Guilin

Airport bus to central Guilin(40 minutes)

Airport buses depart every 30 minutes to the train station area (20 CNY). Taxi: 100-120 CNY. Set up Alipay on your phone

Elephant Trunk Hill(1 hour)

Guilin's most recognizable landmark — a karst hill shaped like an elephant drinking from the river. Entry: 55 CNY. Better photographed from across the river (free) than from inside the park. The Sun and Moon Pagodas on Shan Lake are beautifully illuminated at night

Dinner at Chunji Roast Goose on Zhengyang Road(1 hour)

A local institution for Cantonese-style roast goose. Half goose: 78 CNY, serves 2. Pair with Guilin rice noodles (mifen) from a stall — 8-12 CNY with pickled beans and braised beef

Transfer to Zhujiang Pier(45 minutes)

Departs ~9AM. Your hotel can arrange the transfer. Arrive 30 minutes early for boarding

Li River Cruise (Guilin to Yangshuo)(4-5 hours)

210-450 CNY depending on boat class. The stretch between Xingping and Yangshuo is the most dramatic — cameras ready. Bring snacks (onboard food is mediocre). The cormorant fishermen are staged but photogenic

Check into hotel in Yangshuo(1 hour)

Base yourself here for the next few days. West Street (Xi Jie) area is central but noisy; stay one block back for quiet with convenience

Evening walk on West Street(1.5 hours)

Yangshuo's backpacker strip — cafes, bars, and souvenir shops. Touristy but atmospheric with karst peaks as a backdrop. Try a mango smoothie (15 CNY) and beer fish preview at a terrace restaurant

Rent an e-bike in Yangshuo(30 minutes)

80 CNY/day for an e-bike (recommended over regular bikes — hills are real). Check battery level before heading out. Regular bikes: 20-30 CNY/day

Cycle the Yulong River route to Moon Hill(4-5 hours)

The 10km route passes under ancient stone bridges, through rice paddies, and past water buffalo. Moon Hill (a karst peak with a moon-shaped hole) has a 20-minute climb for panoramic views — entry 15 CNY. Stop at the Yulong Bridge for the classic photo

Bamboo rafting on the Yulong River(1.5 hours)

200 CNY per raft (2 passengers). Official rafts only — book through your hotel or the official ticket office. Life jackets mandatory. The drift past the Dragon Bridge is the highlight. Quieter and more intimate than the Li River cruise

Beer fish dinner at Yangshuo Da Sifang(1 hour)

Beer fish (pijiu yu) is Yangshuo's signature dish — fresh Li River fish stewed in beer with tomatoes and peppers. 60-80 CNY, easily feeds two. Da Sifang near West Street is the locals' pick

Bus from Yangshuo to Xingping(30 minutes)

Local bus from Yangshuo bus station (8 CNY). Frequent departures

Hike Xianggong Hill for aerial view(2 hours)

Entry: 60 CNY. The best aerial view of the Li River's horseshoe bend — go at sunrise for the most dramatic light. The 20 CNY banknote scene is from the riverside at the base of this hill

Walk Xingping ancient town(1.5 hours)

Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, far less commercialized than Yangshuo. Simple guesthouses and excellent river fish restaurants. The main street is only 100m long but authentically atmospheric

Li River sunset from the 20 CNY viewpoint(1 hour)

Walk to the riverside spot that matches the banknote. Hold up a 20 CNY note for the obligatory comparison photo. The light at sunset makes the karst peaks glow gold

Silver Cave (Yinzi Yan) near Yangshuo(1.5 hours)

Entry: 75 CNY. A more natural-looking cave than Reed Flute, with massive underground waterfall. 12km from Yangshuo — hire an e-bike or taxi (40 CNY round trip)

Bus or train back to Guilin(1.5 hours)

High-speed train from Yangshuo to Guilin: 25 minutes, 24 CNY. Or local bus: 1.5 hours, 25 CNY

Reed Flute Cave(1 hour)

