CN
Guilin
A city among limestone peaks, gateway to Li River cruises, Yangshuo and the Longji rice terraces
A city among limestone peaks, gateway to Li River cruises, Yangshuo and the Longji rice terraces
Boats sail about 80km from near Guilin to Yangshuo in around four to five hours, passing the peaks pictured on the 20-yuan banknote.
Book through official operators; prices and boat types vary.
Photo: Huangdan2060, CC0
Guilin’s symbol, a hill with a natural arch on the river that looks like an elephant drinking.
Photo: S5A-0043, CC BY 4.0
A large limestone cave in the north-west of the city with stalactites and rock formations lit in bright colours.
Photo: Bernt Rostad, CC BY 2.0
Centuries-old terraces climbing the mountains around Zhuang and Yao villages, about two hours north of Guilin. They are green in spring and summer and golden before the autumn harvest.
Photo: McKay Savage, CC BY 2.0
Try Guilin rice noodles (mifen), beer fish in Yangshuo (pijiu yu), bamboo-tube rice and stuffed dishes (niang).
West Street in Yangshuo has many restaurants and bars; noodle shops in Guilin are cheap and everywhere.
Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) is about 40 minutes from the city. High-speed trains connect Guilin and Yangshuo with Guangzhou, Shenzhen and other cities. Buses link Guilin and Yangshuo in about 1.5 hours.
Citizens of most EU countries, the UK, Canada, Australia and many others can currently visit mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days; this policy runs until 31 December 2026 unless extended. US citizens need a visa, though they and travellers from 55 countries can use the 240-hour visa-free transit if flying on to a third country through designated ports. Check current rules before you travel.
Guilin and Yangshuo are inexpensive, apart from river cruises. China uses the yuan (CNY, RMB). Mobile payment dominates: Alipay and WeChat Pay now accept foreign bank cards, but carry some cash as a backup.
City, river and terraces.
See Elephant Trunk Hill and the Reed Flute Cave, then walk around the city’s lakes at night.
Cruise down the Li River to Yangshuo.
Cycle the countryside and take a bamboo raft on the Yulong River.
Take a day trip to the Longji rice terraces.
Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with your card before you travel; many places do not take foreign cards directly.
Spring and early summer are wet; the peaks are often misty.
Yangshuo’s backroads are best explored by bike or e-bike.
Avoid Chinese New Year and the October Golden Week (1–7 October), when sights and transport are extremely busy.
Quick answers for planning time in Guilin.
Citizens of most EU countries, the UK, Canada, Australia and others can currently visit visa-free for up to 30 days (until 31 December 2026). US citizens need a visa unless using the 240-hour visa-free transit.
About four to five hours from near Guilin to Yangshuo.
Yes, it is the best base for cycling, rafting and walks among the karst peaks.
About two hours by road to the north.
April to October, especially September and October for clearer skies.
Google Maps works poorly in mainland China; Apple Maps or the Chinese app Amap (Gaode) are more accurate.
Free
Mandarin is the main language, and English is limited outside big hotels; a translation app with camera and offline mode is very helpful.
Free
WhatsApp, Google and many Western apps are blocked in mainland China without a roaming SIM or eSIM; most people use WeChat for messages and payments.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our China travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.