Discover Guangxi's natural wonders and culinary delights with this handcrafted itinerary for food-loving couples
Couples TravelFood TravelMid-Range TravelGuilin
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 桂林
Location: Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region
Famous For: Lijiang River Rafting,Yangshuo Cycling,Stilted Karst Landscapes
Daily Cost: ¥500-800/person
Best Season: March-May / September-November
Why Visit Guilin with Your Special Someone
Famous as 'the landscape of poetry', 桂林 offers couples a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural depth. The meandering 漓江 River framed by dramatic karst peaks creates a romantic backdrop, while the vibrant 阳朔 town provides exciting activities from bamboo rafting to cliffside dinners. This 7-day plan balances scenic marvels with gastronomic explorations of Zhuang and Yao ethnic cuisines.
Optimal Seasons for Guilin Romance
Ideal Seasons: Spring (Mar-May) and Autumn (Sep-Nov)
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (15-25°C) with blooming peach trees along riversides create perfect conditions for photography and outdoor activities
☀️Summer: Warm and humid (25-32°C) with frequent showers, ideal for indoor tea-tasting sessions and enjoying chilled 桂林米粉
🍁Autumn: Cool breezes (18-26°C) with clear skies highlight autumn foliage on 龙脊梯田 rice terraces
❄️Winter: Cold (5-15°C) but less crowded, offering intimate hotpot experiences with 啤酒鱼 by the river
Arriving and Leaving Guilin
Public buses (¥2) cover major attractions. Rent electric bikes (¥30-50/day) for Yangshuo exploration. Use Didi for rideshares (¥20-60/route)
Guilin Liangjiang International Airport [Recommended]
48km west of city center, major gateway with direct flights from 30+ Chinese cities and international routes. Taxi costs ¥150-200 (1hr). Airport shuttle buses available from ¥25.
Guilin Railway Station
Main train hub with high-speed connections to Guangzhou (3.5hr), Shanghai (9hr), and Beijing (11hr). Taxi from station to city center: ¥30-40 (20min)
Romantic Accommodation Zones
Yangshuo Town
Charming riverside area with boutique hotels like 阳朔悦榕庄 and 富里桥度假村. Perfect for sunset cruises and moonlight bike rides
Seven Star District
Serene upscale neighborhood near 七星岩. Features romantic options like 桂林香格里拉大酒店 with private river access
Romance & Adventure Highlights
Lijiang River Cruise
World-famous 8-hour bamboo raft journey through karst peaks. Don't miss the photogenic fishermen at Xingping
Yangshuo Cycling
Rent tandem bikes for a romantic 20km ride through rural villages and rice paddies along the Li River
Elephant Trunk Hill
Iconic limestone hill at river confluence offering twilight light shows and cliffside wine cellars
Tips
Book bamboo raft tours early to secure upstream departure times for better photography
Love Through the Stomach
Recommended Restaurants
1. Xin Angang Rice Noodles
Legendary 50-year-old stall serving 10+ topping variations of 桂林米粉. Hidden in Zhongshan Road alley
2. CasaNova Italian Restaurant
Romantic cliffside venue with fusion dishes like Guilin rice noodle carbonara. Sunset view balcony seats recommended
3. Teahouse by the River
Traditional tea tasting sessions with Yao ethnic snacks. Book private pavilion for special occasions
Signature Dishes
1. Guilin Rice Noodles
Noodles served in pork bone broth with pickled bamboo shoots and chili oil. Best enjoyed at 崇善米粉 since 1984
2. Beer Fish
Fresh river fish marinated in rice wine, steamed with chili and tofu. Try 大师傅啤酒鱼's secret recipe
3. Bamboo Rice
Glutinous rice with meat stuffed in bamboo tubes, grilled over charcoal. Available at Yangshuo markets
7-Day Romantic & Gastronomic Journey
DAY 1
Check-in at 阳朔悦榕庄:Luxury resort with private river access
🥗Lunch at 那家小店:Family-run restaurant serving authentic Zhuang cuisine
Explore West Street:Antique markets and handmade paper umbrella workshops
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at hotel:Continental and local noodle options
Lijiang River Bamboo Raft:4-hour upstream journey with photo stops
🍽️Dinner at 徐大师啤酒鱼:Award-winning beer fish with river view terrace
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at 老表米粉店:Local favorite for steamed rice rolls
Tandem Bike Ride to Moon Hill:Scenic 8km route through rice fields
Romantic Sunset Cruise:Private 2-hour boat ride with champagne toast
DAY 4
🍳Early breakfast:Packed breakfast for early departure
Drive to Longji Rice Terraces:1.5-hour journey through mountain roads
🥗Lunch at 龙脊喜面酒店:Tofu hotpot with locally-grown herbs
Zhuang Village Tour:Traditional drumming performance and rice wine tasting
DAY 5
Check-in at 桂林香格里拉大酒店:Riverfront luxury hotel with garden courtyards