One-Day Guilin Itinerary Guide

Morning: Visit Elephant Trunk Hill and Fubo Hill

Start your day with a visit to Elephant Trunk Hill, the most iconic landmark in Guilin. Located where the Li River and the Taohua River converge, the hill gets its name from the natural rock formation that resembles an elephant drinking from the river. The park surrounding the hill offers beautiful walking paths with great photo opportunities, so be sure to bring your camera.

After enjoying Elephant Trunk Hill, head to Fubo Hill, another famous scenic spot in Guilin. Fubo Hill is located about 10 minutes away from Elephant Trunk Hill by taxi. This hill is known for its beautiful karst rock formations, lush greenery, and panoramic views of Guilin city. The climb to the top is not too difficult, and once you reach the summit, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and surrounding rivers. The hill is also home to a number of ancient carvings and stone inscriptions, making it a great spot for both natural beauty and cultural exploration.

Mid-Morning: Reed Flute Cave

After Fubo Hill, take a short taxi ride (around 10 minutes) to Reed Flute Cave. This limestone cave, which is over 180 million years old, is one of the most famous natural attractions in Guilin. The cave is filled with spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations, many of which have been illuminated by colorful lights to create a surreal and magical atmosphere. The cave is quite large, and the walking tour through its various chambers takes around an hour. Make sure to stop at the famous “Dragon Bone Hill” and other notable rock formations along the way.

Lunch: Try Guilin’s Famous Rice Noodles

After your exploration of Reed Flute Cave, it’s time to stop for lunch. Head to a local restaurant and try Guilin rice noodles, one of the city’s most famous dishes. The noodles are served in a fragrant broth, typically with beef, pork, or chicken, and are accompanied by various condiments and fresh herbs. You can find many small local eateries near Zhengyang Pedestrian Street or Jiefang Road, where you can sample these delicious noodles along with other Guilin specialties like sour fish soup or beer fish.

Early Afternoon: Explore the Daxu Ancient Town

After lunch, take a 30-minute drive to Daxu Ancient Town, located along the Li River. This charming, historic town dates back over 1,000 years and is a great place to step back in time and experience traditional Chinese architecture. You can wander through narrow, cobbled streets, admire old wooden houses, and shop for unique local Handicrafts such as silk scarves or paper lanterns. The town is also known for its traditional tea houses, so consider stopping for a cup of tea while enjoying the serene atmosphere. Daxu is also home to the Ancient Stone Bridge, which is a great photo opportunity.

Mid-Afternoon: Visit the Guilin Art Museum

Next, return to the city center and visit the Guilin Art Museum, which showcases a wide range of works from traditional Chinese art to contemporary exhibitions. The museum’s collection includes Chinese paintings, calligraphy, and sculptures, as well as displays of local art and handicrafts. The museum is housed in a beautiful, historic building, and the peaceful atmosphere makes it an enjoyable stop for those interested in art and culture. You can spend around 1 hour here, admiring the exhibits and learning more about Guilin’s rich artistic heritage.

Evening: Sunset at Two Rivers and Four Lakes

In the late afternoon, head to the Two Rivers and Four Lakes area, which offers one of the most picturesque settings in Guilin. This network of rivers and lakes is surrounded by lush parks, ancient pagodas, and traditional Chinese bridges. You can enjoy a relaxing boat ride around the lakes, which offer great views of the city’s landscape. The area is particularly beautiful during sunset, as the warm colors reflect off the water and create a serene and romantic atmosphere. The boat tour lasts about 1 hour, and it’s a perfect way to unwind after a busy day.

Dinner: Try Local Cuisine at a Riverside Restaurant

For dinner, head to a riverside restaurant along the Li River. This is a great opportunity to enjoy both delicious food and stunning views. You can try dishes like beer fish, sour fish soup, or fried river shrimp. Many of these restaurants offer outdoor seating, so you can enjoy your meal with a view of the river, especially as the evening lights begin to illuminate the area. If you prefer something a bit more contemporary, you can find a wide range of international restaurants in the Yangshuo area or near the city center.

Night: Guilin Night Market and Shopping

End your day by visiting the Guilin Night Market, located near Zhengyang Pedestrian Street. The market is full of vibrant street food vendors selling snacks like dumplings, skewered meat, and fried pastries. You can also shop for souvenirs like hand-painted fans, silk scarves, or teas. The market offers a lively atmosphere, perfect for browsing and picking up unique items to take home.

If you want to know more about Guilin and itineraries, please contact us. Popular Tour Packages in Guilin:

2-Day Guilin Trip

3-Day Guilin Ethnic Culture Tour