Guilin, China 7 Day Itinerary
Title: 7-Day Itinerary for Exploring Guilin, China
Day 1: Arrival & City Orientation
- Accommodation: Book a hotel in the city center, such as the [Sheraton Guilin Hotel] (https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/kug-sheraton-guilin-hotel/) or [The Ritz-Carlton, Guilin] (https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/china/guilin).
- Lunch: Visit Li’an Bakery & Cafe for a taste of Western and local Chinese pastries.
- Activities: Take a stroll around the city center, visit the Zhengyang Pedestrian Street and explore its shops and restaurants.
Day 2: Longji Rice Terraces
- Transportation: Book a tour to Longji Rice Terraces or rent a car with a driver.
- Lunch: Savor local Yao and Zhuang cuisine during your tour at a local restaurant near the rice terraces.
- Activities: Spend the day exploring the beautiful Longji Rice Terraces, hiking through the terraces and learning about the local cultures of the Yao and Zhuang ethnic groups.
Day 3: Li River Cruise
- Transportation: Take a shuttle bus or taxi to Zhaobi Pier for your Li River Cruise.
- Lunch: Enjoy a buffet lunch aboard the cruise ship.
- Activities: Spend the day cruising down the Li River, taking in the stunning scenery of rice paddies, karst hills, and quaint villages. Stop at Yangshuo and explore the area on your own or join optional activities such as biking, rock climbing, or a cooking class.
Day 4: Yangshuo Activities
- Accommodation: Transfer to a hotel in Yangshuo, such as The Yangsheng International Hotel.
- Breakfast & Lunch: Try local restaurants such as Xian’s Noodles House and Yueshang Garden.
- Activities: Spend the day enjoying outdoor activities in Yangshuo, such as biking along the countryside, visiting the Xingping Village and taking a bamboo raft trip on the Yulong River, or attending a traditional Chinese martial arts demonstration at West Street in Yangshuo.
Day 5: Reed Flute Cave & Seven Star Park
- Transportation: Take a taxi or shuttle bus back to Guilin and visit the Reed Flute Cave and Seven Star Park.
- Lunch: Eat at a local restaurant near the attractions for lunch.
- Activities: Explore the beautiful natural landscapes of the Reed Flute Cave and Seven Star Park, learning about the unique geological formations and local folklore.
Day 6: Elephant Trunk Hill & Fubo Hill
- Transportation: Take a taxi or shuttle bus to Elephant Trunk Hill and Fubo Hill.
- Lunch: Try local cuisine at a restaurant near the attractions for lunch.
- Activities: Climb up Fubo Hill to enjoy panoramic views of Guilin and its stunning landscapes, and explore Elephant Trunk Hill, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Day 7: Departure
- Breakfast: Have a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before checking out.
- Departure: Head to the airport or train station for your journey home.
Things to Know
- Guilin has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers. Be prepared for rain showers during your trip.
- Chinese is the primary language spoken in Guilin, but many locals speak some English, especially in hotels and tourist areas.
- The currency in China is the Renminbi (RMB or CNY). Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and larger restaurants, but it’s always a good idea to have some local currency on hand.
- Tipping is not customary in China, but rounding up the bill to the nearest RMB 5 or 10 is appreciated by service staff.
Tips
- Book your tours and activities in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
- Download a translation app (such as Google Translate) for any communication needs outside of tourist areas.
- Carry tissues or toilet paper with you, as public restrooms may not always provide it.
- Always ask for receipts when making purchases, as you may need them for any future returns or exchanges.
- Enjoy the unique beauty and culture that Guilin has to offer!