240-million-year-old limestone cave 5km from Guilin center. Entry: 90 CNY. LED-lit stalactites and stalagmites. Guided tour: 40 minutes. The formations are genuinely impressive despite the colorful lighting

Evening walk around Guilin's Two Rivers and Four Lakes(1.5 hours)

The connected lake system is illuminated at night — free to walk the shores. The Sun and Moon Pagodas on Shan Lake are the photographic highlight. Night boat cruise: 220 CNY for the full circuit

Transfer to Longji Rice Terraces(2.5 hours)

Hire a private car (~350 CNY round trip with wait) or take the tourist bus from Guilin bus station (40 CNY one way). The winding mountain road is scenic but slow

Hike the Ping'an terraces(2-3 hours)

Entry: 80 CNY. The easier section with marked paths connecting viewpoints. 'Seven Stars Accompany the Moon' and 'Nine Dragons and Five Tigers' viewpoints are the highlights. The panoramic views of cascading rice paddies are genuinely breathtaking

Lunch at a Zhuang village restaurant(1 hour)

Bamboo tube rice (zhutong fan, 15 CNY) — rice, meat, and mushrooms steamed inside fresh bamboo. The smoked pork (larou) with wild vegetables is excellent. 30-50 CNY for a full meal

Interact with Red Yao women(30 minutes)

The Red Yao women are famous for their extremely long hair — they may pose for photos for a tip (10-20 CNY). Ask before photographing. Buying handicrafts directly supports these communities

Morning walk through Seven Star Park(1.5 hours)

Guilin's largest park with karst peaks, caves, and a small zoo. Entry: 55 CNY. The Camel Hill rock formation and the flower bridge are highlights. Watch locals practicing tai chi by the lake

Final bowl of Guilin mifen(30 minutes)

Guilin rice noodles for breakfast — find a shop with a queue of locals at 7AM. Order with pickled beans, peanuts, and braised beef. 8-15 CNY. This is the taste you will remember

Airport transfer(40 minutes)

Airport bus from train station area (20 CNY) or taxi (100-120 CNY). Allow 2.5 hours before your flight

Evening walk — Two Rivers and Four Lakes(1.5 hours)

Connected lake system illuminated at night. Sun and Moon Pagodas on Shan Lake glow magnificently. Free to walk the shores

Dinner — Guilin mifen at a local noodle shop(30 minutes)

Rice noodles with pickled beans, peanuts, and braised beef. 8-15 CNY. Find the shop with the longest queue

Elephant Trunk Hill(1 hour)

Entry: 55 CNY. Photograph from across the river for free, or enter the park for the cave underneath the trunk

Reed Flute Cave(1 hour)

240-million-year-old cave, 5km from center. Entry: 90 CNY. LED-lit stalactites. 40-minute guided tour

Lunch at Zhengyang Road pedestrian street(1 hour)

Guilin's main food street. Try oil tea (youcha, a Zhuang specialty, 10 CNY), bamboo rice, and osmanthus flower cake (guihua gao, Guilin's signature sweet, 5 CNY)

Seven Star Park(2 hours)

Guilin's largest park with karst peaks, caves, and gardens. Entry: 55 CNY. Camel Hill and the flower bridge are highlights. Good for a late afternoon walk

Transfer to Zhujiang Pier(45 minutes)

Departs ~9AM. Arrive 30 min early

Li River Cruise(4-5 hours)

210-450 CNY. Xingping-Yangshuo stretch is most dramatic. Bring snacks

Check into Yangshuo hotel(1 hour)

Base here for 4 nights. Stay one block back from West Street for quiet

West Street evening walk(1.5 hours)

Cafes, bars, souvenir shops with karst backdrop. Mango smoothie 15 CNY

Rent e-bike(30 minutes)

80 CNY/day. Check battery. Regular bike: 20-30 CNY

Cycle Yulong River to Moon Hill(4-5 hours)

