Guilin and Yangshuo are two of the most iconic travel destinations in China, known for their stunning natural landscapes, picturesque rivers, and vibrant local culture. If you’re planning a quick getaway to these destinations, this 2-day, 1-night travel guide will help you make the most of your trip. From exploring the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill and the Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas to experiencing the serene beauty of Yangshuo’s countryside and rivers, this itinerary offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, local culture, and leisure activities. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this guide will ensure you enjoy an unforgettable trip!
Day 1: Explore the Beauty of Guilin
10:00 AM – Arrival at Guilin North Railway Station: Upon arrival at Guilin North Railway Station (桂林北站), head to a hotel near Zhengyang Pedestrian Street (正阳步行街). This area offers a central location, making it easy to access nearby attractions. After checking in and freshening up, you’re ready to begin your sightseeing adventure.
2:00 PM – Visit Elephant Trunk Hill Park: Start your exploration with the famous Elephant Trunk Hill (象鼻山), one of the most recognized landmarks in Guilin. Be sure to make a reservation ahead of time for entry. Enter through Gate 3 and exit through either Gate 1 or 2. If you happen to come across a local travel agency on your way, consider buying tickets for the Two Rivers and Four Lakes Night Cruise in advance. This will save time later in the day.
4:00 PM – Explore Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas: After visiting Elephant Trunk Hill, head over to the Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas (日月塔), located nearby. While exploring, take a break at a local shop to enjoy some cool air conditioning—especially welcome during the warmer months.
5:00 PM – Dinner at Zhengyang Pedestrian Street: Next, stroll through Zhengyang Pedestrian Street (正阳步行街), which is lined with shops and local eateries. For dinner, we recommend trying out a local restaurant serving beer fish (啤酒鱼), a popular regional dish. However, be cautious as some restaurants may not live up to expectations.
6:50 PM – Two Rivers and Four Lakes Night Cruise : For an unforgettable evening, embark on the Two Rivers and Four Lakes Night Cruise. You can board the boat at the dock near Elephant Trunk Hill’s Gate 3. The cruise takes approximately 90 minutes, offering stunning views of the illuminated landscapes and the city skyline. This is an excellent way to wrap up your first day in Guilin.
Day 2: A Day of Scenic Beauty in Yangshuo
8:30 AM – Arrival at Yangshuo: After breakfast, take the high-speed train from Guilin to Yangshuo (阳朔) (approximately 1 hour). Once you arrive at Yangshuo Station, you can easily find luggage storage services nearby. At the tourist center, purchase a bus ticket to Xingping Ancient Town (兴坪古镇)—the starting point for your next adventure.
9:00 AM – Explore Xingping Ancient Town: Stroll through Xingping Ancient Town, a picturesque spot known for its traditional architecture and tranquil riverside views. After a brief exploration, take a short walk to the iconic 20 Yuan Scenic Spot (where the image on the back of China’s 20 RMB note was photographed). For a memorable photo, hire a local guide to take a picture of you on a small boat for a fee of 40 RMB.
10:30 AM – Return to Yangshuo: From Xingping, hop on a bus to Yangshuo County, which takes about 40 minutes. Once you arrive, head to the Fengming Tourist Center (凤鸣旅游集散中心) where you can grab a quick bite. We recommend a casual eatery that serves local rice noodles.
1:00 PM – Rent an Electric Scooter: To explore more of the scenic countryside, rent an electric scooter (using a service like “Hello Bike” – 哈啰电动车) from the station. The scooters are convenient and easy to use, making it perfect for getting around. After renting, ride to Yulong River for a peaceful and scenic ride.
1:30 PM – Yulong River Bamboo Rafting: The Yulong River (遇龙河) is a beautiful and calm river, perfect for a bamboo rafting adventure. We suggest booking a rafting trip on the Shui’edi to Gongnong Bridge (水厄底-工农桥) section (8 Different Sections of Yulong River Bamboo Rafting). Tickets for this route are usually available for pre-purchase through the local WeChat official account. After the rafting, enjoy a scenic bus ride back to the starting point.
2:20 PM – Visit the Ten-Mile Gallery: Next, hop on your electric scooter and head to the Ten-Mile Gallery (十里画廊). This area is famous for its breathtaking views of rice fields and limestone peaks. Spring and summer bring vibrant yellow canola flowers and lush rice paddies, making it a photographer’s dream.
3:20 PM – Return to Yangshuo: Ride back to the Fengming Tourist Center (凤鸣旅游集散中心) to return the electric scooter. Take a bus back to Xingping Ancient Town for a relaxing lunch or simply enjoy the scenic views before you head back to the station.
4:00 PM – Visit Xianggong Mountain: From Xingping, take a short boat ride across the river to reach Xianggong Mountain (相公山), a scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The view from the top is one of the most famous in the region, with its unique karst formations and lush greenery.
5:00 PM – Return to Guilin: After descending Xianggong Mountain, you can return to Xingping Ancient Town and either relax or head straight to the bus station for your journey back to Guilin North Railway Station (桂林北站), where you can catch your train back to your next destination.