Guilin is one of China’s most picturesque destinations, famous for its stunning karst landscapes, winding rivers, and ancient culture. For travelers planning a trip, one of the common questions is: how long should you stay in Guilin to experience all it has to offer? While some may want a quick escape to admire its iconic Li River and Elephant Trunk Hill, others prefer a deeper exploration of nearby attractions like Yangshuo and the Longji Rice Terraces.
In this guide, we’ll help you decide how many days you should spend in Guilin based on different travel styles, from short trips to extended stays, ensuring you make the most of your visit. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Guilin offers a range of experiences for all types of travelers.
Why Visit Guilin?
Guilin is renowned for its unique karst landscape, crystal-clear rivers, and stunning mountains. The Li River is particularly famous, where you can experience a poetic journey by taking a bamboo raft, feeling as though you’re floating through a living painting.
I can confidently say that Guilin is truly a place worth spending time in, offering an unparalleled connection with nature. Unlike the typical artificial attractions found in cities, Guilin’s natural beauty stands out and provides a refreshing and authentic experience.
How Long Should You Stay in Guilin?
So, if you’re planning a trip to Guilin, how many days should you set aside? The most common duration is between 2 to 5 days, with more time allowing for a deeper exploration of the region’s attractions. Let’s break down the different itineraries based on trip length.
Short Trip (2 days)
Key Features:
- Tight Schedule: You’ll have time to explore the core attractions within Guilin city, such as Elephant Trunk Hill and the Two Rivers and Four Lakes area.
- High Flexibility: Ideal for those with limited time or those seeking a brief introduction to Guilin’s charm.
Pros:
- Low time commitment, allowing you to quickly check off Guilin’s iconic sights.
- Flexible itinerary that can be adjusted based on personal preferences.
Cons:
- You’ll only get a quick glimpse of Guilin’s beauty without delving deeply into it.
- A short trip might not allow for visits to further destinations like Yangshuo or the Longji Rice Terraces.
Standard Trip (3 days)
Key Features:
- Popular Choice: You’ll be able to visit not only Guilin’s main attractions but also venture out to Yangshuo and the Li River.
- Ample Time: More flexibility to enjoy your trip without feeling rushed.
Pros:
- You’ll have time to explore both Guilin’s city highlights and the scenic beauty of Yangshuo.
- Can include a half-day bamboo raft trip along the Li River, taking in the breathtaking views.
Cons:
- Still might feel a bit rushed if you wish to see more sights.
- You may need to skip some less touristy but interesting spots due to time constraints.
Extended Trip (4-5 days)
Key Features:
- In-Depth Exploration: You’ll have plenty of time to visit all must-see attractions, including the Longji Rice Terraces and the Silver Cave.
- Comprehensive Experience: Immerse yourself not only in the landscapes but also in local culture, cuisine, and outdoor activities.
Pros:
- Best choice for those who want to deeply explore Guilin and its surroundings, learning more about its culture and natural beauty.
- You can enjoy outdoor activities such as biking along the Yulong River or hiking.
Cons:
- A longer trip requires a higher budget.
- Planning can be more complex, especially for independent travelers.
How to Choose?
- If you’re short on time, opt for a two-day trip, focusing on Guilin’s city attractions or heading straight to Yangshuo.
- For those with more energy, a 3-day trip strikes a good balance, though it might still feel a bit packed.
- A 4-5 day trip allows you to fully enjoy Guilin’s landscapes and culture without rushing from one spot to another.
3-Day Itinerary in Detail
If you’re planning to spend 3 days in Guilin, here is a detailed 3-day itinerary you can follow. Feel free to adjust it according to your personal preferences.
Day 1: Explore Guilin City
Morning
- Elephant Trunk Hill: Start your day with Guilin’s most iconic landmark, Elephant Trunk Hill, named for its resemblance to a giant elephant drinking from the river.
- Two Rivers and Four Lakes: After visiting Elephant Trunk Hill, head to the Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area, a beautiful water system in the heart of Guilin. This includes the Li River, Taohua River, and four picturesque lakes. The area is especially stunning at night.
Afternoon
- Jingjiang Prince City: In the afternoon, visit the ancient Jingjiang Wangcheng City to dive into Guilin’s rich history and culture.
- Dongxi Lane: Continue to Dongxi Lane, the only remaining historical street from the Ming and Qing dynasties, where you can experience traditional Guilin culture and taste some local delicacies.
Evening
- Zhengyang Pedestrian Street: Spend your evening at Zhengyang Pedestrian Street, where you can enjoy Guilin rice noodles and other local specialties while soaking up the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Day 2: Li River Cruise + Yangshuo Adventure
Morning
- Li River Cruise: Embark on a four-hour cruise along the famous Li River, taking in the spectacular natural scenery that lines the riverbanks.
- West Street in Yangshuo: Upon arriving in Yangshuo at midday, explore West Street, a lively and charming area filled with shops, restaurants, and cultural activities. It’s also a great spot to experience the local nightlife.
Afternoon
- Yulong River Bamboo Rafting: Spend your afternoon drifting down the tranquil Yulong River on a bamboo raft, an ideal way to unwind and admire Yangshuo’s serene beauty.
- Ten-Mile Gallery: After rafting, bike or walk through the Ten-Mile Gallery, a scenic route that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Evening
- Impression Liu Sanjie: In the evening, enjoy the “Impression Liu Sanjie” live show, an immersive performance showcasing the region’s ethnic culture against the backdrop of Yangshuo’s stunning landscapes.
