Destination
Guilin
Explore karst landscapes along the Li River, the countryside of Yangshuo, riverside Xingping and the hillside patterns of Longji Rice Terraces.
Updated October 2026
- Recommended stay
- 3–5 days
- Best for
- Karst landscapes, river scenery, cycling, small-town stays
- Region
- Guangxi
The city in context
Why Visit
A trip to Guilin often means exploring a whole landscape region, not just the sights within Guilin city. Karst peaks rise beside streets and fields, and the Li River winds between hills that give the area its distinctive shape.
The experiences change as you travel through the region: riverside walks in Guilin city, countryside cycling and walking around Yangshuo, and time among the river views and streets of Xingping. In another direction, Longji Rice Terraces spread across hillsides around villages in Longsheng. Together, these places offer room for slower travel, with time to enjoy the scenery between planned outings.
To connect the names, think of the Li River corridor running from Guilin city through the Xingping area towards Yangshuo town. Xingping is a town within Yangshuo County; Yangshuo also names the county's main town farther along the river. Longji lies on a separate branch towards Longsheng, rather than along this river route. Visiting Guilin can therefore mean combining several places over a few days, not only exploring the city centre.
For a 3–5 day visit, leave space for river scenery, town walks and a countryside outing without trying to fit everything into one trip. Once the places interest you, prepare the everyday logistics with our Travel Essentials and the practical guides below.
Before you go
Essential Information
- 01Region: northern Guangxi, in southern China.
- 02Recommended stay: allow 3–5 days to combine river scenery, town walks and countryside outings at an unhurried pace.
- 03Getting there: high-speed rail and flights connect Guilin with major Chinese cities. Check the exact arrival station and onward transfer before booking.
- 04Regional orientation: Guilin city, Xingping and Yangshuo follow the Li River corridor; Longji Rice Terraces are a separate branch towards Longsheng.
Ideas for your time
Things to Do
- Guilin City: take a riverside walk, see karst hills alongside the urban streets and make time for a bowl of local rice noodles.
- Li River: follow the changing outlines of the karst peaks from the shore or water. River bends and hills give each stretch a different perspective.
- Yangshuo: explore countryside routes among karst hills and fields on foot or by bicycle, with time to pause along the way.
- Xingping: walk through the riverside town and spend time along the Li River, where the surrounding peaks are part of the everyday view.
- Longji Rice Terraces: explore terraced hillsides and village paths in Longsheng, where cultivated slopes offer a different landscape from the river corridor.
Food & markets
Eat Like a Local
Guilin rice noodles, or mifen, are a useful introduction to everyday local food. Try a neighbourhood noodle shop and ask about toppings and seasoning rather than assuming every bowl is the same.
Everyday city
Local Life, Cafés & Markets
Leave some unplanned time for a neighbourhood breakfast or a riverside walk. In Yangshuo and Xingping, balance sightseeing with time in the town where you are staying; you do not need a separate excursion for every part of the day.
Beyond the city
Day Trips
A trip through the region can connect Guilin city, the Li River, Xingping and Yangshuo, mixing town walks with time on the river and in the countryside. These can be separate outings or stops over several days, starting from wherever you are staying. Longji Rice Terraces lie in another direction towards Longsheng and usually work as a separate excursion or overnight branch. Allow time for the journeys between places rather than treating every name as a stop on one day trip.
Practical orientation
Getting Around
Guilin is one of the main transport entry points to the wider region, with rail and flight connections. Check the station name on your booking and the onward journey to your next stop. Local buses, taxis or Didi may help connect places; confirm availability and the return journey before heading into the countryside. Walking and cycling suit shorter outings, while journeys between Guilin, Xingping, Yangshuo and Longji need separate planning. Check current conditions and departure points before choosing a river trip.