Guilin: The Perfect Family Travel Destination

Guilin is perfect for family trips with kids! But there are some things to keep in mind. 😎🥰🤩 Summer vacation in Guilin with kids is absolutely amazing! This family travel guide made my 5-year-old have so much fun that he didn’t want to leave! After visiting 8 provinces in three years with my child, Guilin and Yangshuo are definitely the hidden gems for family trips‼️ No crowded places, no exhausting walks—just water activities, cave exploration, and cycling every day. The kids get to burn off all their energy, and moms can even take stunning photos for social media📸. Tons of interactive experiences make this one of my top 3 family trips! Sharing this with moms who are planning a trip with their kids—bookmark this guide and you’re all set! 💖 - 📝 Itinerary (5 days, 4 nights—relaxing and easy) DAY1️⃣: Arrive in Guilin → Check into hotel → Free time for exploring and dining Recommended spots: Zhengyang Pedestrian Street, Dongxi Lane (beautiful night views) Must-try food: Guilin Rice Noodles (Old Dongjiang Main Store) DAY2️⃣: Explore Jingjiang Princes’ Palace → Scenic views at Xianggong Mountain Jingjiang Princes’ Palace: Dress up for a "Imperial Exam" experience, try traditional printing techniques, and enjoy engaging explanations from expert guides! Xianggong Mountain: Hike to the top for a panoramic view of "Lijiang’s First Bend"—every photo is Instagram-worthy📸. DAY3️⃣: Karst cave exploration → Night tour of Yangshuo West Street Karst caves: Guided by professional coaches, kids use flashlights to explore stalactites—constant "wow" moments✨. West Street adventure: Exclusive task cards for exploring West Street, encouraging kids to interact with locals and build independence. DAY4️⃣: Via Ferrata challenge → Cycling along Ten-Mile Gallery Via Ferrata: Even 5-year-olds can enjoy this climbing adventure with zip lines—super thrilling yet safe, and a huge sense of accomplishment! Ten-Mile Gallery cycling: Leisurely parent-child cycling with stops for water play and photos—so relaxing! DAY5️⃣: Bamboo rafting on Yulong River → Return home Bamboo rafting: Experience the most picturesque section of Yulong River, enjoying water play and interacting with the raft operators—pure joy💦. - 🌟 Highlights of the family experience ✅ Cave exploration—almost untouched and primitive, kids see underground rivers and stalactites for the first time, calling it "Journey to the Center of the Earth." ✅ Via Ferrata climbing—builds courage and teamwork, kids are often braver than parents! ✅ Bamboo rafting on Yulong River—truly "floating on emerald waves," kids play barefoot in the water and chat with raft operators. ✅ West Street exploration tasks—like a treasure hunt, kids actively engage with locals and become super outgoing 😂. ✅ Cycling along Ten-Mile Gallery—fields swaying in the breeze, Butterfly Spring, Gongnong Bridge… breathtaking scenery all the way. ✅ Xianggong Mountain hike—afternoon hike to avoid crowds, 30 minutes to the top for stunning views of Lijiang’s First Bend, easy for kids! - 🍜 Food recommendations (tested and approved) 🔥 Guilin Rice Noodles: Old Dongjiang Main Store (rich and flavorful, especially with crispy pork slices) 🔥 Yangshuo Beer Fish: Master Chef/Liu Jie (tender fish with a sauce that’s perfect with rice) 🔥 Quanzhou Vinegar Blood Duck: Tangy and spicy, a local favorite 🔥 Snail Duck Pot: A must-try for snail noodle lovers 🔥 Osmanthus Cake: Freshly steamed roadside treats, soft and fragrant - 🏨 Top family-friendly hotel in Yangshuo: Bamboo Window Creek Perfect location: By Yulong River, close to all attractions Kid-friendly: Swimming pool, countryside viewing deck, rooms with mountain and river views Thoughtful service: Full concierge-style assistance - ⚠️ Practical tips 1️⃣ Sun protection! Guilin summers are very hot—bring hats, cooling sleeves, and sunscreen. 2️⃣ Cycling with kids: Choose bikes with child seats; the routes are flat and safe. 3️⃣ Cave exploration: Have kids wear non-slip shoes; caves are cool, so bring light jackets. - 💡 Why recommend this route? 👉 Learning through play: Covers geology, history, and culture—kids can show off their knowledge to friends afterward. 👉 Strong parent-child interaction: Not just sightseeing—activities like climbing, cycling, and exploring strengthen bonds💕. 👉 Relaxing and easy: 1-2 main attractions per day, plenty of rest time, and kids stay energized. This trip truly made me realize that traveling with kids is the best way to help them grow! -