Guilin · Guangxi, China
Guilin Tours & Things to Do
Discover the best Guilin tours and things to do in China’s land of poetic karst scenery: cruise the Li River past mist-wrapped peaks to Yangshuo, climb the emerald Longji Rice Terraces, explore the illuminated Reed Flute Cave, watch cormorant fishermen at dusk, and drift the Yulong River on a bamboo raft. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
416 experiences Free cancellation Top-rated tours Instant booking
Sunset tours in Guilin
Departures that are under way when the sun sets in the coming weeks — start times checked against the local sunset.
Good for families in Guilin
Children can join from a young age and pay less than adults — taken from each operator’s price list.
Browse
Explore Guilin by interest
Whatever brings you to Guilin — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Li River cruises
Karst scenery.
ExploreYangshuo
Countryside & rafts.
ExploreRice terraces
Dragon’s Backbone.
ExploreGuilin city
Caves & hills.
ExploreCormorant fishing
Ancient tradition.
ExploreCooking & culture
Local flavours.
ExplorePhoto tours
Peaks & paddies.
ExploreCycling & hikes
Countryside trails.
ExploreWhat to see
Top attractions in Guilin
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Li River
Iconic cruises.
90+ toursView tours
Longji Terraces
Dragon’s Backbone.
60 toursView tours
Yangshuo
Karst countryside.
80 toursView tours
Reed Flute Cave
Lit caverns.
50 toursView tours
Elephant Trunk Hill
Guilin’s symbol.
50 toursView tours
Yulong River
Bamboo rafting.
60 toursView tours
Cormorant Fishing
Ancient tradition.
30 toursView tours
Countryside
Cycling & paddies.
40 toursView tours
3 days
Guilin in 3 days
- 1Day 1: Li River & Yangshuo
- 2Day 2: Longji Terraces
- 3Day 3: Guilin city
- 4Reed Flute Cave
Yangshuo
Guilin & Yangshuo nature
- 1Li River cruise
- 2Yulong bamboo raft
- 3Countryside cycling
- 4Light show
~2 hrs awayLongji Terraces
Rice terraces.
from €70View trips
Cruise awayLi River
Karst scenery.
from €55View trips
~1.5 hrs awayYangshuo
Karst town.
from €45View trips
City awayReed Flute Cave
Lit caverns.
from €35View trips
Yangshuo awayYulong River
Bamboo rafting.
from €40View trips
Evening awayCormorant Fishing
Ancient tradition.
from €40View trips
Practical guide
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Guilin visitor asks before booking.
Spring (Apr–May)
Green, misty and atmospheric, with flooded rice terraces — a lovely time.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Hot, humid and lush, the rainy season with fuller rivers.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Mild, drier and clear — the best season, with golden terraces.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Cool and quiet, with misty peaks and fewer crowds.
For the river
Spring and autumn offer the best Li River cruising conditions.
Best overall
April to May and September to November are ideal.
One day
The Li River and Yangshuo.
Three days
Add the terraces and city.
Five days
Add cycling, culture and more.
For scenery
The river and Yangshuo.
For the terraces
A Longji day trip.
With kids
Cruise and Reed Flute Cave.
Tours & transfers
Guided tours with pickup are easiest for the river, terraces and countryside.
By boat
Cruises and bamboo rafts run on the Li and Yulong Rivers.
Taxis
Taxis and ride-hailing cover Guilin city and short trips.
Getting there
Guilin Liangjiang Airport and high-speed rail link the city to China’s network.
Where to stay
Guilin for the city, Yangshuo for the scenery.
Cycling
Cycling is a favourite way to explore the Yangshuo countryside.
Chinese yuan
Guilin uses the yuan; mobile payment is common, so carry some cash too.
Book ahead
Li River cruises and terrace tours fill up — reserve in advance.
Bring a guide
A guide or tour helps with language and logistics in the region.
River timing
Morning Li River cruises offer the best light and mist.
Pack for weather
Bring layers and rain gear — mountain weather changes fast.
Autumn harvest
Visit in autumn for golden rice terraces.
Li River cruises
The classic cruise sells out — book ahead.
Longji Terraces
Day trips to the terraces fill up — reserve early.
Yangshuo tours
Bamboo rafting and countryside tours book out — reserve ahead.
Cormorant fishing
Evening tours have limited spots — book early.
Cooking classes
Small-group cooking classes fill up — reserve ahead.
Golden Week
Chinese holidays are busiest — reserve everything well ahead.
Li River cruise
Around €50–90 for a Li River cruise to Yangshuo.
Longji Terraces
About €70–120 for a Longji Rice Terraces day trip.
Yangshuo tour
Roughly €40–80 for a Yangshuo countryside tour.
City tour
Around €35–60 for a Guilin city tour.
Cormorant fishing
About €40–70 for an evening fishing tour.
How to save
Join group tours and combine the river with Yangshuo.
When to visit
Guilin through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
Spring (Apr–May)
Apr–May
- Best for
- Misty, green.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Lovely time.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Jun–Aug
- Best for
- Lush, full rivers.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Hot, rainy.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Sep–Nov
- Best for
- Golden terraces.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Best season.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Dec–Feb
- Best for
- Misty, quiet.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Cool.
People also ask
Guilin travel FAQ
What are the best tours in Guilin?
The highest-rated experiences are a Li River cruise to Yangshuo, the Longji Rice Terraces, the Reed Flute Cave, cormorant fishing, and bamboo rafting on the Yulong River.
What should I book in advance in Guilin?
Reserve Li River cruises, Longji Terrace day trips and Yangshuo tours ahead, especially during Chinese holidays.
How many days do I need in Guilin?
One day covers the Li River and Yangshuo, three add the rice terraces and city, and five let you enjoy cycling, culture and more.
Is Guilin worth visiting?
Yes — Guilin’s karst mountains, the Li River, Yangshuo and the Longji Rice Terraces make it one of China’s most beautiful regions.
When is the best time to visit Guilin?
April to May and September to November offer the best weather, with green or golden rice terraces.
What day trips can you take from Guilin?
Top trips include the Li River cruise to Yangshuo and the Longji Rice Terraces at Longsheng.
Is Guilin good for families?
Yes — a Li River cruise, the Reed Flute Cave and gentle bamboo rafting make Guilin a great family destination.
416 Guilin experiencesfrom €30 · free cancellation
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