10km route. Moon Hill climb: 15 CNY entry, 20-min hike for panoramic views. Yulong Bridge photo stop

Bamboo rafting on Yulong River(1.5 hours)

200 CNY per raft (2 people). Official rafts only. Dragon Bridge stretch is the highlight

Beer fish dinner(1 hour)

Beer fish at Da Sifang. 60-80 CNY, feeds two

Bus to Xingping(30 minutes)

8 CNY from Yangshuo bus station

Xianggong Hill sunrise hike(2 hours)

Entry: 60 CNY. Best aerial view of Li River horseshoe bend. Go early

Xingping ancient town walk(1.5 hours)

Ming/Qing architecture. River fish restaurants. Main street is 100m of authenticity

20 CNY banknote photo at riverside(30 minutes)

Hold up a 20 CNY note at the matching viewpoint. Sunset light makes peaks glow gold

Yangshuo cooking class(3 hours)

Several schools in town (Yangshuo Cooking School is the best-known). Learn to make beer fish, stuffed tofu balls, and stir-fried water spinach. 200-350 CNY including market visit and the meal you cook

Free afternoon — explore or relax(3 hours)

Options: climb TV Tower for views (free), browse the countryside on a scooter, or get a massage (80-120 CNY/hour). Yangshuo rewards aimless wandering

Impression Liu Sanjie show(1.5 hours)

Directed by Zhang Yimou, this outdoor light show uses the Li River and surrounding karst peaks as its stage. 200-600 farmers perform on the water. Tickets: 198-688 CNY. Shows at 8PM and 9:15PM (seasonal). Book ahead — it regularly sells out

Early transfer to Longji(3 hours)

Private car from Yangshuo: ~500 CNY round trip with wait. Or return to Guilin first then bus. Start by 6AM

Hike Ping'an terraces(2-3 hours)

Entry: 80 CNY. 'Seven Stars Accompany the Moon' viewpoint is the highlight. Cascading paddies in every direction

Lunch at Zhuang village(1 hour)

Bamboo tube rice (15 CNY), smoked pork with wild vegetables (30-50 CNY full meal)

Jinkeng (Golden Buddha) terraces(2 hours)

Steeper, more dramatic than Ping'an. Fewer tourists. The 'Grand View of a Thousand Layers' viewpoint is staggering in autumn when the terraces turn gold

High-speed train to Guilin(25 minutes)

Yangshuo to Guilin North: 24 CNY

Fubo Hill (Wave-Subduing Hill)(1.5 hours)

Entry: 25 CNY. A karst peak right on the Li River with a cave, cliff inscriptions dating to the Tang dynasty, and panoramic views from the summit. The 300+ steps are worth the climb

Diecai Hill (Folded Brocade Hill)(1 hour)

Entry: 25 CNY. Connected to Fubo Hill area. The Wind Cave with its breeze blowing through the mountain is refreshing. Summit views of the city surrounded by karst peaks

Dinner at Yiyuan Fandian(1 hour)

A local favorite for Guilin-style home cooking. Taro braised pork (yukou kou rou, 48 CNY) and Li River river snails (tianluo, 28 CNY)

Transfer to Longsheng Hot Springs(2.5 hours)

Hire a car (300-400 CNY round trip) or take a bus from Guilin to Longsheng town then local transport. The springs are 100km north

Hot spring soaking(2-3 hours)

Natural thermal pools ranging from 38-60°C, set in a forested river valley. The public springs at Longsheng Hot Spring Resort cost 128-168 CNY for a day pass. The outdoor riverside pools are the most scenic

Walk through a Dong minority village(1 hour)

Several Dong villages between Guilin and the springs have distinctive drum towers and wind-and-rain bridges. Free to visit — bring small gifts if invited into homes

Bus to Sanjiang Dong Autonomous County(2.5 hours)

Direct buses from Guilin's main bus station (50 CNY). Or high-speed train to Sanjiang South (1 hour, 45 CNY)

Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge(1.5 hours)

