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Summary

This travel guide provides an in-depth look at the enchanting city of Guilin, China, and its surrounding areas. It covers everything from the best ways to get around, top attractions, local delicacies, and cultural experiences. The guide also includes detailed itineraries for day trips to nearby Longsheng and Yangshuo, making it a comprehensive resource for anyone planning to visit this beautiful region.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Arrive in Guilin and start your exploration with a visit to the iconic Sun and Moon Pagodas and a taste of the local cuisine.

Guilin Liangjiang Airport

Guilin Liangjiang International Airport receives regular flights from many major cities in Asia.

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Tips

An airport bus service leaves from outside the airport and will drop you south of the city center. From there you can board a taxi to your hotel.

Travel Information
📞   Phone: +86 773 284 5114
🌐   Website: http://gl.airport.gx.cn/
📍   Address: 628W+9R4, Lingui District, Guilin, Guangxi, China, 541106

Sun and Moon Pagodas

Experience the true beauty of Guilin as the lights from the pagodas and the many Chinese lanterns reflect on the calm waters.

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Tips

Visit in the evening to enjoy the scenic sunset and the romantic atmosphere.

Travel Information
📍   Address: China, Xiufeng District, 市中心广场附近地区

Guilin Rice Noodles

A breakfast staple of the local diet, renowned throughout China.

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Tips

Add a splash of chili, pickles, and some chives and coriander to bring out the full flavor.

Day 2: Karst Mountains and Caves

Explore the natural wonders of Guilin by hiking the karst mountains and visiting the Reed Flute Cave.

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Mount Yao

Guilin’s tallest mountain offering amazing views and a great workout.

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Tips

You can hike to the summit or take a gondola ride up to the top for 100 RMB.

Reed Flute Cave

Guilin’s largest karst cave, 180 million years old, with magnificent natural limestone formations highlighted by multicolored lights.

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Tips

Look for figures like mushrooms, snowmen, and towers among the rock formations.

Travel Information
📞   Phone: +86 773 269 5075
📍   Address: 1 Ludi Rd, Xiufeng District, Guilin, Guangxi, China, 541002

🎭 Day 3: Cultural Immersion

Immerse yourself in the local culture by attending a Guilin Opera performance and visiting the Bird and Flower Market.

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🏛 Guilin Opera

Reflecting the daily life of everyday people, Guilin opera dates back to the Qing dynasty, offering a glimpse into the historical and cultural heritage of the region.

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Tips

Catch a free show every evening at Dongxi Xiang in downtown Guilin, where the ancient art of Guilin opera comes to life, providing a captivating experience for visitors.

🌺 Bird and Flower Market

The Bird and Flower Market in Guilin is a vibrant and bustling hub, offering a wide array of plants, flowers, and small animals, providing an immersive experience into the local flora and fauna.

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Tips

Spend an afternoon at this lively market, engaging with vendors and fellow visitors, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere while exploring the diverse offerings and practicing your Chinese language skills.

Day 4: Day Trip to Longsheng

Take a day trip to the Longsheng Rice Terraces to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Chinese countryside.

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Longsheng Rice Terraces

Famed for its dragon’s scales (the terraces) and his spine (the summit), constructed in the depths of the Ming dynasty.

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Tips

Bring comfortable outdoor clothing and hiking shoes. Entry costs ¥80 per person.

Tiantouzhai Village

A bastion of the Yao people with buildings resting on stilts, offering panoramic views of the surrounding terraces.

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Tips

The most straightforward way to get to the village is by foot from nearby Dazhai, about an hour walk up a dirt path.

Day 5: Day Trip to Yangshuo

Explore the stunning landscapes of Yangshuo by rafting down the Yulong River and visiting the ancient fishing village of Xingping.

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Yulong River

Rafting down the Yulong River is one of the best ways to experience Yangshuo’s otherworldly scenery.

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Tips

Bobbing on the glimmering waters with the sun warm on your skin and the green mountains on either side is a must-do experience.

Xingping

A fishing village from the year 265 CE, known for its scenic vistas and hiking trails.

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Tips

Visit the '¥20 Point' and explore the Xingping–Quanjiazhou Trail, which is about 7 miles and takes about 4 hours.