Guilin is a city that you should not come to without preparation!
Actually, apart from the few days of Qingming Festival in April and May, Guilin doesn’t have that much rain. Basically, it rains at midnight and is cloudless during the day. It’s not sweaty and stuffy when you go out for a walk, and there are not too many tourists, so it’s still very suitable for traveling and enjoying the mountains and waters.
However, you still have to check the weather before going out. Otherwise, the changeable weather of rain and cloudiness will bring us a bad experience. For example, when we went there, it rained intermittently throughout the day. It stopped and started again, which led to the fact that we couldn’t take a bamboo raft later because of the high water level. And some thunderstorms should be avoided. The following experiences are summarized below👇 and shared with you:
The front part shares this travel routine.
At the end, attach a two – day – one – night travel guide to Yangshuo.
If you want to read the guide directly, scroll to the end.
🚴Transportation
Transportation Guide:
Airplane: Guilin Liangjiang Airport.
High – speed Rail: Guilin Station (the closest to the urban area), Guilin North Station, Guilin West Station (the farthest from the urban area, not recommended).
This time, I didn’t check the high – speed rail station in advance, so I had to take a nearly two – hour – long bus🚌 more, and missed two check – in spots.😭 Originally, the time was tight, and most of the time was spent on the bus…
✔️Scenic Spots
The scenic spots in Guilin are mainly distributed in three areas: Guilin, Yangshuo, and Longsheng. They are far from each other, so route planning is very important!!!
The quintessential scenic spots in Guilin include: Elephant Trunk Hill, Xingping Lijiang River, Yulong River, Silver Rock, Yangshuo West Street, Longji Terraced Fields, etc.
PS: The scenic spots in Guilin are relatively scattered, and there is no convenient direct – access transportation to the scenic areas. If a family travels and is not familiar with the transportation and scenic spots, it is recommended to join a local tour group, which is more time – saving and worry – free.
The First Stop: Elephant Trunk Hill
We are two nurses👩⚕️ from small counties. We have little rest time and also have a lot of study usually. Originally, we planned to go to Libo Small Seven – Hole Scenic Spot, but later we decided to go to Guilin temporarily. We stayed up late at night and set off after work. Everyone would envy such good health.
Because we had only two days and one night, the time was short. Originally, we planned a two – day – and – one – night tour in Yangshuo. But because we didn’t make a travel plan before departure and didn’t buy the right high – speed rail ticket, we arrived at Guilin West Station at 13:30. Originally, we could have bought a ticket directly to Yangshuo. It was a detour. Since we were already here, we thought about going to check in at Elephant Trunk Hill⛰️.
It felt so far to take a taxi from Guilin West Station to Elephant Trunk Hill. It took almost more than twenty minutes. I was dizzy all over. After getting off at Elephant Trunk Hill, the first thing was to have a bowl of Guilin rice noodles👇
who can’t eat small hot peppers should put less. It’s really too spicy….
Elephant Trunk Hill scenic area doesn’t need an entrance ticket🎫. Just scan the code to make an appointment and enter.👌 There are not many people in the off – season either, and it’s unobstructed all the way. After eating, we stored our luggage at the entrance of the scenic area. It costs 10 yuan for a lockbox. Because it rained in the morning, the ground was wet. We strolled around, climbed the mountain and enjoyed the scenery. Personally, I think it’s quite ordinary. Maybe it’s because I have seen too many mountains since I was a child. We took a few random pictures, and the first stop of the “special forces” – style travel check – in was completed.✔️
The “Special Forces” – style Travelers Arrive in Yangshuo
Taking a taxi from Guilin to Yangshuo costs more than two hundred yuan. It’s so far and expensive. So we chose to take a taxi to the South Bus Passenger Station and then take a bus.
(At that time, we didn’t know what we were thinking. We didn’t even check if there was a high – speed rail available. Actually, it only takes 20 minutes to get to Yangshuo by high – speed rail. The two of us kept complaining while walking about why it was so far and there was no high – speed rail. It’s so hilarious.)