Entry: 60 CNY. A stunning covered wooden bridge (64m) built in 1916 without nails — one of the finest examples of Dong architecture in China. The surrounding village has drum towers and traditional stilted houses

Walk through Chengyang Dong villages(2 hours)

Eight connected villages along the Linxi River. Watch women weaving traditional cloth, men building without nails, and children playing in the river. Homestays available (100-150 CNY including dinner) if you want to stay overnight

Return to Guilin(2.5 hours)

Or stay overnight in a Dong homestay for a deeper experience. Evening meals of sour fish soup and sticky rice are shared around a fire pit

Option A: Crown Cave (Guan Yan)(4 hours)

A massive cave system 29km south of Guilin accessible by boat, train, and on foot. Entry: 75 CNY. The underground river boat ride and miniature train through tunnels are unique. Less crowded than Reed Flute Cave

Option B: Li River kayaking from Yangdi to Xingping(5 hours)

Rent a kayak at Yangdi village (150-200 CNY) and paddle the most scenic section of the Li River independently. Less common than bamboo rafting and far more intimate. Pack lunch and water. 15km, 3-4 hours paddling

Option C: Guilin Central Lake kayaking(2 hours)

Kayak rentals on Shan Lake (80 CNY/hour) for a relaxed paddle past the Sun and Moon Pagodas. Less dramatic than the Li River but convenient and pleasant

Evening — Night market on Zhengyang Road(1.5 hours)

Street food stalls open at dusk. Try the grilled rice cakes, Guilin-style lamb skewers, and freshly squeezed sugarcane juice (5 CNY)

Sunrise at Nikon Tower viewpoint(1.5 hours)

Climb Chuanshan Park's tower (15 CNY) at dawn for the famous postcard view of karst peaks emerging from morning mist. 4km south of center — taxi 15 CNY

Guilin Botanical Garden(1.5 hours)

15 CNY entry. A quieter green space with tropical plants and orchid houses. The karst peak backdrop makes even the garden paths feel cinematic

Lunch at a floating restaurant on the Li River(1 hour)

Several restaurants on stilts along the Li River north of the city serve fresh river fish. The beer fish is better in Yangshuo, but the setting here — eating on the water with karst peaks reflected — is hard to beat. 40-80 CNY

Sunset cruise on Two Rivers and Four Lakes(1.5 hours)

The night cruise (220 CNY) illuminates traditional bridges and pagodas. Board at Liberation Bridge dock. The transition from daylight to full illumination as you cruise between lakes is the best photography window

Transfer to Huangyao(3 hours)

Hire a car (500-600 CNY round trip) or take a bus to Hezhou (80 CNY) then local bus. Start early

Walk through Huangyao ancient streets(2 hours)

Entry: 100 CNY. Ming and Qing dynasty flagstone streets, temples, and clan halls. The town sits in a karst valley along the Yao River. Far fewer tourists than Yangshuo — on weekdays you may be one of the only visitors. The atmospheric decay of the old buildings is strikingly beautiful

Yao River bamboo raft(1 hour)

Drift through the karst scenery on a bamboo raft (80 CNY per raft). Quieter and more pristine than the Li River

Lunch at a Hakka restaurant in town(1 hour)

Hakka cuisine: niang dofu (stuffed tofu, 25 CNY), salt-baked chicken (yan ju ji, 48 CNY), and lei cha (pounded tea with rice, 10 CNY) — an ancient Hakka drink

Final bowl of Guilin mifen(30 minutes)

One last breakfast at a local noodle shop. Order with all the toppings — pickled beans, peanuts, braised beef, chili oil. 8-15 CNY. This is the taste of Guilin

Souvenir shopping — osmanthus products(1 hour)

Guilin means 'Forest of Osmanthus.' Buy osmanthus flower cake (guihua gao), osmanthus tea, and osmanthus wine (sweet, low alcohol) at any specialty shop. Prices: 15-50 CNY

Airport transfer(40 minutes)

