Guilin & Yangshuo

桂林
The Landscape That Inspired a Thousand Paintings

Guilin's karst mountains rising from the Li River are the most iconic scenery in China — the landscape on the ¥20 bill. Yangshuo, downstream, is where you stay.

Duration
3-4 days
Best Time
April-October (avoid July-August heat)
From Yiyang
High-speed train via Changsha

What to See & Do

Li River Cruise

4-hour cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo through towering karst peaks reflected in emerald water. The most photographed scenery in China. Book the large boat for the full route.

Yangshuo Countryside

Rent an e-bike and ride through rice paddies with karst mountains as backdrop. Moon Hill, Ten-Mile Gallery, and local villages where life hasn't changed in centuries.

Reed Flute Cave

An illuminated limestone cave with stalactites and stalagmites. 240 million years old. 30-minute walk through rainbow-lit chambers.

Longji Rice Terraces (Day Trip)

2,300-year-old rice terraces carved into mountainsides. Zhuang and Yao minority villages. Best in May (water-filled) or October (golden harvest).

What to Eat

🍜 Beer fish (Yangshuo's signature dish, $5) · Guilin rice noodles ($1.50) · Stuffed snails ($3) · Oil tea (minority specialty) · Fresh river fish

Prices are approximate. ChinaWithEase clients receive a curated restaurant list with our top local picks for every meal.

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