Zijiang River Ziyuan County
Guilin, China: Where emerald rivers weave through towering karst mountains, creating a landscape that feels like a living, ancient painting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, lush greenery
Zijiang River Ziyuan County
Best Time
Pleasant weather, lush greenery
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Guilin, China: Where emerald rivers weave through towering karst mountains, creating a landscape that feels like a living, ancient painting.
"Guilin isn't just a place—it's a living masterpiece."
Book Li River Cruise Early
Secure your spot on the Li River cruise, especially during peak season, to avoid disappointment.
Rent a Bike in Yangshuo
Explore the stunning countryside at your own pace. Many scenic spots are best reached by bike.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Li River Cruise
Guilin to Yangshuo
Glide past emerald waters and towering karst peaks, a scene straight out of a Chinese painting. Truly breathtaking!
Yulong River Bamboo Rafting
Yangshuo
Experience a more intimate river journey on a traditional bamboo raft, often with stunning mountain backdrops.
Elephant Trunk Hill
Guilin City
An iconic Guilin landmark, this rock formation resembles an elephant drinking from the Li River.
Yangshuo's Countryside
Yangshuo
Explore picturesque villages, rice paddies, and the unique karst landscape by bike or scooter.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Guilin's Beauty
Embrace the River and Karst Landscape
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Li River Cruise Early
Secure your spot on the Li River cruise, especially during peak season, to avoid disappointment.
Rent a Bike in Yangshuo
Explore the stunning countryside at your own pace. Many scenic spots are best reached by bike.
Consider a Smaller River
For a more tranquil experience, try bamboo rafting on the Yulong River instead of the busier Li River.
Pack for All Weather
Guilin can experience sudden rain showers, so bring a light raincoat or umbrella.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Li River Cruise Early
Secure your spot on the Li River cruise, especially during peak season, to avoid disappointment.
Rent a Bike in Yangshuo
Explore the stunning countryside at your own pace. Many scenic spots are best reached by bike.
Consider a Smaller River
For a more tranquil experience, try bamboo rafting on the Yulong River instead of the busier Li River.
Pack for All Weather
Guilin can experience sudden rain showers, so bring a light raincoat or umbrella.
Capture the Sunset
The karst mountains are especially magical during sunset. Find a good vantage point!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Guilin's breathtaking natural beauty, with the karst mountains and rivers being the standout features. Many highlight the magical scenery that feels like stepping into a painting. However, some find the main tourist attractions can be crowded and suggest seeking out less-visited spots for a more authentic experience.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) is the main gateway, with domestic and some international flights. You can also reach Guilin by high-speed train from major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
The most scenic route is by taking a cruise on the Li River. Alternatively, you can take a bus or a high-speed train, which are faster but less picturesque.
Yes, Guilin city has a decent public transportation system with buses and taxis. Ride-sharing apps are also available.
Yangshuo does not have its own airport. The nearest airport is Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL), from which you'll need to arrange further transport to Yangshuo.
Airport shuttle buses are a convenient and affordable option to reach Guilin city center from the airport. Taxis are also readily available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Prices for the Li River cruise vary depending on the type of boat and duration. Expect to pay anywhere from ¥200 to ¥500+ per person. Booking in advance can sometimes secure better rates.
It's advisable to book tickets for Elephant Trunk Hill online in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid long queues.
The Yulong River Scenic Area is generally open from early morning until late afternoon. Rafting operations typically run during daylight hours.
Some tour operators offer combo packages that include multiple attractions like the Li River cruise, caves, and scenic areas. Researching these can offer good value.
You can purchase tickets at the attraction's ticket office, through local travel agencies, or via online booking platforms. Online booking is often more convenient.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Li River, Yulong River, Elephant Trunk Hill, and the surrounding karst mountains are the absolute must-sees. Many visitors also enjoy the Reed Flute Cave and the Longji Rice Terraces. +2
The 'Golden Dragon' cruise is a unique night-time spectacle in Yangshuo where numerous bamboo rafts are illuminated and maneuvered to create a dragon-like formation on the river.
