The best times to visit Guilin are during spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October). These seasons offer pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging from 16°C to 28°C (60°F to 82°F), making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

In spring, the landscape comes alive with lush greenery and blooming flowers, creating stunning views along the Li River, often described as resembling a traditional Chinese painting. Autumn showcases vibrant golden rice terraces and clear skies, perfect for photography and enjoying the harvest season.

While summer (June to August) is lively with various water activities, it can be hot and humid, attracting large crowds, especially during Chinese holidays. Winter (December to February) is the off-season, with cooler temperatures and fewer tourists, but it can also be less ideal for outdoor exploration.

To avoid crowds, it’s best to steer clear of major Chinese holidays, such as Labor Day and National Day. Overall, visiting in spring or autumn ensures a more enjoyable experience in Guilin’s breathtaking natural scenery.

To fully enjoy the beauty and attractions of Guilin, it is recommended to plan for at least 3 to 6 days. A standard 3-day itinerary allows you to experience the main highlights, including a cruise on the Li River, visits to Elephant Trunk Hill, and exploration of Reed Flute Cave.

For a more immersive experience, 4 to 6 days enables you to delve deeper into the region, including a day trip to the Longji Rice Terraces and time in Yangshuo, where you can cycle through picturesque landscapes and engage in local cultural experiences.

A 5-day classic tour typically includes a combination of downtown Guilin sightseeing, a Li River cruise, and visits to nearby attractions, providing a balanced and relaxed pace.

Ultimately, the duration of your stay can be tailored based on your interests, with options for both quick visits and extended explorations of Guilin’s stunning natural beauty and rich culture.

The Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo covers a distance of approximately 83 kilometers (52 miles) and typically takes about 4 to 4.5 hours. This scenic journey allows passengers to enjoy stunning views of the famous karst landscape, with highlights including Elephant Trunk Hill and various picturesque villages along the way.

Cruises generally depart in the morning, with various options available, including 3-star and 4-star boats, each offering different amenities and dining experiences. Passengers can expect to arrive in Yangshuo around 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, depending on the specific cruise schedule and conditions on the river.

When visiting Guilin, you must try the following local dishes that showcase the region’s unique flavors:

Guilin Rice Noodles (米粉, Mifen):
A daily food staple, these soft rice noodles are served in a savory broth with options for toppings like sliced beef, peanuts, and pickled vegetables. Each shop has its own special broth, making it a must-try dish.

Snail Rice Noodles (螺蛳粉, Luosifen):
This dish features rice noodles in a spicy snail-based broth, topped with pickled bamboo shoots and fresh herbs. It’s a local specialty with a distinct flavor profile.

Yangshuo Beer Fish (阳朔啤酒鱼):
Fresh fish from the Li River is cooked with local beer, garlic, and vegetables, creating a flavorful dish that’s popular in Yangshuo.

Oil Tea (油茶, You Cha):
A traditional tea soup made by frying tea leaves with spices and served with puffed rice, this unique beverage is both flavorful and comforting.

Stuffed Dishes (十八样, Shibaxiang):
This local specialty includes various ingredients like tofu and vegetables stuffed with meat, often steamed or fried.

Stir-Fried Li River Shrimp:
Fresh shrimp from the river is stir-fried with garlic and local spices, offering a delicious taste of the region’s aquatic bounty.

Here are some suggestions for connecting Guilin tours with other popular cities in China:

Beijing to Guilin:
Direct flights from Beijing to Guilin take about 3 hours.
Spend 2-3 days in Beijing seeing highlights like the Great Wall and Forbidden City, then fly to Guilin for 3-4 days exploring the karst landscapes.

Shanghai to Guilin:
Direct flights connect Shanghai and Guilin in about 2.5 hours.
Spend 2-3 days in Shanghai seeing the Bund and other city sights, then fly to Guilin for 3-4 days.

Xi’an to Guilin:
Direct flights take about 2 hours between Xi’an and Guilin.
Visit the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an for 2 days, then continue to Guilin for 3-4 days.

Hong Kong to Guilin:
High-speed trains connect Hong Kong and Guilin in about 3.5 hours.
Spend 2-3 days in Hong Kong, then take the train to Guilin for 3-4 days.

Chengdu to Guilin:
Direct flights connect Chengdu and Guilin in about 1.5 hours.
See the pandas in Chengdu for 2 days, then fly to Guilin for 3-4 days.

Yangtze River Cruise to Guilin:
Many tours combine a Yangtze River cruise with Guilin, often flying from Yichang or Chongqing to Guilin after the cruise.