What to do and see in Guilin, Guangxi: The Best Sightseeing Tours

May 20, 2021 Concepcion Newsome

Fascinating limestone hills and towers lure tourists from China and around the world to this city of 630,000. Popular sights include 120-hectare Seven Star Park, Reed Flute Cave, 200-foot high Fubo Hill and the much-loved Elephant Trunk Hill. Guilin is very popular as a starting point for Li River cruises to Yangshuo and for visits to the nearby minority villages of Yao, Miao and Dong. April, May, September and October are the best months to visit, as they avoid the extremes of heat and rain.
Restaurants in Guilin

1. Guilin-Yangshuo-Longsheng private package tour of 2 full days and 3 nights

Yangshuo one day private tour
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Discover spectacular large-scale age-old  terraced rice fields of Longji on the high mountain  in Longsheng county, and spend 4 hours' Li River cruise to take in the river's breathtaking karst topography between the Guilin and Yangshuo on its 63 kilometrs' waterway. This private package  tour includes * 2 full days' highlight activities * 3 night accomodations ( west-style breakfast included) * Private van and guide * Private transportation between hotel and airport (or railway station) * Guilin Universal Hotel is a Macao-invested international chain hotel, located in the epicenter of Guilin old town and very close by the shopping pedestrian street and City Square. It is convenient to see different parks and river view by foot.

Inclusions: Private tour, Local guide, 3 night accomodations of Guilin Universal Hotel (including west-style breakfasts), Private van, transportation between hotel and airport, Breakfast

Exclusions: Food , drinks and meals, Tip to guide and driver, Air tickets or railway tickets upon the arrival and departure of Guilin

Reviewed By BlazeToursandTravels

The reason we selected this Tour was primarily because of all the incredible offerings and inclusions it offered in one day. From the moment our Tour was confirmed on Viator, Mr. Wu [Tom], our Tour Organiser and Private Guide, remained in constant touch with us, ready at hand to answer all queries via email, until our arrival into Yangshuo. Our Tour began with a scenic drive via country roads until we reached the authetic Li River bamboo rafts departure pier. The day we took the Tour the weather was a little misty, giving the spectacular Karst landscapes that we saw during our almost hour long exciting Li River bamboo raft journey, a mystical look. After our raft ride, we headed straight for the jaw dropping Silver Cave. To say the stalactites and stalagmites we were treated to during our 90 minute walk through the enormous cave were mind boggling, would be an understatement! The walking path through the cave is well lit and made slip proof. There are no restrictions on how close you can go to the rock formations to take photos, of course discretion is advised. The stalactites and stalagmites are lit up throughout the cave in different colours, giving viewers a surprise at every turn. There are also unique formations called by different names, based on the visions that they can conjure up. Tickets include a free audio guide. Palanquin bearers can be hired at an extra charge for those who are mobility impared. After touring the cave, sampling divine street food [yam, hot chestnuts, seasonal fruits, etc.] from vendors lining the path to the Cave and shopping for souvenirs, it was off to the pedestrian West Street for a leisurely stroll. West Street which is lined with many vendors offering local merchandise, tea, food, snacks, etc. ends at the Li River bank. It was there that Tom arranged for us to take photos with a cormorant fisherman for a small fee. We could take as many photos as we wanted, much to the delight of our teenage daughters. Later it was onwards to Xianggong Mountain just before sunset. The drive itself through mountain roads with hills covered in persimmons was very exciting and made even better by Tom who told us the stories of the ancient Karst landscapes and rural life in Yangshuo. The climb up the mountain took almost 45 minutes each way but the view that awaited us at the top, took our breath away. Row after row and mile after mile of Karst mountains we could behold, with the Li River snaking through them. We loved it on the mountain so much that it took Tom a lot of convincing to make us go back down. He was very helpful in taking our photographs and assisting us up and down the Mountain. The climb has many steps and can be difficult for those who are mobility impared. When we came down the mountain, the sun had just set, making the steps dark in some parts, however, Tom was well equipped with a torchlight and an out stretched arm for any of us who needed assistance. Just before returning to our hotel, we were taken to a many centuries old home of an elderly couple. The man of the house was a descendant of a military commander who served with one of China's Emperors. To say they live in a unique abode, would be an understatement. Their house looks as if it is many centuries old, their way of life, untouched by modernity. They also had their coffins readied and tucked away in one room, in case of an eventuality! With Tom's brilliant explanations, the house and its occupants were brough to life for us. The day ended with us thanking Tom for ensuring our family had such an amazing New Year's Eve. We knew of course nothing would have been possible without him. Have no hesitation in considering this Tour because it offers so much and comes with the most amazing guide one can hope for! ~Felicia Variava Albert, Managing Director, Blaze Tours & Travels Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, India

