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Guilin & the Li River: Route Guide

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Golden rice terraces on the hillsides of Longji near Guilin
Photo: Kurinurm · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Karst towers rising from mirror water: the landscape on the 20-yuan note, plus rice terraces carved a thousand layers up the hillsides.

Guilin & the Li River is a 160 km one-way journey (mixed transport). It works best as 4–6 days; the plan below is the 5-day version for May, built from 194 verified places, with planned transit times, opening hours and daylight checked.

4–6
days
160km
distance
4
Stops
194
curated stops

View ready-made plans 4-day plan · 5-day plan · 6-day plan · best time to go

The route

Guilin→ 65 kmYangshuo→ 25 kmXingping→ 70 kmLongsheng (rice terraces)
Blue-lit limestone formations reflected in still water inside Reed Flute Cave

Guilin · Day 1

Reed Flute Cave

Walk through limestone formations lit in vibrant colours.

5-day plan →

Photo: Dennis G. Jarvis · CC BY-SA 2.0

What you'll see

Sun and Moon Pagodas
Enjoy tranquil lake views away from city bustle.
Guilin
Yangdi-Xingping scenic area
Experience the iconic Li River views on tranquil bamboo rafts.
Yangshuo
Bird's View Pavilion
Karst peak pavilion offers sweeping town views.
Xingping
Unique traditional style of houses
Admire timber houses with distinctive multi-story designs and ornate details.
Longsheng (rice terraces)
Elephant Trunk Hill
Marvel at a rock arch shaped like an elephant's trunk.
Guilin
Yulong River valley
Cycle through lush valleys and charming farming villages.
Yangshuo

Choose your length

4-day plan19 stops · 11.3 h transit4.8 stops/day · 2.8 h transit/daySee the full plan →5-day plan23 stops · 11.9 h transit4.6 stops/day · 2.4 h transit/daySee the full plan →6-day plan28 stops · 12.8 h transit4.7 stops/day · 2.1 h transit/daySee the full plan →

When to go

Best months: April, May, June, July, August, September, October

Terraces flooded and mirror-like for planting; the Li River full and green.

See the month-by-month breakdown →

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View ready-made plans