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July 25, 2025
Ultimate 7-Day Guilin Travel Guide for Couples: Budget-Friendly Food & Itineraries
Explore Guilin's natural wonders, savor local cuisine, and create unforgettable memories without breaking the bank.
Couples TravelFood TravelBudget Travel
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 桂林
Location: Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
Famous For: Karst Mountains,Li River Scenery,Yangshuo Cycling
Daily Cost: $30-50 per person
Best Season: March-May, September-November
Why Visit Guilin?
Guilin Li River offers couples a romantic blend of surreal karst landscapes, tranquil waterways, and vibrant cultural experiences. With this 7-day itinerary, enjoy hand-picked activities from serene bamboo rafting to lively night markets, all while experiencing authentic Guilin Rice Noodles and budget-friendly accommodations.
Best Time to Visit Guilin
Ideal Seasons: Spring (Mar-May) for mild weather, Autumn (Sep-Nov) for clear skies
🌱Spring: Pleasant 20°C temperatures, blooming flowers along Li River, ideal for outdoor activities like Yangshuo cycling.
☀️Summer: Hot and humid (25-32°C), but perfect for experiencing Three Holes scenic areas like Water Moon Cave. Carry rain protection.
🍁Autumn: Cool breezes (15-25°C), stunning colors at Longji Rice Terraces, less crowded than summer.
❄️Winter: Chilly (8-15°C) but budget-friendly season to enjoy Elephant Trunk Hill without crowds.
Arriving and Leaving Guilin
Affordable options: Metro Line 1 (¥2-6), public buses (¥2), shared electric bikes (¥1/hour). Use Didi/Taxi for late-night trips.
Guilin Liangjiang International Airport [Recommended]
45-minute taxi ride (¥150-200) or airport shuttle (¥25) to city center. Major airlines connect to 50+ international destinations.
Guilin Railway Station
Modern station with high-speed rail connections to Guangzhou (3 hours), Shanghai (10 hours). Taxi to city center costs ¥30.
Where to Stay in Guilin
Xiufeng District
Central location near Elephant Trunk Hill, ranging from budget hostels (e.g., Guilin Panda Hostel) to mid-range hotels (e.g., Bravo Hotel).
Lijiang Ecological Park
Scenic area with river-view apartments like Jinpeng Galaxy Hotel, ideal for couples seeking tranquility.
Yangshuo Town
Charming riverside accommodations like Secret Garden Hostel, perfect for 2-3 days of cycling and nightlife.
Top Things to Do in Guilin
Li River Cruise
Iconic 4-hour bamboo raft journey from Guilin to Yangshuo, passing 20+ scenic spots like Nine Horses Mural and Yellow Cloth Reflection.
Yangshuo Cycling
Rent tandem bikes for a scenic 20km ride through rural villages and rice fields, ending with sunset views at Moon Hill.
Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces
Majestic 650-year-old terraced fields across Ping'an Village and Dazhai Village, best viewed during rice planting/harvest seasons.
Tips
Book combo tickets for mountain parks to save 30%. Avoid peak midday hours at crowded attractions.
What to Eat: Guilin Food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Master Kung's Kitchen
Modern take on traditional dishes like tea-smoked duck and beer fish, riverside terrace views starting at $15 per person.
2. Old Man's Tea House
Tea-tasting with Oolong pairings for local snacks, hidden in Xiangshan Residential Area with calligraphy-covered walls.
3. West Street BBQ
Vibrant street food market in Yangshuo with skewers, frog legs, and DIY hotpot from $5 per person.
Signature Dishes
1. Guilin Rice Noodles
Try authentic versions at Qiao Tou Restaurant (24-hour operation) with 12+ toppings including spiced beef and pickled vegetables.
2. Bamboo Tube Rice
Sweet sticky rice steamed in bamboo, served at Lijiang Market street stalls with grilled fish and chili paste.
3. Lipu Taros
Deep-fried taro dumplings from Lipu county, best enjoyed at Yangshuo Beer Fish Restaurant with local plum wine.
Guilin Itinerary: 7 Days for Couples
DAY 1
Morning walk at Elephant Trunk Hill:Guilin's iconic mascot mountain and UNESCO World Heritage Site
🥗Lunch at Qiao Tou Restaurant:Try signature rice noodles with pork ribs
Visit Two Rivers and Four Lakes:Romantic lakeside trails with traditional pavilions
🍽️Dinner at Lijiang Market Night Market:Sample local street food under festive lanterns
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at hotel:Traditional porridge with sesame balls
Bamboo raft on Li River:4-hour cruise past 20 scenic spots to Yangshuo
🥗Lunch at Yangshuo Beer Fish Restaurant:Fresh fish cooked in local rice wine
Visit Moon Hill:Panoramic views of Yangshuo's countryside
🍽️Dinner at West Street BBQ:Experience Yangshuo's vibrant street food culture
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at Secret Garden Hostel:Organic vegetarian options with tropical fruits
Rent tandem bikes:Budget bike rental from ¥30/day with free helmets
Cycling to Big Banyan Tree:1400-year-old tree with cultural performances
🥗Lunch at Tea Horse Caravan Restaurant:Yunnan-Guangxi fusion dishes with mountain views
Visit Butterfly Spring:Butterfly-themed park with ethnic Zhuang performances
🍽️Dinner at Master Kung's Kitchen:Creative twists on local specialties
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