Guilin and Yangshuo China- 3 Day Itinerary

Planning on visiting Guilin and Yangshuo, China? Dive into this ultimate 3-day itinerary for stunning views, hidden gems, and travel tips to make your trip unforgettable!

We spent a weekend in Guilin and Yangshuo China. Guilin and Yangshuo are both towns located in the beautiful city of Guilin in the Guangxi region of China. Guilin is located in southern China and is famous for its beautiful karst landscapes, winding rivers, and ancient towns steeped in history.

We started off our Guilin and Yangshuo China trip in the main city of Guilin on the Friday night. We spent the following day exploring Xingping Ancient Town, and finally ended our trip in Yangshuo County.

Guilin and Yangshuo was one of my favourite trips to date, and definitely my favourite place I have visited in China so far. I was honesty taken away by the natural beauty of this area. So, if you’re planning a trip to China, be sure to add Guilin and Yangshuo to your itinerary. I promise you will not be disappointed. Guilin offers a mix of natural wonders, cultural experiences, and delicious food, making it a must-visit destination in China!

In this three-day itinerary, discover Guilin’s highlights—from the lively main town to the tranquil beauty of Yangshuo’s countryside.

Guilin and Yangshuo, China- 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Guilin

We arrived late on the Friday evening after a long day of work. But that did not stop us from getting out to explore the main town centre of Guilin. And our first sight was the famous Sun and Moon Pagoda.

Sun and Moon Pagoda

We started our evening in Guilin by taking a walk to the Sun and Moon Pagodas. The Sun and Moon Pagodas are iconic landmarks located in the heart of Guilin’s Shanhu Lake, part of the scenic Two Rivers and Four Lakes area. These twin pagodas are not only striking examples of traditional Chinese architecture but also embody the cultural and spiritual heritage of the region. The Sun and Moon Pagodas were originally built as symbols of peace and harmony. They serve as a modern nod to the region’s long-standing Buddhist influences and its architectural heritage.

We visited the Sun and Moon pagodas late in the evening, which is said to be the best time to view the pagodas. The view of the pagodas shining across the lake was stunning. The warm glow of the Sun Pagoda contrasts beautifully with the cool, silver light of the Moon Pagoda, casting reflections over the lake that create a stunning visual display.

If you visit during the day, you can explore the interiors of the pagodas, which include exhibits of Buddhist artifacts and calligraphy, along with explanations of local culture and history. Climbing to the top of either pagoda rewards you with panoramic views of Guilin city and surrounding karst mountains. The view from the Sun Pagoda, in particular, is magnificent. It offers a clear viewpoint to take in the beauty of the Two Rivers and Four Lakes area.

Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area

We walked along the waterfront and stopped at the Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic area. Here we took in the stunning views across the lake. This scenic area connects the Li and Taohua (Peach Blossom) Rivers with four lakes—Shanhu (Fir Lake), Ronghu (Banyan Lake), Guihu (Osmanthus Lake), and Mulong Lake.

Here we had a beautiful view of the Sun and Moon Pagodas illuminating off the water. If you have time, you can take a Two Rivers and Four Lakes cruise. It is supposed to be beautiful at night time! (unfortunately we arrived too late for it). 

Zhenyang Pedestrian Street & Night Markets

Once we finished taking in some of Guilin cities beautiful scenes, we headed back to Zhenyang Pedestrian Street. It was located literally two minutes from where we stayed. This is a lively pedestrian-only street, with many restaurants and bars to choose from (they even had an Irish bar!). Be ready to browse local crafts, sample street food, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere. Guilin’s local snacks, such as rice noodles and osmanthus cake, are a must-try!

Here you can also find the Guilin night markets. This is a great spot to pick up some souvenirs or try some local street foods. We tried the pork buns and some bamboo juice (both a solid 10/10 and for only 10rmb each!).

Elephant Trunk Hill and the Reed Flute Caves

For us Guilin was just a layover to get to Yangshuo. We arrived late on the Friday evening, so we did not get to explore all of what it has to offer. However, if you have a full day to spend in Guilin main town, it is also highly recommended to see Elephant Trunk Hill and the Reed Flute Caves.

