If there is one destination in China where the scenery looks like a traditional Chinese painting, it is Guilin.
Located in Guangxi Province in southern China, Guilin is famous for its extraordinary karst mountains, the winding Li River, limestone caves, ancient villages and spectacular rice terraces. The classic landscape between Guilin and Yangshuo has inspired generations of Chinese artists and poets and remains one of the country’s most photographed natural landscapes.
For first-time visitors, six attractions stand out:
- Li River Cruise
- Reed Flute Cave
- Yangshuo Scenic Area
- Longji Rice Terraces
- Elephant Trunk Hill
- Two Rivers and Four Lakes
🎥 Watch Our Guilin Travel Video
This guide explains not only what to see, but also when to go, how long to spend, ticket prices, how to reach each attraction, where to eat, whether advance booking is necessary and how to book.
Important: Attraction prices and operating schedules in China can change. The information below is intended for travel planning in 2026; always verify the final price and operating schedule at the official booking channel before travelling.
1. Li River Cruise
⭐ Why it is a must-see
The Li River Cruise is the No. 1 experience in Guilin and should be at the top of your itinerary.
The most famous scenic section runs between Guilin and Yangshuo. The river winds through spectacular limestone peaks, bamboo-covered banks, rice fields, villages and traditional rural landscapes. The official Li River Scenic Area describes the Huangbu Reflection area near Xingping as one of the highlights of the scenic section.
The cruise is also the easiest way to appreciate the classic Guilin landscape without spending hours hiking.
What you will see
- Karst mountains
- Nine Horse Fresco Hill
- Huangbu Reflection
- Bamboo groves
- Traditional villages
- Rice fields
- Fishermen and boats
- Xingping scenery
- The landscape associated with the ¥20 Chinese banknote
The classic Guilin–Yangshuo cruise covers roughly 83 km and generally takes around 3½–4½ hours depending on the vessel and conditions.
Best time to visit
April–October is generally excellent for lush green scenery.
For photography:
- April–May: fresh green landscapes and misty river scenery
- June–August: very green but hot and rainy
- September–October: generally comfortable with beautiful scenery
- November–March: cooler and quieter, but landscapes can look less lush
Early morning cruises are particularly attractive because mist can hang around the mountains.
How much time do you need?
Allow 5–6 hours including hotel transfer, check-in and the cruise.
The cruise itself is roughly 3½ hours or more, while the piers are around 40 minutes by road from central Guilin.
Ticket price
Current published prices vary according to boat class. One current listing shows approximately:
- 3-Star boat: from ¥480
- 4-Star boat: from ¥600
- 4.5-Star boat: from ¥750
Prices can vary with the specific cruise and inclusions.
Do you need advance booking?
YES — strongly recommended.
The Li River cruise is one of the attractions for which I would not recommend waiting until the day of travel, especially during weekends and Chinese public holidays.
The official scenic-area information currently provides online ticket sales through the Li River Ticket Office WeChat service account. The official site has also used advance-release systems; for example, its 2026 Spring Festival notice specified tickets being released 20 days in advance.
How to book
Best option:
- Open WeChat.
- Search for the official “漓江售票处” (Li River Ticket Office) service account.
- Register and enter passenger information.
- Select the Guilin–Yangshuo cruise.
- Choose the date and available boat.
- Pay online.
- Keep the booking confirmation and passenger identification details.
The official Li River site specifically directs tourists to this WeChat service account for cruise and sightseeing-raft tickets.
For foreign tourists who find the Chinese-language booking system difficult, a reputable hotel, travel agency or established OTA can be easier, particularly when a hotel-transfer package is included.
How to get there
The principal departure points are:
- Zhujiang Pier
- Mopanshan Pier
Both are approximately 40 minutes from central Guilin by road.
The easiest option for international tourists is a cruise package with hotel pickup.
Recommended food
Because the cruise occupies much of the day, breakfast is the important meal before departure.
In Guilin, try:
- Chunji Roasted Goose – famous for roast goose and local dishes
- Chongshan Rice Noodles – a popular choice for Guilin rice noodles
- Malan Rice Noodles – another convenient local noodle option
In Yangshuo, try:
- Beer Fish – Yangshuo’s signature dish
- Stuffed Li River snails
- Local bamboo shoots
- Guilin rice noodles
Dos
- Do book the cruise ahead.
- Do check exactly which pier your boat departs from.
- Do arrive early.
- Do take a seat on or frequently visit the outdoor viewing deck.
- Do carry sunscreen and water.
- Do keep your camera ready around Xingping and Huangbu Reflection.
