River snails.
• Avoid: June–August rainy season (muddy waters).