Guilin
Plan Guilin with Haqqi Tours: day tours, private airport transfers, attraction tickets and packages, run by our own team and confirmed on WhatsApp in Arabic or English.
Drift down the Li River on a calm morning and the hills of Guilin rise around you like a painting come to life: green karst peaks in every shape, one behind another, reflected in clear water. Water buffalo cool off in the shallows, bamboo rafts glide past villages hidden among groves, and mist clings to the summits until the sun breaks through and turns the river silver and jade.
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Guilin lies in the north of the Guangxi region in southern China, set among thousands of limestone hills along the Li River. Downstream, the small town of Yangshuo sits in a valley of rice fields, orchards and rivers, while to the north the Longji rice terraces climb the mountains in great curved steps, farmed by Zhuang and Yao communities. It is one of the most celebrated landscapes in China.
Why include Guilin in your itinerary?
- The Li River cruise. The journey from Guilin to Yangshuo passes some of the most famous karst scenery in China, with peaks, cliffs and villages unfolding for about four hours along the river.
- Yangshuo's countryside. Around Yangshuo, the Yulong River winds between rice fields and limestone towers, explored on gentle bamboo rafts poled by local boatmen.
- Caves and terraces. Reed Flute Cave glows with coloured lights inside the city, and the Longji rice terraces north of Guilin offer one of the most beautiful mountain views in southern China.
Signature experiences in Guilin
The Li River Cruise to Yangshuo
Boats leave piers south of Guilin in the morning and sail about four hours downstream to Yangshuo, passing the most celebrated stretch of the river: the Nine Horse Fresco Hill, Yellow Cloth Shoal and the scenery around Xingping. Lunch is usually served on board, and you return to Guilin by road in about an hour and a half. Water levels and weather can shorten or change the route.
Bamboo Rafting on the Yulong River
Near Yangshuo, the Yulong River flows slowly through a valley of rice paddies, orchards and karst peaks. Two-seat bamboo rafts, poled by local boatmen, glide over small weirs and past the ancient Yulong Bridge, a stone arch from the Ming era. The ride is calm and quiet, suitable for families, and typically lasts one to two hours depending on the section chosen.
Reed Flute Cave and Elephant Trunk Hill
In the north-west of Guilin, Reed Flute Cave is a limestone cave of stalactites, stone curtains and still pools, lit in soft colours along an easy path of about forty minutes. In the centre, Elephant Trunk Hill stands at the meeting of the Li and Peach Blossom rivers, its arch resembling an elephant drinking from the water, the symbol of the city. Both are ideal for a half-day visit.
The Longji Rice Terraces
About two hours north of Guilin, the Longji terraces cover the slopes of the Longsheng mountains in curving steps carved over centuries. The villages of Ping'an and Dazhai, where Zhuang and Yao families live, have viewpoints reached by paths, and a cable car rises above Dazhai. The terraces are flooded in spring, green in summer and gold before the harvest in late September and October.
Evening Shows and the Two Rivers and Four Lakes
Guilin's centre is ringed by rivers and lakes, and in the evening the Sun and Moon Pagodas glow on Shan Lake, one in gold and one in silver. Boat rides through the Two Rivers and Four Lakes pass bridges and lit gardens. In Yangshuo, a large outdoor light and landscape show uses the real river and hills as its stage, with hundreds of performers on the water.
Neighbourhoods and quarters to know in Guilin
Central Guilin
The centre of Guilin, around Zhengyang pedestrian street, Shan Lake and the Sun and Moon Pagodas, is the most convenient base for cruises, caves and city sights. Hotels of all levels, restaurants and shops are within walking distance, and Elephant Trunk Hill is close by. It suits first-time visitors who want easy access to the Li River piers and the high-speed train stations.
Yangshuo Town
Yangshuo is a small riverside town about an hour and a half south of Guilin, where the Li River cruise ends. The area around West Street is lively in the evening, while quieter hotels sit along the river. It is a good base for the Yulong River, the countryside and the evening light show, though the old centre is busy on holidays.
Yangshuo Countryside
Beyond the town, boutique hotels and guesthouses are scattered among rice fields and karst peaks along the Yulong River and around Moon Hill. Staying here means peaceful nights, mist on the fields at dawn and views straight from your room. A private car arranged by our team makes it easy to reach the town, the rafting piers and the river.
