Guilin & Yangshuo, China: things to do, prices and tips 2026

Things to do in Guilin & Yangshuo (China): Li River & Xingping, Bamboo rafting on the Yulong River, Reed Flute Cave, West Street, Yangshuo. Prices, opening times and the author’s tips.

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What to see

💴Li River & Xingping

Karst peaks over an emerald river — the very landscape printed on the 20-yuan note. The old village of Xingping sits on the most beautiful stretch.

Price Guilin — Yangshuo cruise about 210–450 yuan, bamboo raft at Xingping about 120–200 yuan

Insider tip A raft from Xingping is cheaper and more charming than the big cruise. Bring a 20-yuan note and photograph it against the real view.

🎋Bamboo rafting on the Yulong River

A quiet river among rice fields and karst hills. A raftsman poles you over small weirs while buffalo and villages drift by.

Price Raft for two about 200–300 yuan

Insider tip Choose the stretch from Jiulong Bridge to Gongnong Bridge. Ride back by bike along the paths between the fields — the best thing in Yangshuo.

🦇Reed Flute Cave

A cave in Guilin with stalactites lit in rainbow colours and an underground lake like a mirror.

Price About 90–120 yuan

Insider tip The lighting is very bright — more show than nature. If you prefer natural-looking caves, choose Silver Cave near Yangshuo.

🍻West Street, Yangshuo

Yangshuo's pedestrian street of cafés, bars, shops and beer fish — the local dish of river fish cooked with tomatoes and beer.

Price Beer fish 80–150 yuan per dish

Insider tip Stay out of town among the fields rather than on the street itself — quieter and prettier. Come into town for dinner.

🌾Longji Rice Terraces

The "Dragon's Backbone": terraces carved into the mountains over 700 years, and villages of women with ankle-length hair.

Secret spot: details and the map pin are in the full guide

🌄Sunrise on Xianggong Hill

The famous sunrise over a bend in the river and misty peaks from every Guilin postcard.

Secret spot: details and the map pin are in the full guide

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