Public itinerary
3 Days in Guangxi (Guilin–Yangshuo Highlights)
3 Days in Guangxi (Guilin–Yangshuo Highlights) is a 4-day balanced (scenery + food + light adventure) itinerary for Guilin, Reed Flute Cave, Elephant Trunk Hill Park, Two Rivers...
Guilin, Reed Flute Cave, Elephant Trunk Hill Park, Two Rivers and Four Lakes
Day 1
Destination not listed
Arrive in Guilin + hotel check-in
09:30 AMGuilin
If arriving by high-speed rail/flight, aim to stay near Guilin Central Square or Two Rivers & Four Lakes area for easy evenings.
Reed Flute Cave (classic karst cave)
11:00 AMReed Flute Cave
Go earlier for fewer crowds; allow ~1–1.5 hrs.
Guilin rice noodles lunch (桂林米粉)
12:45 PMOrder ‘dry’ (干拌) or with broth; add pickled long beans + peanuts. Search nearby well-rated noodle shops.
Elephant Trunk Hill (象鼻山) riverside stroll
02:30 PMElephant Trunk Hill Park
Best light is late afternoon; quick but iconic landmark.
Two Rivers & Four Lakes (两江四湖) evening walk or cruise
07:00 PMTwo Rivers and Four Lakes
If you want the cruise, book a same-day ticket; walking the lit-up lakes is free and great at night.
Dinner: beer fish (啤酒鱼) or local river shrimp
08:30 PMBeer fish is more famous in Yangshuo but you’ll see it in Guilin too—compare tomorrow.
Day 2
Destination not listed
Travel to Yangshuo
08:30 AMGuilin → Yangshuo
Fastest: Didi/taxi ~1.5 hrs. Budget: bus from Guilin Bus Station. Consider stopping at Xianggong Hill only if you start very early.
Yulong River bamboo rafting (遇龙河漂流)
10:30 AMYulong River
Book ahead in peak season; choose a shorter section if you want it relaxed. Bring sun protection.
Yangshuo lunch near Yulong River area (simple countryside dishes)
01:00 PMTry stir-fried river snails, local veggies, or pomelo when in season.
Yangshuo countryside cycling (fields + karst peaks)
02:30 PMYangshuo countryside
Rent an e-bike in town if you prefer easy riding; keep to smaller farm roads for the best views.
West Street (西街) sunset-to-evening wander (shops + cafes)
06:00 PMWest Street
Most lively after dark; go earlier if you want a calmer vibe.
Dinner: iconic Yangshuo beer fish (啤酒鱼)
07:30 PMPopular spots can have tourist pricing—check recent reviews; go a bit off West Street for better value.
Day 3
Destination not listed
Xingping Ancient Town (兴坪古镇) morning stroll
08:30 AMXingping Ancient Town
Old streets + riverside views; great photo spots.
Li River mini-cruise Xingping ⇄ Nine Horses Fresco Hill area
10:00 AMLi River (Xingping section)
This section packs the best scenery into a short ride; ask for the ‘20 RMB view’ photo spot.
Lunch: Guilin-style dishes + refreshing drinks (osmanthus jelly 桂花冻)
12:30 PMXingping or Yangshuo
Osmanthus is a Guilin signature—look for 桂花 products.
Optional: light hike for views (TV Tower Hill / local viewpoint)
02:00 PMYangshuo
If it’s hot or raining, swap for a cafe with karst views. Choose a well-marked, popular trail for safety.
Sunset drinks + riverside dinner (stay in Yangshuo)
06:30 PMYangshuo
Since you’re not leaving today, keep the evening easy—pick a riverside spot or a quieter lane off West Street.
Day 4
Destination not listed
Travel to Longji Rice Terraces (龙脊梯田)
07:30 AMYangshuo → Longsheng
Go early for best light + fewer crowds. Options: private car/driver or backtrack to Guilin for shared van. Pack layers; it can be cooler in the hills.
Longji Rice Terraces viewpoints (Ping'an/Dazhai)
10:00 AMLongji Rice Terraces
Choose one area to keep it relaxed: Ping'an is classic; Dazhai is bigger/steeper. Allow 2–4 hrs depending on hiking.
Lunch: Longji village bamboo-tube rice + local tea
12:45 PMLongji villages
Great simple food in the villages; try bamboo rice (竹筒饭) and local chicken dishes.
Short terrace hike (easy loop) + photo stops
02:00 PMLongji Rice Terraces
Pick a marked path between viewpoints; wear grippy shoes if wet.
Return to Yangshuo + evening wind-down
05:00 PMLongsheng → Yangshuo
Back in Yangshuo, do a simple dinner near your hotel or a calm evening walk by the river.