Guilin sits on the Li River in southwest China, where dozens of limestone karst peaks rise straight out of the water. A boat cruise between Guilin and Yangshuo is widely considered one of the most beautiful river journeys on earth.
Why visit Guilin
Guilin sits on the Li River in southwest China, where dozens of limestone karst peaks rise straight out of the water. A boat cruise between Guilin and Yangshuo is widely considered one of the most beautiful river journeys on earth.
Top highlights
Li River cruise — Sail past the karst peaks and bamboo groves that have inspired Chinese painters for centuries.
Yangshuo countryside — Cycle or walk among quiet villages, rice fields and moon-shaped hills.
Cormorant fishing — Watch local fishermen use trained birds and oil-lamp rafts at dusk.
Longji rice terraces — Day-trip to layered terraces carved into mountain slopes by Zhuang and Yao communities.
The classic Li River view between Guilin and Yangshuo.A traditional cormorant fisherman on a bamboo raft.Yangshuo town backed by karst peaks.Layered rice terraces near the Guilin region.
Allow two full days for the river plus one extra day for Longji terraces. Spring and autumn give the clearest skies.
Suggested itinerary
Day 1 — arrive in Guilin and walk the lakeside at Shanhu and Ronghu. Day 2 — take a bamboo or cruise boat down the Li River to Yangshuo. Day 3 — cycle through Yangshuo's villages and watch cormorant fishing in the evening. Day 4 — drive to Longji for sunrise over the rice terraces.