• Elephant Trunk Hill is a famous natural limestone formation in Guilin that resembles an elephant drinking from the Li River. It’s an iconic landmark known for its scenic views and cultural significance.
• The Reed Flute Cave is a stunning natural limestone cave in Guilin, filled with colorful stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations illuminated by vibrant lights. Known as the “Palace of Natural Arts,”

Where to stay in Guilin, China

In the main town of Guilin city, we stayed in Sky Garden Inn, a fabulous hotel, located in the heart of Guilin city. I highly recommend it if you plan to spend the night in the main city of Guilin.

This hotel was in a great location, with a 2-minute walk to Zhenyang pedestrian street and less than a 10-minute walk to the Sun and Moon Pagoda. My favourite part was the stunning view of the city we had from our room. I honestly wish I woke up to that view every morning. The hotel also had a pool and a restaurant (although we did not use either) and the staff couldn’t have been any nicer and helpful.

Day 2: Xingping Ancient Town, Yangshuo

The following morning, we began our day by taking an early train from Guilin to Yangshuo. The high-speed train took 24 minutes and cost around 90RMB. Or if you really want to take in all that the Li River has to offer, you can take the famous Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo. This is a 4 hour boat cruise along the Li River, including a buffet lunch!

The train arrived at Yangshuo station, which is 15 minutes from Xingping Ancient town in Yangshuo, so that is where we started off our day. I would highly recommend starting your day off here too if you arrive at Yangshuo station. If not you will travel 40 minutes to Yangshuo county only to travel back to Xingping ancient town again later anyway.

We took the bus from the train station to Xingping Ancient Town. It only cost 5RMB and it was so convenient. When you leave the train station go to your left and you can buy your ticket for the bus by scanning a QR code.

What to do in Xingping Ancient Town, Yangshuo

• Explore the ancient town
• Go bamboo Rafting on the Li River
• Visit the 20Rmb viewpoint
• Hike Laozhi Mountain
• See the Cormorant Fishermen
• Eat beer fish

Explore Xingping Ancient Town

Once we arrived, we strolled through the narrow streets of Xingping Ancient Town. This town is beautiful, it is what I imagined China to look like (unlike the city life of Shenzhen). The town is filled with Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, offering a glimpse into centuries-old Chinese culture.

Along these streets you will have so much to see, from shops to cafes to restaurants. First, we stopped for a coconut latte (latest obsession) and we tried some local snacks (it was like a Chinese version of rice Krispie squares- it was sooo good we bought a bag to take home. You will see people outside the shops handing out samples!). Then we took a look in the shops which were selling souvenirs, traditional Chinese costumes, local teas and so much more.

20RMB Viewpoint

After we finished exploring the town, we made our way towards the waterfront to take a bamboo ride along the Li River. Close to the town’s waterfront, you will find the 20RMB Viewpoint. This spot offers an iconic view of the karst peaks and river bend, exactly as featured on the 20RMB banknote.

It was quite crowded at this point, and I struggled to get a good picture here. To be honest I was too impatient to wait in the line. But don’t worry if you are going bamboo rafting along the Li River you will have the best view of the iconic karst mountains found on your 20RMB note anyway.

Bamboo rafting on the Li River

Once you finish exploring the town you can take a bamboo raft ride down the most scenic section of the Li River, known for the dramatic karst peaks that line its banks. As mentioned above, The “20RMB View” is one of the highlights of this cruise.

Bamboo rafting along the Li River was insane. It was the most peaceful experience, cruising along the Li River and taking all of the beauty of the are in. The sun was splitting the trees, and the views of the karst landscape mountains were breath-taking. It felt like something from a movie.

It is worth mentioning however, that the bamboo raft experience on the Li River is not the most authentic bamboo raft experience you will get in Guilin. The rafts here are motorised with small engines, which detracts from the traditional experience of bamboo rafting. Whereas along the Yulong River (in Yangshuo County) the rafts are typically non-motorized and propelled manually by local boatmen using bamboo poles.

