Get Your Travel Plan
July 25, 2025
Ultimate 5-Day Guilin Family Travel Guide: Budget-Friendly Food & Itinerary
Explore Guilin's iconic landscapes, family-friendly attractions, and mouthwatering cuisine without breaking the bank.
Family TravelFood TravelBudget Travel
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 桂林
Location: Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
Famous For: Li River Cruise,Karst Mountain Landscapes,Longji Rice Terraces
Daily Cost: $50-100 USD
Best Season: April-October
Why Visit Guilin with Family?
Guilin's legendary karst landscapes and gentle waterways make it perfect for multi-generational travelers. From bamboo rafting on the Li River to cycling through Yangshuo's countryside, Guilin offers unforgettable family memories with its natural wonders and culturally rich experiences.
Best Time to Visit Guilin
Ideal Seasons: Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October)
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (18-25°C) with blooming flowers along the Li River banks, perfect for outdoor activities.
☀️Summer: Hot and humid (28-35°C) with frequent rain showers, but offers lush greenery and refreshing river cruises.
🍁Autumn: Ideal weather (20-28°C) with clear skies and vibrant fall foliage in the Longji Terraces region.
❄️Winter: Cool but dry (10-15°C), great for budget travelers with fewer crowds and discounted accommodation.
Arriving and Leaving Guilin
Affordable options include metro lines (under $0.5 USD), ride-hailing apps (DiDi), and bike-sharing ($1 USD/hour). Avoid taxis during peak hours.
Guilin Liangjiang International Airport [Recommended]
Main international gateway 28km from city center. Taxis cost $15-20 USD (40min), airport shuttle buses from $5 USD.
Guilin Railway Station
Major high-speed rail hub with connections to Guangzhou ($25 USD, 3hr), Shanghai ($65 USD, 10hr). Taxis from $8 USD (20min).
Where to Stay: Best Family-Friendly Areas
Xiufeng District
Near major attractions like Two Rivers and Four Lakes scenic area. Budget options like Guilin Youth Hostel and mid-range Jinling Business Hotel.
Diecai District
Riverside location with easy access to Li River cruises. Family-friendly Guilin Lijiang Riverview Hotel with playground facilities.
Top Family-Friendly Activities in Guilin
Li River Cruise
Marvel at UNESCO-listed karst landscapes during this 4-hour cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo. Spot fishermen with cormorants.
Longji Rice Terraces
Explore centuries-old terraced fields with gentle hiking trails and Zhuang ethnic village homestays. Best visited at sunrise/sunset.
Yangshuo West Street
Vibrant pedestrian street with kid-friendly performances, bike rentals, and family dumpling restaurants.
Tips
Book Li River cruises early during peak season. Bring waterproof gear for bamboo rafting. Use local guides for cave explorations.
Guilin Food Guide: Must-Try Dishes & Restaurants
Recommended Restaurants
1. Chongshan Rice Noodles
Legendary local favorite with 100-year history. Try their signature spicy beef noodles and pickled radish.
2. Xiao Nan Guo
Stylish riverside eatery serving modern takes on Guangxi cuisine. Kids eat free on weekends during summer 2025.
3. Old Town Restaurant
Traditional Zhuang ethnic dishes like bamboo-tube chicken and sticky rice cakes in a restored courtyard house.
Signature Dishes
1. Guilin Rice Noodles
Iconic breakfast dish with rice noodles in spicy pork broth. Add pickled vegetables and chili oil.
2. Beer Fish
Local specialty of Yangshuo river fish cooked in beer sauce. Served at Yueer's Family Restaurant with steamed vegetables.
3. Zongzi Dumplings
Glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo leaves, filled with pork and chestnuts. Try Chongshan Restaurant's breakfast version.
5-Day Guilin Family Itinerary
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Chongshan Rice Noodles:Try classic Guilin rice noodles with chili oil.
Visit Two Rivers and Four Lakes:Explore interconnected waterways and traditional gardens by foot/bicycle.
🥗Lunch at Xiao Nan Guo:Try local specialties like bamboo-tube chicken.
Explore Guilin Museum:Interactive exhibits about Zhuang ethnic culture and Li River history.
🍽️Dinner at Guilin Garden Restaurant:Try their roasted goose and sweet osmanthus wine.
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at hotel:Buffet with local specialties
Li River Cruise to Yangshuo:4-hour cruise passing Nine Horses Cliff and Yellow Cloth Reflection.
🥗Lunch at Yueer's Family Restaurant:Enjoy Yangshuo's famous beer fish dish.
Bike Rental in Yangshuo:Family-friendly cycling along Yulong River valley.
🍽️Dinner at West Street Night Market:Sample local snacks like rice cakes and fried taro.
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at hotel:Early start for mountain journey
Drive to Longji Rice Terraces:3-hour scenic drive through Guangxi countryside.
🥗Lunch at Zhuang Family Homestay:Try traditional sticky rice and pickled vegetables.
Hike Longji Terraces:Gentle trails through Ping'an and Dazhai villages.
Return to Guilin:Back to city for overnight stay.
DAY 4
🍳Breakfast at hotel:Relax before day's activities
Visit Reclining Elephant Hill:Guilin's iconic landmark with family-friendly walking trails.
🥗Lunch at Guilin Old Town Restaurant:Try their steamed river fish and wild mushroom stir-fry.
Explore Yuantong Cave:Guided tour through massive underground chambers with glowing stalactites.
Shopping at Zhengyang Pedestrian Street:Buy local snacks and handicrafts for souvenirs.
DAY 5
🍳Breakfast at hotel:Last chance to try local dishes
Visit Jingxiu Garden:Historic palace complex with interactive cultural exhibits.
🥗Lunch at Guilin Style Restaurant:Family-friendly buffet with local specialties.
Transfer to Airport/Station:Begin journey home with lasting memories.
Guilin Travel FAQs
Welcome to China
Go2China
Your AI-powered China travel companion