Get Your Travel Plan
July 25, 2025
5-Day Guilin Family Travel Guide: Mountains, Rivers & Local Flavors
Explore Guilin's natural wonders and culinary delights on a mid-range family-friendly itinerary
Family TravelFood TravelMid-Range Travel
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 桂林
Location: Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
Famous For: Karst mountain landscapes,Li River cruises,Ethnic minority culture
Daily Cost: $80-120 USD per person
Best Season: September-November, March-May
Introduction: Why visit Guilin?
Guilin's surreal karst mountains and emerald rivers have inspired poets and painters for centuries. This 5-day family itinerary balances scenic exploration with cultural immersion, featuring river cruises, ethnic village visits, and hands-on culinary experiences perfect for multi-generational travelers.
Best time to visit Guilin
Ideal Seasons: Spring and autumn offer ideal weather for outdoor activities
🌱Spring: March-May brings blooming peach blossoms and mild temperatures (15-25°C), perfect for river cruises and outdoor exploration
☀️Summer: June-August is hot and humid (25-32°C) with monsoon rains, but ideal for experiencing ethnic water festivals
🍁Autumn: September-November offers comfortable temperatures (18-26°C) and vibrant foliage in the rice terraces
❄️Winter: December-February is cool (8-18°C) with occasional fog, creating dramatic mountain vistas at lower visitor numbers
Arriving and leaving Guilin
Use Didi for taxis ($0.5-1/km), Metro Line 1 for city center connections, and private shuttles for day trips to Yangshuo/Lonji
Guilin Liangjiang International Airport [Recommended]
16km from city center with taxi options (40min, $15 USD) and airport shuttle buses (60min, $5 USD)
Guilin Railway Station
Central station with high-speed rail connections to Guangzhou (3h), Shanghai (10h), and Nanning (1h)
Where to stay in Guilin: Best Neighborhood
Central Guilin
Close to restaurants and nightlife, ideal for easy access to Li River cruise terminals
Lijiang River View
Riverside hotels offering scenic balconies and proximity to evening light shows
Top Things to do in Guilin
Li River Cruise
The 4-hour UNESCO-protected river journey passing 20+ iconic karst peaks with traditional Chinese garden-inspired composition
Elephant Trunk Hill
Guilin's symbol with nighttime illumination shows during major festivals
Longji Rice Terraces
Zhuang and Yao ethnic villages with 650-year-old rice terrace systems offering hiking and homestay opportunities
Tips
Book Li River cruises in advance for family seating, and bring insect repellent for outdoor activities
What to eat: Guilin food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Chongshan Rice Noodles
Local favorite since 1987, famous for spicy three-delicious bowl ($3.5 USD)
2. Cuiyuan Restaurant
Garden setting near Li River serving traditional Zhuang cuisine
3. YiBao Dessert
Try taro dumplings and osmanthus syrup under $5 USD per serving
Signature Dishes
1. Guilin Rice Noodles
World-famous breakfast dish with 18+ toppings including preserved vegetables and crispy pork
2. Lion's Head Meatballs
Giant pork meatballs served in clay pots with bitter melon
3. Bamboo Tube Chicken
Steam-cooked chicken with mushrooms and rice in bamboo casing
Guilin itinerary 5 Days
DAY 1
Visit Elephant Trunk Hill:Start with Guilin's iconic symbol and explore 17km of walking trails
🥗Lunch at Chongshan Rice Noodles:Authentic local experience with 20+ side dishes
Walk through Seven Star Park:Explore Asia's largest karst cave network with family-friendly paths
🍽️Dinner at Cuiyuan Restaurant:Traditional Zhuang cuisine with riverside views
DAY 2
Li River Cruise to Yangshuo:4-hour 3D mountain panorama viewing with onboard lunch
Bike rental at Yangshuo West Street:Family-friendly cycling through rural landscapes
🍽️Dinner at Johnson's Tea House:International fusion menu with traditional tea pairing
DAY 3
Visit Zhuang Nationality Village:Handicraft workshops and traditional stilt house exploration
🥗Lunch at Longji Tianjiazhai Restaurant:Homemade tofu and bamboo shoots in mountain village setting
Hike Longji Rice Terraces:Guided nature walk through 650-year-old terraces
DAY 4
Canoe on Yulong River:Gentle bamboo rafting with scenic mountain views
🥗Lunch at Yulong River Teahouse:Farm-to-table meals with organic vegetables
Explore Silver Cave:Multi-level karst cave with light-enhanced stalactite formations
DAY 5
Explore Nanmen Market:Local products tasting and souvenir shopping
Final meal at YiBao Dessert:Try seasonal specialties before departure
Guilin Travel FAQs
Welcome to China
Go2China
Your AI-powered China travel companion