The cost and location for the bamboo rafting cruise

We bought our tickets for the cruise from a little wooden shack found at the bottom end of Xingping ancient town. It cost 180RMB each.  They offered us an option to take a bus to the pier or walk, we chose to walk as we wanted to take in the scenery along the way. It is about a 15-minute walk from the town to the pier. We walked up the hill, along the waterfront, to Xingping Chaobanshan Pier to board the bamboo raft.

The pier for boarding the bamboo raft had the best view of the karst landscape found on your 20RMB note. They even sold ice creams at the pier in the shape of the mountains, which was great because we had no 20RMB note with us. Like the big tourist I am, I obviously could not resist getting one and holding it up for a picture!

Climb Laozhai Mountain

After a lovely, relaxing morning we decided it was time to put our hiking boots on and put our fitness to the test. So, we headed towards Laozhai Mountain. Climbing Laozhai mountain is a must-do if you are in Guilin.

It took us approximately 45 minutes to get to the top. I have to say the climb can be challenging. It is made up of 100s of stone steps and once you reach the top you do have to climb a very steep ladder. I’m not going to lie at this point I said I was turning back. But with some convincing I braved it and kept going. The climb is so worth it when you see the panoramic view at the top. It is breathtaking! It offers a bird’s-eye perspective of the Li River winding through the karst mountains. This was probably the highlight of the trip.

Where do you find Laozhai Mountain?

I’m not going to lie, we kind of struggled to find the beginning of the trail to climb Laozhai Mountain. We walked around in circles looking at Apple Maps (best way to navigate in China).

So how do you find it? The best thing to do is walk towards the waterfront and look for the ferry dock. If you walk through the town and come out the bottom end (the opposite end of where you get off the bus) you are just at the waterfront. Go to your left and you will find the ferry dock.

The trail entrance is located just behind the ferry dock. You should see a small path leading upward with stone steps at the base. Sometimes, there’s a wooden sign or other markers indicating the way. If you’re unsure, ask locals for “Laozhai Shan” (老寨山), and they’ll point you in the right direction. There was a lovely lady selling clothes near the entrance. She was happy to point us in the right direction. She even convinced us to buy some clothes from her, we couldn’t say no!

Enjoy the famous Beer Fish

So, what is beer fish? It’s a mix of fish and beer (if you can’t tell by the name) and it is served in a tomato based sauce seasoned with garlic, chillis and ginger. I usually despise anything with ginger in it, but this was amazing!

If you’re visiting Yangshuo or Guilin, you’ll find beer fish on most restaurant menus, especially in places near the Li River where fresh fish is readily available. You will also find it in many of the restaurants on the famous West Street. So don’t worry if you don’t get to try it in Xingping, you will have lots of opportunities to try it once you hit Yangshuo county.

See the Cormorant fishermen

Once we finished indulging in some beer fish, we headed back to the waterfront the see the famous cormorant fishermen. Cormorant fishing is an age-old practice believed to have originated over a thousand years ago in China, with the Li River in Guilin being one of the most famous places to see it. The fishermen on the Li River are renowned for their unique and ancient fishing method involving trained cormorant birds. This is a practice that has been passed down through generations and is now a symbol of the region’s cultural heritage.

As Xingping is a historic town situated along the Li River, it is one of best places to witness cormorant fishing. In the evening the fishermen come out and pose on their boats along the river. You can walk along the waterfront and try to catch them out on their boats. Unfortunately, we did not get a close-up view of them liked I wished. We spent too long indulging in our beer fish and chatting about the amazing day we had so we were too late to reach them. If you prefer, you can hire a local guide either. They will bring you to the best spot to capture the experience. You can also book a personalised photography session. The session includes capturing beautiful photos, while posing on the bamboo rafts, gently floating on the Li River. To add a cultural touch, the cormorant birds are included in the shoot.

Although I didn’t get a close-up view of the fishermen, I still managed to see them out in the distance while the sun was setting, and it was still beautiful!

