Guilin, China 2 Day Itinerary

Guilin 2-Day Itinerary: Exploring the Beautiful Scenery of South China

Day 1: City & Li River Sightseeing

Morning:

  1. Arrival and Check-in (Recommended: Sheraton Guilin Hotel or Shangri-La Hotel, Guilin)

  2. Breakfast at the hotel or visit Cubus for a Western-style breakfast.

Afternoon:

  1. Visit Elephant Trunk Hill (Xiangbishan). Take a boat ride to appreciate the hill’s unique shape and enjoy the scenery of the Li River.

  2. Lunch at local restaurant like Cheng’s Family Restaurant for authentic Guilin dishes such as fish in bamboo, rice noodles, and snail soup.

  3. Explore Ronghu Park and its scenic lake, known for its lotus flowers in summer. Nearby, you’ll find the Two Rivers Bridge (Liangjiuqiao) offering a great view of the city.

Evening:

  1. Dinner at Tai Chi Fish, another popular local restaurant with an extensive menu featuring fish and seafood dishes.

  2. Stroll around Dadaoshan Street for souvenirs, tea shops, and local snacks.

Day 2: Li River Cruise & Yangshuo

Morning:

  1. Breakfast at the hotel or a nearby café.

Afternoon:

  1. Take a Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo (Recommended: Guilin Tour or Lijiang River Cruises). This 4-hour journey showcases some of the most beautiful scenery in Guilin, including towering karst hills, rice paddies, and quaint villages.

  2. Lunch onboard the cruise or in Yangshuo (included with some cruises; otherwise, dine at local restaurants like Yangshuo Yulong River Restaurant).

Afternoon:

  1. Explore Yangshuo County and its scenic attractions such as Moon Hill, the Yangshuo West Street, and Xianggong Mountain for stunning views of the karst landscape.

  2. Rent a bike or take a bamboo raft ride to discover the countryside and experience rural life in Guilin.

Evening:

  1. Dinner at Liu’s Restaurant for a delicious meal featuring local dishes like bamboo rice, fried tofu with mushrooms, and steamed fish.

  2. Take a night walk along the Yulong River or watch the evening show at the Impromptu Stage on West Street (optional).

Day 3: Departure

Morning:

  1. Breakfast at the hotel or a nearby café.

  2. Check-out and head to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport for your departure flight.

Things to Know:

  • Guilin’s best sightseeing is typically outdoors, so plan accordingly with appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and rain gear if needed.
  • English is less commonly spoken in local areas, but many restaurants and tourist spots have staff who can communicate in English.
  • Bargaining is common when purchasing souvenirs or services from street vendors.
  • WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted for payments.
  • Tipping is not customary in China; however, you may choose to tip exceptional service at your hotel or restaurant.

Transportation:

  • Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) is the main gateway to Guilin and offers numerous domestic flights as well as some international flights.
  • The airport is approximately 30 kilometers from downtown Guilin, with taxi and shuttle services available.
  • Within the city, taxis are abundant, affordable, and easy to find. Alternatively, you can use Didi (China’s Uber) or local buses for transportation.