Guangxi 广西 — Karst Paradise
Guangxi is home to some of the most photographed landscapes in all of China: dramatic limestone karst peaks rising from rice paddies and rivers, the legendary Li River, and terraced mountainsides sculpted by ethnic minorities over centuries. The scenery here has inspired Chinese painters and poets for millennia. Guangxi is also one of China's most ethnically diverse provinces, with Zhuang, Yao, Miao, Dong, and other minority communities.
Guilin 桂林
The old saying goes: "Guilin's scenery is the best under heaven" (桂林山水甲天下). The city itself is pleasant, with Elephant Trunk Hill (象鼻山) as its symbol, but the real magic lies in the surrounding countryside.
Li River Cruise 漓江游船
The 83-km cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is one of China's most iconic journeys. The boat passes through a landscape of limestone karst peaks, bamboo groves, water buffalo, and cormorant fishermen. Famous sights include Nine Horse Fresco Hill (九马画山) and Yellow Cloth Shoal (黄布倒影 — the scene on the 20 RMB note).
4-star boat: 216 RMB. Duration: 4 hours. Departs: 8:00-9:30 AM. Book through hotel or online. The bus back to Guilin (2 hours) is included in some packages.
Elephant Trunk Hill 象鼻山
Guilin's city symbol — a limestone hill shaped like an elephant drinking from the river. A small park, nice for a short visit.
Admission: 55 RMB (free for Guilin residents). Open: 6:30 AM - 7:00 PM.
Reed Flute Cave 芦笛岩
A limestone cave with stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations illuminated by colorful lights. One of Guilin's most visited attractions.
Admission: 90 RMB. Open: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM. 7 km from city center.
Yangshuo 阳朔
Where the Li River cruise ends — and where many travelers wish they'd started. Yangshuo is surrounded by karst peaks on all sides, creating a natural amphitheater. The town's laid-back atmosphere, cheap food, and outdoor activities make it a backpacker favorite.
West Street 西街
Yangshuo's main tourist street — a pedestrian thoroughfare lined with restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, and travel agencies. Has a reputation for being very touristy, but it's the center of nightlife and socializing.
Yulong River 遇龙河
A quieter alternative to the Li River. Bamboo raft rides (竹筏漂流) on the Yulong River meander through karst countryside with minimal crowds. The scenery is arguably more intimate than the Li River.
Bamboo raft: 160-200 RMB per raft (2 people). Best time: early morning. Located 8 km from Yangshuo.
Xingping 兴坪
A riverside village 27 km from Yangshuo where the famous 20 RMB note scenery is located. Rent a bicycle and explore the surrounding karst countryside — some of the best cycling routes in China.
Bus from Yangshuo: 30 min. 20 RMB scenery viewpoint is free.
Rock Climbing
Yangshuo is China's rock climbing mecca, with over 500 bolted routes on limestone karst walls. Climbing schools cater to beginners and experienced climbers. Equipment rental and guided climbs available.
Half-day guided climb: 200-400 RMB. Full-day: 350-600 RMB. Gear included.
Longji Rice Terraces 龙脊梯田
Located 80 km north of Guilin, the Longji (Dragon's Backbone) Rice Terraces were carved into mountainsides by Zhuang and Yao ethnic minorities over 500 years ago. The terraces cascade down slopes at angles of 30-50°, creating a spectacular pattern. Visit in late May-June when paddies are filled with water (mirror-like reflections) or September-October when the rice turns golden.
Admission: 80 RMB. Open: All day. Access: Bus from Guilin (2.5 hours). Stay overnight in a village guesthouse for sunrise. Steep hiking involved.
Ethnic Villages
The terraces are home to Zhuang (壮族) and Red Yao (红瑶) communities. The Yao women are known for their extremely long hair — some up to 2 meters. Cultural performances are offered in the villages.
Practical Information
Airports: Guilin Liangjiang (KWL) — main airport. Flights from major Chinese cities.
High-speed trains: Guilin has high-speed rail to Guangzhou (2.5h), Shenzhen (3h), Guiyang (2.5h).
Best Time: April-October. April: spring rain (but very green). May-June: water-filled paddies. September-October: golden rice harvest. Winter is mild but can be gray.
Tip: Skip the organized tours. Take the Li River cruise to Yangshuo, then explore independently by bicycle or scooter.
Food: Guilin rice noodles (桂林米粉) — a must-try for breakfast. Beer Fish (啤酒鱼) in Yangshuo. Lipu taro pork (荔浦芋扣肉).