Guilin Yangshuo Travel｜Truly the Best Scenery Under Heaven

This was a 4-day, 3-night trip starting from Zhuhai. To be honest, Guilin's landscapes are indeed stunning, but there are also some "only those who have been there would know" details. Here's a summary of the full itinerary and my impressions, providing a reference for friends planning to visit Guilin.

🗓 Day 1｜Xingping Ancient Town & Li River 20 Yuan Scenic Spot

Transportation: We took a high-speed train from Zhuhai, which took about 4 hours to reach Yangshuo High-Speed Rail Station. We opted for self-driving (highly recommended as many attractions are scattered).

Attractions: We visited Xingping Ancient Town, the RMB 20 note scenic spot on the Li River, and also stopped by Nine Horses Fresco Hill. Honestly, I couldn't see where the nine horses were 😂.

Accommodation: The first night we stayed at "1Q84 Guesthouse." It's in a remote location, and it was quite dark and a bit eerie when we returned at night. However, the upside was the breathtaking starry sky, which was incredibly healing. The guesthouse owner was very kind, and the breakfast was delicious. Waking up to mountain views was a great experience.

Evening: We strolled around West Street, enjoyed some desserts and snacks, and soaked in the lively atmosphere.

🗓 Day 2｜Yulong River Rafting, Silver Cave & Ten-Mile Gallery

Yulong River Scenic Area: This is a must-visit! Floating leisurely on a bamboo raft surrounded by mountains and water was incredibly relaxing. We went around 10 a.m., and it was almost empty. There's a saying that if water splashes on you, don't dodge it because "water brings wealth," haha~

Silver Cave: A typical karst cave attraction. If you're not physically fit, consider skipping it as there's quite a bit of walking involved. However, the stalactites illuminated by colorful lights were quite beautiful.

Ten-Mile Gallery: A scenic drive with the wind in your hair and picturesque views all around—very enjoyable.

Accommodation: Since we planned to visit Longji Rice Terraces the next day, we moved to the city center and stayed at "Puyun Hotel." The hotel was comfortable, parking required prior reservation, and the location was convenient, close to bustling areas.

🗓 Day 3｜Longji Rice Terraces

We visited in November, which was past the peak viewing season, so the terraces weren't as vibrant as during the prime time, and many smaller attractions were closed.

The locals were very hospitable. At a guesthouse restaurant, the owner even prepared a meal for us, which was heartwarming.

Honestly, driving into the area was a bit tricky, but the scenery was beautiful, and strolling around was quite pleasant.

After returning to the city in the afternoon, we spent the evening exploring "Dongxi Lane," one of the more charming spots in Guilin's urban area.

🗓 Day 4｜Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas & Shan Lake Stroll

Since we had to head back at noon, we took a leisurely morning walk:

Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas: Iconic landmarks of Guilin, with stunning reflections of the pagodas on the lake.

Shan Lake & Dongxi Lane: Another quick stroll to wrap up the trip.

🏨 Hotel Summary

1Q84 Guesthouse: Quiet and cozy, with mountain views right outside and starry skies at night. Perfect for those who enjoy tranquility.

Puyun Hotel: Great central location, comfortable stay, and convenient for sightseeing.

🌟 Honest Impressions

Guilin's landscapes are truly beautiful, living up to its reputation as "the best scenery under heaven," especially Yulong River, which I highly recommend.

Silver Cave and Nine Horses Fresco Hill are optional, depending on your interests.

For Longji Rice Terraces, timing is key. November isn't the best time, so plan accordingly.

West Street and Dongxi Lane are must-visits to experience the local vibe.

Guilin rice noodles are delicious, but I personally didn't enjoy the beer fish.

In summary: Guilin is worth visiting, but one trip might be enough.