Guilin guide — runs, outdoor training, high-protein food, sights, photo spots

← Guide

Guilin

桂林11 SPOTS

Run

Morning run around the Two Rivers and Four Lakes

两江四湖晨跑

Central Guilin

Lakeside loop through central Guilin; flat and quiet before 8am.

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Outdoor

Guided rock climbing in Yangshuo

阳朔攀岩

Yangshuo

Limestone sport climbing known worldwide; book a local guide, gear included. Morning or late afternoon in summer.

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Outdoor

Cycling the Yulong River valley

遇龙河骑行

Yangshuo

Flat back roads between karst peaks; rent a bike in Yangshuo town.

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Eat

Guilin rice noodle breakfast

桂林米粉

Central Guilin

Add braised beef or pork; cheap and fast.

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Eat

Yangshuo beer fish

阳朔啤酒鱼

Yangshuo

Local river fish braised in beer; a lean protein dinner after climbing.

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See

Elephant Trunk Hill

象鼻山

Central Guilin

Guilin's symbol on the Li River.

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See

Xingping Old Town

兴坪古镇

Xingping, Yangshuo

Quiet river town at the most famous bend of the Li River.

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See

Reed Flute Cave

芦笛岩

Central Guilin

Lit limestone cave; a cool option on hot afternoons.

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Shoot

Sunrise over the Li River from Xianggong Hill

相公山日出

Xingping, Yangshuo

Short steep climb to the classic Li River sunrise view; leave Yangshuo before dawn.

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Shoot

The 20-yuan note view

漓江黄布倒影（20元人民币背景）

Xingping, Yangshuo

The scene printed on the 20 RMB note; bring one for the shot.

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Shoot

Yangshuo West Street at night

阳朔西街

Yangshuo

Lantern-lit street under the karst peaks.

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Journal

Guilin day by day

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Arrive

Liangjiang (KWL): airport buses run to central Guilin and Guilin Station for about ¥20; direct coaches to Yangshuo bus station cost about ¥60.

Yangshuo Railway Station sits about 35 km from Yangshuo town, near Xingping; allow about an hour by car or shuttle to West Street.

Hotels in Guilin ↗Flights to Guilin ↗

Get around

Buses from Guilin South Bus Station run to Yangshuo every 15 to 30 minutes and take about 1.5 hours.

In Yangshuo, rent a bike or e-bike for the Yulong River valley.

Essentials

Before you fly: visa-free entry, payments, transport

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