How to Spend 3 Days in Guillin

With three days in Guilin, you’ll have time to cruise down the Li River, explore Yangshuo and the surrounding countryside, and visit the Longji Rice Terraces, ancient villages, and hills and caves in the area. Here’s how.

Day 1: Li River cruise and Yangshuo

A highlight of any Guilin trip is a cruise down the Li River to Yangshuo. During the 4- to 5-hour journey, take in vistas of limestone peaks such as Elephant Trunk Hill, Mural Hill, and Yellow Cloth Shoal; ancient villages such as Daxu and Xingping; and much more.

Once in Yangshuo, take a stroll along bustling West Street, then head to the countryside on a guided tour to hike, bike, rock climb, or check out the scenic Ten Mile Gallery. Float along the Yulong River on a bamboo raft, or savor the views from Xianggong Hill. Alternatively, try a cooking or calligraphy class, or visit a nearby village. In the evening, enjoy a performance of Impression Sanjie Liu, set along the Li River.

Day 2: Hills, caves, and ancient towns

Join a guided tour of Guilin to make the most of your second day. Get your bearings and a different perspective of Guilin from the top of Fubo Hill or Solitary Beauty Peak before taking a closer look at Elephant Trunk Hill. Then, explore Reed Flute Cave or Seven Star Cave.

Later, venture out of town and step back in time in the village of Daxu Old Town, Xiong, or Jiangtou. Some villages date back more than 1,000 years and have remarkably well-preserved buildings and streets. Spend the evening wandering around the Two Rivers and Four Lakes area, or embark on a night cruise.

Day 3: Longji Rice Terraces

Finally, take a day trip to the Longji Rice Terraces. Hike from village to village along the way, relishing the natural beauty of the terraced fields while learning about the Zhuang and Yao cultures. On the way back to Guilin, stop by a tea plantation.

For your last night, dine on local favorites such as Guilin rice noodles and steamed Li River fish, then pick up souvenirs on Zhengyang Pedestrian Street or at the Guilin Night Market.