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The saying "eight mountains, one river, and one piece of farmland" perfectly captures Guilin. Also known as Bagui, Guilin served as the political and cultural center of Guangxi for a long period of history. Home to over a dozen ethnic minorities, including the Zhuang, Yao, Miao, and Hui, Guilin's unique karst landscape, historical heritage, and ethnic customs have earned it a global reputation, making it a must-see destination for foreigners visiting China.
Traditional tours—sleeping on board, taking photos off, and seeing the sights in a hurry—don't offer a truly satisfying experience. As an international tourist destination, Guilin offers a growing number of experiences. Explore the Two Rivers and Four Lakes at night, hike the Longji Rice Terraces, cruise the Li River, cycle along the Ten-Li Gallery, experience the bustle of New West Street at night, and photograph the sunrise from Xianggong Mountain. These new and exciting activities by land, sea, and air are sure to make your trip worthwhile!
The four-star foreign guest cruise and the three-star cruise depart from Guilin's Zhujiang Wharf and Mopanshan Wharf to Yangshuo's Longtoushan Wharf, lasting approximately 4-4.5 hours, eliminating the hassle of traveling by boat or bus. The cruise has two decks, with the third deck being a deck, making it convenient for the elderly and children. Lunch is served near Jiuma Painting Mountain, so guests can enjoy a relaxing meal before enjoying the scenery on deck. The cruise ship provides announcements and explanations of scenic spots.
Transportation: The two docks are about the same distance from Guilin city, about 25 kilometers. If you book a single ferry ticket, you need to go there by yourself, and a taxi cost about 100 yuan.
Tickets: Children under 1.2 meters tall are free of charge if they do not occupy a seat on the Li River cruise; children between 1.2 meters and 1.5 meters tall purchase half-price tickets; children over 1.5 meters tall purchase adult tickets.
The Xingping boat tour follows the same route as the bamboo raft tour described below. It is more suitable for the elderly and children who cannot ride on bamboo rafts. The sightseeing time is about 1 hour.
Compared with luxury cruise ships, bamboo rafts capture the most essential part of them. Sitting on a bamboo raft is like traveling in a painting. Listening to the raftsmen telling stories and feeling the leisurely breeze on your face is also a rare experience.
About bamboo rafts: The current bamboo rafts for rafting on the Li River are made of 8 to 10 9-meter-long PVC pipes with a diameter of more than 30 centimeters. They have a carrying capacity of about 1,500 kilograms and are surrounded by iron guardrails. There are four people on a raft, and life jackets and a corresponding number of lifebuoys are provided on board.
Departure time: 08:00-08:30 in the morning (ticket checking stops at 08:25); 12:30-17:00 in the afternoon (ticket checking stops at 17:20).
Registration requirements: 1.19 meters or under 7 years old. Those over 70 years old are not allowed to ride the bamboo raft.
Enjoying the reflection of yellow cloth, watching ospreys catch fish, and climbing Laozhai Mountain to see the "Great Bend of the Li River" are all excellent photography opportunities in Xingping. However, it's best to book in advance to avoid missing out on a raft!
The 40-kilometer-long Yulong River, nicknamed "Guilin's Little Li River," boasts crystal-clear water year-round, and the idyllic scenery along its banks is truly breathtaking. Bamboo rafting docks are located near iconic landmarks like Gongnong Bridge, Yulong Bridge, and Jinlong Bridge. Raftsmen provide support throughout the journey, and the rafting hours are 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. For example, from Shuei'erdi Wharf to Gongnong Bridge, you can choose between two-person and six- to eight-person rafts, but the scenic area doesn't offer shared rafts, so be sure to find a companion.
For a full day trip from Jinlong Bridge Pier to Wanjing Pier, we recommend cycling the first half, passing Fuli Bridge, a prime photo spot for capturing the idyllic scenery. Then, you can choose to raft from Jima/Shui'erdi Pier to Wanjing Pier. Photos are allowed during the rafting process, but these are subject to a separate fee. Some raftsmen may ask for tips, so this is a discretionary decision.
The best way to understand a place is to explore every corner of it. As the car's rocking sway brings you to sleep, you don't have much time to appreciate the scenery along the way. Taking foot instead of public transportation is a wise decision. The villages and towns we pass on foot are uncrowded with tourists and free from the din of engines. This rare tranquility allows you to gain a deeper understanding of the local customs.
