Things to Do in Guilin
43 curated spots from Guilin itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Reed Flute Cave (Ludi Yan)
Explore an illuminated limestone cave with towering stalactites and stalagmites reflected in still underground pools. Follow the main route through the chambers and take your time at the largest ‘underground hall’ for surreal, otherworldly photos.
2h · $18
Reed Flute Cave (芦笛岩)
Walk through illuminated limestone caverns with stalactites, stalagmites, and underground pools; take it slowly and pause at viewpoints for photos and quiet moments.
2h · $12-18
Elephant Trunk Hill Scenic Area
Walk around Guilin’s iconic riverside hill shaped like an elephant drinking from the Li River; enjoy short walks among trees and riverside viewpoints.
1h 30m · $10-15
Reed Flute Cave
Explore the illuminated limestone cave chambers at an easy pace; this is one of Guilin’s most straightforward major sights.
2h · $15-25
Diecai Hill (Folded Brocade Hill)
Climb stone steps through trees and pavilions to several viewpoints overlooking the Li River and surrounding karst peaks; descend via a different path to vary the scenery.
2h · $5-8
Elephant Trunk Hill
See Guilin’s famous stone landmark, take family photos, and enjoy a short, easy walk with big scenery payoff.
2h · $8-15 per personElephant Trunk Hill Park
Walk through the park to see the famous rock arch resembling an elephant drinking from the river; explore the surrounding greenery and trails.
2h · $8-12
Li River Cruise: Guilin to Yangshuo
Take the classic 4–hour daytime boat from Guilin to Yangshuo, sitting on deck to watch steep karst peaks, bamboo groves, and small farms glide by.
4h · $60-90 per person including basic on‑board lunch (bring your own halal snacks)
Seven Star Park (Qixing Gongyuan)
Mountain park with walking trails, cave exploration, and panoramic viewpoints over karst peaks; activities scaled for different fitness levels.
3h · $25-35 per person
Solitary Beauty Peak & Jingjiang Prince City
Climb Solitary Beauty Peak through shaded stone steps to a lookout surrounded by karst spires, then explore the historic palace grounds below.
2h · $12-18
Yangshuo West Street & Riverside Promenade
After arriving in Yangshuo, walk from the pier or shuttle drop-off to West Street and the nearby riverside walkway. Explore side alleys for leafy courtyards, small cafés, and hidden corners where the town feels more village-like than touristy.
2h · Free
Yulong River Countryside Ride
Rent bicycles or a family‑friendly electric cart and follow the flat roads along the Yulong River, passing rice paddies, bamboo, and karst peaks; stop at viewpoints and small bridges to let the kids play and take photos.
2h 30m · $10-15 per person for bike/e‑scooter rental and park access
Elephant Trunk Hill (Xiangbi Shan)
Iconic natural formation resembling an elephant's trunk; climb stone steps for elevated views of the Li River and surrounding peaks.
1h 30m · $15-20 per personElephant Trunk Hill (象鼻山) & Xiangshan Park
Walk through Xiangshan Park to view the famous rock arch that looks like an elephant drinking from the river, then climb gentle paths for views over the river and nearby greenery.
1h 30m · $8-15Elephant Trunk Hill Park (Xiangbishan)
Explore the riverside park, view the elephant-shaped rock arch over the Li River, and take a short walk up the hill for a panoramic view over Guilin’s jungle-like peaks.
2h · $10-15
Fubo Hill & Riverside Park
Climb the moderate steps up Fubo Hill for city and river views framed by nearby peaks, then wander the adjacent riverside park under large trees and stone outcrops.
2h · $8-12
Guilin Museum (Guangxi Guilin Museum)
Compact museum showcasing regional history, ceramics, and cultural artifacts with clear exhibits documenting Guilin's artistic heritage.
2h · $8-12 per person
Li River Bamboo Rafting
Take a traditional bamboo raft down the scenic Li River surrounded by dramatic karst peaks; typically 4-5 hour journey with photo stops.
5h · $50-75 per person
Li River Cruise
Take the classic river journey through karst peaks and postcard scenery; sit on the deck if possible for photos.
4h · $40-80
Li River Cruise (Guilin to Yangshuo, 4‑Star Boat)
Take a half‑day cruise through the most famous stretch of the Li River, with open decks for panoramic views of karst peaks, bamboo groves, and small riverside villages.
4h · $55-90 (depending on boat class and booking)
Longji Rice Terraces Hike
Walk the terrace paths for classic layered mountain scenery and village viewpoints; keep it moderate and scenic, not rushed.
3h · $10-20
Moon Hill Viewpoint Stop
Make a short family stop for karst views and photos; choose the easier viewpoint option rather than a long climb if the kids are tired.
