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July 25, 2025
Ultimate 5-Day Luxury Family Travel Guide in Guilin
Experience the breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures of Guilin with curated luxury experiences perfect for families
Luxury TravelFamily TravelFood Travel5 Days Itinerary
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 桂林
Location: Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
Famous For: Karst Mountains,Li River Cruises,Yangshuo Cycling,Ancient Towns
Daily Cost: $150-250 per person (excluding accommodation)
Best Season: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November)
Introduction: Why visit Guilin?
Guilin 桂林 is renowned for its otherworldly landscapes featuring emerald karst mountains rising from the Li River 漓江. This 5-day luxury itinerary combines private river cruises, gourmet dining, and family-friendly cultural experiences. From the ancient Daxu Town 大圩古镇 to the vibrant streets of Yangshuo 阳朔, every moment is crafted for comfort and unforgettable memories.
Best time to visit Guilin
Ideal Seasons: Spring (March-May) offers pleasant temperatures 18-25°C with blooming flowers. Autumn (September-November) provides clear skies and cool 20-28°C weather perfect for outdoor activities.
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (18-25°C) with frequent mist creating magical mountain views. Ideal for Li River Cruises and outdoor exploration.
☀️Summer: Hot and humid (28-35°C) with frequent rain showers. Best for indoor attractions like Reclining Elephant Cave and air-conditioned luxury experiences.
🍁Autumn: Pleasant 20-28°C with clear skies and golden foliage. Perfect for Yangshuo Cycling and visiting Longji Rice Terraces.
❄️Winter: Cool temperatures (8-15°C) with occasional frost. Offers cozy cultural experiences like Zhuang Ethnic Performances and hot spring visits.
Arriving and leaving Guilin
Luxury private transfers (¥400-600/day), electric limousine buses to key attractions, and 5-star hotel shuttle services.
Guilin Liangjiang International Airport [[桂林两江国际机场]] [Recommended]
46km from city center with direct flights to 50+ international destinations. Private transfers take 50 minutes (¥300-400). Taxi fare: ¥350-450.
Guilin Railway Station [[桂林站]]
Main high-speed rail hub connecting to Guangzhou (3h), Shanghai (10h), and Beijing (12h). Taxi to city: ¥50-70 (15 mins).
Where to stay in Guilin: Best Neighborhoods
Xiufeng District [[秀峰区]]
Historic area near Elephant Trunk Hill with luxury options like Sheraton Hotel Guilin and access to traditional markets.
Lijiang New Town [[漓江新城]]
Modern district with family-friendly resorts like Guilin Resort Marriott Hotel featuring indoor pools and kid clubs.
Yangshuo County [[阳朔]]
Scenic riverside area offering boutique properties like Banyan Tree Resort Yangshuo with direct river access and cycling paths.
Top Things to do in Guilin
Four Scenic Spots Cruise [[四景游船]]
Private luxury cruise passing Elephant Trunk Hill, Seven Star Park, and Flower Bridge with onboard champagne service.
![Lijiang River Four-star Cruise Tickets [2025] - Promos, Prices ...](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fak-d.tripcdn.com%2Fimages%2F1lo5912000gv3jq7o1991.jpg%3Fproc%3Dsource%252Ftrip&w=1920&q=75)
Longji Rice Terraces [[龙脊梯田]]
Cultural tour of Zhuang and Yao ethnic villages with guided hikes through picturesque rice fields, including private tea tasting sessions.
Reclining Elephant Cave [[象鼻山景区]]
Iconic mountain shape experience with VIP evening access avoiding crowds, including traditional music performances.
Tips
Book private tours with English-speaking guides. Mornings are best for photography due to mist effects on karst peaks.
What to eat: Guilin Food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Chun Ji Restaurant 椿记烧鹅
Award-winning chain specializing in roasted goose and regional Guangxi cuisine with private dining rooms and English menu.