Don’ts
- Don’t assume all boats offer the same experience.
- Don’t select a cruise purely because it is cheapest.
- Don’t arrive at the wrong pier.
- Don’t leave hotel transfer arrangements until the last minute.
2. Reed Flute Cave
⭐ Why it is a must-see
After seeing Guilin’s mountains above ground, Reed Flute Cave takes you into a completely different world underground.
This enormous limestone cave contains stalactites, stalagmites, stone columns and unusual rock formations dramatically illuminated with coloured lighting.
The cave also contains around 70 historical inscriptions and poems, including writings associated with the Tang Dynasty.
Best time to visit
Any time of year.
This is one of Guilin’s best rainy-day attractions.
Because the cave maintains a relatively cool underground environment, it can also be a pleasant escape during hot summer days.
Best time of day
Go either:
- Early morning, or
- Late afternoon
to avoid the busiest periods.
How much time do you need?
Allow 1½–2 hours.
The actual cave sightseeing route is relatively short, but you should allow additional time for entrance procedures, photographs and transportation.
Ticket price
Current published admission:
- Adult: approximately ¥110
- Child 120–140 cm: approximately ¥55
- Under 120 cm: free
The published seasonal hours are:
- April–November: 7:30 AM–6:00 PM
- December–March: 8:00 AM–5:30 PM
Do you need advance booking?
YES — recommended, particularly in busy periods.
Current 2026 information indicates that the cave’s online booking rules have changed and tickets may need to be booked before midnight on the day before the visit through its official WeChat channel or authorised booking platforms.
Because booking rules can change, check the latest official notice before paying.
How to book
You can try:
- Official Reed Flute Cave WeChat account/mini-program
- A reputable OTA such as Trip.com
- Your Guilin hotel or tour operator
For foreign visitors, an OTA can sometimes be easier because the interface and payment process are more international-friendly.
How to get there
The cave is about 5 km northwest of central Guilin.
Options include:
- Taxi
- DiDi
- Private car
- Tourist bus/tour
- Local bus, including Bus 3 according to published visitor information.
Recommended food nearby
For convenience, it is generally better to eat in central Guilin rather than choosing a restaurant solely because it is near the cave.
Good dishes to look for:
- Guilin rice noodles
- Guilin-style roast pork
- Beer fish
- Bamboo shoots
- Local dumplings
Activities
- Explore the cave
- View the illuminated formations
- See ancient inscriptions
- Photography where permitted
- Learn about the geology and history
Dos
- Do wear non-slip shoes.
- Do carry a light jacket.
- Do stay on the marked path.
- Do check photography restrictions.
Don’ts
- Don’t touch the cave formations.
- Don’t wander away from the designated route.
- Don’t assume flash photography is allowed.
- Don’t damage or climb on the formations.
3. Yangshuo Scenic Area
⭐ Why it is a must-see
Yangshuo is not just another attraction—it is an entire travel experience.
If Guilin is about dramatic scenery, Yangshuo allows you to experience that scenery slowly.
Here you can cycle between rice fields, float down the Yulong River on bamboo rafts, visit villages, explore Xingping and spend an evening on historic West Street.
Best time to visit
The best overall period is:
October–November
The weather is generally comfortable and the countryside can be particularly attractive.
Also good:
- April–May
- September–October
Summer is lush but can be hot, humid and rainy.
How much time do you need?
Minimum: 1 full day
Recommended: 2 days / 1–2 nights
If possible, stay overnight.
A very good combination is:
Li River Cruise → Yangshuo → overnight → Yulong River → countryside cycling → West Street
Main attractions
West Street
Historic pedestrian street containing:
- Restaurants
- Cafés
- Bars
- Shops
- Local snacks
- Souvenirs
Yulong River
Excellent for:
- Bamboo rafting
- Cycling
- Photography
- Walking
- Rural scenery
Xingping
One of the most scenic areas around Yangshuo and closely associated with the iconic Li River landscape.
Ticket prices
There is no single Yangshuo admission ticket.
Examples:
- West Street: generally free
- Countryside: generally free
- Yulong River: free to enter the area, but rafting costs extra
- Bamboo rafting: approximately ¥200–¥320 per raft, depending on the route and raft type
Do you need advance booking?
For Yangshuo itself: NO
You can explore West Street and much of the countryside independently.
For popular activities: YES, recommended
Consider advance booking for:
- Bamboo rafting
- Impression Liu Sanjie
- Popular performances
- Private tours
- Peak-season accommodation
How to book
For activities, use:
- Official attraction websites/WeChat accounts
- Reputable Chinese travel platforms
- Trip.com
- Hotel concierge
- Local tour operator
For international travellers, booking through a reputable OTA is usually easier than trying to navigate Chinese-only mini-programs.