Known as the "Crown of the World's Terraces," the Longji Rice Terraces are a World Cultural Heritage site, dating back over 650 years. They cover a total area of 66 square kilometers, located between 300 and 1,100 meters above sea level. The slopes range from 26 to 35 degrees, with a maximum gradient of 50 degrees. The Longji Rice Terraces encompass several villages, with the Longji Rice Terraces being the collective name for the scenic area. The most iconic examples are the Ping'an Zhuangzhai Rice Terraces (divided into two hilltops: Longji Ancient Zhuangzhai and Ping'an Village) and the Jinkeng Red Yao Rice Terraces. Huangluo Yao Village (featuring long-hair performances) and Jinzhu Zhuang Village are also popular. During the irrigation season from April to May and the autumn harvest season from September to November, visitors can experience even more unique scenery hidden deep within the mountains.
【Recommended hiking routes】
Jinkeng is located at a relatively high altitude, so most people choose to hike from Jinkeng Dazhai to Ping'anzhai. This route is popular with foreigners and takes approximately five hours. Along the way, you'll pass Jinkeng's No. 2 Observation Deck, Tiantou Village, the undeveloped Zhongliu Village, a sea of alpine flowers, and Ping'anzhai's Nine Dragons and Five Tigers and Seven Stars and Moon Observation Deck. Because there are many small paths in the mountains, be sure to check your route before setting off to avoid detours or mistakes.
【Jinkeng Yao Village】
There are Observation Deck 1, 2, and 3. The cable car entrance to No. 3, Golden Buddha Peak (ideal for watching the sunset), is right at the entrance to the Dazhai Scenic Area. The one-way ride takes about 25 minutes; the walk takes about 3-4 hours. From the entrance, proceed to Observation Deck 2 (ideal for watching the sunset, about a one-hour walk), then to Tiantou Village (about a 20-minute walk). You can stay at Tiantou Village, then walk to Observation Deck 1 (ideal for watching the sunrise, about a 20-minute walk). The entire hike is primarily on stone paved roads.
Tips: The Jinkeng Rice Terraces were developed relatively recently, but visiting the Yao village allows you to experience the rich Yao culture. The scale of the terraces is also truly spectacular, so the three viewing platforms are not very close together. If you choose to visit this area, it's recommended to stay in Tiantou Village. Alternatively, you can take the cable car to the third viewing platform, the Golden Buddha Peak. The cable car stretches 1,380 meters, with a drop of 310 meters, and features 113 four-person gondolas. The entrance is at the entrance of the Dazhai Scenic Area. The Golden Buddha Peak cable car costs 55 yuan one way and 100 yuan round trip per person. Operating hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
【Zhongliuzhai】
It's about a two-hour hike from Tiantou Village to Zhongliu Village. Home to 180 households, similar to Ping'an Village, the dwellings are scattered and undeveloped due to the terrain. While hiking through this area, you can chat with women selling water along the way, dressed in local clothing, or visit local homes to learn about the area's history.
【Ping'an Zhuang Village】
Youlan Reservoir is located 15 minutes from the Nine Dragons and Five Tigers Observation Deck in Ping'an Village. Nearby is a scenic alpine flower sea, where the mountain blossoms blanket the landscape in spring, creating a truly romantic and beautiful scene. Nine Dragons and Five Tigers, the highest observation deck in Ping'an Village, offers the best vantage point for viewing Ping'an Village and is a great spot for photographing sunsets and starry skies. Two paths lead directly into the village, leading to another observation deck, Seven Stars and the Moon. The journey takes about 0.5 hours, and the hike down from Seven Stars and the Moon to the Ping'an Village parking lot takes about 0.5 hours.
Tips: Ping'an Village is the earliest developed village and is also quite famous. There are many shops, bars and restaurants in the village. Most tour groups choose to stay in Ping'an Village.
▲Distribution map of Longji Rice Terraces
Scenic spot ticket: 95 yuan/person (free for children under 1.2 meters and over 70 years old, discounted price for children between 1.2 meters and 1.40 meters (not included)).