When we took a taxi to the South Bus Station, we just caught the bus leaving the station and got on it directly. Originally, we planned to take the bus to Xingping Ancient Town with a ticket price of 45 yuan. The two of us, who hadn’t slept all night, fell asleep as soon as we got on the bus. Before reaching Xingping Ancient Town, we couldn’t bear it anymore and got off the bus because it was really too far. It took nearly two hours to get to Yangshuo. When we asked the driver, he said it would still take forty minutes to get to the ancient town. Looking at the time, we knew it was too late, so we got off at Yangshuo.🚌
After sleeping on the bus for a while, we indeed felt much more comfortable. After getting off the bus, we didn’t want to walk🚶, so we took a taxi to the hotel to drop off our luggage. Actually, it was only a ten – minute walk. We lived near West Street. The hotel is called Pusu Hotel in Global Village (Yangshuo West Street Lijiang River Branch). I recommend sisters to go there. The experience is really good, and the hotel environment is also nice. You can take pictures on the top floor. The hotel provides Hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing), afternoon tea, fruit juice, small snacks, and ten free coins for the claw machine🧸, etc. for free.
The per – capita cost is about one hundred yuan. At this price, this service is really worth it, everyone.
The clothes are provided by the hotel. You can watch the sunrise 🌅 while having breakfast on the rooftop. You can have afternoon tea on the rooftop in the afternoon, and you can also go to see the night view and enjoy the breeze at night. It should be noted that the afternoon tea is available from 14:00 – 17:30. But if you are late, you can still enjoy the afternoon tea☕️. You can enjoy it the next day. If you don’t have time, you can also tell the front desk, and they will send it to your room at night.
👇A photo of the afternoon tea🫖
Because the time when we arrived at the hotel was already past 17:30, the front – desk staff sent the afternoon tea☕️ to our room later.
After putting away our luggage, we went to West Street for dinner.🍚
For dinner, we had beer – fish🐟. Except for being expensive, there’s nothing wrong with it. It costs 139 yuan per jin. Hahaha. Anyway, I think the taste is okay. If sisters who like spicy food and don’t like sweet food, remember to ask for extra spicy in advance, because even if you ask for extra spicy, it’s not really that spicy. The soup goes really well with rice.🍚
Look at the picture.⬇️
It still looks quite delicious 😋. After eating, it’s time to take some beautiful pictures. We didn’t rent any costumes. Firstly, we didn’t see any that we liked. Secondly, we didn’t negotiate a suitable price. Roughly asking, the makeup and costume together cost about 198 yuan like this. Maybe some could be a bit cheaper, but the price difference wouldn’t be very large.
The whole West Street is not big. Strolling slowly, taking pictures 📷, having some snacks, plus a nice mild weather, is still very pleasant 😌.
The night view of West Street 🌃
Below is the Internet – famous check – in wall. Although it is not the peak tourist season, there are still a lot of people queuing up to take pictures. When you go to take a picture, you will feel a bit awkward with dozens of pairs of eyes watching you posing. Only one can be selected out of more than ten pictures. There is no other way. You have to be quick and the photographer has to be competent. Otherwise, you have to queue up again and wait.
Randomly – taken night scenes.
On the way back to the hotel after shopping, we saw a pair of slippers. They were so beautiful. They cost 25 yuan per pair. Each of us bought a pair. They were so cute and we really liked them very much. Originally, we planned to buy a second pair and wear them when taking a bamboo raft. But who knew that there would be a heavy rainstorm the next day.
As soon as we got back to the hotel, we began to put them on our feet. We took a photo of the shoes on the top floor of the hotel. The more we looked at them, the more we loved them.
After a series of operations, it was already very late. It always feels like there is not enough time when traveling. Obviously, there are many places that we haven’t had time to visit. But after strolling around, eating and drinking, and then going back to the hotel and fooling around on the rooftop, it was already 12:00 a.m. I haven’t updated my WeChat Moments yet. And I still need to wash up and take a bath. More importantly, I haven’t had time to edit the photos. It feels quite busy to travel, hahaha. After washing up, I was so sleepy. Thinking about it, it’s more important to preserve my life. So I went to sleep first…
DAY2 The much – anticipated bamboo rafting didn’t happen 😭
Because of the tight schedule and wanting to have more fun, we got up very early. Originally, we were going to go to the rooftop of the hotel to watch the sunrise 🌅. We set the alarm clock at 6:30 to get up and put on makeup 🪞. Who knew that when we were almost done, it was around 7:30, and we hadn’t even got ready to go out yet when a heavy rainstorm ⛈️ started outside the window.