2. Guilin Caves priavte day tour

Guilin One Day Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Guilin is a world famous city with numerous limestone hills and caves. According to geologists, Guilin was originally on the ocean floor about 300 million years ago. About 200 million years ago, a lot of limestone deposits were located on the bed of the ocean. Due to the movement of the earth’s crust, the seabed rose and became dry land. With the erosion caused by rainwater and underground water, all the limestone hills, caves and rivers were formed as the karst formation during this period of time in Guilin. When visiting Guilin, the numerous fantastic caves are a great highlight that one should not miss. Among all the caves, the best ones to visit are the Reed Flute Cave, Crown Cave.

Inclusions: The private car., The private tour guide., Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Reed Flute Cave: 90RMB per person, Food and drinks, Crown cave: 60RMB per person and Sightseeing Rail Car:60RMB per person-Round way

Reviewed By Y165DNkatys

We had very nice days with Andy. We had a big delay due to thunderstorm in Shanghai. Andy was very spontaneous and changed our plans so we could still enjoy and see everything what was important for us. He knows a lot of nice places and routes without too many people. He suggested us nice and friendly hotels. He knows al lot about this region and Chinese history but he isn’t talking frequently. What we really enjoyed :) We can really recommend doing this tour with him!

3. 1-Day Longji Terrace Fields-Pingan village Tour with the English Speaking Driver

Guilin One Day Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Visit the highlights of Guilin including the Longji rice terraces, Huangluo Long hair village and hiking/shuttle bus around the Ping'an village with this self-guided day tour from Guilin(We just provided the English speaking driver, no tour guide). You will be picked up and dropped off from your Guilin/Yangshuo/Xingping hotel.

Inclusions: The private car & private English speaking driver, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: The Longji entrance ticket: 80CNY per person, Lunch

Reviewed By Y165DNkatys

We had very nice days with Andy. We had a big delay due to thunderstorm in Shanghai. Andy was very spontaneous and changed our plans so we could still enjoy and see everything what was important for us. He knows a lot of nice places and routes without too many people. He suggested us nice and friendly hotels. He knows al lot about this region and Chinese history but he isn’t talking frequently. What we really enjoyed :) We can really recommend doing this tour with him!

4. Li River Cruise to Yangshuo Full-Day Private Tour from Guilin

Trippest Mini Group Tours
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4.9 based on 22 reviews

Spend a relaxing day cruising down the picturesque Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo. Upon arrival in Yangshuo in the afternoon, you'll have time to explore the bustling local market and West Street on your own. Hotel pickup and drop-off and a Chinese lunch on board are included in this full-day guided excursion.

Inclusions: Li River Cruise Ticket, Lunch on board, Hotel pickup and drop-off in Guilin, Friendly and professional tour guide

Exclusions: Personal expenses, Gratuities (recommended)

Reviewed By Duppiedup

We loved the whole trip with our great German speaking guide Julia. Just the three off us wandering through the fields and enjoying the magnificent scenery. Another highlight was the lunch prepared for us by a local farmer family, very friendly people and delicious food prepared from fresh ingredients. Overall, a great day out.

5. Full/Half-day Xingping Photographic Sunset tour with the Fisherman

Yangshuo Private Tour-Day Tour
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4.8 based on 6 reviews

The classic shot of Li River is the one called "fishing lights on the Li River", together with sunrise or sunset. In the past, local fishermen paddled their bamboo raft and went fishing on the Li River as night falls. A magical scene appears when the river is dotted with fishing lights. It's a scene that shows an intimate relationship between human and nature.  Highlights: 1. Enjoy the Sunset of the 20RMB note area. 2.  take the photos with fishermen on bamboo rafts or even with the fishing birds. Note: If you want to book this tour ONE day before, you'd better check with us if has a Fisherman available or not, due to sometimes the fishing man is fully booked, thank you.

