Guilin 5 Days 4 Nights Tested Guide! Follow the Host to Explore the Highlights and Avoid 90% of the Pitfalls

As someone who just returned from Guilin, I specifically focused on attractions under the travel stock group this time, having a blast from the city to the surrounding areas! I've compiled this super practical guide—if you want a hassle-free trip to Guilin, just copy it~

[Fire] Must-Do in the City: Two Rivers and Four Lakes Night Cruise, Embrace Guilin’s Romance
On the first night in Guilin, I went straight for the Two Rivers and Four Lakes cruise, which was truly 10 times more stunning than daytime sightseeing! Sitting on the boat watching the lights come on along the banks, the Sun and Moon Twin Towers at Shan Lake look like they’re edged in gold, the ancient bridges of Rong Lake reflect in the water, and the breeze feels especially pleasant. The guide explains the sights along the way, so no need to research yourself, and the boat is very stable—perfect for elderly and kids. It’s definitely the top choice for night tours in Guilin. I recommend booking tickets on Trip.com in advance, as it really fills up during peak season!

[Rainbow] Soulful Journey: Li River Cruise, It’s Not an Exaggeration to Say You’re Traveling Inside a Painting
For the Li River, you must choose a travel stock group’s cruise! We took a four-star boat with free tea and snacks, spacious seats, and access to the deck for photos. Departing from the dock, you watch the mountains on both sides slowly recede, like a moving ink painting—the Nine Horses Fresco Hill requires a careful look to spot the “horses,” and the reflection of Huangbu is the scene on the back of the 20 RMB bill. Every snap is a masterpiece. The service is thoughtful; crew members remind you of the best photo spots, so you won’t miss any beautiful views. The whole trip isn’t tiring at all—instead, it’s very healing.

[BeachUmbrella] In-Depth Surrounding Tours: Don’t Miss These Hidden Gems
1️⃣ Longsheng Hot Springs: A “Natural Oxygen Bar” Hidden in the Forest
After two days in the city, I went to Longsheng Hot Springs to relax. The scenic area is inside a national forest park, and stepping off the car, the air feels especially fresh, full of negative oxygen ions. We stayed at Yixi Hotel, woken up by birdsong in the morning, and opening the window revealed lush trees and a small creek. I chose the outdoor hot spring pool surrounded by greenery, very private. The water is silky, and after soaking, my skin felt smoother—perfect for recuperating after a tiring trip.

2️⃣ Zijiang · Tianmen Mountain: Only Warriors Dare to Take the 45-Degree Cable Car!
Thrill-seekers must visit Tianmen Mountain! At first, I was a bit nervous on the 45-degree extreme sightseeing cable car, but once up high and seeing the full view of Danxia Mountain, it was totally worth it—the mountain shapes are unique, the primeval forest lush, and you can see the blue sky through a narrow gap called “One Line Sky.” The fully transparent glass viewing platform is also very photogenic; standing on it feels like hanging in midair. I recommend wearing bright clothes for photos—super stunning!

3️⃣ Lipu Double Treasures: Silver Cave + Fengyu Cave, a Paradise for Cave Lovers
Lipu’s two caves are very distinctive! First, we visited Silver Cave, and I was amazed as soon as I entered. The stalactites shimmer like silver, and the “Three Wonders” and “Three Treasures” spots are must-sees, especially the “Fairyland of Yaochi,” where the lighting on the stalactites looks like a fairy tale scene. No wonder people say, “Visit Silver Cave, and you’ll never lack money in life”—a good omen that’s fun to have.

4️⃣ Fengyu Cave is more kid-friendly, with not only spectacular caves but also underground river drifting. Sitting in a small boat watching the stalactites overhead is very interesting. The scenic area is also a study base, with staff explaining geological knowledge, so kids can learn while playing—super worry-free.

5️⃣ Earth Memory Meteorite Museum: A Secret Base for Kids to Learn
This museum is right next to Silver Cave, so it’s convenient to visit after the cave tour. It houses over 5,000 specimens from more than 30 countries. The most stunning is the moon meteorite containing “ruby,” plus a recreated scene of the Nandan meteorite shower that amazed the kids. There are many high-tech interactive exhibits, like “Moon Exploration,” where you can experience walking on the moon’s surface, and “Star Wish,” which projects wishes. Both adults and kids had a blast.

🌟 Helpful Tips:
1. Guilin is mountainous, so wear comfortable sneakers for hiking and sightseeing.
2. Book Li River cruises and Two Rivers and Four Lakes night tours 1-2 days in advance, especially during holidays, to avoid sold-out tickets.
3. For Longsheng Hot Springs and Hezhou Hot Springs (if you want to experience Bird’s Nest Residence), it’s best to stay overnight and enjoy slowly. Hotels inside the scenic areas are very unique and cost-effective.
4. Lipu’s attractions are close to each other, so you can plan a day to visit them all, saving travel time.

This Guilin trip was excellent in both service and experience, with no pitfalls and many hidden gems unlocked. If you want to easily explore Guilin, this guide is a perfect reference—you’ll definitely have a fun and comfortable trip!