Day 3: Longji Rice Terraces
Morning
- Longji Rice Terraces: Head to the Longji Rice Terraces in the morning, where you can marvel at the spectacular layers of terraced fields winding their way from the base to the summit of the mountains.
Afternoon
- Free Exploration: In the afternoon, you can spend time exploring more of Guilin’s attractions, such as Diecai Hill or Seven Star Park, based on your interests.
Evening
- Wrap Up: Conclude your trip with a leisurely evening, preparing to head back home after a memorable 3-day adventure in Guilin.
This itinerary balances the must-see spots in Guilin with the stunning natural beauty of the Li River and surrounding areas, offering a quick but fulfilling experience of the city’s landscape and local cuisine.
5-Day Extended Itinerary
If you’re planning to stay longer in Guilin, a 5-day itinerary might be a better fit for you.
Day 1: Arrival in Guilin
- Morning: Upon arrival, head to your hotel to check in and rest for a while.
- Lunch: Try some Guilin rice noodles or other local delicacies near your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin’s iconic landmark, and take some photos.
- Evening: Stroll along Zhengyang Pedestrian Street, enjoy the vibrant nightlife, and sample some local street food.
Day 2: Explore Guilin City
- Morning: Take a cruise through the Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area to admire the city’s picturesque views.
- Lunch: Enjoy lunch in the city center, where Guilin rice noodles are highly recommended.
- Afternoon: Visit the Guilin Museum to learn about the region’s history and culture.
- Evening: Spend some free time exploring the Dongxi Lane for shopping and picking up some souvenirs to remember your trip.
Day 3: Li River and Yangshuo
- Morning: Embark on a Li River cruise, which will take you through some of the most stunning natural landscapes, arriving in Yangshuo.
- Lunch: Enjoy lunch on West Street, a popular destination in Yangshuo, and try the local specialty, beer fish.
- Afternoon: Ride a bike through the Ten-Mile Gallery, soaking in Yangshuo’s beautiful rural scenery.
- Evening: Watch the performance of “Guilin Eternal Love”, an enchanting show that highlights the rich cultural history of Guilin.
Day 4: Longji Rice Terraces
- Full Day: Spend the entire day at the Longji Rice Terraces, marveling at the spectacular terraced fields and experiencing the culture of the Yao ethnic group.
- Evening: Return to Guilin or enjoy a meal featuring the unique dishes of the Yao people.
Day 5: Surrounding Areas of Guilin
- Morning: Take a short trip to one of Guilin’s nearby attractions, such as Fubo Hill or Diecai Hill, for a more in-depth exploration.
- Lunch: Have a traditional lunch in the area.
- Afternoon: Enjoy free time in the city, with options to visit a museum or art gallery.
- Evening: Wrap up your Guilin trip with a final dinner in the city before heading home.
This 5-day itinerary takes into account transportation, accommodations, dining, and sightseeing, offering a well-rounded experience of Guilin and its surroundings.
For foreign visitors, language and transportation may be challenging, but you can use trip.com to book high-speed trains and flights, as this company is based in China. Alternatively, you can hire a local guide to help plan your trip—Viator and GetYourGuide are both highly recommended platforms.
What to Pack for Your Trip
When preparing for a trip to Guilin, international travelers should pay special attention to the following items to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey:
Documents & Currency
- Valid Passport: Make sure your passport is valid before departure.
- Visa: Apply for the appropriate Chinese visa based on your nationality.
- Cash: Bring some RMB (Chinese Yuan) for emergencies, especially in rural areas.
- Credit/Debit Cards: Most hotels and restaurants in the city accept international credit cards.
Clothing
- Season-appropriate Clothing: Guilin has mild spring and autumn seasons, hot and humid summers, and cooler winters. Pack accordingly for your travel dates.
- Sun Protection Clothing: Long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect your skin from the intense sun.
- Rain Gear: Guilin experiences frequent rain, so carry an umbrella or a raincoat.
- Comfortable Hiking Shoes: Since Guilin has mountainous terrain, wear slip-resistant and comfortable shoes.
Sun Protection & Safety
- Sunscreen: Choose one with SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin from UV rays.
- Sun Hat & Sunglasses: These will shield your eyes and head from direct sunlight.
Electronics & Accessories
- Mobile Phone & Charger: Stay connected, and in case of emergencies, you can contact official services.
- Camera, Memory Cards, & Spare Batteries: Capture the beautiful moments of your trip.
- Power Adapter & Converter: China uses 220V electricity, so bring the appropriate adapter for your devices.
Personal Care Items
- Toiletries: Some hotels may not provide full sets of toiletries, so it’s best to bring your own.
- Basic Medications: Carry essentials like pain relievers, motion sickness pills, and band-aids.
Travel Insurance
- Travel Insurance: Make sure your insurance covers medical emergencies and evacuation.
Language & Navigation
- Translation Apps: These are especially useful for communication in non-tourist areas.
- Map Apps: Ensure they work offline, so you can navigate even without an internet connection.
Cultural Respect
- Familiarize Yourself with Local Customs: Show respect for local customs and dress appropriately, especially when visiting religious or cultural sites.
Conclusion
After reading the above information, you should have a general idea of how to plan your trip to Guilin. However, I strongly recommend that if you have enough time, you should extend your stay in Guilin. Not only will you be able to immerse yourself in the local culture, but you’ll also discover even more hidden gems and beautiful landscapes.
