Itinerary Guilin

April is an excellent season to visit Guilin: spring temperatures are pleasant (16–25°C), hills and rice terraces are lush green, and the Li River is photogenic with morning mists. Occasional rains bring out vibrant landscapes—perfect for hiking and exploring outdoors.

💰 Budget overview

Category	Amount
✈️ Transport	950 USD
🏨 Accommodations	700 USD
🧳 Gear	80 USD
🗺️ On-site	620 USD
Total	2350 USD

🗺️ Activities & landmarks

🇨🇳 Guilin - 4 days

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🏞️ Li River Cruise (Yangdi to Xingping section) ⭐⭐⭐ (~4-5h)
  • Iconic cruise through karst landscapes, villages, and bamboo groves—best experience early morning. Bring binoculars for birdwatching.
• [ ] 🚶 Yangshuo Countryside Cycling & Hiking ⭐⭐⭐ (~4h)
  • Cycle along Yulong River, then hike through villages and rice paddies. Gorgeous karst views—bikes easy to rent in Yangshuo.
• [ ] 🏔️ Longji (Dragon’s Backbone) Rice Terraces ⭐⭐⭐ (~5-6h)
  • Panoramic terrace hikes; scenic minority Zhuang and Yao villages. Visit Ping’an or Dazhai area; moderate to challenging routes available.
• [ ] 🏙️ Xingping Ancient Town ⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Historic streets with Qing dynasty architecture; iconic “¥20 banknote view” of the Li River. Try local snacks here.
• [ ] 🏙️ West Street (Yangshuo) ⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Bustling pedestrian street: artsy shops, cafés, and souvenirs. Great for people-watching.
• [ ] 🏛️ Guilin Two Rivers & Four Lakes Scenic Area ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)
  • Serene lakes, ancient bridges, Sun and Moon Pagodas; illuminated at night, great for photography.
• [ ] 🎨 Guilin Art Museum ⭐ (~1h)
  • Local artists, classic and contemporary works—small but worth a stop for art lovers.
• [ ] 🌳 Seven Star Park ⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Expansive park, forest trails, karst caves, and a zoo. Popular for relaxing after hikes.
• [ ] 🏛️ Reed Flute Cave ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)
  • Colorfully lit stalactite cave, surreal formations—can be busy, go early.
• [ ] 🏞️ Elephant Trunk Hill (Xiangbishan) ⭐⭐ (~1h)
  • Guilin’s city icon, riverside; best view from nearby bridge or by paddleboat.
• [ ] ⛩️ Fubo Hill ⭐ (~1h)
  • Small hill, panoramic river/city views—nice if time permits.
• [ ] 🗺️ Daxu Ancient Town ⭐ (~1.5h)
  • Traditional riverside town with cobblestone streets and Ming-era houses.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🍸 Chunji Roast Duck Restaurant & Rooftop Bar ⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Famous for local roast duck and views; lively yet relaxed, perfect post-adventure meal.
• [ ] 🎶 Yangshuo Impression Liu Sanjie Light Show ⭐⭐⭐ (~1.5h)
  • Large outdoor spectacle on the Li River by Zhang Yimou; spectacular lights and music against natural karst stage (purchase tickets in advance).
• [ ] 🍻 Bad Panda Rooftop Bar (Yangshuo) ⭐ (~1.5h)
  • Fun, international vibe; try local beers.

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🍜 Chunji Roast Duck Restaurant ⭐⭐⭐
  • Signature Guilin roast duck; 100–200 CNY per person.
• [ ] 🍜 Guilin Rice Noodles Street Stall ⭐⭐
  • Authentic mifen (rice noodles) with tender pork or beef; 20–35 CNY.
• [ ] 🍜 Yangshuo Beer Fish Restaurant ⭐⭐
  • Classic local dish (carp braised in local beer); 80–150 CNY.

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🏞️ Yao Mountain Cable Car (~1.5h)
  • Panoramic city and countryside views—optional for less hiking.
• [ ] 🛍️ Zhengyang Pedestrian Street (~1h)
  • Best for local souvenirs.
• [ ] 🏊 Moon Hill Climb & Swimming (~2h)
  • Hike to natural arch; swimming in summer.

🎬 Films & series to watch

🇨🇳 Guilin

• [ ] 🎬 Impression Liu Sanjie (2003) — ⭐ 7.4 — Live recording of the river show, epic local legends — YouTube
• [ ] 🎬 The Painted Veil (2006) — ⭐ 7.5 — Romance set amid dramatic Guilin scenery — Amazon Prime
• [ ] 🎬 Up the Yangtze (2007) — ⭐ 7.4 — Documentary on river life, captures southern landscapes — Kanopy
• [ ] 📺 National Geographic: China's Ghost Army (2007) — ⭐ 7.6 — Archaeology, glimpses of Guilin countryside — Disney+

🍜 Local specialties

🇨🇳 Guilin

• [ ] Guilin Rice Noodles (桂林米粉)
• [ ] Beer Fish (啤酒鱼)
• [ ] Yangshuo Stuffed Li River Snails (阳朔田螺酿)
• [ ] Lipu Taro Pork (荔浦芋头扣肉)
• [ ] Osmanthus Jelly (桂花糕)
• [ ] Oil Tea (油茶), a Zhuang minority favorite

📍 Maps - places to pin

🇨🇳 Guilin

1. 🌤️ Li River (Yangdi/Xingping section)
2. 🌤️ Longji Rice Terraces (Ping’an/Dazhai)
3. 🌤️ Seven Star Park
4. 🌤️ Reed Flute Cave
5. 🌤️ Xingping Ancient Town
6. 🌙 Impression Liu Sanjie Show (Yangshuo)
7. 🌙 Chunji Roast Duck Restaurant & Rooftop Bar
8. 🌙 Bad Panda Rooftop Bar (Yangshuo)
9. 🛍️ Zhengyang Pedestrian Street
10. 🏨 Shangri-La Hotel Guilin
11. 🏨 Yangshuo Mountain Retreat
12. 🍽️ Guilin Rice Noodles Street Stall

✈️ Transport to book

• [ ] ✈️ London → Guilin Liangjiang International Airport
• [ ] 🚅 Guilin → Yangshuo (and return)
• [ ] ✈️ Guilin Liangjiang International Airport → London

🏨 Accommodations

City	Nights	Accommodation	Price
Guilin	2	Shangri-La Hotel Guilin	350 USD
Yangshuo	2	Yangshuo Mountain Retreat	350 USD
Total	4 nights		700 USD