Guilin, China-5-day-itinerary

Guilin, China 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Guilin City

  • Morning: Arrive at Guilin Liangjiang International Airport. Take a taxi or bus (approximately 30-40 minutes) to your hotel in the city center.
  • Afternoon: Check-in at Hotel Universal or similar. Visit the famous Guilin Central Square and explore the nearby streets, which offer a glimpse into local life.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at McFound, a popular restaurant serving Guilin’s signature dish, Guilin rice noodles.

Day 2: Yangshuo Countryside Adventure

  • Morning: Take a bus or taxi to the pier (about 1 hour) and then a scenic boat ride along the Li River to Yangshuo. The journey offers stunning views of karst landscapes.
  • Afternoon: Explore the charming town of Yangshuo. Rent bicycles and venture into the countryside for breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and rivers. Visit the famous Moon Hill and Big Banyan Tree.
  • Evening: Stay overnight in Yangshuo at Yangshuo Mountain Retreat or similar. Enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants, such as Green Lotus Restaurant.

Day 3: More Yangshuo Delights

  • Morning: Hike up to the top of TV Tower for panoramic views of Yangshuo.
  • Afternoon: Visit a local market or take part in a cooking class where you can learn how to make traditional Guilin dishes. Alternatively, explore the Yulong River by bamboo rafting or on foot.
  • Evening: Return to Guilin and enjoy dinner at Kali Mirch, an Indian restaurant with a cozy atmosphere.

Day 4: Reed Flute Cave and Seven Star Park

  • Morning: Visit the Reed Flute Cave, one of Guilin’s most famous attractions, known for its stunning limestone formations and colorful lighting.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Seven Star Park (Qixing Gongyuan), a large park featuring caves, gardens, and lakes. Climb to the top of Solitary Beauty Peak for panoramic views of the city.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Guike, known for its traditional Guilin cuisine.

Day 5: Departure

  • Morning: Spend your last morning shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute sights.
  • Afternoon: Depart for the airport and head home.

Things to Know:

  • Best time to visit: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer pleasant weather conditions.
  • Language: Mandarin Chinese is predominant, but many locals in the tourism industry speak English.
  • Currency: RMB (Chinese Yuan). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants.

Transportation:

  • Taxis are plentiful. Ensure you use a metered taxi for fair pricing.
  • Buses connect Guilin to Yangshuo regularly.
  • Renting a car is an option but not recommended due to complex traffic rules and parking challenges.
  • Walking or cycling are excellent ways to explore Yangshuo.

Tips:

  • Always bargain at local markets.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking.
  • Learn some basic Mandarin phrases to interact with locals.
  • Be prepared for crowds during peak travel seasons.
  • Respect local customs and traditions.

Other Interests:

  • Guilin Museum: Offers insights into the region’s history, culture, and natural environment.
  • Elephant Trunk Hill: A scenic spot that offers a panoramic view of the city.