Family-Friendly Budget Travel Guide for a 3-5 Day Stay in Guilin

Here is a travel guide for Guilin:

Recommended Attractions

- Li River: This is the most typical development of karst topography. The water is crystal clear with uniquely beautiful mountains on both banks. Known as "A Hundred Miles of Li River, A Hundred Miles of Art Gallery," you can take a cruise or bamboo raft to enjoy scenic spots like Nine Horses Fresco Hill, Yellow Cloth Reflection, and the backdrop of the 20 yuan RMB note.

- Yulong River: The longest tributary of the Li River in Yangshuo, with clear water and gentle currents. It's perfect for bamboo rafting and offers stunning views of mountains, water, and countryside scenery.

- Longji Rice Terraces: With a long history and magnificent scale, the terraces flow like clouds and water. In May, the fields are filled with water; in July, the crops turn green; in October, the rice ears hang heavy; and in December, snow promises a good harvest. Each season has its own charm.

- Elephant Trunk Hill: The iconic landmark of Guilin, named for its resemblance to an elephant drinking from the Li River with its long trunk. It is the city emblem of Guilin.

- Two Rivers and Four Lakes: A water system around Guilin city consisting of Rong Lake, Shan Lake, Gui Lake, Mulong Lake, Li River, and Taohua River. Taking a boat tour allows you to enjoy the city scenery of Guilin.

Food Recommendations

- Guilin Rice Noodles: A local specialty famous for its unique texture and rich toppings. Chongshan Rice Noodles Main Store is recommended.

- Yangshuo Beer Fish: A specialty dish of Yangshuo with tender fish and rich flavor. Master Chef Gold Award Beer Fish (West Street Main Store) is well-known.

- Lipu Taro with Braised Pork: A traditional famous dish where fragrant Lipu taro is paired with pork belly, making it rich but not greasy.

- Gongcheng Oil Tea: A specialty drink from Gongcheng Yao Autonomous County, known as "Chinese coffee." In 2022, "Yao Oil Tea Customs" was listed as a representative of intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

Accommodation Options

- Guilin City: Recommended to stay near Guilin Station or downtown, such as Vienna Hotel, convenient for transportation, shopping, and dining, also close to attractions like Two Rivers and Four Lakes.

- Yangshuo: You can choose to stay near West Street, such as SYYF Poetry and Distance · Li River Courtyard Hotel, convenient for exploring West Street at night; or consider homestays around Yulong River and Ten-Mile Gallery for beautiful scenery.

- Longji Rice Terraces: Recommended to stay inside the scenic area to easily view the sunrise, sunset, and morning mist over the terraces, such as guesthouses near Jinkeng Rice Terraces.

Itinerary Suggestions

- Three days and two nights: Day 1 - Visit Elephant Trunk Hill and Two Rivers and Four Lakes; Day 2 - Go to Yangshuo, cruise the Li River, explore Yangshuo West Street; Day 3 - Go rafting on Yulong River, then return to Guilin city.

- Five days and four nights: Day 1 - Arrive in Guilin, check in to your hotel and explore Zhengyang Pedestrian Street; Day 2 - Visit Longji Rice Terraces; Day 3 - Take a boat tour of Xingping Li River, visit Silver Cave, and explore Yangshuo West Street at night; Day 4 - Experience Yulong River rafting and visit Ten-Mile Gallery; Day 5 - Explore Seven Star Park and other attractions in Guilin city before preparing to return home.

Transportation Guide

- External Transportation: Guilin has Liangjiang International Airport for direct flights; there are also three train stations - Guilin Station, Guilin North Station, and Guilin West Station. Choose according to your itinerary.

- Local Transportation: Within the city, you can take buses or taxis; to reach Yangshuo, you can choose boat or bus; in Yangshuo, renting electric bikes or bicycles is convenient for visiting Ten-Mile Gallery, Yulong River, and other places.