Airport bus (20 CNY) or taxi (100-120 CNY). Allow 2.5 hours before your flight

Evening walk — Two Rivers and Four Lakes(1.5 hours)

Illuminated lake system. Sun and Moon Pagodas glow at night. Free to walk

Guilin mifen dinner(30 minutes)

Rice noodles with pickled beans, peanuts, braised beef. 8-15 CNY

Elephant Trunk Hill(1 hour)

Entry: 55 CNY. Photograph from across river for free

Reed Flute Cave(1 hour)

240-million-year-old cave. Entry: 90 CNY. 40-min tour

Lunch at Zhengyang Road(1 hour)

Oil tea (10 CNY), osmanthus cake (5 CNY)

Fubo Hill and Diecai Hill(2 hours)

Fubo: 25 CNY (Tang cliff inscriptions). Diecai: 25 CNY (Wind Cave). Both have panoramic summit views

Li River Cruise(4-5 hours)

210-450 CNY. Xingping stretch is most dramatic

Check into Yangshuo(1 hour)

Base here for 5 nights. One block from West Street for quiet

West Street evening(1.5 hours)

Cafes and bars with karst backdrop. Mango smoothie 15 CNY

E-bike rental(30 minutes)

80 CNY/day

Cycle Yulong River to Moon Hill(4-5 hours)

10km. Moon Hill climb 15 CNY. Yulong Bridge photo stop

Bamboo rafting(1.5 hours)

200 CNY/raft. Official rafts only. Dragon Bridge stretch

Beer fish dinner(1 hour)

At Da Sifang. 60-80 CNY, feeds two

Bus to Xingping(30 minutes)

8 CNY

Xianggong Hill hike(2 hours)

60 CNY. Best aerial view of Li River horseshoe bend

Ancient town walk(1.5 hours)

Ming/Qing architecture. Authentic atmosphere

20 CNY viewpoint at sunset(1 hour)

Match the banknote. Gold light on peaks

Cooking class(3 hours)

Beer fish, stuffed tofu, stir-fried water spinach. 200-350 CNY including market visit

Free afternoon(3 hours)

Climb TV Tower (free), massage (80-120 CNY/hour), or wander

Impression Liu Sanjie show(1.5 hours)

Zhang Yimou's outdoor show on the Li River with 600 performers. 198-688 CNY. Book ahead

Free morning — sleep in(3 hours)

Mid-trip rest day. Grab coffee at a West Street cafe

Walk to Jiuxian Village(2 hours)

A quiet village 5km from Yangshuo center, reachable by a pleasant riverside path. Ancient banyan trees, village life, no tourists. Free

Afternoon massage or riverside reading(2 hours)

Yangshuo rewards doing nothing. Find a riverside spot with a book

Dinner at Yangshou Secret Garden(1.5 hours)

Chinese-Western fusion in a courtyard restaurant. Mains 48-88 CNY. The kung pao chicken with cashews is better than it has any right to be

Transfer to Longji from Yangshuo(3.5 hours)

Private car (~500 CNY) or bus via Guilin. Start by 7AM

Hike Ping'an terraces(2.5 hours)

Entry: 80 CNY. 'Seven Stars Accompany the Moon' viewpoint. Cascading paddies

Lunch at Zhuang guesthouse(1 hour)

Bamboo tube rice (15 CNY), smoked pork, wild vegetables

Check into wooden guesthouse overnight(30 minutes)

Zhuang-style wooden guesthouses: 100-200 CNY including dinner. Sunrise over the terraces alone justifies the overnight stay

Evening with Red Yao village families(1 hour)

Watch traditional weaving, join dinner if invited. Bring small gifts

Sunrise from guesthouse terrace(1 hour)

Wake at 5:30AM. The mist clearing over the terraces as dawn light hits is one of China's most spectacular sights

Hike to Jinkeng (Golden Buddha) terraces(3 hours)