Inclusions: The Private car & private guide, Round-trip private transfer, The charge of the Fisherman, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions:

Reviewed By Gustav1985

If you are planning a trip to Guilin + surroundings, Andy is your Guy. I know Andy since 2015 and booked all my four trips to Guilin through him. This included trips where I only needed assistance to book the Li River Cruise and an airport transport but also fully customized private luxury tours with my family. Andy (or members of his team) were always on time, always friendly and helpful, always driving safely and always interested to make the most out of your trip. Professional, trustworthy, perfect English and always a great experience.

6. 3 Days Classic Guilin Tour

China Xian Tour
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4.5 based on 2 reviews

The 3 days Guilin private tour excluding hotel will lead you to: Elephant Trunk Hill, Fubo Hill, Flute Cave, Seven Star Park, Yangshuo, and Longji Terrace Field. They are among the most highlight tourist attractions in Guilin. Tourists who are interested in natural scenery and love photo taking should never miss Guilin city during their China tour.

Inclusions: Private transfers in air-conditioned vehicle with licensed driver, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, English speaking tour guide service, Entrance tickets as mentioned in the itinerary

Exclusions: Hotel, Personal expense, Gratuities

Reviewed By SHF02862999

Being the capital of 13 dynasties made Xi’an must visit place for me. I selected 2-days private tour with excellent tour guide Noble Liu. He shared with me a lot of details from Chinese history and culture, even introduced me in person to lucky man who found the Terracotta army. Separate recognition deserved Yongxingfang culture and food street, endless variety of local food can satisfy everyone’s taste...ensure you include it in your plan. For the best experience I would recommend private tour when you can include all key attractions within your travel time and select excellent tour guide like Noble Liu to keep not only memories, but new knowledge from your trip.

7. Private Guilin Half Day Tour: Fubo Mountain, Reed Flute Cave and Elephant Hill

Han Tang Tour Guilin
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4.1 based on 7 reviews

Short on time? Then this private half-day sightseeing tour of Guilin is perfect. Visit the hot spots of Guilin and its magical surroundings in a short but sweet 3- to 4-hour tour of highlights that include Elephant Hill, Reed Flute Cave and Fubu Hill. Take in the major sights of Guilin, without it taking up all your time! Choose from a morning or afternoon departure.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop off, Transport by private vehicle, Professional English-speaking tour guide, Admission tickets

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks

Reviewed By FMA1111

enjoyable and took the whole day to complete, guide spoke English well and the lunch was very good and generous.

8. Li River Cruise Full Day Tour of Guilin and Yangshuo including Lunch

Han Tang Tour Guilin
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3.8 based on 53 reviews

Take a day trip from Guilin along the impressionable Li River, twisting and turning through lush Chinese landscape that will have you 'snap happy' with the camera for the majority of the sightseeing tour! After some local, fresh catches for lunch on the way to Yangshuo, you will have the opportunity to indulge in a bit of shopping and maybe pick up some real bargains in pearl and jade, or fine Chinese paintings.

Inclusions: Professional English-speaking tour guide, Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, Bus from Yangshuo to Guilin, Lunch on board, Air-conditioned vehicle, Hotel pickup and drop off, Local taxes

Exclusions: Gratuities, Optional Yulong River banboo draft tour

Reviewed By FMA1111

enjoyable and took the whole day to complete, guide spoke English well and the lunch was very good and generous.

9. Guilin Private Tour of Daxu Old Town and Yaoshan Tea Plantation

China Theme Tour Guilin

Explore more than 1,000 years Daxu Old Town, walk along bluestone paved street with many well maintained buildings alongside, appreciate charming scenery of Li River on the west bank, and experience tea-leaf picking at Yaoshan Tea Plantation. This private full day tour will surely enrich your Guilin travel experience.

Inclusions: Private transportation, English-speaking guide, Bottled water, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Entrance ticket fees

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities

10. Guilin Half-Day Private Tour to Reed Flute Cave and Elephant Trunk Hill

China Theme Tour Guilin

Starting either in the morning or the afternoon, led by a professional local tour guide, you will explore two of the most famous attractions in Guilin city by taking this half-day private tour: the Reed Flute Cave and Elephant Trunk Hill.

Inclusions: Private transportation, English-speaking guide, Bottled water, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Entrance ticket fees

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

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