The picturesque Li River, the poetic landscape of Guilin.

Guilin is a renowned scenic destination in China, famous for its claim that "Guilin's landscape tops all under heaven." Here's a classic 3-5 day itinerary covering natural wonders, cultural heritage, and unique experiences. --- ### **📌 Classic 3-5 Day Itinerary** **📍 Day 1: Highlights of Guilin City** ✅ **Morning** - **Elephant Trunk Hill** (Iconic landmark, must-visit) - **Two Rivers and Four Lakes** (Boat cruise or walk, night views recommended) ✅ **Afternoon** - **Prince Jingjiang's Mansion (Solitary Beauty Peak)** (Ming Dynasty palace, climb for panoramic city views) - **East and West Alley** (Ancient-style shopping street, great for photos and snacks) ✅ **Evening** - **Zhengyang Pedestrian Street/Shangshui Street** (Night market food, try Guilin rice noodles and beer fish) --- **📍 Day 2: Li River Highlights (Guilin → Yangshuo)** ✅ **Morning** - **Li River Cruise (Mopan Mountain/Zhujiang Pier → Yangshuo)** (4 hours, admire **Nine Horses Fresco Hill and Yellow Cloth Shoal**) - Or **Yangdi → Xingping Bamboo Raft** (More flexible, visit the 20 Yuan RMB backdrop) ✅ **Afternoon** - **Xingping Ancient Town** (Millennium-old town, hike Laozhai Mountain for river views) - **Yangshuo West Street** (Vibrant nightlife, bars, and handicrafts) ✅ **Evening** - **Impression Sanjie Liu** (Zhang Yimou's outdoor light show) --- **📍 Day 3: Yangshuo Exploration** ✅ **Morning** - **Yulong River Bamboo Rafting** (Recommended route: Jinlong Bridge → Jiuxian, serene paddle journey) - **Ten-Mile Gallery Cycling** (Countryside views, visit Big Banyan Tree and Moon Hill) ✅ **Afternoon** - **Silver Cave** (Karst cave with stunning stalactites) - **Shangri-La Park** (Idyllic scenery inspired by Tao Yuanming's poetry) ✅ **Evening** - **Yangshuo West Street Nightlife** (Bars, cafes, and unique shops) --- **📍 Day 4-5 (Optional): Longji Terraces/Hidden Gems** ✅ **Longji Terraced Fields** (Best for 2D1N) - **Jinkeng Terraces (Ping'an Village/Ancient Zhuang Village)** (Golden in autumn, lush in summer) - Experience **Zhuang culture**, stay in stilt houses ✅ **Hidden Gems** - **Mao'er Mountain** (South China's highest peak, sea of clouds at sunrise) - **Daxu Ancient Town** (Less-commercialized riverside town) --- ### **🍜 Must-Try Guilin Food** - **Guilin Rice Noodles** (Dry or soup style) - **Beer Fish** (Yangshuo specialty) - **Lipu Taro Pork Belly** - **Oil Tea** (Local breakfast drink) - **Suan Ye** (Pickled fruits) --- ### **🚗 Transport Tips** - **Guilin → Yangshuo**: Cruise (4h), bus (1.5h), or train (30min to Xingping) - **Yangshuo Attractions**: Rent e-bikes (¥30-50/day) for flexibility - **Longji Terraces**: Private car or day tour recommended --- ### **📌 Travel Tips** 1. Book Li River cruises early—**morning departures** offer better light. 2. Yulong River rafts have **long queues in peak season**—arrive early. 3. Longji Terraces are most scenic **April-October**; winter views are plainer. 4. Pack **rain gear + non-slip shoes**—Guilin is rainy. Guilin’s landscapes, villages, and flavors are worth savoring. This route covers the essentials! 🌿🚣‍♂️