When I first arrived in Guilin China, I immediately understood why locals proudly say, “Guilin’s scenery is the best under heaven.” This compact city is surrounded by dramatic karst peaks, intersected by rivers, and layered with centuries of history. Wandering through Guilin feels like stepping inside a Chinese ink painting—only this one hums with modern energy, night lights, and the aroma of sizzling street food. Whether you’re on a Guilin travel tour, exploring independently, or adding it to your southern China itinerary, the city’s top attractions are easy to explore in a couple of days.
The 1st Part: Exploring the Central City Landmarks, Lakes & Nightlife
No.1 Elephant Trunk Hill | The Symbol of Guilin
Elephant Trunk Hill, the city’s most famous landmark. Perched where the Li River and Taohua River meet, this natural karst formation resembles a giant elephant dipping its trunk into the water.
You can experience a bamboo raft and slowly drifted past the hill, watching the soft sunlight ripple across the water’s surface. The reflections of the hill and surrounding peaks create a breathtaking panorama—especially on clear mornings or late afternoons.
Pro Tip: Arrive during daylight, The most photogenic spot is across the river, or from the raft itself. During peak season, tickets and raft rides should be booked in advance.
No.2 Ronghu Lake & The Sun and Moon Pagodas | Daytime Stroll, Nighttime Glow
Right in the city center lies Ronghu Lake, an elegant urban oasis lined with willows, stone bridges, and walking paths. This is one of my favorite places for a relaxed afternoon stroll.
Highlight: Sun and Moon Pagodas
—the Sun Pagoda is built entirely of bronze, while the Moon Pagoda shines with glazed tiles. During the day, their shapes stand tall against Guilin’s blue skies. But at night, they light up brilliantly, their golden and silver hues shimmering across the water.
Magical experience — you can join a “Two Rivers and Four Lakes” night cruise. Floating past ancient pavilions, lit bridges, and modern city lights felt like drifting through two time periods at once.
No 3. Dongxi Alley & Jingjiang Prince’s Palace | A Walk Through Time
For travelers who love history, architecture, and Instagram-worthy spots, Dongxi Alley (East-West Alley) and the adjacent Jingjiang Prince’s Palace are must-sees. Dongxi Alley is Guilin’s best-preserved historical neighborhood, with narrow stone alleys, gray-brick houses, and traditional wooden lattices that make you feel like you’ve stepped into the Ming dynasty.
Wandering here is like time travel—except you’ll find chic teahouses, artisan craft shops, and plenty of local snacks tucked between the ancient walls.
No.4 Night Market & Pedestrian Street | Flavors and Lights After Dark
As night falls, Guilin transforms. The pedestrian street near Dongxi Alley comes alive with glowing lanterns, sizzling food stalls, and lively chatter. It’s the perfect place to dive into Guilin’s culinary scene.
Don’t miss: Guilin rice noodles (米粉 Mǐfěn)
Beer fish (啤酒鱼 Píjiǔyú) — a local specialty made with Li River carp, beer, and spices—fragrant, tangy, and addictive.
Snail-stuffed tofu and spicy street snacks
The 2nd Part: Yangshuo Bamboo Rafting, Peaks, and Cultural Wonders
No.1 Encountering the Serenity of Yulong River
One of Yangshuo’s most famous experiences is the Yulong River bamboo rafting. Yulong River feels intimate and tranquil. Lush green hills rise on both sides, and bamboo groves dip their reflections into the clear waters.
Drifting along the river in a traditional bamboo raft, I passed charming stone bridges, rice paddies, and quaint villages. The peaks in the distance create a moving natural painting, and the gentle water flow makes you feel completely detached from the hustle of modern life.
No.2 Cycling Through the Ten-Mile Gallery
Yangshuo’s Ten-Mile Gallery is a scenic route stretching over ten kilometers, dotted with iconic peaks, rivers, and farmland. I rented a bicycle and meandered slowly, stopping at Moon Hill and Butterfly Spring, as well as charming cafés and small guesthouses.
No.3 20 RMB Scenic Spot & Nine-Horse Fresco Hill
A highlight of the Li River near Yangshuo is the famous 20 RMB scenic view, featured on the back of China’s 20-yuan bill. Many travelers, including myself, take boats or bamboo rafts to capture the iconic shot.
Nearby, Nine-Horse Fresco Hill is a stunning natural formation. The multicolored karst cliffs resemble nine galloping horses, a geological wonder that is fun to spot from the river cruise.
No.4 Cultural Shows — “Impression Liu Sanjie” & “Guilin Forever Love”
Yangshuo’s charm isn’t just natural—it’s cultural. I attended “Guilin Forever Love”, a spectacular show blending high-tech stagecraft and traditional folklore. The storylines bring the city’s legends to life in a family-friendly performance.
Even more unforgettable is “Impression Liu Sanjie”, directed by Zhang Yimou. The performance fuses music, dance, and ethnic culture. Experiencing the songs echoing across the valley felt like stepping directly into a Zhuang folk tale.
No.5 Hidden Gem — Secret Villages and the “Peach Blossom Land”
For those seeking tranquility, the “Peach Blossom Land” near Yangshuo is a must. With small bridges, flowing streams, and traditional architecture, it feels like a scene from a classical Chinese painting.
Pro Tip: Half-day visits are ideal. Bring sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and a camera—you’ll want to capture every serene moment.
No.6 Yangshuo West Street — Daytime Charm, Nighttime Energy
West Street is Yangshuo’s cultural heart. During the day, the stone-paved street is full of cafés, handicraft shops, and art studios, exuding a sophisticated, bohemian vibe.
At night, West Street transforms. Bars, restaurants, and live music venues come alive, creating a lively nightlife hub where travelers from around the world mingle.
You can taste: Beer fish — Li River carp cooked with local beer and spices
Bamboo-tube rice — Fragrant and subtly smoky
Stuffed snails — A tangy, flavorful treat
Guilin rice noodles — Iconic breakfast or snack
Exploring West Street or the small alleys nearby, I found plenty of restaurants and street vendors where local flavors shine. For non-spicy eaters, simply request “少辣” (less spicy) or “不辣” (no spice).