Xingping
Xingping is an old river town on the Li River about half an hour north of Yangshuo, with stone lanes, wooden houses and some of the most famous views on the river. It is quieter than Yangshuo, with small hotels and a viewpoint over the river bend. It makes a calm overnight stop for travellers who love landscapes.
How long to stay in Guilin and how to pair it
Recommended stay
We recommend three or four nights in the Guilin area. Spend one night in Guilin for Reed Flute Cave, Elephant Trunk Hill and the lakes, then take the Li River cruise to Yangshuo and stay two nights there for bamboo rafting on the Yulong River and the evening show. Add a night, or a long day trip, for the Longji rice terraces.
How to pair it
Guilin pairs naturally with Guangzhou, about two and a half to three hours away by high-speed train, and with Shenzhen and Hong Kong by train. A seven-day trip combines Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Guilin. In ten days, add Shanghai. A fourteen-day journey can link Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Shanghai and Hangzhou, with short flights between regions.
Best time to visit Guilin and the rhythm of the day
Best months
The best months for Guilin are September to November, with clear skies, comfortable temperatures and golden terraces. April to August is the rainy season: the landscape is lush, but heavy rain can bring floods, and the Li River cruise may be suspended on some days. Winter is cool and often misty, and low water can shorten the cruise route. Avoid Chinese national holidays if possible.
The daily rhythm
Days in Guilin follow the river. Li River cruises leave in the morning and reach Yangshuo in the early afternoon, leaving time for a rest before rafting or the countryside in the late afternoon light. Evenings are for the lit pagodas in Guilin or the light show in Yangshuo, and mornings are best for mist over the peaks.
On-the-ground logistics in Guilin
Arrival
Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) is about thirty kilometres south-west of the city, around forty minutes by car, and about an hour and a half from Yangshuo. High-speed trains link Guilin with Guangzhou in about two and a half to three hours, and with Shenzhen, Shanghai and Beijing. We issue flight and train tickets and arrange private transfers to your hotel in Guilin or Yangshuo.
Getting around
Central Guilin is compact, with taxis and ride-hailing apps easy to find. Most sights outside the city, including Yangshuo, the Yulong River, Xingping and the Longji terraces, are spread along country roads, so a private car with driver arranged by our team is the most comfortable way to combine them. Drivers rarely speak English, so keep your hotel name written in Chinese.
Local etiquette tip
Guilin and Yangshuo are relaxed and friendly. In Zhuang and Yao villages, ask before photographing people and do not enter homes without an invitation. Dress modestly in temples, keep rivers and paths clean, and follow boatmen's instructions on rafts. Bargaining is normal at markets, done with a smile. Tipping is not expected, though guides and drivers appreciate it.
Must-do things in Guilin
- Cruise down the Li River to Yangshuo
- Ride a bamboo raft on the Yulong River
- Explore Reed Flute Cave
- See Elephant Trunk Hill on the riverbank
- Watch the Sun and Moon Pagodas glow at night
- Visit the Longji rice terraces
- Discover the old river town of Xingping
- See the outdoor light show in Yangshuo
- Watch mist rise over the karst peaks at dawn
- Drive through the countryside around Moon Hill
Do’s and don’ts in Guilin
Do
- Do check the river forecast in the rainy season
- Do carry your passport for cruises and tickets
- Do bring rain gear from April to August
- Do wear shoes with a good grip for the terraces
- Do keep plans flexible around the weather
Don’t
- Don't swim in the Li River
- Don't stand up on a bamboo raft
- Don't photograph villagers without asking
- Don't plan the terraces on a stormy day
- Don't rush Guilin and Yangshuo in a single day
Guilin at a glance
Plan Guilin with Haqqi Tours
Every option is confirmed by our team on WhatsApp before you pay, and delivered by our own people or by trusted local partners we work with in every city. Because we send travellers from all over the world, our partners give us special rates and priority, so you always receive the best. Prices are per person unless marked per vehicle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask most about Guilin.
Where should first-time visitors stay in Guilin?
First-time visitors usually spend one night in central Guilin, near Shan Lake and the pedestrian streets, then move to Yangshuo after the Li River cruise. In Yangshuo, choose the town for convenience or a countryside hotel among the rice fields for calm and views. Our team can suggest hotels in both and arrange your private transfers between them.
Can Guilin be done as a day trip from Guangzhou, or does it need an overnight stay?
