Guilin 5-Day First Timer Itinerary
Five days gives you the perfect amount of time to experience Guilin properly. This itinerary covers every essential highlight — the Li River cruise, Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave, the charming town of Yangshuo — while leaving room to breathe. You will cycle through countryside rice paddies, raft down the peaceful Yulong River, and explore Xingping Ancient Town at the spot pictured on the 20 RMB note. Practical tips throughout help you navigate transport, food, and local customs with confidence.
每日行程
Elephant Trunk Hill in Guilin
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.
Guilin Waterway Scenic Boat Ride
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.
Authentic Guilin Rice Noodles Experience
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.
登独秀峰，俯瞰桂林山水
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.
Sun and Moon Pagodas at Shanhu Lake
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.