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Guilin & the Li River: 6-Day Plan You Can Actually Do

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The 6-day version for May: every day fits real transit, opening hours and daylight. Prefer more or fewer days? 4-day plan · 5-day plan · 6-day plan · best time to go.

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6
days
160 km
distance
11.6 h
in transit
33
curated stops

💡 Good to know for this plan

Day 1 Guilin

6 curated stops
Transit
0h44
Finish
~16:00
Temperature
17.9°C–26.4°C
Rainy days
~28
Daylight
13.2h
09:00
Jingjiang Princes' City glwangcheng.com read more map ↗
Explore palace buildings turned into a fascinating museum.
50 min · Guilin · ¥100
open: 07:30-18:00 (March 1st to April 4th & October 8th to December 7th), 07:30-18:30 (May 1st to October 7th), 08:00-18:00 (December 8th to February 28th)
10:00
Solitary Beauty Peak search map ↗
Ascend for sweeping city and countryside vistas.
50 min · Guilin · ¥70
open: 08:00-17:00
11:00
Central Square search map ↗
Watch a giant atlas and an artificial waterfall in the town centre.
50 min · Guilin · Free
open: Open all day
12:00
Sun and Moon Pagodas read more map ↗
Enjoy tranquil lake views away from city bustle.
50 min · Guilin · ¥35
open: 08:00-22:00
13:00
Elephant Trunk Hill read more map ↗
Marvel at a rock arch shaped like an elephant's trunk.
50 min · Guilin · ¥75
open: 07:00-22:00
14:10
Reed Flute Cave read more map ↗
Walk through limestone formations lit in vibrant colours.
50 min · Guilin · ¥90
open: 08:00-17:30
15:00
Wada Bar @ Wada Hostel facebook.com
Sip premium cocktails in a lively outdoor lounge with global travelers.
60 min · Guilin
Overnight here
e.g. Lijiang Waterfall Hotel · Guilin Central Hostel
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening → More on Klook →

Day 2 Around Guilin

6 curated stops
Transit
2h10
Finish
~17:40
Temperature
17.9°C–26.4°C
Rainy days
~28
Daylight
13.2h
09:00
Gudong Scenic Area glgdst.com map ↗
Feel the spray of a spring-fed waterfall.
50 min · Guilin · Tickets are ¥75 (or ¥55 if purchased online). Entry is free for children under 1.4 metres in height
open: 08:30-17:00
10:15
Crown Cave search map ↗
Descend into a cave and view dazzling stalactites.
50 min · Guilin · ¥65 per person excluding transport to/from cave entrance
12:20
Official Residence of Li Zongren search map ↗
Step into a historic home of a famed military leader.
50 min · Guilin · Free
open: 09:00-17:00, no entry after 16:30, closed on Mondays
13:20
Guilin Museum guilinmuseum.org.cn read more map ↗
Browse thousands of cultural relics spanning many eras.
50 min · Guilin · Free
open: 09:00-17:00, no entry after 16:30, closed on Mondays
14:25
Li River Cruise lirivercruises.com
Glide past dramatic limestone formations on the river.
90 min · Guilin · from ¥600 + (4-Star Boat), ¥300 (3-Star Boat) includes lunch
open: 3-4 hr
needs booking ahead: permit, timed entry or a guide details
16:10
Two Rivers and Four Lakes Cruise search
Enjoy floodlit scenery and cormorant fishing at night.
90 min · Guilin · ¥200 (¥180 off-season)
open: 09:00-21:30 every half hour
needs booking ahead: permit, timed entry or a guide
Overnight here
e.g. Lijiang Waterfall Hotel · Guilin Central Hostel
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening → More on Klook →

Day 3 Yangshuo

5 curated stops
Transit
3h16
Finish
~17:20
Temperature
18.7°C–27.3°C
Rainy days
~28
Daylight
13.2h
10:10
Yulong River valley search map ↗
Cycle through lush valleys and charming farming villages.
50 min · Yangshuo
11:25
Yangshuo Park search map ↗
Observe locals playing cards and knitting in lively gatherings.
50 min · Yangshuo · Free
open: Open all day
12:40
Assembling Dragon Cave search map ↗
Marvel at illuminated stalactites and stalagmites inside.
50 min · Yangshuo
14:45
Yangdi-Xingping scenic area search map ↗
Experience the iconic Li River views on tranquil bamboo rafts.
50 min · Yangshuo
15:50
Impression Liu Sanjie search
Watch a grand show directed by Zhang Yimou set to famous music.
90 min · Yangshuo · ¥188 face value, travel agents sell at about ¥150 for the cheapest seat
open: Every day but closed in Jan or Feb for maintenance
Overnight here
e.g. Monkey Jane's Hotel & Rooftop Bar · Fawlty Towers
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening → More on Klook →

Day 4 Around Yangshuo

5 curated stops
Transit
0h48
Finish
~17:50
Temperature
18.7°C–27.3°C
Rainy days
~28
Daylight
13.2h
09:00
Cormorant Fishing search
Watch traditional fishermen guide cormorants on evening boat trips.
50 min · Yangshuo
10:05
Blackrock search
Take on abseiling, kayaking, or ziplining with expert guides.
90 min · Yangshuo
11:50
Rock Abond Inn search
Find gear, lodging, and expert guiding all in one place.
90 min · Yangshuo
13:35
Karst Climber search
Start your climbing journey with beginner-friendly lessons.
90 min · Yangshuo
15:20
Spiderman search
Spot iconic Spider-Man artwork and poses brought to life in a vibrant, comic-inspired setting.
90 min · Yangshuo
16:50
Kelly's Cafe search map ↗
Sipper on smooth milkshakes and casual burgers.
60 min · Yangshuo
Overnight here
e.g. Monkey Jane's Hotel & Rooftop Bar · Fawlty Towers
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening → More on Klook →

Day 5 Xingping

5 curated stops
Transit
1h49
Finish
~17:35
Temperature
18.7°C–27.3°C
Rainy days
~28
Daylight
13.2h
10:05
Bird's View Pavilion search
Karst peak pavilion offers sweeping town views.
50 min · Xingping · Free
11:10
Li River Boat Trip search
Enjoy serene waters and gentle currents on a cozy Li River boat.
90 min · Xingping · ¥80 for 2 people
12:55
¥20 Point search
50 min · Xingping
14:00
Lotus Cave search
Pleasant bike ride to a valley-edge cave.
50 min · Xingping
15:05
Yangdi - Xingping search
Walk peaceful paths beside the Li River through villages and bamboo groves.
90 min · Xingping
16:35
This Old Place Cafe search
Savor traditional Chinese dishes served with attentive, welcoming staff.
60 min · Xingping
Overnight here
e.g. This Old Place Hostel · Xingping Our Inn
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening → More on Klook →

Day 6 Longsheng (rice terraces)

3 curated stops
Transit
2h49
Finish
~17:15
Temperature
16.3°C–25.3°C
Rainy days
~28
Daylight
13.3h
11:25
The Rice Terraces read more map ↗
Marvel at vast, tiered green fields cascading down misty mountain slopes.
180 min · Longsheng (rice terraces) · ¥80, students ¥40
14:40
Some very long hair search
See Yao women proudly displaying their exceptionally long, ornate hair.
50 min · Longsheng (rice terraces) · Free to look, ¥10 for a photo
15:45
Around Ping'An search
Discover viewpoints with breathtaking panoramas of terraced fields and town.
90 min · Longsheng (rice terraces)

🔍 Check before you book

Every stop is a real, sourced place, but opening hours change, roads close and businesses move. Check anything you're paying for before you book.

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