Top 5 things to do in Guilin
Combine the Guilin scenery with spending time on a Li River Cruise, watch how the local fishermen use cormorants to help them, and visit the famous Longji rice terrace. There is a saying to describe the beauty of Guilin “Gulin scenery is the best in it’s world – 桂林山水甲天下”
1. Li River Cruise to Yangshuo
Combining the stunning scenery from Guilin to Yangshuo, a four hours cruise meanders along a stretch of the 426km Li River.
2. Cormorant Fishing Show on the Li River
This ancient form of fishing is part of life for the Li River fishermen and has existed for over one thousand years. The cormorants are able to dive under water and stay there for a long time searching for fish. The bird then catches the fish with its beak and returns to the surface. This practice is best viewed at night when fishermen are equipped with lanterns as the fish are attracted to the lights.
3. The Longji Rice Terraces
The Longji Rice Terraces are a grand set of terraces in Guilin, with Zhuang and Yao indigenous people residing in the area. You can visit the local villages and try the traditional farmers’ dishes, like bamboo rice. From April to May, there are beautiful reflections coming off the water in the terraces as farmers work the land, preparing for the new season. From May to June, the farmers start planting their rice which offers a spectacular sight with the backdrop of the mountains. In July, the rice paddy starts to grow and the terraces become a rich green colour. After September, the rice crops mature and turn golden in colour offering another beautiful time to visit the Longji Rice Terraces. During these periods the sunrises and sunsets reflect onto the rice terraces, offering some incredible photo opportunities.
4. Hiking and Rock climbing on Moon Hill
Moon Hill, close to Yangshuo town, is one of the highlights of Yangshuo’s countryside. You can hike up the 800 marble stairs to Moon Hill or follow the established rock climbing route for breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery.
5. Reed Flute Caves
The Reed Flute Caves is one of Guilin’s “must-see” sights, offering a large number of stalactites, stalagmites, stone pillars and rock formations. This underground palace is further enhanced by the colourful lights on show.
A selection of tours for inspiration
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View this packageChina Group Tour Nature
China Scenic
This 12 day tour will give you the chance to discovery China’s contrasting areas of the North, South and West.
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View this packageChina Group Tour Culture
China Dreams
Visit the the must-see cities of Beijing, Xian and Shanghai, and cruise along the Li River
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View this packageChina Group Tour Culture
Memories of China
Cruise the Li river, see Pandas in Chengdu and visit the remarkable West Lake
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View this packageChina Group Tour Nature
Beauty of China
Explore lesser known Yunnan, enjoy pandas in Chengdu, and the must-see sights in Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, and a Yangtze cruise