Guilin and Yangshuo, two of China’s most iconic travel destinations, are known for their stunning landscapes and rich culture. The famous saying “Guilin’s scenery is the best in the world, but Yangshuo’s surpasses it” encapsulates the region’s awe-inspiring beauty. Whether you are visiting for the picturesque views, the delicious food, or the vibrant local life, this guide will provide essential tips for navigating your way through Guilin and Yangshuo. From must-see attractions to practical travel advice, you’ll find everything you need to make the most of your trip.
1. Shared Electric Bikes: The easiest and most convenient way to get around in Guilin is by using shared electric bikes. These are available everywhere and allow you to easily visit nearby attractions. The distance between most spots is short. If you arrive at Guilin North Railway Station, a taxi ride to the city center takes around 20-30 minutes.
2. Accommodation Recommendation: Stay near Two Rivers and Four Lakes (两江四湖). This area is not only convenient for cycling to attractions, but also has a lot of food options nearby.
3. Elephant Trunk Hill (象鼻山): You can book tickets for Elephant Trunk Hill online via WeChat by 7:00 PM the night before, or scan a QR code to buy tickets on-site. For the best photo spot, navigate to Entrance 3, then turn right and keep walking until you reach the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill. Exit 2 is nearby.
4. Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas (日月双塔): These pagodas are just a short walk from Elephant Trunk Hill. They are even more spectacular when lit up in the evening. The lighting time is from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and the lights turn off at around 10:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
5. Zhengyang Pedestrian Street (正阳步行街): This vibrant street is a food lover’s paradise, with night markets offering street food, snacks, drinks, and more. It’s the perfect place to enjoy some local treats.
6. Dongxi Alley (东西巷): At the end of Zhengyang Pedestrian Street, you’ll find Dongxi Alley, a more upscale area for food, snacks, and photography. It’s similar to what you might find in many other cities, but there’s one key attraction worth checking out: the Guilin Photo Wall, located near the Shuiba Building (水坝大楼).
7. Xiaoyao Tower (逍遥楼): This free attraction offers a great opportunity to climb and enjoy panoramic views of the city. The tower looks especially stunning when lit up at night.
8. Li River Cruise:The most beautiful route from Guilin to Yangshuo is by taking a Li River Boat Cruise. The cruise passes by the famous 20 RMB landmark, and lasts around 4 hours. Ticket prices range from 200 to 400 RMB, depending on the boat’s rating (Choosing the Right Lijiang River Cruise: 3-Star, 4-Star, or 5-Star Options). This option is best if you have enough time to spare.
9. Alternatives to Li River Cruise: If you’re only staying in Yangshuo for one day, I recommend self-driving, taking a long-distance bus (about 2 hours), or riding the high-speed train (about 30 minutes, with luggage storage available), plus a tourist bus to get to the main attractions. Once you arrive at Xingping Ancient Town or Yangshuo County, you can rent an electric bike, which is a convenient way to get around.
10. Ten-Mile Gallery (十里画廊): This scenic route along the Yulong River (遇龙河) features several must-see spots, including the Instagram swing, Mingjing Terrace (明境台), Yulong Water Rhythms (遇龙水韵), and beautiful rice fields. These attractions are all located together, and you can use your GPS to navigate directly to An Sai Homestay (安在野民宿) for a closer look.
11. Yulong River Bamboo Rafting: For an authentic experience, book tickets for bamboo rafting the night before at 8:00 PM via WeChat, or queue up to buy tickets on the day of your trip. The most recommended route is from Shuiedi Pier (水厄底码头) to Comprehensive Pier (综合码头), although tickets are often hard to come by, so expect to wait in line. A newer route from Xiatang Pier (夏棠码头) to Jima Pier (骥马码头) is also available.
12. West Street (西街): This lively street is famous for its Yangshuo sign background wall, which makes for great photo opportunities. However, while it’s great for photos, the food here is similar to what you would find on any national food street. For a more authentic culinary experience, consider exploring local eateries outside of West Street.
13. Dual-Rider Electric Bikes: In Yangshuo County, you can find dual-rider electric bikes, ideal for couples or friends. However, these bikes are slower, and there are specific cycling routes where riding is not allowed due to narrow roads. It’s safer to rent a regular electric bike instead.
14. Exploring with Electric Bikes: Renting an electric bike is the best way to explore Ten-Mile Gallery and Yulong River Bamboo Rafting, as it offers flexibility and convenience for getting around.