Yangshuo is perfect for cycling through the countryside, exploring local villages, hiking, and enjoying the vibrant West Street.
Yes, Guilin offers many family-friendly activities like boat rides, gentle rafting, and exploring natural landscapes. The scenery is captivating for all ages.
Expect dramatic karst mountains, winding rivers, lush greenery, and picturesque rural landscapes that resemble traditional Chinese paintings. +2
📸 📸 Photography
The Li River during sunrise or sunset, the Yulong River with its bamboo rafts, Elephant Trunk Hill, and the terraced rice fields (if you venture further) offer incredible photo opportunities. +1
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer hues. Misty mornings can also create a magical atmosphere.
A good smartphone camera is sufficient for most travelers, but a DSLR or mirrorless camera will allow for more creative control, especially in varying light conditions.
Drone usage is often restricted in scenic areas and national parks in China. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
Capture the local fishermen with their cormorants (though less common now), the unique karst formations from different angles, and the reflections in the water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
In Yangshuo, renting bicycles (with child seats or smaller bikes available) allows families to explore the flat, scenic countryside at a leisurely pace. Visiting local villages and seeing water buffalo can be educational and fun. The 'Impression Sanjie Liu' show is visually spectacular and can captivate younger audiences with its grand scale and unique staging. Ensure you pack snacks and drinks, as options can be limited in more remote areas.
💰 Budget Travelers
Eating at local eateries and street food stalls will save you money compared to tourist-oriented restaurants. Look for small, busy restaurants filled with locals. While some attractions have high entrance fees, simply enjoying the natural scenery by walking or cycling can be free or very low cost.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For a more intimate photographic experience, head to the Yulong River. The bamboo rafts, local life along the banks, and the reflections in the water provide excellent subjects. Don't forget to explore the countryside around Yangshuo; the rice paddies and unique rock formations offer endless compositions. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons to avoid peak crowds and have more freedom to set up your shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Karst Landscapes
Visitors can witness this geological marvel up close through various activities. Cruising the Li River offers panoramic views of these formations, with each bend in the river revealing a new, breathtaking vista. Bamboo rafting on the Yulong River provides a more intimate experience, allowing you to glide through serene waters surrounded by these ancient, sculpted mountains. The sheer scale and beauty of the karst landscape are a primary draw for tourists worldwide.
For photographers and nature enthusiasts, the karst mountains offer endless opportunities. The interplay of light and shadow on the peaks, especially during sunrise and sunset, creates a truly magical atmosphere. Many visitors find that the scenery here is unlike anything they have seen before, making it a highlight of their travels in China.
Navigating the Rivers: Li vs. Yulong
For those seeking a more tranquil and authentic experience, the Yulong River in Yangshuo is highly recommended. Here, you can enjoy bamboo rafting, often steered by a local guide. The Yulong River is narrower and more intimate, with fewer large boats, allowing for a closer connection with the natural surroundings. The famous 'Golden Dragon' night cruise, where numerous rafts are illuminated, is a unique spectacle on this river.
Both rivers offer stunning scenery, but they cater to different preferences. The Li River cruise is grand and iconic, while the Yulong River offers a more peaceful and personal encounter with the landscape. Many travelers suggest experiencing both if time permits to get a fuller appreciation of Guilin's riverine beauty.
Yangshuo: Beyond the River
Yangshuo's West Street is a bustling hub of activity, filled with shops, restaurants, bars, and street food vendors. It's a great place to soak in the local culture, try regional delicacies, and find souvenirs. For a truly unique experience, don't miss the 'Impression Sanjie Liu' show, a spectacular outdoor performance set against the backdrop of the Li River and karst mountains, choreographed by Zhang Yimou.
The area around Yangshuo is also known for its climbing opportunities and hiking trails, catering to adventure seekers. Whether you're looking for a relaxed pace or an active adventure, Yangshuo provides a diverse range of experiences that complement the natural beauty of Guilin.
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