Need advise on Yangshuo & Guilin itinerary

Question

Good day to all,

I will be arriving at Guangzhou Airport on Thursday morning at 8am and plan to head straight to Yangshuo via Guangzhou South Railway Station. From what I understand, taking a taxi to the station followed by the high-speed train will take about 4 hours in total to reach Yangshuo.

May I check what time I should book the train ticket for? Is there a need to arrive early at the station to check in? I was considering a 10am train.

Based on this, I expect to reach my hotel in Yangshuo at around 2pm. I will be staying from Thursday to Sunday, and then heading to Guilin until Tuesday before returning to Guangzhou for the remainder of my trip.

In Yangshuo, I plan to visit Ruyi Peak and go bamboo rafting. Would you suggest rafting on the Yulong River instead of the Li River? I was thinking of doing both Ruyi Peak and bamboo rafting on Friday to avoid the weekend crowd (but if Li River is a better choice, I will leave the bamboo rafting to when I am in Guilin), and spending Thursday afternoon and evening around West Street after check-in.

Would it also be worth visiting Longji Rice Terraces during my time in Yangshuo, and if so, how should I fit it into the schedule?

For Saturday, what would you recommend doing in Yangshuo? I am looking for a relaxing day probably cycling around w kids. When do you recommend ? I hear about the Ten-Mile Gallery and cycling along Yulong river when the views are great. I want to make the most of the day without feeling rushed.

I’d appreciate any suggestions on other places to visit in both Yangshuo and Guilin so I can research further.

For food, I know Beer Fish is a must-try, but I’ve read that the ones on West Street may not be the best. Do you have recommendations for where to try Beer Fish, as well as other unique local dishes in Yangshuo and Guilin?

Thank you for your advice!

Answer

Your proposed itinerary from Guangzhou to Yangshuo and Guilin is quite feasible, and here are some detailed recommendations to help optimize your trip:

Train from Guangzhou to Yangshuo:

Booking a 10am high-speed train from Guangzhou South is reasonable. The journey to Yangshuo takes about 2.5–3 hours. Adding taxi time to the station (around 30–45 minutes from the airport) and some buffer, you can expect to reach Yangshuo around 2pm, as you estimated.
Arrive at Guangzhou South Railway Station at least 30–45 minutes before departure to allow time for ticket verification and security checks.

Thursday afternoon/evening in Yangshuo:

After hotel check-in, exploring West Street is a good choice. Enjoy the local shops, cafes, and street performances. Consider an early dinner at a recommended local restaurant rather than on West Street if you want higher-quality Beer Fish.

Friday – Ruyi Peak and bamboo rafting:

For a less crowded experience, Friday morning is ideal for visiting Ruyi Peak for panoramic views. Combine this with a bamboo rafting trip afterwards.
Bamboo rafting on the Yulong River is often preferred for its scenic, calm, and family-friendly route, whereas the Li River cruises are longer and more commercial. Doing the Yulong River trip in Yangshuo makes sense, leaving Li River cruises for Guilin if you want that experience.

Longji Rice Terraces:

Longji Rice Terraces are about 2–3 hours from Yangshuo by car. It is possible to do a day trip but would be long and tiring, especially with kids. If you want a more relaxed experience, consider fitting it into your Guilin stay instead of Yangshuo.

Saturday – Cycling and Ten-Mile Gallery:

Morning or late afternoon are the best times for cycling to avoid the midday heat. Ten-Mile Gallery offers a scenic and relatively flat route, ideal for kids.
Alternatively, cycling along the Yulong River provides beautiful river views and bamboo rafts, making it a more relaxed, picturesque experience.

Other attractions in Yangshuo and Guilin:

Yangshuo: Moon Hill, Big Banyan Tree, and Silver Cave are popular and family-friendly.
Guilin: Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave, and a short Li River cruise between Guilin and Yangshuo if you want a different perspective.

Food recommendations:

Beer Fish: Look for local restaurants outside West Street for better quality. Recommended places include local family-run riverside restaurants.
Other local specialties: Guilin rice noodles, Yangshuo stuffed snails, and Osmanthus-flavored desserts. Ask your hotel or local guides for the best authentic spots.

In summary, your plan is well-paced. Reserve the train in advance, prioritize Yulong River rafting, do Longji Rice Terraces from Guilin if possible, and schedule cycling in the morning or late afternoon. For meals, explore local recommendations beyond the touristy West Street to enjoy authentic flavors.

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