Travel from Xingping Ancient Town to West Street (Yangshuo County)

After spending an amazing day in Xingping Ancient Town, it was time to make our way towards Yangshuo County. We got a Didi (Chinese version of Uber) to Yangshuo county. The Didi to Yangshuo county was approximately 45 minutes and cost 70RMB. However, there is a bus, called the Yangshuo county bus, that you can take either and you pay as little as 5RMB.

To be honest my day spent in Xingping Ancient Town felt like something from a movie. I did not want it to come to an end. You cannot miss this beautiful gem if you visit Guilin and Yangshuo while travelling China. I am so grateful that teaching English in China has gave me the opportunity to see places like this.

West Street

We spent our evening wandering through West Street, Yangshuo’s most famous pedestrian street. West Street boasts over 1,400 years of history, making it the oldest street in the region. Here, you can find a mix of both eastern and western influences.

I could not believe how busy and lively it was! As soon as we arrived on West Street, we were met with an array of flashing lights, bustling crowds and the sound of music from restaurants and bars. Along West Street you will find something for everyone with plenty of shops, cafes, restaurants and bars (and even some nightclubs).  

We chose to spend the evening relaxing in a fabulous restaurant, situated right as you walk onto West Street. We enjoyed some delicious Chinese food while listening to live music and watching the crowds pass up and down West Street. If you are trying to find it, you will see it is unusually decorated with jellyfish dangling from the ceiling. However, you have endless restaurants to choose from on West Street!

Where to Stay in Yangshuo County

We stayed in Yangshuo River View Hotel. This hotel was in an ideal location, just a 2-minute walk (if even) from West Street. The room was lovely, clean and spacious, and the staff were so helpful with great English. You also have the option to add breakfast for 50RMB which included western style options! Sausages, eggs, pancakes, French toast and they served a beautiful latte.

Day 3: Explore Yangshuo County

Things to do in Yangshuo, China:

• Wander through the lively West Street
• Explore Yangshuo Countryside by bike or scooter
• Visit Yulong Bridge (bamboo rafting is an option here)
• Stop in Jiuxian village for a real local insight of the area
• Capture photographs of the Big Banyan Tree
• Climb Moon Hill

Morning coffee and shopping on West Street

We began our final day of our Guilin and Yangshuo trip in China with a relaxed morning on West Street. I couldn’t believe how quiet it was in the morning compared to the night before. The streets were literally empty, with a lot of restaurants, shops, cafes not opening until 10 or after. So, if you’re an early riser like me, you might struggle to find an early morning coffee!

After a nice hot coffee, we wandered through the shops to pick up some souvenirs. We tried some local teas, dried fruits and home-made nougat (be careful some of the nougat is so tasty and some was nasty!).

Rent a bike or a scooter to explore Yangshuo Countryside.

Once we finished our morning exploring West Street, we went to rent a bike. Yangshuo’s scenic countryside is best experienced on two wheels. You will find many bike or scooter rental spots conveniently located near West Street. Renting a bike cost as little as 30RMB and renting a scooter cost 60RMB.

We ended up renting a scooter instead of bikes. I was not too keen on the idea of a scooter at first, but I was so glad in the end. We got to see so much of Yangshuo County! We started by heading in the direction of Yulong Bridge, where we stopped in Baisha town along the way. Then we went through Juixian village (a hidden gem for a real local insight into area). From there we carried on to see Xiangrui Bridge, The Big Banyan Tree and Moon Hill. Be prepared to spend a full day out exploring this area. There is so much to see and do in Yangshuo County!

Yulong Bridge

Our first stop was Yulong Bridge. It took approximately 15 minutes from West Street by scooter.  Yulong Bridge is a centuries-old stone bridge, over 600 years old, that spans the serene Yulong River. As you arrive, you can take in the sight of bamboo rafts gently floating down the water. The Yulong River was much quieter than the Li River. This spot is ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in the peaceful countryside. It is also the perfect place to capture photographs of the timeless beauty of rural China.

Here, you can opt to go for a real authentic bamboo rafting cruise along the Yulong River. Like I mentioned earlier, the bamboo rafts here are not motorised, which gives you a more authentic and peaceful experience. I was kind of sorry I didn’t wait and do it here. Saying that, the views and scenery along the Li River in Xingping are unmatched.

