"The World-Famous Beauty: A 3 Days 4 Nights Guilin Wonderland Travel Guide

3 days and 4 nights in Guilin, a journey through an ink painting wonderland! Beyond the Li River, discover hidden mountain and water adventures. Introduction: We've heard the phrase "Guilin's landscape is the best under heaven" since childhood, but only when you truly set foot on this land will you understand that it’s not just praise, but a simple description. This time, I’ll take you on a 3 days 4 nights trip beyond typical sightseeing, to explore like a local—cycling through the landscape paintings, boating on the misty Li River, and tasting authentic sour and spicy flavors. This guide is for all first-timers in Guilin who want a deep and meaningful experience! 1. Highlights at a Glance · Classic and off-the-beaten-path: Not only check in at the 20 RMB banknote background but also explore the secret realm of Yulong River. · Nature and culture combined: Enjoy mountain and water scenery by day, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Yangshuo West Street or the stunning Impression Liu Sanjie show by night. · Foodie’s plan: From beer fish to Guilin rice noodles, savor authentic local flavors. 2. Itinerary Plan: 3 Days 4 Nights Slow Travel 🌙 Day 0 (Arrival Night): Immerse in Guilin’s lively atmosphere · Evening: Arrive in Guilin, recommended to stay near the Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area or Zhengyang Pedestrian Street for convenient night tours. · Activities: Drop off your luggage and head straight to Zhengyang Pedestrian Street and Shangshui Food Street to start your journey with your taste buds. Have a bowl of authentic Guilin rice noodles (remember to eat the dry mix first, then drink the bone broth), and try water chestnut cake and pine flower candy. · Blogger tip: If you have energy, take a walk along the Two Rivers and Four Lakes to see the dazzling night view of the Sun and Moon Twin Towers—free and perfect for photos. 🌞 Day 1: Essence of the Li River & Night at Yangshuo West Street · Morning: Head to Mopanshan Pier or Zhujiang Pier to take the classic Li River cruise (Guilin → Yangshuo). This is the highlight of the entire trip! Be sure to have a 20 RMB note ready to take photos on deck with the elderly and cormorants. Pass by scenic spots like Nine Horses Painting Hill and Yellow Cloth Reflection, as if walking through an art gallery. · Afternoon: Arrive in Yangshuo and check into a hotel (recommended near West Street). Then visit Xingping Ancient Town, stroll the bluestone paths, and find the best viewpoint for the 20 RMB background. If time allows, climb Laozhai Mountain (steep but offers excellent sunset views) or Xianggong Mountain (more classic views, requires a car hire). · Evening: Fully immerse yourself in the lively Yangshuo West Street. It’s a blend of East and West, with bustling bars and quiet craft shops. Dinner must include beer fish (recommended famous brands like Master Chef or Xie Sanjie). · Alternative: If interested in large-scale live performances, watch Zhang Yimou’s "Impression Liu Sanjie" to experience the grand narrative of nature and culture. 🌞 Day 2: Deep Experience of Yulong River & Secret Cycling · Morning: Head to Yulong River to experience the true essence of the "Little Li River"—bamboo raft drifting. Recommended section: Jinlong Bridge → Jiuxian, with the most beautiful scenery and thrilling rapids. Quietly enjoy the poetic feeling of "floating on green waves, traveling in a painting." · Afternoon: Rent an electric bike or bicycle at Jiuxian Pier and start cycling along the Yulong River. This is the best way to discover hidden spots! Ride along country roads, through rice fields, Yulong River, and karst peaks, encountering countless "wow" moments. Navigate to Gongnong Bridge to see the "golden light piercing the cave" at sunset. · Evening: Experience special activities like watching "Guilin Eternal Love" (an indoor show with a strong storyline), or find a quiet bar to listen to music and enjoy Yangshuo’s slow life. 🌞 Day 3: The Soul of Karst & Farewell to Guilin · Morning: Visit Silver Cave ("Visit Silver Cave, never lack money in life"). This huge karst cave is crystal clear inside, like an underground palace, perfectly showcasing karst landforms. · Afternoon: Return to Guilin city. Visit Elephant Trunk Hill, the city emblem and a must-see. Then stroll through Dongxi Alley, a restored Ming and Qing dynasty street, buy some souvenirs, and have a coffee under the Jingjiang Princes’ City Wall. · Evening: Depending on your flight or train schedule, enjoy your last Guilin meal and leave with a satisfied heart. 3. Food Do’s and Don’ts (Blogger Tested) · Must-eat list: · Guilin rice noodles: Remember! Locals eat it by mixing the marinated ingredients with dry noodles first, then add bone broth. · Beer fish: Yangshuo’s signature dish, tender fish with a beer malt aroma. · Stuffed snails: Snail meat mixed with pork and spices stuffed back into the shell, a unique flavor. · Lipu taro with braised pork: Soft taro absorbs the meat juice, melts in your mouth. · Youcha (oil tea): Local specialty, slightly bitter at first, with a sweet aftertaste, very refreshing. · Pitfalls to avoid: · Ask clearly about prices and units (by "jin" or by "piece") before ordering on West Street. · Be cautious of roadside touts offering "cheap restaurants" and "guides." 4. Super Practical Tips · Accommodation suggestions: · Guilin city: Near Two Rivers and Four Lakes or Central Square, convenient transportation. · Yangshuo: Near West Street (lively and convenient) or Yulong River Scenic Area (quiet and beautiful). · Transportation: · Guilin → Yangshuo: First choice is Li River cruise, then car hire or bus. · Within Yangshuo: Renting an electric bike (about 30-50 RMB/day) is a magic tool for freedom to visit Yulong River and Ten-Mile Gallery. · Best seasons: Spring and autumn (April-May, September-October), pleasant weather and the best reflections. Avoid rainy season and extreme heat. · Blogger’s secret spots: · 20 RMB background: Near Chaoban Mountain Pier in Xingping Ancient Town, multiple viewpoints—walk a bit more to find less crowded angles. · Yulong River: Any corner on the cycling route can surprise you, especially the section from Jiuxian to Gongnong Bridge. · Xianggong Mountain: Although it requires early rising and a ticket, the panoramic view of the first bend of the Li River from the top is absolutely worth it. Conclusion: The beauty of Guilin cannot be fully captured by a few photos or videos. It requires you to ride a bamboo raft yourself, paddling through the Li River at dawn; to cycle freely among rice fields and karst peaks; to sit in a small shop and savor a bowl of authentic rice noodles with heart. This 3 days 4 nights guide is an invitation to converse with the mountains and waters. I hope you find your own ink painting wonderland in Guilin.