China Guilin Trip - Advice needed

Question

My Husband & I want to visit China, including a boat trip in Guilin. Ive a few questions if anyone has been there?

1)What is the best month to get the best weather and Green Rice Terraces (not brown in off season)?

2) We're worried about the long flight, can anyone recommend the easiest way to fly, where should we break our flight/s? My husband is on Warfarin and is v tall so i dont think a 24hr flight would work for us. We also have a very tight budget? Any tips? Many thanks in advance!

Answer

Visiting Guilin and the surrounding areas is a wonderful experience, especially with the scenic boat trips along the Li River and exploring the rice terraces. Here is detailed advice based on your questions:

1) Best month for weather and green rice terraces:

The most popular time for lush, green scenery is from late April to early June. During this period, the rice terraces are filled with water and the plants are vibrant green.
Avoid winter months (December–February) as the terraces may be brown and less scenic, and temperatures can be quite cool, especially in the mountains.
September–October can also be nice, as it is after the summer rains, but some terraces may already be harvested, so green coverage may be patchy.
Rainfall is heaviest in June–July, so if you dislike heavy rain, aim for late April–May or September.

2) Flight planning for long-haul travel:

From New Zealand, there are no direct flights to Guilin, so you will need at least one stop, often in Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shanghai, or Beijing.
Given your husband's condition on Warfarin and height, it is wise to avoid flights longer than 12–14 hours at a stretch. Consider breaking the journey into two legs: for example, Auckland → Hong Kong → Guilin or Auckland → Guangzhou → Guilin.
Look for budget-friendly options using airlines like China Southern, Cathay Pacific, or Air China with stopovers in major Chinese hubs. Sometimes combining two separate tickets (e.g., NZ → HK then HK → Guilin) can reduce cost, but check visa/transit rules carefully.
For comfort on long flights: choose aisle seats if possible, walk/stretch every hour or so, and stay hydrated. This is especially important on Warfarin.

Additional tips:

Book Li River cruises and terrace tours in advance if traveling during peak seasons.
Consider staying in Yangshuo for a more relaxed atmosphere after the Guilin city portion.
Local buses or private transfers can be convenient for reaching terraces and scenic spots from Guilin city.

In summary, aim for late April to early June for green terraces, break long flights with a stop in a major hub like Hong Kong or Guangzhou, and plan transport and accommodations in advance to ensure comfort and budget control.

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