I've been to Guilin, and I really don't recommend going in May-June, because...

Because it's too beautiful!! Visiting Guilin in the Off-Season (May-June): Local Insider's Guide Revealed Escape the crowds and embrace the mountains and waters! May-June is Guilin's off-season, when the city is shrouded in misty rain, unfolding like a Chinese ink painting. If you want to experience the "best under heaven" scenery without the crowds, save this comprehensive guide carefully prepared by locals! I. Weather Forecast: Dress Smart In March-April, Guilin's temperature hovers between 15-20°C, with significant temperature differences between morning and evening. This period brings frequent rain and occasional high humidity days. Pack a windproof jacket and light sweaters for temperature changes, several quick-dry undergarments, an umbrella that works for both sun and rain, and waterproof shoe covers to prevent slipping. II. Accommodation Guide: Stay Comfortably, Play Fully Guilin City Center Recommended areas include Central Square or East-West Lane vicinity. This core urban area is steps away from classic attractions like Elephant Trunk Hill and Jingjiang Princes' City. Surrounded by shopping malls and night markets, you can explore attractions during the day and enjoy specialty snacks at East-West Lane in the evening or take in city night views from Xiaoyao Tower. Yangshuo - West Street Area: Bustling with nightlife, West Street sparkles with lights, bars, and specialty shops after dark—perfect for night owls. - Yulong River Banks: For those seeking tranquility, choose accommodations along Yulong River. Open your window to green mountains and clear waters, wake up to birdsong, and experience rural scenery up close. Longji Rice Terraces Ping'an Village and Jinkeng Grand Village are excellent choices. The higher the elevation of your guesthouse, the better the view. Stay high up to witness rolling sea clouds in the morning and sunset glow in the evening, taking in the magnificent terraced landscapes. III. Transportation Tips: Explore Guilin with Ease By Air Guilin Liangjiang International Airport is about 30km from downtown. Take the airport shuttle bus to major downtown stops or use ride-hailing services for a 40-minute journey with transparent pricing. By Rail - Guilin Station: Located in the city center, some attractions are within walking distance. Surrounded by convenient public transit, subway (if available), and taxis, it's the preferred arrival station. - Guilin North Station: Larger with more train services. Though slightly farther from downtown, it has good transit connections. - Guilin West Station: Remote with limited transit options. Not recommended unless necessary. City Transportation - Buses: Extensive coverage with some routes directly to scenic areas. Use mobile payment for economical travel. - Taxis/Ride-hailing: Convenient for city travel at reasonable prices. For distant attractions, negotiate prices in advance. - Car Rental: Good for in-depth exploration, but mountain roads have many curves. Exercise caution—best for experienced drivers. IV. Guilin Cuisine: Must-Try Delicacies Classic Main Dishes - Guilin Luocai Rice Noodles: Unlike soup noodles, these are dry-mixed. Smooth, chewy rice noodles topped with crispy fried ingredients and pickled beans, drizzled with special sauce. Add a spoonful of chili oil for extra flavor. - Quanzhou Rice with Steamed Fish: Tender fish steamed with fragrant rice allows the fish flavor to permeate the rice. The crispy rice crust at the bottom is incredibly satisfying. Special Snacks - Songhua Candy: Crispy and sweet with a crystalline sugar frost coating. A traditional Guilin pastry with a sweet but not cloying taste. - Guilin Rice Cake: Made from glutinous rice flour and brown sugar, soft and sweet with rich rice and osmanthus fragrance. Available at street-side shops. Signature Dishes - Yangshuo Beer Fish: A must-try! Fresh Lijiang River fish stewed with beer. The fish is tender, the broth rich with a hint of beer fragrance. Perfect when paired with local taro noodles. - Lingchuan Dog Meat (Note: Respecting animal protection concepts, alternative dishes are available): Traditional dog meat has a delicate texture and unique flavor, though many innovative dishes using other meats are now available as alternatives. - Taro with Braised Pork Belly: Lipu taro is soft and sweet, layered with fatty and lean pork belly. Steamed together, the flavors blend perfectly—rich but not greasy. A classic banquet dish. V. 3-5 Day Essential Routes: In-Depth Guilin Experience 3-Day Classic Route Day 1: Arrive in Guilin → Visit Jingjiang Princes' City, climb Duxiu Peak for a city panorama → Stroll through East-West Lane, taste specialty snacks → Evening cruise on Two Rivers and Four Lakes to enjoy the brilliant night scenery. Stay in downtown Guilin. Day 2: Take a three-star luxury cruise down the Li River, feast your eyes on the 100-mile Li River scenery, including Nine Horses Fresco Hill and Yellow Cloth Reflection → Explore Silver Cave, a "world karst cave wonder" with crystal-clear stalactites → Evening exploration of Yangshuo West Street to experience the lively atmosphere. Stay in Yangshuo. Day 3: Morning bamboo rafting on Yulong River, experiencing "sailing on emerald waves, people traveling in a painting" → Rent an electric bike to ride through the Ten-Mile Gallery, visiting Moon Hill, Big Banyan Tree, and other attractions → Return home. 4-5 Day In-Depth Route Days 1-2: Same as the first two days of the 3-day tour. Day 3: Visit Longji Rice Terraces, explore Jinkeng Grand Village, take the cable car to overlook the magnificent terraced fields like a thousand-step ladder, or hike for an immersive experience → Stay overnight in a terrace guesthouse, taste bamboo tube rice, smoked bacon, and other farm-style delicacies. Day 4: Wake up early to see the sunrise over the terraces → Visit Ping'an Village to view the "Seven Stars with Moon" landscape → Return to downtown Guilin in the afternoon, visit Reed Flute Cave to appreciate the colorful karst cave wonders. Stay in downtown Guilin. Day 5: Free activities—visit Wayao Town for specialty handicrafts or go to Zizhou Island for a view of Elephant Trunk Hill across the river → Return home. Take advantage of the off-season to enjoy a trip to Guilin with fewer crowds and beautiful scenery! Avoid the hustle and bustle, slowly savor the poetry and fireworks between mountains and waters. This city will surely leave you with unforgettable memories!