Guilin Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Guilin tours and things to do in China’s land of poetic karst scenery: cruise the Li River past mist-wrapped peaks to Yangshuo, climb the emerald Longji Rice Terraces, explore the illuminated Reed Flute Cave, watch cormorant fishermen at dusk, and drift the Yulong River on a bamboo raft. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
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Explore Guilin by interest
Whatever brings you to Guilin — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Li River cruises
Karst scenery.
ExploreYangshuo
Countryside & rafts.
ExploreRice terraces
Dragon’s Backbone.
ExploreGuilin city
Caves & hills.
ExploreCormorant fishing
Ancient tradition.
ExploreCooking & culture
Local flavours.
ExplorePhoto tours
Peaks & paddies.
ExploreCycling & hikes
Countryside trails.
ExploreTop attractions in Guilin
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Li River
Iconic cruises.
Longji Terraces
Dragon’s Backbone.
Yangshuo
Karst countryside.
Reed Flute Cave
Lit caverns.
Elephant Trunk Hill
Guilin’s symbol.
Yulong River
Bamboo rafting.
Cormorant Fishing
Ancient tradition.
Countryside
Cycling & paddies.
Guilin in 3 days
- 1Day 1: Li River & Yangshuo
- 2Day 2: Longji Terraces
- 3Day 3: Guilin city
- 4Reed Flute Cave
Guilin & Yangshuo nature
- 1Li River cruise
- 2Yulong bamboo raft
- 3Countryside cycling
- 4Light show
~2 hrs awayLongji Terraces
Rice terraces.
Cruise awayLi River
Karst scenery.
~1.5 hrs awayYangshuo
Karst town.
City awayReed Flute Cave
Lit caverns.
Yangshuo awayYulong River
Bamboo rafting.
Evening awayCormorant Fishing
Ancient tradition.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Guilin visitor asks before booking.
Spring (Apr–May)
Green, misty and atmospheric, with flooded rice terraces — a lovely time.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Hot, humid and lush, the rainy season with fuller rivers.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Mild, drier and clear — the best season, with golden terraces.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Cool and quiet, with misty peaks and fewer crowds.
For the river
Spring and autumn offer the best Li River cruising conditions.
Best overall
April to May and September to November are ideal.
One day
The Li River and Yangshuo.
Three days
Add the terraces and city.
Five days
Add cycling, culture and more.
For scenery
The river and Yangshuo.
For the terraces
A Longji day trip.
With kids
Cruise and Reed Flute Cave.
Tours & transfers
Guided tours with pickup are easiest for the river, terraces and countryside.
By boat
Cruises and bamboo rafts run on the Li and Yulong Rivers.
Taxis
Taxis and ride-hailing cover Guilin city and short trips.
Getting there
Guilin Liangjiang Airport and high-speed rail link the city to China’s network.
Where to stay
Guilin for the city, Yangshuo for the scenery.
Cycling
Cycling is a favourite way to explore the Yangshuo countryside.
Chinese yuan
Guilin uses the yuan; mobile payment is common, so carry some cash too.
Book ahead
Li River cruises and terrace tours fill up — reserve in advance.
Bring a guide
A guide or tour helps with language and logistics in the region.
River timing
Morning Li River cruises offer the best light and mist.
Pack for weather
Bring layers and rain gear — mountain weather changes fast.
Autumn harvest
Visit in autumn for golden rice terraces.
Li River cruises
The classic cruise sells out — book ahead.
Longji Terraces
Day trips to the terraces fill up — reserve early.
Yangshuo tours
Bamboo rafting and countryside tours book out — reserve ahead.
Cormorant fishing
Evening tours have limited spots — book early.
Cooking classes
Small-group cooking classes fill up — reserve ahead.
Golden Week
Chinese holidays are busiest — reserve everything well ahead.
Li River cruise
Around €50–90 for a Li River cruise to Yangshuo.
Longji Terraces
About €70–120 for a Longji Rice Terraces day trip.
Yangshuo tour
Roughly €40–80 for a Yangshuo countryside tour.
City tour
Around €35–60 for a Guilin city tour.
Cormorant fishing
About €40–70 for an evening fishing tour.
How to save
Join group tours and combine the river with Yangshuo.
Guilin through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Misty, green.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Lovely time.
- Best for
- Lush, full rivers.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Hot, rainy.
- Best for
- Golden terraces.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Best season.
- Best for
- Misty, quiet.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Cool.