Guilin Yangshuo Travel Guide: A Comprehensive Three-Day Itinerary

Guilin Three-Day Travel Guide Guilin is renowned for its unique karst landscape and picturesque scenery, earning the reputation of having the best landscapes under heaven. Here is a three-day travel guide to help you fully appreciate the natural beauty and cultural charm of this city. - Day 1: Classic Guilin City Tour Morning: Elephant Trunk Hill Park Recommended Reason: Elephant Trunk Hill is a symbolic attraction of Guilin, named for its resemblance to an elephant drinking water. You can climb the hill for a panoramic view of the Li River or take a boat ride for a closer look. Duration: 1.5 hours Ticket: Approximately 75 RMB Noon: Zhengyang Pedestrian Street & Dongxi Lane Recommended Reason: Zhengyang Pedestrian Street is a commercial street in the city center, featuring various local snacks and souvenir shops. Dongxi Lane is a historical and cultural district with ancient architecture and delicious food. Recommended Food: Guilin Rice Noodles, Beer Fish, Water Chestnut Cake Duration: 1.5 hours - Afternoon: Jingjiang Princes' City & Solitary Beauty Peak Recommended Reason: Jingjiang Princes' City was the residence of a Ming Dynasty prince, and Solitary Beauty Peak is located within the city. Climbing to the top offers a panoramic view of Guilin. Duration: 2 hours Ticket: Approximately 100 RMB Evening: Two Rivers and Four Lakes Night Cruise Recommended Reason: The night view of the Two Rivers and Four Lakes is stunning with its bright lights. A boat tour allows you to enjoy the most beautiful night scenery of Guilin. Duration: 1.5 hours Ticket: Approximately 190 RMB - Day 2: Li River Essence Tour & Yangshuo West Street Morning: Li River Bamboo Rafting (Yangdi to Xingping Section) Recommended Reason: The Li River is the essence of Guilin's landscape. Bamboo rafting allows you to enjoy classic sights such as Nine Horses Fresco Hill and Yellow Cloth Reflection. Duration: 2-3 hours Cost: Bamboo Rafting approximately 270 RMB per person Noon: Xingping Ancient Town Recommended Reason: Xingping Ancient Town is an old town by the Li River, preserving many traditional buildings and local snacks. Recommended Food: Bamboo Tube Rice, Stuffed Snails Duration: 1 hour - Afternoon: Yangshuo West Street Recommended Reason: West Street is the most bustling commercial street in Yangshuo, full of exotic and artistic vibes, perfect for shopping, photography, and tasting food. Duration: 2 hours Evening: Impression Liu Sanjie Show Recommended Reason: Directed by Zhang Yimou, 'Impression Liu Sanjie' is a large-scale live performance set on the Li River, showcasing Guilin's folk culture and natural scenery. Show Duration: Approximately 70 minutes Ticket: Approximately 200 RMB - Day 3: Yangshuo Karst Mountain and Countryside Scenery Morning: Cycling the Ten-Mile Gallery Recommended Reason: The Ten-Mile Gallery is the most beautiful cycling route in Yangshuo, offering views of countryside scenery and karst peaks. Recommended Route: Yangshuo County → Gongnong Bridge → Moon Hill → Big Banyan Tree Duration: 2-3 hours Bike Rental: Approximately 30 RMB per day Noon: Moon Hill & Big Banyan Tree Recommended Reason: Moon Hill is named for its natural round hole at the top, and the Big Banyan Tree is a filming location for the movie 'Liu Sanjie.' Duration: 1.5 hours Ticket: Moon Hill approximately 15 RMB, Big Banyan Tree approximately 20 RMB - Afternoon: Xianggong Hill → Shangri-La Recommended Reason: Xianggong Hill offers a view of the first bend of the Li River. From the top, you can see the orderly peaks and the clear Li River winding through the mountains. The light, clouds, sunrise, and sunset here attract many photographers. - Shangri-La features primitive and rustic mountain charm, elegant natural streams, and karst landscapes. The Swallow Lake sings passionately, the Pen Rack Mountain meditates silently, and outside the deep caves are ancient villages surrounded by blooming peach trees. Duration: 3-4 hours Ticket: Approximately 80 RMB Evening: Return to Guilin City Recommended Activity: If time permits, enjoy an authentic Guilin meal in the city to conclude your pleasant journey. - Travel Tips Best Travel Time: Spring and autumn (March-May, September-November) offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Transportation: Guilin has convenient transportation. Use ride-hailing apps or rent an electric bike; cycling is a good option for short distances between Yangshuo attractions. Accommodation: Both Guilin and Yangshuo offer a variety of accommodation options. It is recommended to book in advance. - Notes: Protect yourself from the sun during Li River rafting and keep warm in winter. I hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip to Guilin!