Transportation: Direct buses depart from Guilin or Yangshuo to the entrance of the Longji Rice Terraces scenic area or Dazhai. The journey from Guilin (West/North Bus Station) to Longji Dazhai takes approximately 2.5 hours and costs 65 yuan; the journey from Yangshuo to Longji Dazhai takes approximately 3.5 hours and costs 70 yuan. The journey from the entrance of Longji Scenic Area to Ping'an/Jinkeng takes approximately 1 hour and costs 40 yuan per person for a scenic shuttle bus. (Drivers with fewer than 9 seats are permitted into the scenic area; otherwise, a transfer will be required.)
Best time to visit: April to May during the irrigation season, and September to November during the autumn harvest season.
Accommodation Recommendation: Arrive in Dazhai on the first day and visit Observation Deck 3 and 2 first. After watching the sunrise, proceed to Tiantou Village. The next morning, go to Observation Deck 1 to watch the sunrise. The hiking trailhead is also nearby.
The afterglow of sunset casts a shadow over the majestic, dark green mountains. Bamboo rafts ply the waters, their hazy peaks reflected in the mist, creating a scene reminiscent of a delicate, ink-and-wash landscape painting. You can't fully appreciate Guilin without hiking a mountain, and these off-the-beaten-path hikes are perfect for those of you who prefer to avoid crowds.
Xianggong Mountain
Xianggong Mountain, the filming location for the Bronze Award at the 10th International Film Festival, is located on the west bank of the Li River in Xingping Town, Yangshuo, between Huangbu Beach and Jiuma Painting Mountain. It's a one-hour drive from Yangshuo. Ascending from the foot of the mountain to the summit observation deck takes just 20 minutes. From the four adjacent viewing platforms, visitors can admire the breathtaking "First Bend of the Li River." The scenery here is ideal year-round, regardless of season; sunset, sunrise, and after rain are the best times to visit and photograph.
Ticket price: 60 yuan (doors open at 5:00).
Transportation: From Yangshuo, public transportation is not very convenient, so you can charter a car or take a sunrise/sunset shuttle bus. From Xingping, take a ferry across the Li River, which is about 5 kilometers.
Difficulty level: It takes about 15 minutes to hike from the foot of Xianggong Mountain to the top of the mountain, which is about 2 kilometers.
The best way to explore Yangshuo is by bike. The Ten-Mile Gallery area currently only allows access by local cars with permits, scenic area buses, bicycles, or electric scooters. The absence of large vehicles on the roads makes cycling safer and provides a more enjoyable experience.
Along the Yulong River, there are fewer people and it's even quieter. The scenery is even better than the Ten-Mile Gallery, offering beautiful rural views. You can stop by a popular online shop to weed, and in the summer, when the fruits and vegetables are ripe in the fields, you can stop by any time to buy them!
Start at West Street and head to Jiuxian Wharf (8.5km), then turn back to Gongnong Bridge (9.2km). Once you reach Gongnong Bridge, you'll reach the famous Ten-Li Gallery, where you'll find attractions like Jinshui Rock, Julongtan, Butterfly Spring, the Totem Ancient Trail, and Moon Hill (Gongnong Bridge to Moon Hill: 3km, Moon Hill to West Street: 10.5km).
Ticket price: No ticket is required to enter the Shili Gallery.
Rental Vehicles: There are many roadside stalls offering bicycle and electric scooter rentals, and most hotels also have them. Rentals are charged by the day. Bicycles cost between 15 and 35 yuan each, while electric scooters cost between 50 and 70 yuan, depending on the size of the battery. You can also return the bike to a different location.
Tips: The cycling section is an ordinary road with no bicycle lanes. There are many motor vehicles, so please pay attention to safety.
Many people don't realize Yangshuo has a truly amazing and stylish vehicle: a vintage motorcycle, a 1960s replica of a German WWII BMW sidecar. Each motorcycle seats two people and takes you along the Ten-Mile Gallery, Gongnong Bridge, the Big Banyan Tree, Moon Hill, the Yulong River Waterwheel, the Yulong River Trail, and finally Jiuxian Ancient Village. The journey takes about 3.5 hours, and if you have more ideas, you can request a custom ride. Enjoy a cool and unforgettable adventure with a seasoned driver!