Steeper and more dramatic than Ping'an. 'Grand View of a Thousand Layers' viewpoint. Fewer tourists. The connecting path between Ping'an and Jinkeng takes 2-3 hours through villages

Lunch in Jinkeng village(1 hour)

Simple village food — rice, pork, greens. 20-30 CNY

Return to Guilin(2.5 hours)

Bus from Longji to Guilin (40 CNY). Check into Guilin hotel for remaining nights

High-speed train to Sanjiang(1 hour)

45 CNY from Guilin North to Sanjiang South

Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge(1.5 hours)

Entry: 60 CNY. 64m covered wooden bridge (1916), no nails. Finest Dong architecture in China

Walk Chengyang Dong villages(2 hours)

Eight connected villages. Traditional weaving, drum towers, stilted houses. Genuine cultural immersion

Lunch in village restaurant(1 hour)

Sour fish soup (suan tang yu) and sticky rice. The Dong cook with pickled everything — sour is their flavor

Transfer to Longsheng Hot Springs(2.5 hours)

Hire car (300-400 CNY round trip)

Hot spring soaking(3 hours)

Thermal pools 38-60°C in forested river valley. Day pass: 128-168 CNY. Outdoor riverside pools are best

Walk through Dong minority village(1 hour)

Villages between Guilin and springs. Drum towers and wind-and-rain bridges. Free

Transfer to Huangyao(3 hours)

Hire car (500-600 CNY round trip)

Ancient town walk(2 hours)

Entry: 100 CNY. Ming/Qing flagstone streets in karst valley. Atmospheric decay of old buildings

Yao River bamboo raft(1 hour)

80 CNY per raft. Pristine karst scenery, quieter than Li River

Hakka lunch(1 hour)

Stuffed tofu (25 CNY), salt-baked chicken (48 CNY), lei cha pounded tea (10 CNY)

Crown Cave (Guan Yan)(3 hours)

29km south of Guilin. Entry: 75 CNY. Underground river boat, miniature train through tunnels. Less crowded than Reed Flute

Li River kayaking from Yangdi(3 hours)

Rent a kayak at Yangdi village (150-200 CNY). Paddle 15km of the most scenic section independently. Pack lunch and water. Far more intimate than any cruise or raft

Evening in Guilin(1.5 hours)

Night cruise on Two Rivers and Four Lakes (220 CNY). Illuminated bridges and pagodas at their most magical

Sunrise at Chuanshan Park tower(1.5 hours)

Entry: 15 CNY. Famous postcard view of karst peaks in morning mist. 4km south — taxi 15 CNY

Guilin Botanical Garden(1.5 hours)

15 CNY. Tropical plants with karst backdrop

Free afternoon(3 hours)

Revisit favorites, explore new hutongs, or rest

Dinner at a floating Li River restaurant(1 hour)

Fresh river fish on stilts over the water. Beer fish or steamed mandarin fish. 40-80 CNY

Bus to Daxu(40 minutes)

Local bus from Guilin (5 CNY). Runs every 20 minutes

Walk through Daxu ancient streets(2.5 hours)

Free entry. Flagstone streets lined with Qing-dynasty wooden shops and homes. The 500m main street follows the Li River. Far more authentic than any reconstructed 'ancient town' — genuine decay, real residents, zero tourist infrastructure. The old medicine shops and rice wine breweries still operate

Li River ferry crossing(30 minutes)

Take the local ferry across the river (2 CNY) for karst views. Fishermen still use the river here daily

Lunch at a riverfront family restaurant(1 hour)

Point at the fish tank and they will cook it for you. Steamed river fish with ginger and scallion, 40-60 CNY. Simple, fresh, perfect

Train to Yangshuo(25 minutes)

24 CNY from Guilin

Ten Mile Gallery cycling(3 hours)

A scenic route south of Yangshuo passing through karst formations and countryside villages. The route is flat and well-paved — rent a regular bike (20 CNY) here. Stop at Big Banyan Tree (20 CNY, a 1,400-year-old tree) and Butterfly Spring (45 CNY, cave with waterfall and butterflies)