A day trip from Guangzhou is technically possible by high-speed train, about three hours each way, but it leaves little time for the Li River. Guilin and Yangshuo need at least two nights to enjoy the cruise, rafting and the countryside without rushing. We arrange train tickets, private transfers and short stays from Guangzhou, Shenzhen or Hong Kong.
What is the dress code and etiquette in Guilin?
Light, comfortable and modest clothes are fine, with a rain jacket in summer and warm layers in winter. In minority villages, ask before photographing people and respect private homes. Cover shoulders and knees in temples. On rafts and boats, stay seated and follow the boatman's instructions. Our guides explain local customs along the way.
Is Guilin tourist friendly, and is halal food available?
Yes. Guilin and Yangshuo are used to visitors from all over the world, and many hotels and guides speak some English. Halal food is available: noodle houses run by Hui Muslim families, marked qingzhen, are found in Guilin and Yangshuo, serving beef noodles and hand-pulled dishes, and the city has a mosque. Vegetable and fish dishes are also easy to find.
Is it safe to travel to Guilin now?
Guilin is generally very safe, with friendly locals and low crime. The main care points are floods and landslides in the rainy season, slippery cave and terrace paths, and busy roads. Follow your guide's advice and keep plans flexible. Before departure, check your own government's official travel advice and keep our WhatsApp line handy on roaming data, as many Western apps are blocked locally.
What are the must-do things in Guilin?
The must-do things in Guilin include the Li River cruise to Yangshuo, bamboo rafting on the Yulong River, Reed Flute Cave, Elephant Trunk Hill, the Sun and Moon Pagodas at night, the Longji rice terraces, Xingping old town and the outdoor light show in Yangshuo. Our private tours by vehicle combine these at a comfortable pace.
How many days do you need in Guilin?
Three to four days is ideal for Guilin: one for the city's caves and lakes, one for the Li River cruise to Yangshuo, one for the Yulong River and the countryside, and a fourth for the Longji rice terraces. Two days cover the cruise and Yangshuo at a quicker rhythm, while five days allow a slower stay among the peaks.
What can I book in Guilin with Haqqi Tours?
Day tours, attraction tickets, private airport transfers, flight tickets and train tickets, including Longji Rice Terraces In-Depth Day Trip with Lunch Guilin, Yulong River Bamboo Rafting Day Tour Yangshuo and Private Xianggong Hill Sunrise Tour Yangshuo. Each has its own page, and the WhatsApp desk combines any of them into one plan with one written price.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel in Guilin?
Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) lies about 30 km south-west of central Guilin, 35 to 45 minutes by car on the expressway; Yangshuo is about 70 km away, around an hour and a quarter to an hour and a half, and the Longji rice terraces about 120 km. Our private transfer meets you at arrivals with a name board, tracks your flight and takes you door to door at a fixed price for the whole vehicle; the transfer pages list every route.
Is there public transport from the airport to Guilin?
High-speed trains link Guilin with Guangzhou in about two and a half to three hours and with Shenzhen, Shanghai and Beijing, while Yangshuo has its own station near Xingping. Flights connect the airport with major Chinese cities. Sights are spread over the countryside, so a private car is the easiest way to combine Guilin, Yangshuo and the terraces. With luggage, a family or a late flight, the private car is the simpler choice.
Which tours are available in Guilin?
Among them: Longji Rice Terraces In-Depth Day Trip with Lunch Guilin, Yulong River Bamboo Rafting Day Tour Yangshuo, Private Xianggong Hill Sunrise Tour Yangshuo, Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo and Private Li River Cruise & Yangshuo Light Show Day Tour. Each page says whether the day is private or small-group, what it includes and how long it lasts.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Both exist, and each tour page says which. A private tour has a vehicle and guide for your party alone; the desk can make most group tours private on request.
How do I book?
Fill in the form on any page or message us on WhatsApp with the date, the number of travellers and the hotel. A member of our team confirms the price and the details in writing within minutes.
Are the prices fixed?
Yes - every price is agreed in writing on WhatsApp before you travel and does not change on the day.
Do the drivers and guides speak Arabic or English?
It depends on the city and the day, so we do not promise a particular language; tell us your preference and we do our best. The WhatsApp desk always works in Arabic and English.
Can I change or cancel a booking in Guilin?
Yes, in the same WhatsApp conversation. The terms depend on the product and on how close to the date the change comes; the desk states them before you pay.