Yangshuo, also known as the "City of Dancing Rocks", is one of the most famous rock climbing destinations in China and even in Asia. Many of the most ingenious cliffs are waiting to be conquered by climbers from all over the world.
Currently, there are over 70 or 80 rock climbing organizations in Yangshuo. The main climbing locations are Swiss Cheese Mountain and Wine Bottle Mountain, both near the Butterfly Spring in the Ten-Li Gallery. There's also a climbing site in Xinglong Village. All are suitable for beginners, so you'll likely see many children climbing. These climbing programs offer manageable difficulty and a strong sense of experience, making them a must-do for any Yangshuo visit!
Tips: Ride a bike to the rock climbing base or make a reservation online in advance (including pick-up and drop-off). There are many rock climbing routes according to the difficulty level, and there are many packages to choose from according to the duration of the experience. In addition, the activities are led by coaches.
The development of tourism has brought visitors closer to the vibrant ethnic cultures of Yangshuo. During your visit, you can experience: crafting painted fans while gazing at the Yangshuo landscape, experiencing a life of your dreams by picking fruits and vegetables on a farm, making your own signature beer-cooked fish, bamboo rice, or baba, and even enjoying a candlelight dinner by the Li River at sunset. Some travel agencies offer multi-day itineraries, while mid-range and high-end B&Bs also offer free experiences.
In 2013, China opened its low-altitude airspace below 3,000 meters, and Guangxi was among the second pilot provinces. This opportunity allows visitors to appreciate Guilin's landscape from a different perspective. A panoramic perspective offers a brand new experience, allowing visitors to overlook the graceful beauty of the Ten-Mile Gallery and the Yulong and Li Rivers from a distance.
Before starting the experience, you'll first need to learn about safety, then go through security to ensure flight safety before boarding the plane. During the tour, the captain will also introduce relevant attractions, but the price and tour duration will vary depending on the tour route.
Opening hours: 9:00-18:00;
Registration requirements: Children aged 4-14 (children's ticket) must board the aircraft accompanied by their parents;
Experience duration: Ten-mile Gallery is about 8 kilometers and 6 minutes, Yulong River Essence Flight is 16 kilometers and 10 minutes, and Li River Deluxe Flight is 50 kilometers and 25 minutes.
This is currently the largest aviation flight base in China (196 acres), providing experience projects such as paragliding and hot air ballooning to meet the needs of people of all ages.
①Powered paraglider
Enjoy a 6-kilometer-long view of the Yulong River. This is a great option for those who enjoy a challenge and excitement! It's open to ages 8-65, with no child price.
Opening hours: 7:30-10:30, 15:30-18:00;
Experience duration: 5-8 minutes, depending on the weather conditions on the day;
Registration requirements: 8-65 years old, no child price.
②Hot air balloon
This newly popular hot air balloon spot offers a breathtaking view of the Yulong River from above, and a photo opportunity with the hot air balloon is a must. The tethered flight (experiential) allows up to five passengers per flight.
Experience time: 7:30-10:30, 15:30-20:00;
Ascent conditions: Ascent to 30-80 meters, about 8-10 minutes, depending on the weather conditions of the day;
Registration requirements: 8-65 years old, weight under 200 pounds, no children's price.
Tips:
1. High-altitude activities are greatly affected by the weather. Please confirm the weather before booking. You will not be able to experience the activities in rainy or windy days.
2. There will be a lot of fees for making online appointments in advance.
If you enjoy Yunnan's romantic, graceful, and beautiful scenery, a visit to Guilin is a must. This international tourist destination boasts mid-range and high-end guesthouses, making every penny worthwhile. There are also numerous youth hostels, perfect for young people seeking companions and similarly curious souls. If you're a foodie, Guilin is worth exploring, and its diverse culinary heritage will surely delight your palate. If you're a photography enthusiast, Guilin is the place to be. Its unique karst landscape, combined with the majestic and gentle beauty of the Li River and Yulong River, promises to create incredible photographs no matter the weather.
Guilin has much to offer. Escape the city and the hustle and bustle of life, enjoy a quiet vacation, and experience the charm of nature with family and friends. This is why more and more Chinese and even foreigners are choosing to settle in Guilin.
