Guilin 3-Day 2-Night Ultimate Travel Guide

🕐️DAY 1: Essence of Guilin City Tour Morning: Elephant Trunk Hill (8:00-10:00): Guilin's landmark. Enter through Gate 1 to photograph the "Elephant Drinking from the River," exit via Gate 3 and walk to Zhengyang Road. Prince Jingjiang's Mansion (10:30-12:30): A Ming Dynasty royal residence. Climb Solitary Beauty Peak for a panoramic city view (¥100 ticket includes guided tour). Noon: Lunch at Zhengyang Pedestrian Street: Try Lao Dongjiang Rice Noodles (dry-tossed with braised sauce) or Chunji Roast Goose (Cantonese-style). Afternoon: Dongxi Alley: A Ming-Qing style block for cultural souvenirs and traditional costume photos. Xiaoyao Tower: Free entry. Enjoy sunset views of the Li River blending with the cityscape. Evening: Night cruise on Two Rivers and Four Lakes (after 19:30): Boat ride to admire the illuminated Sun & Moon Pagodas (¥190, book in advance). Late-night snacks: Granny Ding’s Fried Tofu (crispy with sauce) or Haitian Rice Noodle Rolls. 🕐️DAY 2: Li River Scenery + Yangshuo Vibes Morning: Li River Cruise (9:00-13:00): Depart from Guilin’s Mopan Hill Pier to Yangshuo (4 hours). Spot Nine Horses Fresco Hill and Yellow Cloth Shoal (¥20 bill landmark). Noon: Lunch in Xingping Ancient Town: Beer Fish (recommended: Master Gold Award or Sister Xie’s), fresh and spicy without fishy taste. Afternoon: Xingping ¥20 Viewpoint: Free photo spot with optional fisherman photoshoot (¥10 for bamboo raft props). Silver Cave (15:00-17:00): Explore stalactite grottoes glowing like a galaxy (¥65 ticket). Evening: Yangshuo West Street: Bar-hopping, handicraft shopping. Try Slim’s Rice Noodles or Xiaonanguo Oil Tea. Must-see "Impression Liu Sanjie" (19:30 show): Open-air performance amid karst mountains (¥220, book early). 🕐️DAY 3: Yangshuo Countryside Adventure Morning: Yulong River Bamboo Rafting (8:30-10:30): Golden Dragon Bridge-Old County section (¥255/raft). Exciting 9-dam ride—bring waterproof bags. Ten-Mile Gallery Cycling (11:00-13:00): Pass Moon Hill and Big Banyan Tree through poetic farmland. Noon: Bamboo Tube Chicken at riverside farmhouse: Freshly roasted with bamboo aroma (~¥60/person). Afternoon: Shangri-La Park (14:30-16:00): Boat into Tao Yuanming’s idyllic landscape painting (¥100 ticket). Last-minute souvenirs: Yangshuo osmanthus cakes, pine flower candy (Xingping old workshops). 🚄 Transport Tips: To Guilin: Fly to Liangjiang Airport (¥20 shuttle to downtown); high-speed trains to Guilin Station (city center). Local transport: Shared bikes/taxis in city; rent e-bikes in Yangshuo (¥30-50/day) for Ten-Mile Gallery. 🛏 Stay: Guilin: Near Two Rivers and Four Lakes (e.g., Li River Courtyard Hotel)—walkable to Elephant Trunk Hill with stunning night views. Yangshuo: West Street area (nightlife) or Yulong Riverside (e.g., Chen Family Garden Resort) for wake-up-to-mountains stays. 🍜 Must-Eat List: Guilin: Rice noodles (dry-tossed + bone broth), oil tea (with fried dough), Lipu taro pork. Yangshuo: Beer fish (cooked with scales), bamboo rice, stuffed snails (pork-minced). Snacks: Sticky rice (Little Red Hat), mugwort cakes, osmanthus tangyuan. ⚠️ Pro Tips: Tickets: Book Li River cruise/Yulong rafting 3 days early; avoid 10:30-12:00 crowds. Attire: 18℃ in caves—bring light jacket; hiking shoes for trails. Avoid: Overpriced West Street souvenirs (supermarkets cheaper); check e-bike battery life. Best season: May-Jun for misty Li River; Sep-Oct for golden terraces. This balanced itinerary covers classics and hidden gems at 3-4 sites/day. Extra time? Swap Day 3 afternoon for Longji Terraced Fields (2h from city) to see layered rice paddies.