We couldn’t watch the sunrise, nor could we go out, so we went back to sleep for a while.
Later, the rainstorm ⛈️ stopped at around 9:30, and we were ready to go out and rent a small electric scooter for a ride. However, just as we were leaving the hotel 🏨, it started to rain again. Electric scooters can also be rented in the hotel without a deposit. Since the rain was heavy and it was not convenient to ride, we were going to take a taxi 🚗. Then someone came over and asked us if we wanted to rent a car and offered to hold an umbrella for us, saying that the rain wouldn’t last all the time. We were convinced and thought that riding would be more free and convenient. So we rented one. The deposit was 100 yuan, and the rent for the scooter was only 30 yuan. I think it was very cheap. We could use the car from 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m., so the cost – performance ratio was very high.
When coming to Guilin, the breakfast must start with a bowl of Guilin rice noodles. After renting the car, we rode to the Ritouhuo South Station store to have the rice noodles. This store is also on the way to the Yulong River.
However, sisters can order a 2 – liang (a unit of measurement for food in China) portion when you go, which costs six yuan. Except for the tableware, everything else is the same. You can add seasonings by yourself. At first, I was surprised to see that other people’s bowls were different from ours. Because we didn’t know how to choose, we ordered a special Guilin rice noodle for 18 yuan per portion. I feel that this is mainly for tourists. The tableware 🍴 looks more beautiful, so the price is also more expensive. But actually, it is the same as the six – yuan rice noodle, and the amount is about the same.
After finishing the rice noodles, we were ready to navigate to Gongnong Bridge. Because we were closer to Shui’edi Pier, it only took more than ten minutes to ride from the hotel. We were going to park there and take a shuttle bus from there. Just as we parked the car and were about to buy tickets, the staff informed us that the water level was high and we couldn’t take the bamboo raft. So disappointed. Suddenly, we didn’t know where to go, and our plan was disrupted. The river water was also extremely muddy because of the rain. It would take 40 minutes’ drive to go to the place where the 20 – yuan RMB note was printed for taking pictures. It seemed too rushed. Finally, we chose to ride in the Ten – mile Gallery. Let’s not be “special forces” (referring to those who travel in a very hasty and intensive way). Let’s ride slowly. The main principle is to save money when we should and spend when we should. Riding the small electric scooter doesn’t cost a penny.
We followed this route ⬇️ for cycling. When we reached some beautiful places, we stopped the scooter to take pictures. But we didn’t see any so – called Internet – famous swings at all. The river water was so high that the roads leading to the Internet – famous swings were flooded. It was impossible to get through at all.
We rode, stopped, took pictures and had fun along the way. But perhaps because of the season and the weather, it felt very ordinary inside. Then we went to check in at Yichi Paddy Field Coffee ☕. This place is okay. There are also a lot of people checking in, and it’s very photogenic for taking pictures 📷.
⬇️This is a panorama picture taken from the entrance.
After taking pictures, we went in and had coffee ☕. By this time, it was already noon, and we still needed a cup of coffee to refresh ourselves
After finishing here, we cycled back according to the route. On the way, we passed by the Impression · Liu Sanjie Scenic and Historic Interest Area.
Because there was not enough time, we didn’t go to see it. We just took a photo and then headed for the hotel. The time was just enough.
We were about to return. When we went back to the hotel to pick up our luggage, the hotel 🏨 also gave each of us a towel and asked us to take some water to drink on the way. I have to say it was really thoughtful. ❤️
We took a taxi back to Yangshuo Station to take the high – speed rail to Guilin West Station and then back to Guiyang. Don’t ask me why we had to go around like this. This is the result of not making a travel plan. It’s self – inflicted. It took a long time to take a Didi from the hotel to Yangshuo Station, almost more than 40 minutes. For me who gets carsick easily, it was really terrible. I was extremely dizzy all the way to the high – speed rail station by Didi. Then I took the high – speed rail back to Guilin West, and then from Guilin West back to Guiyang East. Finally, I had just relieved my carsickness when the online car – hailing from Guiyang to the small county made me dizzy again 😳. Repeatedly getting dizzy, relieving, and then getting dizzy again in one day was so painful.