1h · $5-10 per person
Ping’an Rice Terraces Hike
Walk stone paths and trails between viewpoints like ‘Nine Dragons and Five Tigers’ through thick greenery and layered fields; plenty of resting spots and village corners to explore.
2h 30m · $15-20 (Longji entry ticket)
Ping’an Village Free Exploration
After lunch, roam the narrow lanes and wooden stilt houses of the village, browsing small shops and vantage points over the terraces before returning to Guilin.
1h 30m · Free (after terrace ticket)
Ping'an Village Free Explore Time
Wander the narrow stone lanes, peek into wooden houses, and find quiet corners overlooking the terraces; you can also rest at teahouses with terrace views.
2h · Free (after entrance paid)
Rong & Shan Lakes with Sun and Moon Pagodas
Stroll around the tree-lined lakes, cross small bridges, and admire the Sun and Moon Pagodas by day; optionally take a short lake cruise or go up the pagoda for views.
2h · $0-10 (walking is free; small fee for pagoda/boat)
Shan Lake and Rong Lake Promenade
Take an unhurried lakeside walk, watch local life, and look for the old city gate and illuminated pagoda reflections if you stay into evening.
1h 30m · Free
Sun & Moon Pagodas Park Evening Visit
Return near sunset to view the twin pagodas over the lake; enjoy free time wandering tree-lined paths, or sit on benches watching the reflections.
1h 30m · Free (if not entering pagodas)
Tea Plantation Visit
Visit a tea-growing hillside for gentle scenery, fresh air, and a quieter lesser-known Guilin experience.
2h · $15-30
Two Rivers & Four Lakes Scenic Area
Walk the waterfront paths, cross bridges, and enjoy the pagoda views; this is especially pretty in the morning and at dusk.
2h · FreeRestaurants & Food
13 local favorites
Aroma Tea House Restaurant
This boutique hotel restaurant offers refined Guangxi cuisine in beautifully designed spaces with ancient Chinese decor; specializes in tea-paired tasting menus.
2h · $60-100 per person
Halal dinner in Yangshuo town center
Choose halal beef noodles, grilled chicken, rice dishes, and vegetables; clearly request no pork broth, lard, or alcohol.
1h · $8-16 per person
Halal farmhouse-style lunch near Yulong River
Order halal fried rice, stir-fried greens, chicken or beef dishes, and fresh fruit; confirm no wine, pork, or pork-fat cooking oil.
1h · $10-18 per person
Halal lunch near Shan Lake
Look for halal noodle soups, grilled meat, vegetable dishes, and rice; confirm all sauces are pork-free.
1h · $8-15 per person
Halal noodle shop near Yangshuo West Street
Look for halal beef or lamb noodle soup, boiled eggs, and tea; avoid anything with pork broth or lard.
45m · $5-10 per personHalal Restaurant Near Elephant Trunk Hill
Choose halal beef stir-fry, noodles, rice, and seasonal vegetables; confirm no lard in the wok or sauces.
1h 10m · $10-18 per person
Longji Ping'an Village Family Halal Kitchen
Ask for eggs, steamed rice, greens, sweet potatoes, and plain tea; confirm fully halal ingredients and no pork stock.
1h · $8-15 per person
Muslim Lunch Box on Li River Cruise
Request a Muslim/vegetarian meal from your tour operator in advance or bring your own halal-friendly snacks and sandwiches. Ensure any provided meal contains no pork, alcohol, or non-halal meat.
30m · $5-15 per person
Ping’an Village Simple Halal Breakfast
Ask your guesthouse for a pork-free, alcohol-free breakfast: boiled eggs, steamed buns without meat, rice porridge, pickled vegetables and fresh fruit.
30m · $4-8 per person
Shan Lake Waterfront Restaurant District
Select a riverside restaurant specializing in fresh river fish (grass carp, catfish) and local leafy greens prepared with garlic or light sauces.
1h 30m · $40-80 per person
Shanhu Lake Muslim Cuisine
Order halal lamb, stir-fried greens, hand-pulled noodles, and rice; keep it simple and safe.
1h 15m · $15-25 per person
Simple Halal-Friendly Lunch in Ping’an Village
Ask your guide to bring you to a Muslim-friendly kitchen or arrange vegetarian lunch where dishes are cooked fresh in separate pans with no pork, lard, or alcohol—ask for stir-fried seasonal vegetables, eggs with tomatoes, tofu dishes, and plain rice; bring packed snacks from a halal shop in Guilin as backup.
45m · $8-15 per person
Yangshuo Muslim Restaurant
Order halal beef noodles, cumin lamb, stir-fried vegetables, and rice; confirm separate cooking and no pork broth.
1h 15m · $12-22 per person