What to Eat
Guilin rice noodles 桂林米粉
Add sauce gradually; local bowls are stronger than they look.
Beer fish 啤酒鱼
Common in Yangshuo, best ordered with vegetables and rice.
Oil tea 油茶
An acquired taste; try a small serving first.
All destinations
Guilin Food and Scenic Guide
Karst mountains, Li River scenery, rice noodles, and one of the easiest nature-focused China trips to understand.
- Chinese
- 桂林
- Best time
- April-June and September-October
- Suggested stay
- 2-4 days
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
Top Scenic Stops
- Li River cruise
- Yangshuo countryside
- Longji Rice Terraces
- Reed Flute Cave
- Elephant Trunk Hill
Simple Itinerary
- Day 1: Guilin city highlights and rice noodle lunch.
- Day 2: Li River cruise to Yangshuo, evening West Street walk.
- Day 3: Cycling or rafting near Yangshuo, beer fish dinner.
Getting Around
Many visitors split nights between Guilin and Yangshuo. Book river transport in advance during holiday periods.
First-Time Visitor Tips
- Decide early whether you want a Guilin city base, a Yangshuo countryside base, or one night in each place.
- Keep river and outdoor plans flexible because mist, rain, and water levels can change the feel of the scenery.
- Use Yangshuo for slower cycling, rafting, and countryside views rather than treating it only as the end of a cruise.
- Try rice noodles early in the day when local shops are busiest and turnover is high.
Useful Phrases
No cilantro, please.
不要香菜。 Bu yao xiangcai.Is this boat ticket valid today?
这张船票今天可以用吗？ Zhe zhang chuanpiao jintian keyi yong ma?Guilin Travel FAQ
Should I stay in Guilin or Yangshuo?
Guilin is better for arrival logistics and city sights, while Yangshuo is better for countryside scenery and a slower outdoor pace. Many first-time visitors split the trip between both.
Is the Li River cruise worth it?
For most first-time visitors, yes. It gives an easy overview of the karst landscape and connects Guilin with Yangshuo without needing to plan a complex route.
How many days do I need for Guilin and Yangshuo?
Two days covers the basic river route and one city or countryside day. Three or four days is better if you want Longji Rice Terraces or a slower Yangshuo stay.