Ahh, Guilin. In all my travels, Guilin (and the surrounding Guangxi region) easily ranks among the most beautiful places I’ve ever been.
Rafting on the Yu river
Known since ancient times for its naturally stunning karst features, legendary Guilin has now become one of the most popular tourist destinations in China.
48 Hours In Guilin: The Top Things To Do In Guilin (Guangxi, China)
Centrally located in the Guangxi region, Guilin is easily accessible by high-speed train or about a 2 hour flight from most major cities in China.
So what do you do if you only have 48 hours in Guilin?
Day 1: Check-in to your hotel and spend the day exploring Guilin
Explore Guilin City
Guilin is a perfect town to explore on foot. Known for the fragrant sweet osmanthus trees found throughout the city, walking the town offers glimpses of the karst topography that surrounds this part of Guanxi.
Explore the Red Flute Cave, walk the banks of the Li River and the many lakes and temples, and sample the local cuisine.
A temple sits upon this karst mound
Much of the town lies between a series of lakes and the Lijiang river (or “Li” river for short), making for beautiful pathways to take an afternoon stroll.
Along the banks of the Li river, you can find all sorts of restaurants, shops, and tourist agencies (consider buying the river cruise tickets here as they are significantly cheaper than at the hotels or online).
Fisherman on the Li River
Make sure to try some of the local restaurants to get a taste of the local cuisine (and beer).
Day 2:Â Cruise From Guilin To Yangshuo
Cruise The Lijiang River
Perhaps the #1 thing Guilin is most famous for is the Li River Cruise that takes you on a day trip from Guilin south to the picturesque town of Yangshuo.
This cruise is absolutely spectacular and not to be missed.
The scene from the back of the 20 yuan Â
Explore The Town Of Yangshuo
The Li River Cruise will drop you off at Yangshuo, a beautifully scenic town legendary among backpackers.
Take the afternoon to explore the many scenic spots…
Walk the town and do some shopping…
Sample the many street foods…
Take some photos…
Try a restaurant…
Taste the local specialties…
A spicy fish dish to share
Watch The Sunset At The Yulonghe and Darongshu Scenic Areas
The Youlong river (or “Yu” river) between the Yulonghe and Darongshu Scenic Areas is one of the crown jewels of the Yangshuo area.
The “dragon bridge”
Known for the “dragon bridge” and the cormorant fisherman, Yulong’s beauty makes it one of the most popular places in all of China to take wedding photos.
The wedding picture capital of China
Ancient Guangxi fisherman technique: using cormorant birds to do the fishing
Rafting down the Yulong river
Watching the sunset over the karst hills
Watch The Impression Sanjie Liu Show
After watching the sunset, head back to Yangshuo to catch the “Impression Sanjie Liu” lightshow.
Impression Sanjie Liu was directed by famed movie director Zhang Yimou, who is best known for cinema masterpieces such as Ju Dou, Raise the Red Lantern, and To Live.
Yimou was also the director of the 2008 Beijing Olympics opening and closing ceremonies.
Set against the backdrop of a beautiful natural amphitheater, this lightshow features over 600 actors moving together as one telling the story of Sanjie Liu and the harmony of man and nature over seven carefully choreographed scenes.
Impression Sanjie Liu is not without its controversies, as some view the show as being pro-nationalist in tone, or even Chinese propaganda.
There may or may not be truth to this. At its core, the show highlights diverse groups of people and ethnic minorities within China, while paying homage to their histories, culture, and contributions.
Taken at face value, Impressions is an amazing lightshow about the people who have made China into the country it is today.
Explore The City Of Guilin – At Night
After the Impressions show, catch a bus for a short ride back to Guilin.
Walking Guilin at night reveals a entirely new magical place to explore. Be sure to see the Sun and Moon Pagodas on Fir Lake, The Lijiang Waterfall Hotel, and the many colorfully lit-up parks.
The Sun and Moon Pagodas
Take romantic strolls along the many well-lit waterways
The Lijiang Waterfall Hotel features a real waterfall!
Nighttime mall crawling
Guilin is for lovers
Day 3: Pack your bags and head off to your next Chinese adventure!
Final Thoughts:Â 48 Hours In Guilin: The Top Things To Do In Guilin (Guangxi, China)
Guilin and Yangshuo are truly enchanting places deep in the heart of China.
And yes, technically you can “see” Guilin in 48 hours (as many tours allot only 2 nights in Guilin).
To be honest, 48 hours is not enough. Sure with 48 hours you can see and do a whole lot, but I suspect you’ll end up much like me, longing to one day go back for more.
Cheers!
