Selected must-visit attractions around Guilin

Yangshuo boasts the most stunning landscapes, while the Longji Rice Terraces are incredibly spectacular. However, they are located in opposite directions—one to the south and the other to the north—each requiring over an hour's drive from Guilin. Visiting both requires careful planning. 📝

【Li River Cruise】
If you’re heading to Yangshuo from Guilin and have ample time, consider taking a cruise. It’s recommended to book tickets through a local travel agency. Four-star cruises are more luxurious and comfortable. Typically, travel agencies provide transportation to the Zhujiang Pier or other piers, followed by a three-hour boat ride along the Li River to Yangshuo. Morning departures usually include lunch onboard. You can enjoy the scenery from the open-air deck or relax in the air-conditioned cabin while admiring the views through glass windows.

【Yulong River Bamboo Rafting】
The Shui’e Di Pier is relatively accessible and offers a shorter experience, perfect for a quick bamboo rafting adventure. You can call a car from Yangshuo town to the ticket office, purchase tickets, and then queue at the entrance. Each bamboo raft accommodates only two people, with a combined weight limit (including belongings) of 160kg. If you exceed the limit, you’ll need to split into another raft. Before boarding, both passengers must weigh in together. Life jackets are provided and can be worn throughout the ride. The boatman will use an umbrella to shield you from the sun, but it’s advisable to bring a hat for extra protection. The Shui’e Di route is smooth and not too thrilling, but since bamboo rafts are permeable, expect slightly wet feet. Occasionally, there are downhill sections where you’ll need to lift your feet—don’t worry, the boatman will remind you.

【Longji Rice Terraces】
The Longji Rice Terraces are divided into several areas, with most tourists visiting the Jinkeng Dazhai Terraces due to its cable car access. While hiking up is an option, it’s a challenging route suitable only for seasoned hikers with excellent physical fitness. Summer hikes are especially discouraged due to the heat, which can lead to heatstroke even if you take the cable car. Round-trip cable car tickets cost 100 RMB per person—keep your ticket safe for the return trip. The cable car directly reaches the Golden Buddha Peak Observation Deck, which may not offer the best views but is the easiest to access. For more breathtaking terrace views, you’ll need to find your way to non-cable car observation points like Xishan Shaole or Thousand-Layer Ladder.

【Huangluo Yao Village (Long Hair Village)】
Due to the remote mountain roads leading to the Longji Rice Terraces, it’s best to join a group tour for your first visit. Most tour itineraries include the Long Hair Village, where you can optionally purchase tickets for the village’s performance. Even if you skip the show, you can still explore the village. Tickets cost 80 RMB per person, and the performance is surprisingly entertaining—worth considering since you’re already there. The village itself is picturesque, featuring streams and traditional wooden architecture. It’s a great spot for photography, and there’s even a museum where you can enjoy air conditioning. If included in your tour package, don’t skip it.

【Accommodation in Guilin】
This time, I chose the Shangri-La Hotel in Guilin, which offers river-view rooms. The hotel is beautiful and comfortable. Although the photos might suggest slightly outdated decor, it’s actually quite elegant in person. Waking up to the river view is delightful, especially if you rise early enough to catch the dreamy gradient colors of dawn (note: river-view rooms don’t face east, so you won’t see the sunrise).

【Ticket Booking Tips】
✅ Many tickets require real-name registration, including for cruises and bamboo rafting, so always carry your travel documents.
✅ Group tour quality varies greatly, and some can be a nightmare. Choose a reputable local travel agency.

【Transportation Tips】
✅ Public transportation in Guilin isn’t as extensive as in major cities, and distances between attractions are significant, so calling a car is essential.
✅ The Gaode Map app allows Hong Kong phone numbers to call cars (register your Gaode account with a WeChat account). After placing an order, prepay the fare using a payment app—similar to Uber.
✅ Once in the car, confirm the last four digits of your registered phone number with the driver before departure. If issues arise, use the Gaode app’s messaging feature to contact the driver.
✅ Pickup locations can sometimes be inaccurate. Confirm your location before placing an order. Also, note that Guilin city center can experience severe traffic jams during weekends, holidays, and peak seasons at night.