Just returned from a summer trip to Guilin and Yangshuo—highly recommend visiting during the off-season (July-September)!!!

4-Day, 3-Night In-Depth Guilin & Yangshuo Tour: A Poetic Stroll Through Karst Landscapes As a frequent traveler to Guilin and Yangshuo, I’ve compiled this detailed guide to immerse you in the unique charm of these iconic landscapes. **Itinerary Overview** - Duration: 4 days, 3 nights - Route: Guilin city → Longji Rice Terraces → Yangshuo → Return - Best season: Year-round (April–October recommended) **Detailed Itinerary** **Day 1: Discovering Guilin’s Urban Charms** Morning: Arrive at Guilin North Station, check into a hotel near Two Rivers and Four Lakes for convenience, and rest. Afternoon: - **Elephant Trunk Hill**: Guilin’s landmark. Enter via Gate 3 for the best photo angles and stroll along the paths to admire the karst formations. - **Xiaoyao Tower, East-West Alley, Zhengyang Pedestrian Street**: Walkable from Elephant Trunk Hill. Xiaoyao Tower (Tang Dynasty) offers city views; East-West Alley features Ming-Qing architecture; Zhengyang Street is a food/shopping hub. Food Recs: - **Shiguangji Beef Offal Hot Pot**: A local favorite with tangy broth. - **Old Guilin Oil Tea Shop**: Savor traditional oil tea with rice cakes. - **Agan Restaurant**: Must-tries: beer fish and stuffed river snails. Evening: - **Two Rivers and Four Lakes Night Cruise**: Glide past illuminated pagodas. - **Sun & Moon Pagodas**: Lit-up twin pagodas reflecting on the lake—perfect for photos. **Day 2: Longji Rice Terraces Adventure** Full-day trip (2-hour drive from Guilin). Options: - **Jinkeng Terraces**: Largest, with cable cars to Golden Buddha Summit viewpoint. - **Ping’an Terraces**: Less crowded; "Seven Stars with Moon" viewpoint dazzles at sunrise. - **Ancient Zhuang Village**: Authentic wooden stilt houses. Tips: - Best seasons: Apr–Jun (water-filled terraces) or Sep–Oct (golden harvest). - Ticket: ¥80 (covers all villages). Wear comfy shoes for hiking. Evening: Return to Guilin; try local dishes like Guilin rice noodles or Li River shrimp. **Day 3: Yangshuo’s Scenic Wonders** Morning: High-speed train to Yangshuo (30 mins), then bus to Xingping Ancient Town (¥5). Noon: - **Xingping**: Wander cobblestone streets and try Xingping rice noodles with fried fish. - **20 Yuan RMB Spot**: Rent an e-bike (¥20/day) to Wangwang Fish Restaurant for the iconic view. - **Nine-Horse Mural Hill**: Spot hidden horse shapes on the cliff. Afternoon: Bus to Yangshuo town (¥15), check into a West Street or Yulong River homestay. Evening: - **West Street**: Lively "Global Village" with bars, local eats (beer fish, stuffed snails), and handicrafts. **Day 4: Yulong River & Countryside Cycling** Morning: - **Bamboo Rafting**: Book in advance (¥200/raft). Drift past misty peaks at dawn. Afternoon: - **Ten-Mile Gallery Cycling**: E-bike past Moon Hill, Big Banyan Tree (film location), and more. Departure: Taxi to Yangshuo Station. **Bonus Eats** - **Master Fish Beer Fish**: Tender fish in rich sauce. - **Xie Sanjie Restaurant**: Authentic stuffed snails. - **Old Dongjiang Rice Noodles**: Locals’ pick for fragrant broth and toppings. **Stay Suggestions** - **Guilin**: Two Rivers area (e.g., Lijiang Waterfall Hotel). - **Yangshuo**: West Street for nightlife; Yulong River for tranquility (e.g., Mango Boutique, Sugar House). Let this guide lead you through Guilin and Yangshuo’s poetic landscapes—where nature and culture intertwine magically.