Along the walk to the bridge, you will find some local markets. Here I bought a cute little poncho from an old lady to keep me warm (it was only 25rmb!). Just under the bridge you can also find a lovely café situated on the river front. We sat here and had a coffee while watching the bamboo rafts glide down past us. It was beautiful. It was so peaceful; we could have sat there for hours.

Jiuxian village

We continued our journey to Jiuxian Village, a hidden gem where history comes alive. We wanted to explore the real local, rural side of Guilin, and this village was perfect to do just that.

This ancient village, with its stone houses and narrow alleys, offers a glimpse into life from centuries past. Here you can stroll through the quiet lanes, enjoy the slower pace, and consider visiting a local teahouse to sample traditional teas or delicacies. The peaceful atmosphere here makes Jiuxian a wonderful spot for a mid-morning break. It provides an authentic experience of the rural Chinese culture found in Guilin and Yangshuo.

Xiangui Bridge

From Jiuxian Village we made our way to Xiangui Bridge, another scenic marvel that stretches over the Yulong River. Unlike the more frequented Yulong Bridge, Xiangui Bridge has a more tranquil quality. It’s surrounded by lush rice paddies and dramatic karst mountains- an ideal spot to pause and take in the scenery. Again, you will get a beautiful sight of the bamboo rafts cruising along the Yulong River. Among the surrounding fields we saw many farmers tending their crops, or feeding their animals. This added a beautiful touch of local life to our trip in Yangshuo.

From here you can head back to West Street (20 minutes) or go straight ahead to the Big Banyan Tree and Moon Hill. It will take approximately an hour and a half by bicycle or just under an hour by scooter.

The Big Banyan Tree

The Big Banyan Tree is a huge ancient banyan tree believed to be over 1,400 years old. It has an expansive canopy and roots that sprawl across a large area, creating a beautiful, picturesque setting. This area can get busy during peak hours. If you can, visit early in the morning for a quieter experience. There’s also a small entry fee to access the tree’s grounds, which is 15RMB.

Moon Hill

Moon Hill is a natural limestone arch in the shape of a crescent moon, perched atop a karst mountain. It is one of Yangshuo’s most recognizable landmarks and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding karst landscape. Unfortunately, we ran out of time and did not get to climb Moon Hill. If you go to the top, you’ll get an amazing view of Yangshuo’s countryside and karst landscape. I was pretty sad that we didn’t get the chance to go to the top of Moon Hill. However, I doubt it would have topped the breath-taking panoramic views I got of Guilin from the top of Laozhai Mountain. That’s what I like to tell myself anyway.

Guilin and Yangshuo China- 3 Day Itinerary (Summary).

Here is a complete summary of our 3 Day Itinerary for Guilin and Yangshuo China.

• Day 1- Guilin: Visit the Sun and Moon Pagoda and the Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area, walk along Zhenyang Pedestrian Street and see Guilin’s Night Markets. You can also visit Elephant Trunk hill or take a tour of the Reed Flute Caves
• Day 2- Xingping Ancient Town, Yangshuo: Explore the ancient town, take a bamboo rafting cruise along the Li River, visit the 20RMB viewpoint, hike Laozhai Mountain, see the Cormorant Fishermen and eat beer fish.
• Day 3- Yangshuo County: Wander through the lively West Street, explore Yangshuo Countryside by bike or scooter, visit Yulong Bridge (bamboo rafting is an option here), stop in Jiuxian village for a real local insight of the area, capture photographs of the Big Banyan Tree and climb Moon Hill.

Guilin and Yangshuo are perfect for travellers seeking natural beauty in what China has to offer. From the serene waters of the Li River to the towering karst peaks and charming ancient towns, this 3-day itinerary captured the essence of this breath-taking region.

Whether you’re exploring Guilin’s iconic landmarks, hiking Laozhai Mountain, or cycling through Yangshuo’s picturesque countryside, every moment promises stunning views and unforgettable experiences. If you are looking for a memorable adventure in China, be sure to add Guilin and Yangshuo to your list. I promise you wont regret it!