At a glance
| Recommended days | 3 - 6 days |
|---|---|
| Daily cost | €25-45 / €70-120 |
| Best season | Apr-Jun · Sep-Nov |
| Region | Southern China |
The highlights
These picks come out of our full Guilin & Yangshuo guide - each one earns its place on a first visit.
1. Li River cruise
Guilin to Yangshuo through 83 km of karst peaks and water buffalo banks - the four-hour starboard-side scenery is the region's signature view.
2. Xingping old town
The 20-yuan banknote viewpoint: fishermen with cormorants, limestone towers and a short ridge walk above the river bend.
3. Yulong River bamboo rafts
A slow drift past villages and karst walls on bamboo rafts - calmer and more intimate than the big Li River boats.
4. Longji rice terraces
Ping'an and Dazhai villages in the dragon's-back rice terraces, spectacular green in summer and gold in autumn.
5. Moon Hill
A natural limestone arch above Yangshuo with a 30-minute stair climb and valley views over the paddy fields.
Practical tips
Start sightseeing early - the first hours at any famous site are quieter, cooler and better lit. Keep water and a offline map handy, and check opening days: opening days and access rules vary by site. For timing the whole trip around weather and crowds, see when to visit Guilin & Yangshuo.
- The Li River cruise (4-5 hours, Zhujiang to Yangshuo) sells out on holidays; reserve seats a few days ahead.
- Xingping's 20-yuan-note viewpoint is best in the early-morning mist; the riverside walk beats the boat crowds.
- The Yulong River bamboo rafts run calmer than the Li; go in the morning before the tour groups launch.
- Moon Hill and the countryside paths are the quiet half of Yangshuo — rent a bike or e-bike for the afternoon.
Related guides
Where to stay in Guilin & Yangshuo · Guilin & Yangshuo: 3-6 day itinerary · Guilin & Yangshuo travel budget · Full Guilin & Yangshuo guide
FAQ
What are the must-see sights in Guilin & Yangshuo?
The highlights above cover it: li river cruise, xingping old town and yulong river bamboo rafts are the three we would not skip.
How many days do I need for Guilin & Yangshuo?
Our recommended pace is 3-6 days - enough for the 5 highlights listed here without rushing. See the itinerary page for a day-by-day plan.
Do I need to book Guilin & Yangshuo attractions in advance?
Peak-season timed entries and popular tours sell out first; everything else can be arranged on the ground. When in doubt, book the first hours of the day.
Guilin city or Yangshuo as the base?
Yangshuo, for the landscape access; Guilin city is mainly the transit point plus Elephant Trunk Hill. One Guilin night on arrival is plenty for most trips.