Guilin, China Day Trips

Top Day Trips Around Guilin, China

Guilin, a scenic city located in the southeast of China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. Here are some unmissable day trips from Guilin that showcase the area’s breathtaking landscapes:

  1. Longji Rice Terraces (Dragon’s Backbone Terraces): Approximately 2 hours by bus from Guilin, Longji Rice Terraces offer a panoramic view of thousands of terraced fields built on the mountainsides. Two major terrace clusters can be visited: Ping’an and Jinkeng. Both are inhabited by the Zhuang ethnic minority, providing a unique cultural experience.

  2. Yangshuo County: Located about 68 km (42 mi) west of Guilin, Yangshuo is a picturesque karst landscape dotted with limestone pinnacles and covered in lush vegetation. The Li River connects the town to Guilin, making it an ideal day trip destination. You can rent a bike, take a boat ride, or even go rock climbing to explore this stunning area.

  3. Fisherman’s Wharf (Tianyaha Scenic Area): A short boat ride from the city of Yangshuo, Fisherman’s Wharf is a vibrant, bustling village known for its stunning sunsets and lively night markets. It offers a range of activities such as bamboo rafting, kayaking, cycling, and more.

  4. Elephant Trunk Hill (Xiangbishan): Named after its unique elephant-shaped rock formation, Elephant Trunk Hill is just 12 km (7 mi) from downtown Guilin. The park offers a variety of attractions including the ‘Cave of Buddhist Scriptures,’ a cave in the hill containing over 300,000 sutras, and the ‘Sun and Moon Pagodas’ on the water’s edge.

  5. Chengjiang Village: Known as the “Fossil Town,” Chengjiang Village is famous for its rich fossil discoveries dating back 520 million years. Visitors can explore the Doushantuo Biota Museum and the Chengjiang Fossil Site, which houses a vast collection of early animal fossils.

These day trips from Guilin provide a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and adventure, making them must-visit destinations for any traveler exploring China.