Best Places to Visit During Summer Vacation in July

Attraction Recommendations

- **Li River Scenic Area**: Take a bamboo raft downstream to admire attractions like Nine-Horse Fresco Hill and Yellow Cloth Shoal. The Yangdi to Xingping section is the most picturesque.
- **Elephant Trunk Hill Scenic Area**: The iconic landmark of Guilin, resembling an elephant drinking water by the river.
- **Reed Flute Cave**: A stunning karst cave with dazzling stalactites and stalagmites, creating a fairy-tale-like atmosphere.
- **East and West Alley**: A historic district from the Ming and Qing dynasties, featuring charming shops and local delicacies.
- **Yangshuo West Street**: A vibrant commercial street with an exotic vibe, especially lively at night.
- **Longji Rice Terraces**: Vast and beautifully contoured, offering breathtaking views in every season—a paradise for photographers.

Food Recommendations

- **Guilin Rice Noodles**: A traditional Guangxi snack with fragrant broth and silky-smooth rice noodles.
- **Yangshuo Beer Fish**: Fresh fish braised in premium Guilin beer, tender and flavorful.
- **Lipu Taro Pork Belly**: A classic Guangxi dish combining soft pork and sweet taro.
- **Gongcheng Oil Tea**: A strong, slightly bitter tea brewed with ginger, garlic, and scallions, with a spicy hue.
- **Li River River Snails**: Stir-fried with Guilin’s signature pickled chili and bamboo shoots, offering a tangy and spicy taste.

Accommodation Tips

- **Guilin City**: Stay near Elephant Trunk Hill or Two Rivers and Four Lakes for convenience. Recommended hotels:
- **Lijiang Boyin Hotel** (next to Sun and Moon Pagodas, great views).
- **SYYF Poetry & Distance·Elephant Hill Hotel** (rooftop pool and kids' playground).
- **Yangshuo**: Choose near West Street (lively nightlife) or Yulong River (serene countryside views).
- **Longji Terraces**: Opt for homestays near the terraces (e.g., Jinkeng Dazhai or Ping’an Village) for stunning scenery.

Transportation Guide

- **Getting There**: Guilin has an airport (Liangjiang International, ~28 km from downtown) and multiple train stations (Guilin Station is central; Guilin North has high-speed rail).
- **Local Transport**:
- Buses (¥2, but some attractions are far).
- Taxis (¥8 starting fare) or ride-hailing apps.
- Car rentals for flexibility, especially for groups.