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Day Trips from Guilin

Day Trips from Guilin

Guilin Guangxi, China Travel Guide

Yangshuo: Premier Excursion

Yangshuo is the most popular and highly recommended day trip. Many travelers extend this to an overnight or multi-night stay. Approximately 1.5-2 a few hours south of Guilin by bus, or a 4-5 hour Li River cruise.

Reach Yangshuo via a Li River cruise from Guilin (a scenic journey), a public bus from Guilin South Bus Station, or a high-speed train (Yangshuo Train Terminal is outside town and a shuttle bus is needed to the center).

Planning Your Yangshuo Visit

  • Independent exploration offers flexibility for cycling.
  • Organized tours give convenience and smooth transport.
  • Plan a full day; consider 1-2 nights for a full experience.
  • Li River cruise, countryside cycling, Yulong Going down the river on a raft, Impression Sanjie Liu show.

Further Afield: Natural & Historical

Discover more of Guangxi's diverse natural beauty and cultural sites beyond Guilin's immediate vicinity.

Longji Rice Terraces

Known for spectacular terraced rice fields. Approximately 2-3 hours north of Guilin by bus.

Getting There

  • Public bus from Guilin North Bus Station to Longsheng.
  • Transfer to local bus to Ping'an or Dazhai villages.
  • Many tour companies offer direct tourist buses.

Daxu Ancient Town

A well-preserved traditional market town on the Li River. About 30 km (1 hour) southeast of Guilin.

Exploring Daxu

  • Roam the old streets and ancient bridges.
  • Observe local life and traditional architecture.
  • A relaxed half-day to full-day trip.

Seasonal & Scenic Landscapes

Landscapes

  • Yulong River Scenic Area (Yangshuo): Ideal for bamboo rafting and cycling.
  • Longsheng Hot Springs National Park With forests: Natural hot springs.
  • Misty Li River: Ethereal quality, common in spring (March-May).
  • Golden Rice Terraces: Late September/early October harvest season for brilliant golden colors.

More Natural Wonders

  • Water-filled Terraces: Late April/early May, terraces reflect the sky, creating stunning patterns.
  • Lijiang National Park: Sustainable tourism protecting the unique karst landscape.
  • A relaxing retreat, especially after hiking in Longsheng.
  • Creates atmospheric photographs of the landscape.

Guangxi Region Overview

  • Li River Length437 km
  • Karst Peaks CountOver 20,000
  • Annual Rainfall1,900 mm
  • Average Temperature19°C
  • UNESCO World HeritageSouth China Karst
  • Main Tourist SeasonApril - October
  • Major AirportsGuilin (KWL), Nanning (NNG)
  • High-speed Rail AccessExtensive Network

Travel Advisory

Confirm specific attraction hours and availability, as these can vary seasonally or due to local conditions.

Cultural & Immersive Experiences

Discover the rich history and unique local life with these engaging cultural excursions.

Lingqu Canal

Ancient canal in Xing'an. A remarkable engineering feat from the Qin Dynasty, connecting two major river systems.

Rural Village Life

Smaller villages around Yangshuo accessible by bicycle offer glimpses into rural life and traditional architecture.

Local Spiritual Sites

Temples in Daxu Ancient Town or city parks offer quietude and observation of local religious practices.

Longji Cultural Immersion

An overnight stay in the Longji Rice Terraces villages deepens your experience of local Zhuang and Yao minority culture.

Cultural Highlights

  • Experience traditional folk songs and dances sometimes performed.
  • Taste unique local dishes in family-run guesthouses.
  • Watch traditional wooden architecture and farming methods.

Yangshuo Workshops

Yangshuo opportunities to understand local crafts and traditional arts unique to the region.

Hands-On Learning

  • Participate in Chinese calligraphy or painting classes.
  • Explore traditional Chinese massage techniques.
  • Join a cooking class focused on authentic Guangxi cuisine.