Recommended eateries
Yangshuo Beer Fish
Look for established restaurants serving Yangshuo Beer Fish, the area’s signature dish.
West Street
West Street has numerous restaurants and cafés. Instead of choosing solely from the most aggressively advertised restaurants, check recent reviews and busy local restaurants.
What to eat
- Yangshuo Beer Fish
- Guilin rice noodles
- Stuffed vegetables
- River snails
- Bamboo shoots
- Local tofu dishes
- Osmanthus-flavoured desserts
Activities
- Bamboo rafting
- Cycling
- E-bike riding
- Hiking
- Photography
- Village visits
- Rock climbing
- West Street shopping
- Nightlife
- Liu Sanjie performance
Dos
- Do stay at least one night.
- Do explore beyond West Street.
- Do rent a bicycle/e-bike.
- Do visit Yulong River.
- Do explore the villages.
Don’ts
- Don’t spend the entire visit shopping on West Street.
- Don’t accept unsolicited tour offers without checking the price.
- Don’t cycle dangerously.
- Don’t enter private farmland without permission.
4. Longji Rice Terraces
⭐ Why it is a must-see
The Longji Rice Terraces are one of China’s great examples of human-made agricultural landscapes.
Mountain slopes have been transformed into thousands of rice terraces that appear like enormous ribbons wrapped around the hills.
The landscape changes dramatically according to the season.
Best time to visit
🌊 April–May: Water-filled terraces
The terraces are flooded for planting and become enormous mirrors reflecting the sky and mountains.
🌿 June–September: Green terraces
The rice fields become intensely green.
🟡 Late September–early November: Golden terraces
This is arguably the most spectacular season for photography.
The current visitor information specifically identifies April–May, June–September and late September–early November as distinct scenic periods.
Avoid if your main goal is scenery:
January–March, when much of the rice landscape is relatively bare.
How much time do you need?
Minimum: 1 full day
Better: 1 night / 2 days
If you want:
- Sunrise
- Sunset
- Hiking
- Village exploration
- Photography
then staying overnight is strongly recommended.
Ticket price
Current published prices:
- Adult: ¥100
- Child 120–140 cm: ¥60
- Under 120 cm: free
- Jinkeng chairlift: approximately ¥60 one way / ¥110 return
Do you need advance booking?
Recommended in peak season.
You don’t necessarily need to book months ahead, but during:
- Chinese National Day holiday
- Labour Day holiday
- Golden rice season
- Weekends
advance booking is sensible.
How to book
Options include:
- Official scenic-area booking channel
- Reputable Chinese OTA
- Organised Guilin tour
- Hotel/tour operator
For international visitors, a Guilin–Longji day tour or private transfer is often much easier than combining several local buses independently.
How to get there
Longji is approximately 80–100 km from Guilin depending on the village.
Independent travellers can travel by bus toward Longsheng and then continue to the Longji area. A published route is:
Guilin Qintan Bus Station → Longsheng Bus Station → Longji
with the first bus costing around ¥35 according to current visitor information.
Easiest option
For most foreign tourists:
Private car or organised tour
is the most convenient.
Recommended eateries
The best food experience is inside the villages rather than returning to Guilin for every meal.
Look for local restaurants serving:
- Bamboo rice
- Local chicken
- Smoked pork
- Bamboo shoots
- Rice wine
- Stir-fried seasonal vegetables
If staying overnight in Ping’an or Dazhai, ask your guesthouse to arrange dinner.
Activities
- Hiking
- Sunrise photography
- Sunset photography
- Village visits
- Cable car/chairlift
- Local minority-culture experiences
- Traditional food
Dos
- Do carry water.
- Do wear hiking shoes.
- Do stay overnight for sunrise.
- Do check the weather.
- Do respect village customs.
Don’ts
- Don’t hike in unsuitable footwear.
- Don’t enter private farmland without permission.
- Don’t litter.
- Don’t underestimate the walking involved.
5. Elephant Trunk Hill
⭐ Why it is a must-see
Elephant Trunk Hill is Guilin’s most recognisable landmark.
The limestone formation appears like an elephant drinking water from the Li River.
The hill contains:
- Water Moon Cave
- Elephant Eye Cave
- Puxian Pagoda
- Historical inscriptions
The area is particularly convenient because it is located in central Guilin.
Best time to visit
Morning
Good for:
- Softer light
- Fewer visitors
- Photography
Late afternoon / sunset
Excellent for:
- Warm light
- River scenery
- Photography
Evening
The surrounding Guilin landscape can be particularly attractive after dark, subject to the site’s operating arrangements.
