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July 25, 2025
Guilin Travel Guide for Couples: 5 Days of Culinary Adventures & Romantic Escapes
Discover the magic of Guilin's karst landscapes, savor local delicacies like Guilin Rice Noodles, and create unforgettable memories with your partner.
Couples TravelFood Travel5-Days Itinerary
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 桂林
Location: Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
Famous For: Karst mountain landscapes,Li River cruises,Ethnic Zhuang culture,Spicy local cuisine
Daily Cost: $70-120 (Mid-range)
Best Season: March-June, September-October
Introduction: Why visit Guilin?
Guilin's dreamlike scenery of limestone peaks and winding rivers makes it a romantic paradise. For couples seeking both adventure and intimacy, the city offers bamboo raft rides on the Li River, candlelit dinners featuring beer fish, and tranquil teahouse moments in Yangshuo Old Street. Food lovers will savor authentic Zhuang minority dishes and street food markets filled with glutinous rice balls.
Best time to visit Guilin
Ideal Seasons: Spring (March-June) and Autumn (September-October)
🌱Spring: Pleasant temperatures (18-25°C) and blooming peach trees along the Li River. Perfect for outdoor activities.
☀️Summer: Hot and humid (28-35°C) with frequent rains. Ideal for visiting indoor attractions like Reclining Elephant Hill
🍁Autumn: Cool breezes (20-28°C) and clear skies create optimal conditions for hiking Fubo Hill and cycling in Yangshuo
❄️Winter: Mild (10-18°C) but foggy. Great for experiencing traditional Zhuang New Year celebrations
Arriving and leaving Guilin
Metro Line 1 (newly expanded), taxis (¥10 base fare), bike rentals (¥15/day), and river shuttles. Pre-book scenic cruises through local agencies.
Guilin Liangjiang International Airport [Recommended]
30km west of city center. Taxis cost ¥150-200 (1hr). Airport Express buses (¥25, 1.5hrs). Modern terminals with international connections.
Where to stay in Guilin: Best Neighborhood
Xi Xiang (West Suburb)
Romantic riverside villas and boutique hotels near Li River. Perfect for couples seeking tranquility.
Zhongshan North Road
Central location with easy access to night markets and restaurants serving Guilin Rice Noodles. Mid-range hotels available.
Top Things to do in Guilin
Li River Cruise
Journey through the UNESCO-listed 'landscape of 100 miles' aboard a traditional bamboo raft. Spot fishermen using cormorants and admire the iconic 9 Horses Fresco cliff painting.
Elephant Trunk Hill
Iconic limestone formation resembling a drinking elephant. Explore caves and ancient Buddhist carvings. Visit at night for illuminated views.
Yangshuo Countryside
Rent bicycles to explore rice paddies and karst villages. Experience tea picking in Yulong River area or take a hot-air balloon ride at sunrise.
Tips
Book scenic cruises in advance during peak season. Dress lightly for river activities. Carry insect repellent for countryside visits.
What to eat: Guilin food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Guilin Imperial Garden Restaurant
Traditional Zhuang-style courtyard serving refined local cuisine. Must-try: Bamboo Shoot Soup and Lily Bulb Pudding. ¥120-180/person
2. Yangshuo Beer Fish Street
Cluster of riverside eateries specializing in beer fish dishes. Recommended: Old Liu House with live music performances.
3. Zhengyang Walking Street Food Market
Night market with over 50 food stalls. Sample glutinous rice cakes and fermented tofu. Budget ¥40-60/person.
Signature Dishes
1. Guilin Rice Noodles
Thick rice noodles served in spicy broth with marinated pork and pickled vegetables. Try the '24-hour noodles' at Laoye Rice Noodles for authentic flavor.
2. Bamboo Tube Rice
Sticky rice cooked in bamboo segments with lotus leaves. Available at street vendors along Yangshuo West Street.
3. Guangxi Beer Fish
Fresh river fish marinated in local beer and chili sauce. Best enjoyed at Fuli Restaurant with scenic river views.
Guilin itinerary 5 days & 4 Days
DAY 1
Check-in at Guilin Resort Hotel:Luxury riverside accommodation with complimentary tea ceremony
🥗Lunch at Imperial Garden Restaurant:Zhuang ethnic banquet with bamboo shoot soup and lily bulb pudding
Visit Elephant Trunk Hill:Explore caves and view ancient Buddhist carvings
🍽️Dinner at Zhengyang Walking Street:Street food sampling with glutinous rice cakes and fermented tofu
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at hotel:International and Chinese breakfast buffet
Scenic Cruise on Li River:4-hour bamboo raft journey with cormorant fishing demonstration
🥗Picnic Lunch at Xingping Ancient Town:Local specialties served in a riverside pavilion
Transfer to Yangshuo:30-minute boat ride to Yangshuo's vibrant cultural scene
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at hotel:Organic farm-to-table options
Bike Rental at Yangshuo Bike Center:Custom tandem bicycles available for exploring countryside roads
🥗Lunch at Cai Cai's Farmhouse:Family-style meals with wild mushroom stir-fry and bamboo tube rice
Yulong River Bamboo Rafting:Gentle float downstream with scenic rice field views
DAY 4
🍳Breakfast at Yangshuo Mountain Retreat:Western and Chinese options with mountain views
Visit Guilin Nationalities Museum:Explore Zhuang and Yao minority traditions through interactive exhibits
🥗Lunch at Zhuang Family Courtyard:Authentic Zhuang-style cooking class with local chef
Tea Ceremony at Longji Rice Terraces:Mountain tea tasting with traditional Zhuang hospitality
DAY 5
🍳Breakfast at hotel:Last chance to enjoy riverside dining
Shopping at Guilin Department Store:Purchase traditional Zhuang textiles and Guilin oolong tea
🥗Final Lunch at Fuli Restaurant:Enjoy beer fish and guava duck one last time
Transfer to Liangjiang Airport:Professional airport transfer service included
Guilin Travel FAQs
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