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Guilin & Yangshuo travel guide
Updated 9 November 2026
The landscape on the 20-yuan note: limestone peaks rising from rice fields and rivers. Base yourself in Yangshuo for cycling, bamboo rafting and climbing.
Time needed3 days
Best timeApril–October
Chinese name桂林
240-hour transitYes — approved port
Visa-free entry to Guilin & Yangshuo
- Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) — one of the 65 ports for 240-hour visa-free transit. Transit travellers entering here may stay in: 12 cities in Guangxi: Nanning, Liuzhou, Guilin, Wuzhou, Beihai, Fangchenggang, Qinzhou, Guigang, Yulin, Hezhou, Hechi, Laibin.
Check your passport for Guilin & Yangshuo →
Top things to do
- Li River cruise. Guilin to Yangshuo by boat, about 4 hours — the classic way to see the karst scenery.
- Yulong River bamboo rafting. Quieter than the Li River, with cycling paths alongside.
- Longji (Longsheng) rice terraces. Spectacular terraces 2 hours from Guilin; best from May to October.
- Reed Flute Cave. Illuminated limestone cave in Guilin.
- Xianggong Hill. The famous sunrise viewpoint over the Li River bend.
Getting around
High-speed trains run from Guilin to Yangshuo station (about 30 min) and to Guangzhou (about 2.5 h). In Yangshuo, rent an e-bike or bicycle.
Where to stay
- Yangshuo countryside — Boutique guesthouses among the peaks (check they accept foreigners)
- Central Guilin — Convenient for trains and the airport
Hotels in Guilin & Yangshuo that accept foreigners Affiliate link
Day trips
- Longji rice terraces
- Xingping village
What to eat
- Guilin rice noodles
- Beer fish (Yangshuo)