Visiting Guilin for the first time? This three-day itinerary covers all the essential highlights of one of China's most breathtaking landscapes. From the iconic karst peaks along the Li River to the charming streets of Yangshuo, from the stunning Reed Flute Cave to the legendary Elephant Trunk Hill, this carefully paced itinerary introduces you to the best of Guilin without rushing you through.
Start your Guilin trip at its most iconic landmark. The hill resembles a giant elephant dipping its trunk into the Li River to drink. Walk around the base for the best photo angles, and visit the small cave at water level where the elephant's trunk meets the hillside. The morning light is ideal for photography.
Take a scenic boat ride through Guilin's inner-city waterway system connecting the Li River, Peach Blossom River, and four beautiful lakes. You will glide past the Sun and Moon Pagodas, ancient banyan trees, and arched stone bridges. This ride gives you a panoramic overview of Guilin city from the water.
Try Guilin's most famous dish — rice noodles (guilin mifen). Head to a traditional noodle shop near Zhengyang Road for an authentic bowl. The thin, silky noodles come topped with braised beef, peanuts, pickled beans, and chili. Add the broth yourself from the pot on the counter.
Visit Guilin's most spectacular cave, a 240-meter underground wonderland of stalactites, stalagmites, and stone pillars illuminated by colorful lights. The cave is over 180 million years old and was used as an air raid shelter during WWII. The Crystal Palace chamber is the jaw-dropping highlight.
End the day at Guilin's largest park, named after its seven peaks arranged like the Big Dipper constellation. Walk through the camellia garden and along the Flower Bridge. The park is less crowded in the late afternoon and offers excellent views of karst peaks glowing in the golden hour light.