Best One-Day Trips from Guilin: Explore Nearby Gems

Guilin
Guilin by Rod Waddington is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
  • Yangshuo

    Explore the best of Yangshuo in a day!

  • Longsheng

    Explore the best of Longsheng in a day!

  • Xingping

    Explore the best of Xingping in a day!

  • Daxu

    Explore the best of Daxu in a day!

One-Day Trip from Guilin to Yangshuo

Distance and Travel Time

  • Distance from Guilin: 70 km (43 miles)
  • Estimated Travel Time: 1.5 hours by Car

Transportation Options

  • By Car: Drive along the scenic G321 highway, which offers beautiful views of the karst landscape.
  • By Bus: Regular buses depart from Guilin Bus Station to Yangshuo, taking approximately 1.5 hours.

Main Attractions

Li River Cruise Embark on a picturesque cruise along the Li River, renowned for its stunning karst mountain scenery. The cruise offers a tranquil experience, allowing you to soak in the natural beauty and capture breathtaking photos. Highlight: The iconic Nine Horses Fresco Hill.

West Street Explore the vibrant West Street, known for its bustling atmosphere, unique shops, and diverse eateries. This pedestrian street is a cultural melting pot, offering a blend of traditional and modern experiences. Highlight: Try local snacks and shop for souvenirs.

Moon Hill Hike up to Moon Hill, a natural arch formation offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The hike is moderately challenging but rewarding, with the summit providing a perfect spot for photography. Highlight: The moon-shaped hole at the top.

Itinerary Suggestions

  • Morning: Start with a Li River Cruise to enjoy the serene morning views.
  • Midday: Head to West Street for lunch and some shopping.
  • Afternoon: Hike up Moon Hill and enjoy the panoramic views.
  • Evening: Return to Guilin.

Local Food

  • Beer Fish: A local specialty made with fresh river fish and beer.
  • Stuffed Li River Snails: A unique dish featuring snails stuffed with minced pork and spices.
  • Yangshuo Rice Noodles: A popular local dish, often served with a variety of toppings.

Local Tips

  • Best Photo Spots: The Li River during the cruise and the summit of Moon Hill.
  • Hidden Gems: Explore the lesser-known Yulong River for a quieter experience.
  • Travel Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for hiking and bring a hat for sun protection.

One-Day Trip from Guilin to Longsheng

Distance and Travel Time

  • Distance from Guilin: 90 km (56 miles)
  • Estimated Travel Time: 2 hours by Car

Transportation Options

  • By Car: Drive via the G321 and S305 highways, offering scenic views of the countryside.
  • By Bus: Buses are available from Guilin Bus Station to Longsheng, taking around 2 hours.

Main Attractions

Longji Rice Terraces Marvel at the Longji Rice Terraces, an intricate network of terraced fields that change color with the seasons. This engineering marvel offers stunning views and a glimpse into the local agricultural practices. Highlight: The panoramic view from the top of the terraces.

Ping'an Village Visit Ping'an Village, a traditional Zhuang and Yao ethnic village nestled among the rice terraces. The village offers a unique cultural experience with its traditional wooden houses and local crafts. Highlight: Interact with the local villagers and learn about their customs.

Jinkeng Rice Terraces Explore the Jinkeng Rice Terraces, known for their dramatic landscapes and fewer tourists. The terraces are particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset, offering excellent photo opportunities. Highlight: The "Thousand-Layered Terraces" view.

Itinerary Suggestions

  • Morning: Drive to Longsheng and start with a visit to the Longji Rice Terraces.
  • Midday: Have lunch in Ping'an Village and explore the local culture.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Jinkeng Rice Terraces for stunning views.
  • Evening: Return to Guilin.

Local Food

  • Bamboo Rice: Sticky rice cooked inside bamboo tubes, a local delicacy.
  • Oil Tea: A traditional tea made with tea leaves, oil, and various grains.
  • Glutinous Rice Cakes: Sweet or savory rice cakes, often enjoyed as snacks.