How much time do you need?
Allow approximately 1½–2 hours.
If you are photographing the surroundings extensively, allow 2–3 hours.
Ticket price
A published price is:
- Adult: ¥70
- Child 120–140 cm: ¥35
- Under 120 cm: free.
However, admission policies can change, so check the current official information before visiting.
Do you need advance booking?
Usually NO for a simple visit, but check the current admission policy.
The attraction is centrally located and can be combined easily with other Guilin attractions.
How to get there
Taxi/DiDi is easiest.
Published bus routes include:
- 2
- 16
- 23
- 33
- 57
- 58
Recommended eateries
Because you are in central Guilin, you have many choices.
Try:
Guilin rice noodles
This is the dish you absolutely should try in Guilin.
Look for established local noodle shops rather than tourist restaurants.
Chunji Roasted Goose
A good choice for a proper Guilin meal.
Local Guilin restaurants
Try dishes containing:
- Guilin chilli sauce
- Pickled tofu
- Freshwater fish
- Bamboo shoots
- Pork
- Local vegetables
Activities
- Photograph Elephant Trunk Hill
- Walk around the park
- Visit Water Moon Cave
- See Puxian Pagoda
- Enjoy Li River scenery
Dos
- Do visit early or near sunset.
- Do combine this attraction with Two Rivers and Four Lakes.
- Do take photographs from different angles.
Don’ts
- Don’t climb outside marked paths.
- Don’t ignore safety barriers near the river.
- Don’t rush through the park.
6. Two Rivers and Four Lakes
⭐ Why it is a must-see
Guilin’s beauty doesn’t disappear after sunset.
The Two Rivers and Four Lakes system connects:
Two Rivers
- Li River
- Peach Blossom River
Four Lakes
- Rong Lake
- Shan Lake
- Gui Lake
- Mulong Lake
At night, bridges, pagodas, buildings and waterways are illuminated, creating one of Guilin’s most beautiful evening scenes.
The official attraction website currently lists a ¥60 luxury night cruise, while other themed cruise products are considerably more expensive. This is why tourists should check exactly which cruise they are buying.
Best time to visit
Nighttime — definitely.
The attraction is most impressive after the lights come on.
The best months are generally:
October–November
when evening temperatures are more comfortable.
However, it is worthwhile throughout the year.
How much time do you need?
Walking around the lakes:
1½–2½ hours
Night cruise:
Approximately 60–90 minutes, depending on the cruise. The official luxury night cruise currently lists approximately 90 minutes for several routes.
Ideal:
Allow 2–3 hours.
Ticket price
Current official listings include:
- Luxury night cruise: ¥60
- Luxury daytime Four Lakes cruise: around ¥30
- Some themed cruises: considerably more, e.g. ¥238 for one current themed product
The exact product matters.
Do you need advance booking?
Regular cruise: same-day booking may be possible
The official site currently states that the ¥60 night cruise can be booked on the same day. However, because boat capacity is limited, it also recommends advance reservation on weekends and public holidays.
My recommendation:
Book 1–2 days ahead, particularly if you want a specific evening departure.
How to book
The official website provides online booking and a WeChat mini-program.
You can:
- Visit the official Two Rivers & Four Lakes website.
- Select the cruise.
- Choose the date.
- Enter passenger identification details.
- Pay.
- Contact customer service on the day to confirm the precise departure time and pier.
The official instructions currently say passengers should contact customer service after booking to confirm the departure time and boarding pier, because boat schedules can vary.
Customer service:
0773-8281368
The official site also provides English-language pages and online booking.
Very important
Arrive at the pier at least 20 minutes before departure. Real-name verification is required, and the identification information must match the booking.
Recommended eateries
This is an excellent attraction to combine with dinner.
Around central Guilin
Look for:
- Guilin rice-noodle shops
- Local Cantonese/Guangxi restaurants
- Roast goose restaurants
- Restaurants serving freshwater fish
Recommended dishes
- Guilin rice noodles
- Beer fish
- Roast goose
- Stuffed tofu
- Bamboo shoots
- Guilin chilli sauce dishes
A good strategy is to have dinner around Zhengyang Pedestrian Street / central Guilin before or after the cruise.
Dos
- Do take the night cruise.
- Do book ahead on weekends.
- Do confirm your pier.
- Do arrive 20 minutes early.
- Do keep your passport/ID details consistent with the booking.
- Do bring a camera.
Don’ts
- Don’t assume every cruise is the same.
- Don’t go to the pier without checking which pier your boat uses.
