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July 25, 2025
7-Day Guilin Travel Guide for Couples: Natural Wonders on a Budget
Explore Li River, Yangshuo, and Lijiang Ancient Town with Romantic Itineraries
Couples TravelNature & OutdoorsBudget Travel7 Days Itinerary
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 桂林
Location: Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
Famous For: Karst Mountains,Li River,Bamboo Rafting
Daily Cost: ¥200-300 per person
Best Season: September-October (Autumn)
Introduction: Why Guilin for Couples' Adventure?
Guilin's Li River and surrounding karst landscapes offer breathtaking natural beauty perfect for romantic getaways. This 7-day budget-friendly itinerary includes bamboo rafting, cycling through countryside villages, and exploring ancient towns like Lijiang Ancient Town. Experience the 'World's Nature Wonder' while staying within budget with our expert-curated guide.
Best time to visit Guilin
Ideal Seasons: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-October)
🌱Spring: Pleasant temperatures (15-25°C) with blooming flowers. Perfect for outdoor activities like bamboo rafting.
☀️Summer: Hot and humid (28-35°C) with frequent rain showers. Ideal for indoor attractions like Elephant Trunk Hill museum.
🍁Autumn: Optimal season with clear skies and comfortable temperatures (20-28°C). Peak season for photography tours.
❄️Winter: Cool (8-18°C) with minimal crowds. Budget travelers can enjoy discounted accommodations.
Arriving and leaving Guilin
Bicycles ¥20/day, taxis ¥8 base fare (¥1.5/km), electric scooters ¥30/day, public buses ¥2.
Guilin Liangjiang International Airport [Recommended]
40km from city center. Taxis cost ¥120-150 (50min). Airport express shuttle available for ¥25.
Guilin Railway Station
City center terminal with bullet trains to Guangzhou (3h) and Shanghai (8h). Taxis available outside station.
Where to stay in Guilin: Best Neighborhood
Yangshuo
Romantic riverside location with boutique hotels and easy access to cycling routes. Budget-friendly options available.
Gan'nan District
Modern city center area with convenient transportation and shopping options. Close to Jimen Bridge night market.
Top Things to do in Guilin
Li River
Iconic 4-hour bamboo rafting experience through China's most famous karst landscape.
Yangshuo Cycling
20km scenic cycling route from Yangshuo to Moon Hill with countryside views and traditional villages.
Longji Rice Terraces
1300-year-old UNESCO-listed梯田 with hiking trails and ethnic Zhuang cultural performances.
Tips
Book Li River cruises at least 3 days in advance. Wear comfortable shoes for hiking.
What to eat: Guilin food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
![Top 10 Restaurants for Views & Experiences in Guilin[2025] | Trip ...](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fak-d.tripcdn.com%2Fimages%2F0106q12000hcv7nb510CB_D_400_600_R5.jpg%3Fproc%3Dsource%2Ftrip&w=3840&q=75)
1. Lijiang River View Restaurant
Scenic riverside dining with traditional Zhuang dishes and live folk music performances.
2. West Street Night Market
Yangshuo's famous street food alley with grilled seafood, skewers, and tropical fruit smoothies.
3. Old Town Noodle House
Local favorite serving authentic Guilin rice noodles with optional toppings for ¥10-15.
Signature Dishes
1. Guilin Rice Noodles
Guilin's signature dish with rice noodles, pork slices, and preserved vegetables in clear broth.
2. Yangshuo Beer Fish
Fresh river fish marinated in local beer with spicy chili sauce, best paired with rice wine.
3. Corn Porridge with Pickles
Traditional Zhuang ethnic breakfast with sweet corn porridge and homemade pickled vegetables.
Guilin itinerary 7 days: Couples & Nature
DAY 1
Arrival at Guilin Liangjiang Airport:Take airport shuttle to city center (¥25/45min)
🥗Lunch at Old Town Noodle House:Try traditional Guilin rice noodles with pork slices
Elephant Trunk Hill:Guided tour of Guilin's iconic landmark and botanical gardens
🍽️Dinner at Gan'nan Night Market:Street food tasting session with local specialties
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at hotel:Continental and Chinese breakfast buffet
Li River Bamboo Rafting:4-hour cruise with traditional oarsmen and photo stops
🥗Lunch on raft:Picnic-style meal provided during river cruise
Transfer to Yangshuo:30-minute shuttle ride to Yangshuo (¥15/person)
🍽️Dinner at Riverside Bistro:Candlelight dinner with river views and live music
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at hotel:Continental breakfast with local tea selection
Bike Rental & Countryside Ride:20km scenic route to Moon Hill with photo stops
🥗Lunch at Tea Plantation Restaurant:Farm-to-table meal with tea-picking demonstration
Hiking at Xianggong Mountain:3-hour moderate climb with panoramic river valley views
🍽️Dinner at West Street BBQ:Grilled river fish and vegetable skewers with rice wine
DAY 4
🍳Early breakfast:Packed snacks for long journey
Departure to Longji:2-hour scenic bus ride to rice terraces (¥40/person)
Village Walking Tour:Ethnic Zhuang cultural demonstrations and traditional house visits
🥗Lunch at Zhuang Family Home:Home-cooked meal with local ingredients and rice wine tasting
Terrace Hiking:Guided hike between different terraced fields with photography breaks
Return to Yangshuo:Evening relaxation at hotel spa
DAY 5
Departure to Lijiang:1-hour minivan ride (¥25/person)
Ancient Town Walking Tour:Stroll through 1300-year-old stone streets and waterwheel villages
🥗Lunch at Riverside House:Traditional clay-pot cooking demonstration and meal
Workshop: Zhuang Embroidery:Handicraft class with local ethnic artisans
Return to Guilin:Last-minute souvenir shopping at local markets
🍽️Farewell Dinner at River View Restaurant:Multi-course meal featuring Guilin's best culinary specialties
DAY 6
🍳Breakfast at hotel:Luxury breakfast experience with panoramic city views
Botanical Gardens Visit:Explore tropical plant species and medicinal herb gardens
🥗Lunch at Garden Café:Healthy salads and herbal tea selection
Calligraphy Workshop:Traditional Chinese brush painting lesson for couples
Sunset Cruise on Rong Lake:Short boat ride with views of ancient bridges and modern skyline
DAY 7
🍳Breakfast at hotel:Last traditional breakfast with Guilin morning tea
Visit Jimen Bridge Market:Purchase local snacks and handicrafts for souvenirs
🥗Lunch at Market Food Court:Sample various regional specialties in one location
Transfer to Airport:2-hour drive from city center (taxi ¥150)
Guilin Travel FAQs
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