As a travel enthusiast from abroad, I have always been fascinated by the natural beauty of China. Recently, I embarked on a memorable journey from Guangzhou to Guilin, and I must say, this trip exceeded all my expectations. Guilin, with its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is truly a gem that rivals the beauty of Switzerland.
Day 1: Arrival in Guilin and Exploring the City
Morning: Arrival and Check-in
I arrived in Guilin in the afternoon and checked into my hotel near the Li River. The hotel was comfortable and had a great view of the surrounding mountains. After settling in, I took a short rest to recover from the journey.
Afternoon: Elephant Trunk Hill
One of the must-visit attractions in Guilin is the Elephant Trunk Hill. This iconic landmark is shaped like an elephant drinking water from the Li River. The best time to visit is in the morning to avoid the crowds, but since I arrived in the afternoon, I still managed to enjoy the beautiful scenery. The entrance to the park is free, but it's adVisable to book a ticket in advance through the official WeChat mini-program to avoid any inconvenience.
Evening: East-West Lane and Xuanwu Lou
After visiting the Elephant Trunk Hill, I walked to the East-West Lane, a pedestrian street filled with traditional Chinese architecture and local shops. I tried some delicious local snacks, such as Guilin rice noodles, which were absolutely mouthwatering. Then, I headed to Xuanwu Lou, a historic building located within the East-West Lane. From there, I had a panoramic view of the city and the Li River at night.
Day 2: A Day in Yangshuo
Morning: Bus to Yangshuo
In the morning, I took a bus from Guilin to Yangshuo. The journey took about 1.5 hours, and the cost was around 20 yuan. Yangshuo is a charming town known for its beautiful countryside and outdoor activities.
Afternoon: Bamboo rafting on the Yulong River
Once I arrived in Yangshuo, I rented an electric bike and headed to the Jima Pier for a bamboo rafting experience on the Yulong River. The bamboo raft ticket for two people costs 320 yuan, and the trip takes about 90 minutes (actual time: around 60 minutes). The scenery along the river is breathtaking, with lush green mountains, clear waters, and quaint villages. There are also photographers on the raft who will take photos of you, and you can choose to purchase them for 20 yuan each.
Evening: West Street
After the bamboo rafting, I rode my electric bike to West Street. This is a bustling street filled with shops, restaurants, and bars. It's a great place to experience the local nightlife and try some international cuisine. However, it can be quite crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Day 3: Exploring the Countryside of Yangshuo
Morning: Ten-Mile Gallery
I started my day by riding my electric bike along the Ten-Mile Gallery. This is a scenic route that offers stunning views of the karst mountains and rice paddies. There are several viewpoints along the way where you can stop and take photos.
Afternoon: Silver Cave
In the afternoon, I visited the Silver Cave, which is a large limestone cave with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. The entrance fee is 50 yuan, and it's worth a visit if you're interested in geology and natural wonders.
Evening: Sunset at Xianggong Hill
For sunset, I headed to Xianggong Hill. This is a popular spot for watching the sunset over the Li River. The entrance fee is 60 yuan, and the view from the top is simply amazing. You can see the golden rays of the sun reflecting on the water and the mountains turning into a shade of orange and pink.
Day 4: Returning to Guangzhou
Morning: Shopping and Souvenirs
On my last day in Guilin, I did some shopping for souvenirs. There are several markets in the city where you can buy local handicrafts, tea, and other specialties.
Afternoon: Departure
After lunch, I took a bus back to Guangzhou. The journey was smooth, and I arrived in Guangzhou in the evening, feeling fulfilled and grateful for the wonderful experience I had in Guilin
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