“Guilin's landscape is the one you see on the ¥20 note — and it really looks like that. Take the Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, then spend at least two nights in Yangshuo. Rent an electric scooter and ride through the rice paddies along the Yulong River. At sunset, with the karst peaks turning pink behind you, you'll understand why Chinese poets have been writing about this place for a thousand years.”
Overview
Guilin's karst landscape is one of the most photographed in all of Asia. Dramatic limestone peaks rise straight out of emerald rivers and bright green rice paddies, creating a scenery that has inspired Chinese painters and poets for over a millennium. The famous saying goes: 'Guilin's scenery is the finest under heaven.'
The Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is the signature experience — a 4-hour drift through a gallery of towering karst formations, fishing villages, and water buffalo wading in the shallows. Yangshuo, the small town at the journey's end, has become a destination in its own right: a base for cycling, rock climbing, kayaking, and exploring the quiet countryside.
The area also includes Longji Rice Terraces (2 hours north), where Zhuang and Yao ethnic minority communities have sculpted mountainsides into dramatic staircase-like paddy fields over centuries. Guilin city itself is pleasant but most travelers use it as a transit point, spending the majority of their time in Yangshuo and the surrounding countryside.
Top Things to Do
Li River Cruise (Guilin to Yangshuo)
The classic 4-hour cruise down the Li River passes through China's most iconic karst scenery. Boats depart from Mopanshan Pier (30 min from Guilin). Book through your hotel or Trip.com. The scenery on the ¥20 note is at Xingping — about 2/3 of the way down.
Must SeeYulong River Bamboo Rafting
A quieter, more intimate alternative to the Li River. Hand-poled bamboo rafts drift slowly past karst peaks and ancient stone bridges. The stretch near Jiuxian Village is the most scenic. No motors — just you, the water, and the mountains.
Must SeeCycling the Yangshuo Countryside
Rent a bike or electric scooter and ride through rice paddies, past karst peaks, and along the Yulong River. The route from Yangshuo to Jiuxian village (about 10 km) is the classic loop. Stop at Moon Hill for a short climb with panoramic views.
Must SeeLongji Rice Terraces
Spectacular terraced hillsides about 2 hours north of Guilin, built by Zhuang and Yao ethnic minority communities. Ping'an village is the most accessible; Jinkeng (Dazhai) is more dramatic but steeper. Best in May–June (flooded) or September–October (golden harvest).
Highly RecommendedImpression Liu Sanjie Show
A massive outdoor spectacle directed by Zhang Yimou (of Beijing Olympics fame) performed on the Li River with real karst peaks as the backdrop. 600 performers, light, water, and music. Runs nightly in Yangshuo. Book ahead — it sells out.
Highly RecommendedXingping Ancient Town
A quiet riverside town with the exact karst view printed on the ¥20 banknote. Climb Laozhai Hill for the panoramic shot. Far less touristy than Yangshuo. The morning fish markets and cormorant fishermen at dawn are unforgettable.
Highly RecommendedReed Flute Cave
A 240-million-year-old limestone cave system in Guilin city. Colorful (somewhat garish) lighting illuminates stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations. Impressive scale even if the lighting is over the top. A good rainy-day option.
Worth a Visit
Getting There
By Air
Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) has flights from most major Chinese cities plus a few international routes. An airport bus runs to the city center (¥20, 40 min). For Yangshuo, take a direct airport bus (¥50, 90 min) or arrange a private transfer.
By High-Speed Rail
Guilin has two stations: Guilin North (high-speed) and Guilin main. High-speed trains connect to Guangzhou (2.5 hours), Shenzhen (3 hours), Guiyang (2 hours), and Changsha (2.5 hours). The Yangshuo HSR station is actually 30 min from Yangshuo town — take a bus or taxi from there.
Getting Around
In Guilin, buses and taxis are easy. To reach Yangshuo from Guilin, take the Li River cruise (scenic, 4 hours) or a direct bus (1.5 hours, ¥30). In Yangshuo, rent a bike or electric scooter — it's the best way to explore the countryside. Most attractions are within 10 km.
Guilin to Yangshuo
The Li River cruise is the scenic option (4 hours, ¥210–450). Direct buses from Guilin bus station take 1.5 hours (¥30). From Yangshuo HSR station, a bus to Yangshuo West Street takes 30 minutes (¥20). Private car transfers take about 1 hour.
Where to Stay
Most travelers spend one night in Guilin and two or more in Yangshuo. In Yangshuo, West Street (Xi Jie) is the tourist hub — lively, walkable, but noisy at night. For tranquility, stay along the Yulong River (10 min outside town) where boutique guesthouses have karst-peak views from the balcony.
Budget hostels on West Street are fun and social. The riverside guesthouses between Yangshuo and Jiuxian offer the best value-to-view ratio in all of China. For luxury, the Alila Yangshuo (a converted sugar mill) is one of China's most beautiful boutique hotels.
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Best Time to Visit
April – May & September – October
Spring (April to May) brings pleasant temperatures and the rice paddies start to fill with water, reflecting the karst peaks. Autumn (September to October) is harvest season — golden terraces at Longji and comfortable weather for cycling. Summer (June to August) is hot, humid, and rainy, though the Li River is at its fullest. Winter is mild but often misty, which can be atmospheric but obscures views.