Get Your Travel Plan
July 25, 2025
Romantic Guilin: 5-Day Nature Adventure for Couples on a Budget
Discover karst peaks, bamboo rafting, and hidden villages with our expert itinerary
Nature LoversRomantic GetawayBudget Travel
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 桂林
Location: Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
Famous For: Lijiang River,Karst Mountains,Longsheng Rice Terraces
Daily Cost: $40-60 per person
Best Season: March-November
Why Choose Guilin for Couples?
Guilin offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and intimate experiences. From gentle bamboo raft rides through emerald waters to quiet mountain villages, this Lijiang River destination provides countless romantic moments. Our budget-friendly guide ensures you'll experience both famous landmarks like Elephant Trunk Hill and hidden gems accessible only to adventurous travelers.
Best Time to Visit Guilin
Ideal Seasons: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November)
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (15-25°C) with occasional drizzle, perfect for outdoor activities
☀️Summer: Hot and humid (25-32°C) with heavy rains in June-July, ideal for indoor attractions
🍁Autumn: Clear skies and comfortable temperatures (18-28°C), best for photography
❄️Winter: Cool but dry (10-15°C), fewer crowds but some water activities limited
Arriving and Leaving Guilin
Electric buses (¥2-3) cover main tourist areas. Rent electric scooters (¥30/day) for countryside exploration. Book airport transfers through hotel concierge for fixed rates.
Guilin Liangjiang International Airport [Recommended]
45 minutes from city center by taxi ($15-20). Direct flights to major Chinese cities and international destinations like Bangkok, Seoul, and Singapore. Airport expressway connects to downtown hotels.
Guilin Railway Station
Central location with connections to Beijing ($100, 8h), Guangzhou ($50, 3h), and Shanghai ($150, 10h) via high-speed trains. Taxi stand available outside station.
Best Neighborhoods for Couples
Xiangshan District
Proximity to Elephant Trunk Hill and Lijiang River. Luxury options like Guilin喜来登饭店 offer river views and spa services. Walkable to night markets.
Jiefang Road
Charming boutique hotels (e.g., Guilin Lijiang Water Garden Resort) with traditional architecture. Close to local eateries and 24-hour pharmacies.
Must-Experience Activities
Lijiang River Cruise
Drift past 83 kilometers of karst peaks and traditional fishing villages on a bamboo raft. Morning mist creates magical atmosphere, especially from Xingping to Yangshuo.
Elephant Trunk Hill
Iconic limestone formation resembling an elephant drinking from the river. Visit at night to see the illuminated waterfall display and traditional performances.
Longsheng Rice Terraces
Explore 600-year-old terraced fields maintained by Zhuang and Yao ethnic minorities. Take the cable car for panoramic views and stay overnight in traditional wooden villages.
Tips
Book multi-day tours through local agencies to save 30% on combined entrance fees
Essential Guilin Cuisine
Recommended Restaurants
1. Yangshuo Beer Fish Restaurant
Specializes in beer-battered river fish caught fresh from Li River. Cozy garden setting with mountain views. Set menu from ¥60 per person.
2. Old Street Rice Wine Bar
Traditional wine house serving 18 varieties of homemade rice wine. Offers complimentary small dishes with purchases. Located in historic building with stone arches.
Signature Dishes
1. Guilin Rice Noodles
Try the classic beef version at Gui Xi Li Rice Noodles - choose your noodle thickness and broth strength. Street food version costs ¥3-5.
2. Sweet Osmanthus Wine
Local specialty made with fermented rice and osmanthus flowers. Sample aged varieties at Yinjia Rice Wine Shop where you can customize flavorings.
3. Fried River Fish
Catch-of-the-day preparations at riverside restaurants like Li Jiang Fisherman. Recommended: garlic steamed carp with local herbs.
Guilin 5-Day Itinerary for Couples
DAY 1
Arrival at Guilin Liangjiang Airport:Private transfer to hotel with pre-booked taxi ($15)
🥗Lunch at Gui Xi Li Rice Noodles:Customize your rice noodles with pork, vegetables, and spices
Visit Elephant Trunk Hill:Explore the iconic hill and enjoy riverfront views at sunset
🍽️Dinner at Yangshuo Beer Fish Restaurant:Share a steamed river fish feast for two with local vegetables
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at hotel:Enjoy traditional Guangxi breakfast with congee and soy milk
Bamboo Raft Cruise on Lijiang River:4-hour journey through karst landscapes with photo stops at Nine Horses Cliff
🥗Lunch in Yangshuo:Casual meal at local eatery with views of West Street
Cycling in Yangshuo:Rent electric bikes to explore Yangshuo's countryside roads (¥25/day)
DAY 3
🍳Early Breakfast:Prepare for full-day mountain excursion
Drive to Longsheng Rice Terraces:Scenic 2-hour drive through rural Guangxi with photo stops
🥗Lunch at Zhuang Village:Home-cooked meal with local family experiencing traditional life
Hike through Terraces:Guided 2-hour walk through ancient rice fields with Yao minority guides
Guilin Travel FAQs
Welcome to China
Go2China
Your AI-powered China travel companion