Multi-Day Extension Snapshot

Yangshuo StayRecommended 2 nights
Longji OvernightEssential for sunrise/sunset
High-speed RailConnects to major cities
Regional HubsGuangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing
Yunnan GatewayKunming for different cultures
Travel PaceSlower for more authentic discovery

Responsible Travel Note

  • Support local crafts and classic shows that truly preserve culture.
  • Prioritize local restaurants and guesthouses over international chains.
  • Learn basic Mandarin phrases to show appreciation and facilitate interactions.
  • Travel during shoulder seasons for fewer crowds and a more relaxed trip.
  • Minimize waste by bringing a refillable water bottle plus staying away from single-use plastics.

Extended Journeys

Expand your travel horizons with these suggestions for multi-day extensions, reaching beyond Guilin to explore more of China.

Yangshuo Deep Dive

Spending additional nights in Yangshuo lets you fully explore its countryside, rock climbing opportunities, and evening shows.

Extended Activities

  • Explore a wide network of trails and remote viewpoints.
  • Experience varied rock climbing for all abilities.
  • Cycle lengthier routes through scenic rural villages.

Longji Overnight Immersion

An overnight stay in the Longji Rice Terraces is recommended to experience sunrise and sunset views and extensive hiking between villages.

Immersive Stay

  • Witness spectacular sunrise and sundown over the terraces.
  • Stay in a traditional wooden guesthouse.
  • Discover more remote trails and hidden viewpoints.

Major City Connections

Guilin offers high-speed rail links to major Chinese metropolises, opening up diverse travel possibilities.

Nearby Hubs

  • Guangzhou/Shenzhen: Modern urban experiences, comprehensive shopping.
  • Chengdu: Famous for panda conservation and spicy Sichuan cuisine.
  • Chongqing: Unique urban landscape and gateway to Yangtze cruises.

Popular Regional Routes

Combine Guilin with other places for a comprehensive regional experience.

Combined Itineraries

  • Guilin-Yangshuo-Longji: Focus on Guangxi's natural beauty (3-5 days).
  • Guilin-Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong: Combines scenic beauty with modern hubs (7-10 days).
  • Guilin-Kunming-Dali-Lijiang (Yunnan): Explore diverse landscapes (10-14 days).

Planning Insights for Long Stays

Apartment Rentals

Consider renting an apartment in Guilin for a more local experience and as a base for extensive regional exploration.

Local Courses

Explore short courses in Mandarin or local crafts to deepen your cultural immersion during a longer stay.

Flexible Pace

A longer trip gives you the ability to travel at a relaxed pace, discovering hidden gems and authentic local life.

Tailored Travel

China's high-speed rail network connects major cities efficiently, making multi-province itineraries seamless and enjoyable.

Planning & Resources

Enhance your day trips and excursions with these practical resources and booking options.

Essential Trip Components

1

Day Trip Booking

Find and book guided day trips and excursions from Guilin to nearby attractions. Book Day Trips

2

Local Experiences

Discover cultural activities, cooking classes, and unique local tours in Guilin and Yangshuo. Find Experiences

3

Airport Lounge Access

Access airport lounges globally for a comfortable travel experience. Get Priority Pass

Travel Essentials

  • Reliable eSIM provider for consistent mobile data connection. Airalo
  • Portable WiFi device for internet access anywhere. Solis Wi-Fi
  • Language learning platform for basic Mandarin phrases. Rosetta Stone
  • Service for flight delay, cancellation, or denied boarding compensation. Compensair
  • Foreign currency exchange for local transactions.
  • International bank accounts for easy access to funds.

Planning Insights

  • Ensure you have the proper visa for entry and duration of stay in China.
  • Consider comprehensive travel insurance for medical emergencies and trip disruptions.
  • Utilize ride-hailing apps (Didi) and public transport for efficient city movement.
  • Always carry a copy a copy of your passport and entry permit for identification.
  • Familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers before arrival.
  • Pack appropriate clothing for the season and planned activities.

Additional Planning Tips

Visa Requirements

Verify China's current visa rules for your nationality well in advance of your trip.

Travel Insurance

A comprehensive travel insurance policy is advised for unexpected events or medical needs.

Local Transport

Familiarity with local mass transit (buses, Didi) simplifies getting around Guilin.

Before You Go

Download necessary apps and set up a VPN prior to arrival to handle internet restrictions effectively.
Day Trips from Guilin. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours