Guilin 5-Day First Timer Itinerary

Start your Guilin trip at its most iconic landmark. The hill resembles a giant elephant dipping its trunk into the Li River. Walk around the base for the best photo angles, and visit the small cave at water level where the trunk meets the hillside. 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. 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.

Visit the best-preserved Ming Dynasty prince's residence in China, now part of Guangxi Normal University campus. Climb to the top of Solitary Beauty Peak inside the grounds for a 360-degree panorama of Guilin's karst skyline. The 66-meter peak is the best city viewpoint and where the phrase 'Guilin's scenery is the best under heaven' was first carved in stone.

Walk to Shanhu (Fir Lake) to see the Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas in the golden hour. The copper Sun Pagoda and glass-tile Moon Pagoda glow magnificently as the sun sets. You can enter the pagodas connected by an underwater tunnel, or simply enjoy the view from the lakeside promenade.