Lunch at a countryside farmhouse(1 hour)

Many families along the route offer simple lunch — rice, vegetables, and free-range chicken. 25-40 CNY per person. The real countryside experience

Afternoon rock climbing(2.5 hours)

Yangshuo is one of Asia's best climbing destinations. Karst Climber Yangshuo offers beginner half-day sessions at Moon Hill or Egg Mountain. 200-350 CNY including gear and instructor

Morning tai chi in Seven Star Park(1.5 hours)

Join local groups at 6AM. The park entrance near the flower bridge has several tai chi circles welcoming beginners

Guilin Museum(1.5 hours)

Free entry. History of Guilin from prehistoric caves to WWII (Guilin was heavily bombed). The karst geology exhibit explains the science behind the scenery

Lunch at Jingjiang Prince City area(1 hour)

The 600-year-old Ming dynasty prince's palace grounds (entry: 70 CNY) have a pleasant surrounding neighborhood with local restaurants and teahouses

Evening walk along the Li River north bank(1.5 hours)

The stretch north of Elephant Trunk Hill is quieter at dusk. Watch cormorant fishermen (real ones, not staged) and Li River swimmers

High-speed train to Wuzhou(1.5 hours)

80-100 CNY from Guilin. An interesting side trip if you want to see non-tourist China

Qilou (Arcade) Streets walk(2 hours)

Free to walk. Rows of early-20th-century colonial arcade buildings — originally built for shade and rain protection. Now housing tea shops, barbers, and mahjong parlors. The atmosphere is pure Lingnan (Cantonese) culture

Lunch — Wuzhou paper-wrapped chicken(1 hour)

Wuzhou's signature dish: chicken wrapped in paper, deep-fried until the paper is translucent. Available at New Century Restaurant. 50-80 CNY. Uniquely Wuzhou

Shuangzhu Park walk(1 hour)

A hilltop park with views over the confluence of the Gui and Xun Rivers. Free entry. Pleasant afternoon stroll

Bus to Yangdi(1.5 hours)

Local bus from Guilin (15 CNY). Or taxi (150 CNY)

Hike east bank trail Yangdi to Xingping(5-6 hours)

A 20km riverside trail through farming villages, bamboo groves, and past the most dramatic karst formations. Free. Bring water, snacks, and sun protection. The trail is flat but long. You will have the Li River to yourself between cruise boat times

Lunch at a riverside village(1 hour)

Several villages along the route offer simple noodles and rice. 15-25 CNY. The family in Laozhai village near the halfway point is welcoming

Ferry across Li River at Xingping(15 minutes)

A small ferry (5 CNY) crosses to Xingping town

Morning at Jingjiang Prince City(1.5 hours)

Entry: 70 CNY. The 600-year-old Ming prince's palace is often overlooked. Climb Solitary Beauty Peak inside for the best in-city karst summit view. The calligraphy inscription on the cliff — 'Guilin's scenery is the finest under heaven' — is where the famous phrase originates

Osmanthus souvenir shopping(1 hour)

Osmanthus cake, tea, and wine. The Guilin Three Flowers (Sanhua) liquor in decorative ceramic bottles makes a unique gift (30-60 CNY)

Lunch at Tongsheng Rice Noodle Shop(30 minutes)

One last outstanding bowl of Guilin mifen. This shop near the train station has been serving since the 1980s. 10 CNY

Farewell dinner — Guilin-style banquet(2 hours)

Yiyuan Fandian or Xiaonanguo for a multi-dish farewell. Taro braised pork, Li River fish, oil tea, and osmanthus sticky rice. Budget 100-150 CNY per person for a feast

Morning riverside walk(1 hour)

One last walk along the Li River in central Guilin. The morning mist over the karst peaks is what you came for — soak it in

Airport transfer(40 minutes)

Airport bus (20 CNY) or taxi (100-120 CNY). Allow 2.5 hours before flight