How to Plan a 1-3 Day Tour in Guilin
Guilin, an ancient city known for its charm and rich historical background, is famous for its stunning mountains and rivers. Its picturesque scenery is celebrated in Chinese literature, with poets famously saying, "I would rather be a resident of Guilin than an immortal." With its unique karst landscape, distinctive peaks, and clear waters, Guilin epitomizes China's rural mountain scenery.
If You Have One Day in Guilin
1 Day Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo
The Li River cruise is a highlight of Guilin tourism and an experience not to be missed! From the boat, you can relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery on both sides of the river, featuring beautiful mountains, clear waters, and unique karst formations. The tour lasts about four hours. While most tours use 3-star boats, we will upgrade you to a 4-star boat, ensuring a more comfortable experience with higher-quality decorations and facilities, plus a delicious buffet lunch. You will disembark in Yangshuo, where you can enjoy a countryside tour and explore more stunning mountain and river landscapes.
1 Day to Longji Rice Terraces
The Longji Rice Terraces, built during the Yuan Dynasty and completed in the early Qing Dynasty, have a history spanning 700 years. Known as the "crown of the world's rice terraces," the landscape changes with the seasons: vibrant emerald in spring, lush green in summer, golden in autumn, and pure white in winter. The Yao minority villagers, who inhabit the mountain villages, contribute to the area's ancient and pristine allure. Spending a day here allows you to experience the breathtaking scenery, the culture of ethnic minorities, and local life.
1 Day Guilin City Tour
In contrast to many other cities, many attractions in Guilin are located in the downtown area. If you prefer to stay close, you can still enjoy diverse views of Guilin's mountains and rivers, karst scenery, and historic villages. Key sites include Elephant Hill on the banks of the Li River, the stunning Reed Flute Cave, the ancient Daxu Ancient Village, and Mount Yao, the highest peak in downtown Guilin.
One-Day Itineraries with Seasonal Features
1 Day to Huixian from Guilin: Ideal for summer (May to August). Enjoy lakes filled with blooming lotus flowers and vibrant green rice fields in the countryside.
1 Day to Haiyang and Daxu Ancient Village: A perfect autumn route. Ginkgo Village is adorned with golden ginkgo trees, making it an ideal spot for photography, along with visits to the ancient Daxu Village.
For more information about these routes, feel free to contact us directly.
If You Have 2-3 Days in Guilin
Guilin boasts many attractions, but they are quite scattered, so spending more than 2 or 3 days will allow you to fully appreciate the beauty of its landscapes. Here's a suggested itinerary for a more comprehensive visit:
Day 1
Morning: Explore downtown Guilin. Visit Elephant Hill and the Reed Flute Cave.
Afternoon: Stroll through the ancient village of Daxu and enjoy the view from Mount Yao.
Day 2
Take a cruise along the Li River to Yangshuo. Immerse yourself in the karst scenery and explore the countryside of Yangshuo.
Day 3
Visit the Longji Rice Terraces. Marvel at the stunning views and learn about the culture of the Yao minority.
With this itinerary, you can fully enjoy the diversity and beauty of Guilin, creating unforgettable memories in this enchanting region.