- Don’t arrive at the last minute.
- Don’t assume a ¥60 cruise and a ¥238 themed cruise provide the same experience.
Where Should You Eat in Guilin?
Food is an important part of the Guilin experience.
🍜 1. Guilin Rice Noodles
This is the food you absolutely should try.
Guilin rice noodles are one of the city’s signature foods and are commonly eaten for breakfast.
Look for busy local noodle shops rather than restaurants aimed exclusively at tourists.
🪿 2. Roast Goose
Chunji Roasted Goose is one of the better-known names visitors can look for when searching for Guilin roast goose.
🐟 3. Yangshuo Beer Fish
This is one of the dishes most associated with Yangshuo.
The fish is typically cooked with beer, tomatoes, peppers and local seasonings.
🌿 4. Local Village Food
At Longji, try:
- Bamboo rice
- Smoked pork
- Local chicken
- Bamboo shoots
- Seasonal vegetables
Do You Need to Book Attractions in Advance?
Here is the simple answer:
| Attraction | Advance Booking? | My Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Li River Cruise | Yes | Book several days ahead |
| Reed Flute Cave | Recommended | Book before the day of visit |
| Yangshuo | No | Book individual activities |
| Yulong River rafting | Recommended | Book 1 day ahead in busy periods |
| Longji Rice Terraces | Recommended | Book ahead in peak season |
| Elephant Trunk Hill | Usually no | Check current admission policy |
| Two Rivers & Four Lakes | Recommended | 1–2 days ahead on weekends/holidays |
Best Booking Strategy for Foreign Tourists
If you are travelling to Guilin from India or another country and don’t read Chinese, I recommend the following approach.
For Li River Cruise
Best: Official Li River Ticket Office WeChat service account.
The official site specifically identifies this as the ticket channel.
If that is difficult to use:
Use a reputable OTA or hotel-arranged cruise package.
For Reed Flute Cave
Try:
- Official WeChat/mini-program
- Trip.com or another established OTA
- Hotel concierge
For Yangshuo
You don’t need to pre-book the town itself.
Book:
- Rafting
- Performances
- Private tours
- Popular hotels
separately.
For Longji
A private tour or organised day trip from Guilin is often the simplest solution.
For Two Rivers & Four Lakes
Use the official website/WeChat mini-program. The official site currently provides online booking and customer-service assistance.
How Many Days Should You Spend in Guilin?
For all six attractions, I recommend:
⭐ 5 Days / 4 Nights
Day 1 – Guilin City
Morning: Elephant Trunk Hill
Afternoon: Reed Flute Cave
Evening: Two Rivers & Four Lakes night cruise
Day 2 – Li River
Morning: Li River Cruise
Afternoon: Arrive Yangshuo
Evening: West Street
Night: Stay in Yangshuo
Day 3 – Yangshuo
Morning: Yulong River
Afternoon: Countryside cycling / villages
Evening: Yangshuo or Liu Sanjie performance
Day 4 – Longji Rice Terraces
Early morning: Leave Guilin
Day: Longji hiking and viewpoints
Evening: Return to Guilin or stay near Longji
Day 5 – Buffer / Relaxed Guilin Day
Use this day for:
- Extra Yangshuo sightseeing
- Xingping
- Xianggong Hill
- Shopping
- Local food
- Relaxing beside the Li River
My Recommended Order of Priority
If you have limited time, prioritize the attractions in this order:
🥇 Li River Cruise
Must see
🥈 Yangshuo
Must see
🥉 Longji Rice Terraces
Highly recommended
4️⃣ Two Rivers & Four Lakes
Excellent evening experience
5️⃣ Reed Flute Cave
Excellent if you enjoy caves/geology
6️⃣ Elephant Trunk Hill
Iconic but relatively quick to visit
Final Guilin Travel Advice
Guilin should not be treated as a destination where you simply tick attractions off a list.
The real magic is the combination of:
mountains + river + villages + rice terraces + caves + food + evening scenery.
For the best experience, spend at least 4–5 days and combine Guilin with an overnight stay in Yangshuo.
If you are visiting during the golden rice-terrace season in late September or October, Longji should be a major priority. If you visit in spring, the water-filled terraces and misty Li River can provide completely different scenery.
And above all, book the Li River cruise in advance, keep your passport details consistent with your reservations, and confirm the departure pier for boat trips. The official operators’ current 2026 booking systems make this particularly important for foreign visitors.
Guilin is one of those rare destinations where the landscape itself is the attraction—and once you see the Li River winding between the karst mountains, you will understand why it has been celebrated for centuries.
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