Guilin and Yangshuo
Karst peaks, the Li River and the landscape on the twenty-yuan note
The Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo is one of the most photographed stretches of water in Asia. Cruise it on a four-hour boat, or take the quieter Yulong River by bamboo raft with a pole in the water and nobody else in sight.
The countryside around Yangshuo is best seen by bicycle: water buffalo, rice paddies, moon hills, and the Longji rice terraces two hours north, which terrace whole mountainsides between April and October.
Places to see in Guilin and Yangshuo
The highlights we build into almost every Guilin and Yangshuo itinerary. Your own list can be longer, shorter, or somewhere else entirely.
Li River cruise
Four hours of karst peaks between Guilin and Yangshuo — the view printed on the twenty-yuan note.
Yulong River bamboo raft
The quiet alternative: drifting past water buffalo, paddies and no other boats.
Longji Rice Terraces
The Dragon's Backbone terraces carve entire mountainsides. Best April to October.
Yangshuo countryside by bike
Moon Hill, Yulong Bridge and village lanes, all on two wheels.
Reed Flute Cave
A 240-meter limestone cavern, lit in color and reflected in still water.
Impression Sanjie Liu
A light show staged on the Li River itself, with a cast of 600 local performers.
Elephant Trunk Hill
Guilin's symbol, where the hill meets the river like a trunk drinking.
Xingping
The fishing-village bend that appears on the twenty-yuan note — best reached by small boat.
Silver Cave
A lit limestone cavern of stalactites and a mirror-still underground pool.
More places in China
Tell us what you want to see in Guilin and Yangshuo
We do not publish fixed packages or prices, because almost nothing about a good trip to China is fixed. Send us your dates and interests and a specialist will design an itinerary around them — with a clear, itemized quotation.
- Your own English-speaking guide and private vehicle
- Hotels chosen for location, not for commission
- Tickets and permits booked on your behalf, including timed entries
- Free revisions until the trip is right
We reply to every inquiry within one business day.