Guilin rice noodles are the local soul breakfast — dry-tossed, soupy, stir-fried, each with its own character. These ten old shops are locals' favorites.
Why It's Worth the Trip
From Guilin to Yangshuo, the Li River cuts green hills into a scroll through ninety-nine bends; the Yellow Cloth Reflection is the 20-yuan backdrop. Drift on a bamboo raft and you're truly inside the painting. Plan a full day to wander slowly.
Experiences Not to Miss
Li River
From Guilin to Yangshuo, the Li River cuts green hills into a scroll through ninety-nine bends; the Yellow Cloth Reflection is the 20-yuan backdrop. Drift on a bamboo raft and you're truly inside the painting. Plan a full day to wander slowly.
Yangshuo West Street
Yangshuo's West Street is a stone-paved old lane shared by foreigners and backpackers, bars, coffee and beer fish on the same stage. When night falls, the whole street buzzes into a river. Plan half a day to a full day to wander slowly.
Yulong River
The Yulong River is the Li's tranquil tributary; bamboo rafts drift past fields and old bridges, water buffalo on the bank — the most healing scene. Quieter than the mainstream, it's called the "Little Li River." Plan a half day to wander slowly.
🧭 Local Tips
- Shoot the 20-yuan backdrop at the Xingping section; plan a full day
- The Yangdi–Xingping raft is the classic stretch
- Just after rain, when the river is a mirror, it's most beautiful
- After dark it's liveliest with live bands; plan half a day to a full day
- For beer fish, pick the spine fish — fewer bones
- It connects smoothly with a Yulong River bike ride
Frequently Asked Questions
What month shows Guilin's scenery at its most spirit?
April–October, nourished by rain and mist, the peaks often wear light smoke — most like ink wash. Early spring is a bit cool; winter's thin water and cold hills are slightly lesser.
How to travel Guilin in three to five days?
One day Li River raft to Yangshuo, one day Yulong River and West Street, one day Longji terraces, the rest Elephant Trunk Hill and the city's Two Rivers and Four Lakes.