Full-Day Guilin Essence and Lifestyle Walking Tour

Guilin , China

Full-Day Guilin Essence and Lifestyle Walking Tour

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About this experience

Visit the most popular attractions in Guilin including Elephant Trunk Hill, Fubo Hill and Reed Flute Cave. Also explore local lifestyle and taste authentic local food including rice noodles for breakfast. Imagine enjoying a cup of coffee on the balcony of the famous White House Hotel Guilin by Banyan Lake. Join us to get a full experience of famous Guilin on this relaxing walking tour that covers everything within 5km walk between mountains and rivers!

Available options

CityWalk Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Coffee break

Rice Noodles Breakfast

Hotel pickup in Guilin city center

Round-trip taxi fare between city center and Reed Flute Cave.

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Your tour guide will meet you at your hotel in central Guilin at 9:00am and start the exciting yet relaxing walking tour. The first stop is a famous local bistro of rice noodle. There you will discover the rice noodle culture with a history of more than 2,200 years. Get a bowl of rice noodles for breakfast as many locals do before they start the day. Curious about the "right way" to eat rice noodle? Your guide will show you the secret. Come Hungry!

After breakfast, grab a taxi with your guide and head for Reed Flute Cave, a natural gallery of limestone formations. This magic land of stalactites, stone pillars, stalagmites, stone curtains, birds, plants and animals in incredible shapes and colors will feast your eyes during the 40-minute walk through the cave.

Stop 2

After Reed Flute Cave, return to the Zhengyang Pedestrian Street, walk through pedestrian street and arrive at the city symbol – Elephant Trunk Hill. This 55-meter-high hill resembles the shape of an elephant drinking from the Li River.

Stop 3

After walking for a few minutes along the riverside avenue, you will visit Fubo Hill and climb 350 steps to reach the top to enjoy one of the best locations for a panoramic view over Guilin city and its winding waterways.

Finally, it is time to slow down for a cup of coffee on the balcony of the famous White House Hotel Guilin, by the tranquil and beautiful Banyan Lake. This vintage hotel was the former residence of a Chinese general in the 1920s. Its original architecture and decoration are well preserved with antiques from all over the world displayed in the public area.

After 7 hours of visiting the highlights of Guilin, your guide will accompany you back to your hotel.

What's not included

Gratuities

All entrance fees

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Wear comfortable shoes for walking - this tour requires around 5 km of easy walking and climbing up a small hill

Entrance tickets include: Elephant Trunk Hill (RMB60), Fubo Hill (RMB30), Reed Flute Cave (RMB110)

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Important notes

1. All entrance tickets are not included. Pay on your own expense.
2. Contact our customer service number for more assistance.
• WeChat ID: trippest666 (Highly recommended! WeChat is widely used in China.)
• iMessage: +86 181 7870 8175 (Apple Users ONLY)
• WhatsApp/Mobile: +86 188 0773 4970

About Guilin

Guilin is renowned for its stunning karst landscapes, with the Li River meandering through picturesque peaks and lush greenery. This city offers a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant local culture, making it a must-visit destination in southern China.

Top Attractions

Li River Cruise

A scenic cruise along the Li River, offering breathtaking views of karst peaks, lush greenery, and traditional villages. The cruise typically starts from Guilin and ends in Yangshuo, covering a distance of about 83 kilometers.

Nature 4-5 hours for the full cruise Moderate (¥150-300 depending on the type of cruise)

Elephant Trunk Hill

A famous landmark in Guilin, shaped like an elephant drinking water from the Li River. The hill offers hiking trails, a scenic cave, and panoramic views of the city and river.

Nature 1-2 hours Budget (¥30-50)

Reed Flute Cave

A stunning limestone cave with a history of over 1,800 years. The cave is known for its intricate rock formations, colorful lighting, and ancient inscriptions.

Nature 1-2 hours Budget (¥80-100)

Longji Terraced Fields

A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring stunning terraced rice fields carved into the hillsides. The fields are a testament to the ingenuity of the local Zhuang and Yao ethnic minorities, who have cultivated the land for centuries.

Nature Full day trip Moderate (¥100-200 for transportation and entrance fees)

Yangshuo

A picturesque town along the Li River, known for its stunning karst landscapes, outdoor activities, and vibrant nightlife. Yangshuo is a popular destination for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation.

Nature Half day to full day trip Budget to Moderate (depending on activities)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Guilin Rice Noodles (Guilin Mifen)

A local specialty made from rice, served with various toppings and broths. The noodles are thin, chewy, and often served with ingredients like pickled vegetables, peanuts, and meat.

Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian options available

Beer Fish (Pijiu Yu)

A local delicacy featuring fish marinated in beer and deep-fried, served with a spicy sauce. The dish is known for its crispy texture and unique flavor.

Dinner Contains fish and gluten (beer)

Liangpi (Cold Noodles)

A refreshing and light dish made from rice flour, served cold with a variety of toppings and sauces. It is a popular street food and a great option for hot summer days.

Snack/Lunch Vegetarian options available

Osmanthus Cake (Guihua Bing)

A traditional sweet made from glutinous rice flour, osmanthus flowers, and sugar. The cake has a unique fragrance and a soft, chewy texture.

Dessert Vegetarian and vegan options available

Popular Activities

Rock climbing Rafting and kayaking Hiking Li River cruise Tea house visits Spa and wellness Visiting ethnic minority villages Attending local festivals

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to November

These months offer pleasant weather with moderate temperatures and lush greenery, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

20°C to 30°C 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Chinese (Mandarin)
Widely spoken: Cantonese, Zhuang (local dialect)
English: Limited

Currency

Chinese Yuan (CNY)

Time Zone

GMT+8

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Guilin is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's essential to take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps like Didi
• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas
• Bargain for souvenirs and street food, and be cautious of overpriced or fake goods

Getting there

By air

Guilin Liangjiang International Airport • 27 km from city center

By train

Guilin Railway Station, Guilin West Railway Station

By bus

Guilin Long-Distance Bus Station, Guilin South Long-Distance Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is affordable and convenient, with routes covering most of the city and connecting to popular tourist spots.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Zhengyang District Xiangshan District Qixing District

Day trips

Yangshuo

65 km from Guilin • Half day to full day trip

Yangshuo is a picturesque town along the Li River, known for its stunning karst landscapes, outdoor activities, and vibrant nightlife. The town offers a variety of adventures, from biking and rock climbing to rafting and kayaking.

Longji Terraced Fields

70 km from Guilin • Full day trip

Xingping Ancient Town

25 km from Guilin • Half day trip

A well-preserved ancient town along the Li River, known for its traditional architecture, historic sites, and scenic views. The town is famous for its appearance on the back of the 20 RMB note.

Festivals

Li River Festival • September Guilin Tea Culture Festival • March Zhuang Ethnic Minority Festival • Varies (usually in spring or autumn)

Pro tips

Take a Li River cruise at sunrise or sunset for the best lighting and fewer crowds
Hire a local guide for a more informative and immersive experience, especially when visiting ethnic minority villages or historic sites
Learn a few basic Chinese phrases to enhance your interactions with locals and show respect for their culture
Carry small denominations of cash for street vendors, tips, and small purchases
Use ride-hailing apps like Didi for convenient and affordable transportation, but ensure you have a local SIM card or eSIM