3 Days 2 Nights to Explore Guilin and the Li River

Want to see the real-life version of "Boats sailing on emerald waves, people traveling in a painting"? Come to Guilin! The saying "Guilin's scenery is the best under heaven" is no exaggeration, and the best part—it won't cost you much! Today's all-inclusive 3-day, 2-night guide under 1500 RMB will take you to eat the most authentic rice noodles, ride the classic bamboo raft, stay in a guesthouse by West Street, avoid pitfalls and rushing, and easily enjoy the essence of Guilin!

📍Day 1: Arrive in Guilin → City sightseeing + Night cruise on Two Rivers and Four Lakes

🚄 Transportation suggestion (from Guangzhou as an example):
High-speed train round trip about 300 RMB (2 hours direct), the best value for money!
After arrival, taxi to the hotel costs about 20 RMB.

🏨 Accommodation: Budget hotel in downtown Guilin/near Elephant Trunk Hill (about 180 RMB/night)
Recommended chain brands like Vienna Hotel, City Convenience, clean, safe, and convenient for travel.

🍜 Lunch: Local favorite rice noodle shop
Recommended "Lao Dongjiang Rice Noodles" or "Shouzi Rice Noodles," braised meat noodles + braised egg + pot-roasted = 10 RMB done, add pickled mustard greens and chili, so fragrant you'll slurp the bowl!

🏛️ Afternoon: Elephant Trunk Hill Park (ticket 55 RMB)
Guilin city emblem check-in spot! Right by the Li River, shaped like an elephant drinking water, very recognizable for photos. Recommended to visit at dusk for soft light and no strong sun.

🌙 Evening: Night cruise on Two Rivers and Four Lakes (boat ticket 190 RMB, student ticket 160 RMB)
A must-do! Cruise through the illuminated landscape, as beautiful as a dream. Remember to buy tickets online in advance to avoid queues!

🍽️ Dinner: Snacks on Zhengyang Road Pedestrian Street
Osmanthus cake (8 RMB), oil tea (12 RMB per bowl), grilled beer fish (small portion 48 RMB for two), eating while strolling is the way to go!

📍Day 2: Li River classic bamboo raft drifting → Stroll around Yangshuo West Street

🚌 Morning: Guilin → Yangdi Pier (carpool about 40 RMB/person, 1.5 hours)
Start early! Recommended to arrive before 7:30 to avoid peak crowds.

🚤 Li River classic bamboo raft drifting (Yangdi to Xingping, ticket 160 RMB/person)
About 1.5 hours, featuring Nine Horses Fresco Hill and Yellow Cloth Reflection! An optional 20 RMB extra for photos by the photographer (bring a waterproof phone case recommended).

📸 Check-in spot matching the 20 RMB RMB background
5-minute walk after rafting, free photos, wear bright clothes for better shots!

🚴‍♀️ Afternoon: Bike ride through the Ten-Mile Gallery (electric bike rental 30 RMB/day)
Along rice fields, karst peaks, pastoral scenery, every snap is wallpaper-worthy. Stop by the popular "Internet-famous swing" (20 RMB per ride) and the outdoor filming location of the "Liu Sanjie" live show.

🏨 Accommodation: Characteristic guesthouse near Yangshuo West Street (about 260 RMB/night including breakfast)
Choose a quiet courtyard close to West Street, so you can relax with a drink after shopping at night.

🍽️ Dinner: Local restaurant on West Street
Recommended "Master Chef Beer Fish" and "Chun Ji Roast Goose," about 60 RMB per person to eat your fill!

🎉 Night: Bar hopping or watch "Impression Liu Sanjie" (optional)
Directed by Zhang Yimou, the live show is stunning! But tickets are pricey (regular seats start at 180 RMB). If on a budget, skip it and enjoy folk songs on West Street for a great vibe~

📍Day 3: Explore Silver Cave → Return trip

🕳️ Morning: Silver Cave (ticket 65 RMB)
"Visit Silver Cave, never lack money in life!" Stalactites of all shapes and sizes, under lights look like the Milky Way fallen to earth. About 1 hour walking, perfect for cooling off.

🍜 Lunch: Yangshuo old-flavor rice noodles (10 RMB done)
One more bowl of authentic braised meat noodles to end the trip.

🚌 Afternoon: Yangshuo → Guilin city (bus 30 RMB/person, 1 hour)
Return according to high-speed train schedule, ending a perfect three days!

💰 Estimated total cost (per person):
High-speed train round trip: 300 RMB
Local transport + carpool: 100 RMB
Tickets + bamboo raft + night cruise: 470 RMB
2 nights accommodation: 440 RMB
Food + snacks: 200 RMB
Other expenses (souvenirs, etc.): within 100 RMB
✅ Total: about 1500 RMB max!

📌 Tips:
Li River bamboo raft requires some cash payment at the pier, prepare small change;
West Street is heavily commercialized, compare prices when shopping;
Best seasons are spring and autumn, bring an umbrella for sudden rain in the rainy season;
Student ID! Student ID! Can save a lot on tickets!

Guilin has never been a distant dream; it’s close and affordable.
In just three days and two nights, you’ll believe: China really has places so beautiful they seem unreal.