Guilin Travel Guide

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3 Days & 2 Nights Itinerary
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**Itinerary**
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**Day 1: Guilin City**
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Morning: After arriving in Guilin, take the airport shuttle to your downtown hotel for check-in. If time permits, visit Dongxi Alley, stroll along the bluestone-paved paths to soak up the historic charm, and try local snacks like Guilin rice noodles and osmanthus cakes.
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Noon: Enjoy a home-style Guilin meal at a local eatery.
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Afternoon: Visit Elephant Trunk Hill, the iconic symbol of Guilin. This 108-meter-long hill resembles an elephant drinking from the Li River. During the day, marvel at the "Elephant Hill and Water Moon" spectacle.
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Evening: Take a night cruise on the Two Rivers and Four Lakes, featuring over 10 scenic spots like the Sun and Moon Pagodas and the Glass Bridge. Opt for the lower-deck open-air seats for better photos, or head to the free viewing platform near Wenchang Bridge to capture the pagodas' reflections on the water.
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**Day 2: Yangshuo**
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Morning: Travel to Xingping Ancient Town and take a boat tour along the Li River's Xingping section to admire the landscape featured on the 20 RMB banknote.
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Noon: Try rustic farmhouse dishes at a small restaurant in Xingping.
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Afternoon: Go bamboo rafting on the Yulong River, then take a shuttle to Silver Cave to explore its colorful stalactites.
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Evening: Return to Yangshuo town for dinner at street stalls or local eateries, sampling specialties like Lipu taro pork and stuffed river snails.
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**Day 3: Yangshuo - Departure**
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Morning: Rent an e-bike to ride through the Ten-Mile Gallery, enjoying the scenic views along the way.
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Noon: Have lunch at a countryside restaurant near the Ten-Mile Gallery.
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Afternoon: Pack up and depart based on your travel schedule.
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**Accommodation Recommendations**
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Guilin City: Ideal for transit, sightseeing, and boat tours.
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Near Yangshuo West Street: Perfect for nightlife, dining, and photography.
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**Food Recommendations**
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Guilin Rice Noodles: A must-try dish, priced at 6-8 RMB for a bowl with braised toppings.
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Beer Fish: A Yangshuo specialty—tender fish with a hint of beer aroma.
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Lipu Taro Pork and stuffed river snails are also worth trying.
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**Transportation**
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High-speed trains arrive at Guilin Station/Guilin North Station; transfer to buses or taxis upon arrival.
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Guilin to Yangshuo: Take a bus (~1.5 hours) or a high-speed train (~20 minutes).
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Within Yangshuo, renting an e-bike or bicycle is recommended.
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Private cars are cost-effective for small groups; shared rides save money for larger groups.
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**4-5 Days Itinerary**
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**Day 1:** Guilin City + Elephant Trunk Hill + Two Rivers and Four Lakes Night Cruise
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Explore downtown and visit Elephant Trunk Hill in the afternoon.
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Evening cruise to see illuminated reflections.
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**Day 2:** Yangshuo West Street + Yulong River Bamboo Rafting
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Morning: Head to Yangshuo.
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Noon: Drift down the Yulong River, feeling like you're floating through a painting.
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Evening: Dine, drink, and enjoy performances on West Street.
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**Day 3:** Ten-Mile Gallery + Silver Cave + Cycling
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Cycle through the Ten-Mile Gallery's pastoral scenery.
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Tour Silver Cave's stunning karst formations.
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**Day 4 (Optional):** Longji Rice Terraces or Xingping Ancient Town
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Longji for majestic terraces; Xingping for relaxed photography.
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**Day 5 (Optional):** Shangri-La Park - Elephant Trunk Hill - Ten-Mile Gallery
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Experience the tranquility of Shangri-La Park.
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Revisit Elephant Trunk Hill.
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Stroll the Ten-Mile Gallery's peaks and farmland.
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**Accommodation Tips**
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Stay in Guilin at the start/end and Yangshuo in between. Yulong River area suits relaxation, photography, and family trips.
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**More Food to Try**
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Luosifen (snail rice noodles), oil tea, and Guilin river snails.
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**Photo Spots**
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Yulong River Bamboo Rafts: Soft morning light is a photographer's dream.
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Xingping Li River: The 20 RMB backdrop.
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Silver Cave: Dreamy interplay of lights and stalactites.
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Yangshuo West Street: Artsy by day, lively by night.
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Longji Terraces: Spring "water mirrors," autumn golden hues.
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**Budget (5D4N Example)**
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Transport: 500 RMB (round-trip train + local transit).
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Accommodation: 600-1,000 RMB (double room).
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Tickets: 300-500 RMB (route-dependent).
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Food/Activities: 400-600 RMB.
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Total: ~1,500-2,000 RMB/person.
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**Tips:** Avoid holidays; hidden gems abound in local shops. Book Li River rafts early. Check e-bike batteries and document rentals. Guilin’s UV is strong—pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.