2. Garden Restaurant 桂林喜来登盛宴自助餐厅
Sheraton Hotel's international buffet featuring local specialties alongside global cuisine with kid-friendly dining options.
3. Yangshuo Beer Fish Restaurant 阳朔大师傅啤酒鱼
Michelin-recognized establishment offering signature beer fish with river-view dining and live traditional performances.
Signature Dishes
1. Guilin Rice Noodles 桂林米粉
Legendary breakfast dish with silky rice noodles in savory broth, topped with marinated pork and pickled vegetables. Try at Michelin-recommended Qiao's Rice Noodles.
2. Yangshuo Beer Fish 阳朔啤酒鱼
Local speciality with fresh river fish marinated in beer and spicy chili sauce. Best enjoyed at Shijie Zhengzong Yangshuo Beer Fish with river views.
3. Bamboo Rice 竹筒饭
Traditional Zhuang ethnic delicacy with glutinous rice cooked in bamboo tubes. Available at Guilin Imperial Snack Hall with premium versions including lotus seed and abalone.
Guilin Itinerary 5 Days: Luxury Family Experience
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Sheraton Hotel Guilin:International buffet with local specialties in panoramic city-view dining room
Visit Reclining Elephant Cave:VIP access to Guilin's iconic symbol with private guided tour explaining Zhuang ethnic legends
🥗Lunch at Garden Restaurant:Multi-course meal featuring local river fish and international favorites
Private Cruise on Lijiang New Town canals:Exclusive electric boat tour through modern waterways with champagne reception
🍽️Dinner at Chun Ji Restaurant:Tasting menu of award-winning roasted goose and regional specialties
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at hotel:In-room dining with river views
Private Transfer to Marina Bay Cruise Terminal:Luxury coach with refreshments en-route to cruise departure point
Four Scenic Spots Cruise 四景游船:3-hour private yacht cruise with caviar tasting and bilingual commentary
🥗Lunch at Daxu Ancient Town 大圩古镇 restaurant:Traditional Zhuang ethnic banquet in historic setting
Walking Tour of Daxu Ancient Town:Guided visit to Ming dynasty architecture and local craft workshops
🍽️Dinner at Guilin Resort Marriott Hotel:Contemporary take on classic Guangxi dishes with wine pairing
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at hotel:Healthy organic options with fresh tropical fruits
Drive to Longji Rice Terraces 龙脊梯田:Private transfer with scenic stops and professional photography guidance
🥗Lunch at Zhuang Family Manor:Traditional ethnic banquet featuring bamboo rice and mountain herbs
Guided Hike through Terraces:Moderate 2-hour trek with rest stops and cultural explanations
Ethnic Performance at Huangluo Yao Village 黄洛瑶寨:Exclusive Red Yao hair culture show with private tea ceremony
🍽️Return Dinner at Sheraton Hotel Guilin:Western gourmet meal with Asian fusion elements
DAY 4
🍳Breakfast at hotel:Continental breakfast with river views
Private Transfer to Yangshuo 阳朔 (1h drive):Luxury vehicle with scenic route along karst landscape
Bamboo Rafting on Yulong River 遇龙河:Private bamboo raft experience with professional paddlers and champagne service
🥗Lunch at Yangshuo Beer Fish Restaurant:Signature beer fish paired with local vegetables and rice wine
Bike Rental at West Street 西街:Luxury electric bike tour through historic streets with English-speaking guide
🍽️Dinner at Banyan Tree Resort Yangshuo:Riverside fine dining with curated wine list and live traditional music
DAY 5
🍳Breakfast at Resort:Room service with personalized menu options
Spa Treatment at Banyan Tree Spa:Traditional Chinese wellness therapies using local ingredients
🥗Farewell Lunch at Imperial Snack Hall:Tasting of 10+ regional delicacies in elegant setting
Private Transfer to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport:Final photo stop en-route with assistance through VIP airport services
Guilin Travel FAQs
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