Guilin and Yangshuo walking tour & city guide
Karst peaks and the Li River, like a Chinese painting.
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The region of Guilin, in Guangxi province, is famous for one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world: hundreds of steep limestone peaks rising from green fields and winding rivers. The view of the Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo has inspired Chinese painters and poets for centuries and even appears on the 20-yuan banknote.
The Li River
The cruise down the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo, about four hours long, passes through a spectacular landscape of karst mountains, bamboo groves, water buffalo and small villages. The most famous section, near Xingping, is the scene printed on the 20-yuan note.
In Guilin itself, the Elephant Trunk Hill, a rock formation shaped like an elephant drinking from the river, is the symbol of the city, and the Reed Flute Cave is lit up with colored lights.
Yangshuo
Yangshuo is a lively small town surrounded by peaks. West Street, its oldest street, is full of shops, bars and cafés. The countryside around it is perfect for cycling between the rice fields, and bamboo rafts float gently down the Yulong River.
Further north, the Longji Rice Terraces, the 'Dragon's Backbone', climb the mountainsides in spectacular curves, home to Zhuang and Yao villages.
Visiting tips
High-speed trains link Guilin and Yangshuo with Guangzhou, Shenzhen and other cities. The landscape is most magical in the mist after rain. Spring and autumn are the best seasons, while summer can be hot and very rainy.
Top sights in Guilin and Yangshuo
- 1
Li River cruise
A boat trip through the karst peaks.
- 2
Elephant Trunk Hill
Guilin's symbol on the river.
- 3
Reed Flute Cave
A cave lit in colored lights.
- 4
West Street, Yangshuo
The lively old street of Yangshuo.
- 5
Yulong River
Bamboo rafting among the mountains.
- 6
Longji Rice Terraces
The 'Dragon's Backbone' terraces.
Food markets & where to eat in Guilin and Yangshuo
West Street, Yangshuo
Restaurants, cafés and snack stalls.
Zhengyang Pedestrian Street, Guilin
Local food in the city center.
Yangshuo night market
Grilled fish and local snacks.
Village farmhouses
Simple meals in the countryside.
Food to try in Guilin and Yangshuo
Guilin rice noodles
Rice noodles with braised meat and peanuts.
Beer fish
Li River fish cooked in local beer, a Yangshuo dish.
Stuffed snails
Snails stuffed with meat and herbs.
Osmanthus cake
A sweet cake made with fragrant flowers.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Guilin and Yangshuo
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in Guilin and YangshuoCompare places to stay and prices.
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