Get Your Travel Plan
July 25, 2025
1 viewsDiscover Guilin: A 7-Day Family-Friendly Budget Travel Guide
Explore karst mountains, savor local delicacies, and create unforgettable memories without breaking the bank
Family TravelFood TravelBudget TravelGuilin
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 桂林
Location: Northeastern Guangxi Province
Famous For: Lijiang River,Karst Landscapes,Yangshuo Countryside
Daily Cost: $50-80 USD
Best Season: March-June, September-November
Introduction: Why visit Guilin?
Guilin Lijiang River offers a mesmerizing blend of dramatic limestone peaks, emerald rivers, and vibrant cultural traditions. This budget-friendly destination provides perfect family adventures through bamboo raft rides, cycling trails, and immersive minority ethnic experiences while maintaining affordable accommodation and dining options.
Best time to visit Guilin
Ideal Seasons: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) offer comfortable temperatures and stunning scenery
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (15-25°C) with blooming peach blossoms along the Lijiang River enhance natural beauty
☀️Summer: Hot and humid (25-32°C) with occasional rain showers, best for budget travelers seeking lower prices
🍁Autumn: Cooler weather (18-26°C) with golden rice fields creating spectacular photography opportunities
❄️Winter: Mild but damp (10-15°C), offering significant discounts on accommodations and fewer crowds
Arriving and leaving Guilin
Buses ($0.30 USD/ride) and shared taxis ($1.50 USD/seat) connect major attractions. Renting e-bikes ($3 USD/day) ideal for Yangshuo exploring
Guilin Liangjiang International Airport [Recommended]
43km northwest of city center with direct flights to major international cities. Taxis cost $12-15 USD and take 45-60 minutes. Airport shuttle buses available for $5 USD.
Guilin Railway Station
Main high-speed rail hub with connections to Guangzhou ($45 USD, 3 hours) and Shanghai ($160 USD, 10 hours). Taxi to city center costs $8-10 USD (30 minutes).
Where to stay in Guilin: Best Neighborhood
Xiangshan District
Central location near Elephant Trunk Hill and Lijiang River with budget hotels and easy access to transport
Yangshuo Town
Picturesque riverside village with guesthouses starting at $15 USD/night and vibrant nightlife
Top Things to do in Guilin
Lijiang River Cruise
A 4-hour bamboo raft journey through UNESCO-listed karst landscapes with opportunities to see fishermen using cormorants
Elephant Trunk Hill
Iconic rock formation where the mountain's shape resembles an elephant drinking from the river, featuring illuminated night shows
Yangshuo West Street
Historic pedestrian street with boutique shops, local crafts, and nightly cultural performances from ethnic minorities
Tips
Book multi-attraction passes for 10-20% savings. Morning visits avoid crowds at major sights
What to eat: Guilin food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Chongshan Restaurant
Locals' favorite for authentic Guilin cuisine including their famous Three Treasures Duck ($3-6 USD per serving)
2. Xingjiang Restaurant
Family-run eatery serving homestyle dishes like braised pork knuckles with tofu and bamboo shoots ($10-15 USD for two)
3. Yangshuo Beer Fish
Specialty restaurant where fish is marinated in local beer and pan-fried to perfection ($12-18 USD per meal)
Signature Dishes
1. Guilin Rice Noodles
Bowl of soft rice noodles served in savory broth with meat slices and pickled vegetables, from $1.50 USD at local eateries
2. Spicy River Fish
Freshwater fish caught daily from Lijiang River, cooked with chili sauce and local herbs at Yangshuo restaurants ($8-12 USD)
3. Taro Cake
Steamed taro root dessert with sticky rice and sweet fillings, perfect street food at $0.50 USD per piece
Guilin itinerary 7 Days
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Guilin Rice Noodles Street:Try steaming bowls of the city's signature dish
Visit Elephant Trunk Hill:Explore the iconic mountain formation and museum
🥗Lunch at Chongshan Restaurant:Authentic local dishes in traditional setting
Walk along Lijiang River:Photograph scenic riverbanks and traditional boats
🍽️Dinner at Xingjiang Restaurant:Family-style meals with regional specialties
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at hotel:Standard breakfast included with accommodation
Bamboo Raft Cruise:Four-hour journey through karst landscapes with cormorant fishing demonstrations
🥗Lunch in Yangshuo:Try local river fish at West Street eateries
Bike Rental Exploration:Rent bicycles to explore countryside villages
🍽️Dinner at Beer Fish Restaurant:Specialty dish served with local vegetables
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at hostel:Local tea and baked goods included
Cycle Ten-Li Gallery:Scenic 20km bike route through picturesque villages
🥗Lunch at rural teahouse:Tea tasting with homemade dumplings
Visit Stone Forest:Karst formations and traditional performances
Return to Yangshuo:Free time to explore local markets
🍽️Dinner at Moonlight Restaurant:Zhuang ethnic minority cuisine
DAY 4
🍳Breakfast at guesthouse:Vegetarian options available
Drive to Lushan:30-minute taxi ride to mountain base
Hike Waterfall Trail:Moderate 3km hike through lush vegetation
🥗Picnic lunch:Enjoy packed meals near waterfall
Visit Yao Minority Village:Cultural demonstrations and traditional crafts
Return to city:Back to accommodation by taxi
🍽️Dinner at local market:Street food tasting experience
DAY 5
🍳Breakfast at hotel:Buffet with Western and Chinese options
Climb Fubo Hill:15-minute ascent to temple with city views
🥗Lunch at riverside cafe:International cuisine with Lijiang River views
Take cable car to Yaoshan:10-minute ride to mountain summit for 360-degree vistas
Visit ancient city walls:Stroll atop 14th-century fortifications
🍽️Farewell dinner at local favorite:Last chance to try regional specialties
DAY 6
🍳Breakfast at lodging:Traditional tea and rice porridge
Visit Reed Flute Cave:One-hour guided tour of illuminated limestone caverns
🥗Lunch at cave-side eatery:Local specialties with mountain views
Explore Seven Star Park:Largest natural park with caves, gardens, and temples
Relax at hotel pool:Unwind after day of exploration
🍽️Dinner at night market:Variety of street food options available
DAY 7
🍳Breakfast at local bakery:Try fresh mantou buns and soy milk
Visit Central Market:Purchase souvenirs like lacquerware and ethnic textiles
🥗Lunch at market food court:Sample various regional dishes in one location
Transfer to airport/railway:Final transport to departure point
Guilin Travel FAQs
Welcome to China
Go2China
Your AI-powered China travel companion