Guilin Li River & Karst Mountains Journey
Experience China's most iconic landscape where emerald rivers wind through towering karst mountains
About This Route
Guilin, in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, is famous for having some of China's most beautiful natural landscapes. This 7-day journey will take you on a cruise down the Li River, explore the charming town of Yangshuo, and visit the stunning Longji Rice Terraces.
What You'll Experience:
- Take a scenic cruise down the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo
- Explore the charming town of Yangshuo and its surrounding countryside
- Cycle through rice paddies and karst mountain scenery
- Visit the incredible Longji Rice Terraces
- Explore Guilin's Elephant Trunk Hill and Reed Flute Cave
- Experience the culture of the Zhuang and Yao ethnic minorities
7-Day Itinerary
Arrival & Guilin City
Morning: Arrive at Guilin Liangjiang International Airport. Transfer to your hotel in Guilin city. Afternoon orientation.
Afternoon: Explore Elephant Trunk Hill, one of Guilin's most iconic landmarks.
Evening: Welcome dinner featuring Guilin cuisine, including Guilin rice noodles.
Li River Cruise to Yangshuo
Morning: Take a boat cruise down the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo, enjoying stunning views of karst mountains and rural scenery.
Afternoon: Arrive in Yangshuo and explore West Street, the town's main pedestrian street.
Evening: Dinner in Yangshuo, possibly with a view of the karst mountains.
Yangshuo Countryside
Morning: Rent a bike and cycle through Yangshuo's beautiful countryside, passing rice paddies and karst mountains.
Afternoon: Visit Yulong River for a bamboo raft ride (optional) and explore local villages.
Evening: Dinner in Yangshuo, enjoy the town's nightlife if you like.
Longji Rice Terraces
Full Day: Day trip to the Longji Rice Terraces, one of the most beautiful rice terrace areas in China, with views of Zhuang and Yao villages.
Reed Flute Cave & Guilin City
Morning: Visit Reed Flute Cave, a famous limestone cave with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.
Afternoon: Explore Guilin city, visit local markets, and try Guilin snacks.
Evening: Dinner in Guilin city.
Xingping & Fishing Village
Morning: Day trip to Xingping, the location of the image on China's 20 yuan bill. Explore the old fishing village.
Afternoon: Enjoy the scenery around Xingping, take photos, and relax.
Evening: Return to Guilin for a farewell dinner.
Departure
Morning: Final breakfast, last-minute shopping, or a final view of Guilin's karst mountains.
Afternoon: Transfer to the airport for your departure, with wonderful memories of Guilin's stunning landscape.
Gallery
What Travelers Say
David Chen
San Francisco, CA | June 2026
Li River cruise is absolutely incredible! The karst mountains are like something out of a dream. Guilin is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been.
Emma Wilson
Toronto, Canada | May 2026
Yangshuo is such a charming town! I loved cycling through the countryside and seeing the rice terraces. The food is also amazing - Guilin rice noodles are delicious!
Jessica Wong
New York, NY | April 2026
Longji Rice Terraces are breathtaking! I loved learning about the Zhuang and Yao cultures. Guilin is a must-visit for anyone traveling to China.
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
The best times to visit Guilin are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). The weather is mild and comfortable, and the scenery is beautiful. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter is cool.
Getting Around
Guilin has a good bus system. Taxis and Didi are readily available. For the Li River cruise, you'll need to book a boat ticket. In Yangshuo, renting a bike is a great way to get around.
Local Cuisine
Don't miss Guilin rice noodles, beer fish (in Yangshuo), river snails, and rice cakes. The local food is fresh and delicious, with unique flavors from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
Cultural Tips
Learn basic Mandarin phrases. Be respectful of ethnic minority cultures and their traditions. Bargaining is common in markets but not in fixed-price stores. Bring comfortable shoes for walking and cycling.