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July 25, 2025
3-Day Guilin Family Travel: Must-See Sights and Local Flavors
A perfect mix of natural wonders, cultural experiences, and authentic Guilin cuisine for families
Family TravelFood TravelMid-Range Travel
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 桂林
Location: Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
Famous For: Karst Mountains,Li River,Local Minority Culture
Daily Cost: $80-$120
Best Season: March-May, September-November
Introduction: Why visit Guilin?
Guilin captivates with its surreal karst landscape and vibrant cultural heritage. This 3-day itinerary balances iconic sights like Xiangbishan (Elephant Trunk Hill) with lesser-known gems like Lingqu Ancient Canal, offering families immersive experiences from bamboo rafting to Zhuang ethnic village visits. The moderate pace allows for cultural exploration while keeping younger travelers engaged.
Best time to visit Guilin
Ideal Seasons: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November)
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (15-25°C), blooming flowers, and fewer crowds make this season ideal for outdoor activities like hiking at Fubo Hill
☀️Summer: Hot and humid (28-35°C) with frequent rains, but great for experiencing Li River at its most dramatic during flood season
🍁Autumn: Pleasant weather (20-28°C) with golden rice fields at Longji Rice Terraces, perfect for photography and outdoor exploration
❄️Winter: Cool (5-15°C) with occasional fog, creating mystical scenes at Journey to the West Scenic Area but some outdoor activities may be limited
Arriving and leaving Guilin
Buses (¥2-3) cover major attractions. Taxis (¥7 base + ¥1.6/km) recommended for family groups. Electric car rentals (¥300/day) available at airports for independent exploration
Guilin Liangjiang International Airport [Recommended]
42km from city center with 80+ daily flights. Taxis cost ¥160-180 (~$22-25) and take 60-75 minutes. Airport shuttle buses available from ¥30 (~$4)
Guilin Railway Station
Main high-speed rail hub with connections to Guangzhou (~3.5 hours), Shanghai (~7 hours), and Kunming. Taxis cost ¥20-30 (~$2.5-4) for 15-minute rides
Guilin West Railway Station
26km west of city center primarily serving regional trains. Limited taxi availability; recommend shuttle bus or Didi (~¥50)
Where to stay in Guilin: Best Neighborhoods
Xiangshan District
Closest to Xiangbishan and Two Rivers and Four Lakes. Offers luxury options like Guilin喜来登酒店 and budget-friendly family apartments
Xiufeng District
Historic city center with easy access to Confucius Temple and vibrant night markets. Home to family-friendly hotels like Guilin香格里拉酒店
Yanshan District
Modern area near Li River with resort-style accommodations. Popular for villas with kitchen facilities ideal for families
Top Things to do in Guilin
Elephant Trunk Hill
Iconic karst formation at the confluence of Li River and桃花江. Evening light shows (¥150) transform the cliffside with traditional Zhuang dance performances.
Lijiang Folk Customs Park
Ethnic minority village showcasing Dong and Zhuang traditions. Interactive experiences include indigo dyeing and bamboo weaving workshops for children.
Reclining Dragon Cave
3km underground river tour with climate-controlled boats. The 'Crystal Palace' chamber features 20-meter stalagmites illuminated in rainbow colors.
Tips
Book multi-attraction tickets online for 20% discounts. Bring waterproof gear for sudden showers. Use child carriers for hill climbs.
What to eat: Guilin food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. The Rice Noodle Workshop
Interactive rice noodle making sessions with lunch. Gluten-free options available. Set menus from ¥98 for families of four.
2. Osmanthus Garden Restaurant
Traditional garden setting serving modern takes on Guilin cuisine. Must-try: Tea-smoked duck and bamboo fungus soup.
3. Li River Breeze
Floating restaurant on the Li River offering sunset dinner cruises. Kid-friendly menus and life jacket rentals available.
Signature Dishes
1. Guilin Rice Noodles
Braised duck or pork belly served over fresh rice noodles in a clear pork broth. Try the spicy peanut version at 老东江米粉店 (Old Dongjiang Rice Noodles)
2. Li River Fish with Beer
River carp marinated in local Guilin beer, stir-fried with chili and fennel seeds. Best enjoyed at waterside restaurants in Xiangshan District
3. Guilin Tea-fragrant Chicken
Bamboo-steamed chicken with camphor tea leaves. Available as street food at Zhengyang Pedestrian Street or in gourmet versions at 桂花公社 (Sweet Osmanthus Restaurant)
Guilin itinerary 3 Days
DAY 1
Xiangbishan Park:Early morning visit to avoid crowds. Don't miss the baby elephant nursery near the entrance.
🥗Lunch at Guilin Rice Noodle Workshop:Hands-on noodle making followed by lunch. Staff provide child-friendly aprons.
Two Rivers and Four Lakes Walk:Family-friendly 3km lakeside trail with boat rentals and panda statues for photo ops.
🍽️Dinner at Osmanthus Garden:Traditional courtyard dining with vegetarian options. Try the osmanthus flower pancakes.
DAY 2
Li River Bamboo Rafting:4-hour upstream journey to Nine Horses Cliff. Life jackets provided for all ages.
🥗Lunch at Waterwheel Restaurant:Claypot-cooked rice and fish dishes with river views. High chairs available.
Yangshuo Bike Rental:10km family bike ride through rice fields. Child seats available at Yolo Bikes (¥30/hour).
🍽️Dinner at West Street BBQ:Street-style skewers and taro dumplings. Outdoor seating with baby strollers allowed.
DAY 3
Longji Rice Terraces:Guided village walk with tea tasting at Zhuang family homes. Bring mosquito repellent.
🥗Lunch at Mountain View Inn:Traditional long-grain rice served in bamboo tubes. Vegetarian tofu options available.
Lingqu Ancient Canal:2-hour boat ride through 2,200-year-old engineering marvel. Family audio guides available.
🍽️Farewell Dinner at Fragrant Garden:Duck feast with kid-friendly roast duck pancakes. Dessert tasting platter included.
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