Local Tips

  • Best Photo Spots: The top of Longji Rice Terraces and Jinkeng Rice Terraces at sunset.
  • Hidden Gems: The quieter Dazhai Village offers a more peaceful experience.
  • Travel Tip: Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring a light jacket as it can get cool in the mountains.

One-Day Trip from Guilin to Xingping

Distance and Travel Time

  • Distance from Guilin: 50 km (31 miles)
  • Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour by Car

Transportation Options

  • By Car: Drive along the G321 highway, which offers scenic views of the karst landscape.
  • By Bus: Regular buses depart from Guilin Bus Station to Xingping, taking approximately 1 hour.

Main Attractions

Xingping Ancient Town Stroll through Xingping Ancient Town, a well-preserved town with a history dating back over 1,000 years. The town's narrow streets and traditional architecture offer a glimpse into the past. Highlight: The old stone streets and ancient buildings.

20 Yuan Note Viewpoint Visit the famous viewpoint depicted on the 20 Yuan banknote, offering a stunning view of the Li River and surrounding karst peaks. This spot is a must-visit for photography enthusiasts. Highlight: Capture the iconic view from the exact spot.

Fishing Village Explore the nearby Fishing Village, known for its traditional cormorant fishing practices. The village offers a unique cultural experience and a chance to see the fishermen in action. Highlight: Watch a cormorant fishing demonstration.

Itinerary Suggestions

  • Morning: Drive to Xingping and start with a visit to the Ancient Town.
  • Midday: Have lunch in the town and explore the local shops.
  • Afternoon: Visit the 20 Yuan Note Viewpoint and the Fishing Village.
  • Evening: Return to Guilin.

Local Food

  • Xingping Beer Fish: A local specialty made with fresh river fish and beer.
  • Stuffed Tofu: Tofu stuffed with minced pork and spices, a local favorite.
  • Li River Shrimps: Fresh shrimps from the Li River, often stir-fried with garlic and chili.

Local Tips

  • Best Photo Spots: The 20 Yuan Note Viewpoint and the ancient streets of Xingping.
  • Hidden Gems: The lesser-known Lotus Cave offers a quieter experience.
  • Travel Tip: Bring a camera with a good zoom lens for capturing distant views.

One-Day Trip from Guilin to Daxu

Distance and Travel Time

  • Distance from Guilin: 23 km (14 miles)
  • Estimated Travel Time: 30 minutes by Car

Transportation Options

  • By Car: Drive along the G321 highway, which offers a quick and scenic route.
  • By Bus: Buses are available from Guilin Bus Station to Daxu, taking around 30 minutes.

Main Attractions

Daxu Ancient Town Explore Daxu Ancient Town, a well-preserved town with a history spanning over 1,000 years. The town's cobblestone streets and traditional architecture offer a glimpse into ancient China. Highlight: The old stone bridge and ancient buildings.

Longevity Bridge Visit the Longevity Bridge, a historic stone bridge that has stood the test of time. The bridge offers picturesque views of the surrounding countryside and is a popular spot for photography. Highlight: The intricate stone carvings on the bridge.

Maozhou Island Take a short boat ride to Maozhou Island, known for its serene environment and lush greenery. The island offers a peaceful retreat and a chance to explore nature. Highlight: The scenic boat ride to the island.

Itinerary Suggestions

  • Morning: Drive to Daxu and start with a visit to the Ancient Town.
  • Midday: Have lunch in the town and explore the local shops.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Longevity Bridge and take a boat ride to Maozhou Island.
  • Evening: Return to Guilin.

Local Food

  • Daxu Rice Noodles: A popular local dish, often served with a variety of toppings.
  • Sticky Rice Dumplings: Sweet or savory dumplings made with glutinous rice.
  • Local Herbal Tea: A refreshing tea made with local herbs and flowers.

Local Tips

  • Best Photo Spots: The Longevity Bridge and the cobblestone streets of Daxu.
  • Hidden Gems: The lesser-known ancient wells scattered throughout the town.
  • Travel Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a hat for sun protection.

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