All in all, during this trip, although there was a heavy rainstorm, we didn’t get to take the expected bamboo raft and missed two check – in places. However, the hotel service we experienced during this period and some small lucky things on the journey have made us forget the disappointment of not being able to take the bamboo raft. And we also got some beautiful pictures. Looking at these pictures again, we still think this trip was worthwhile….
Finally, the high – speed rail version of the two – day – and – one – night Yangshuo travel guide 🚄 is here.
A step – by – step two – day – and – one – night Yangshuo travel guide for high – speed rail travelers. Because it is very detailed, covering food, accommodation, and transportation, you don’t need to worry about making a travel plan after reading it. There is also a cost breakdown at the end. 😯
This travel guide is suitable for sisters 👭 who arrive at Yangshuo around noon at the high – speed rail station and return in the afternoon or evening of the next day.
I will use arriving at 1:00 p.m. as a reference. First, arrive at Yangshuo Station.
On the left side of the direction when you leave the high – speed rail station 🚄, there are buses to Yangshuo and Xingping.
☝️ Go to Xingping Ancient Town first.
We go to Xingping Ancient Town first. The bus ticket is five yuan. You can also take a taxi for about 20 yuan per car.
Take a taxi to Xingping Bus Station. After arriving at Xingping Bus Station by bus, first store your luggage at the bus station. It costs 10 yuan per person.
Store luggage.
After storing the luggage, have a meal first. Since we are in Guilin, of course we should have Guilin rice noodles. There are Laojie Rice Noodles and Shanwaishan Rice Noodles at the entrance of the bus station. It is recommended to order a 2 – liang (a unit of measurement for food in China) portion for 6 yuan. The detailed way of eating Guilin rice noodles will be mentioned later.
Have Guilin rice noodles.
After having enough at the rice noodle shop, it is about 2:00 p.m.
Walk into the alley beside the bus station to stroll along the pedestrian street. There are quite a lot of local snack shops on both sides. You can also choose to have a meal here. The pedestrian street is very short. Basically, it can be walked through in about 10 minutes. After turning the corner and walking to the end, turn right and you can see the exit of the pedestrian street.
Check in at Xianggong Mountain ⛰️
After coming out of the pedestrian street, follow the sign and go to the left to Xingping Pier. Specifically, it is about 200 meters. There is a parking lot beside the pier. Walk in for dozens of meters, and there is a ferry here. It costs 5 yuan per person to take the ferry to the opposite bank.
After arriving at the opposite bank, there are quite a lot of local private car drivers.
You can charter a car to go to Xianggong Mountain ⛰️. The price can be negotiated. Generally, it is reasonable that the per – capita cost of chartering a car plus the ticket for Xianggong Mountain ⛰️ is about 100 yuan. On the way to Xianggong Mountain, you will pass a viewing platform. The scenery here is also great for taking pictures and checking in. After arriving at Xianggong Mountain, the driver will help you buy tickets. It takes about 15 minutes to climb to the top of the mountain and overlook the Guilin landscape from a high place.
After coming down the mountain, the driver will send you back to the starting pier, and we take the boat back to the ancient town. It is about 4:00 p.m. at this time.
Navigate 🧭 to the background of the 20 – yuan RMB note.
We continue to navigate to the background of the 20 – yuan RMB note for checking in. It takes about 20 minutes to walk. All the way is along the Lijiang River bank. You can take a walk and enjoy the beautiful scenery at the same time. You can take a picture with the 20 – yuan background on the bamboo raft. After arriving at the Yangshuo landmark RMB background viewing platform, it is free to take pictures by yourself here. Remember to bring cash 💰.
Pick up luggage and go to the hotel 🏨.
It is about 5:00 p.m. at this time. After that, navigate on foot to Xingping Bus Station, go back to the station to pick up your luggage, and take a bus to the Yangshuo hotel. The ticket price is 15 yuan. You can also choose to take a taxi 🚗. One car is about 70 yuan. Just directly locate the hotel. The bus arrives at Yangshuo Bus Station. After arriving here, take another taxi to the hotel.
For the hotel, as we mentioned above, the Pusu Hotel in Earth Village (Yangshuo West Street Lijiang River Store). This hotel has a convenient location and transportation, close to West Street and Guilin Impression · Liu Sanjie, and only a few kilometers away from Ten – mile Gallery, Yulong River, and bamboo rafts. After arriving at the hotel, if it is still early and you have completed the previous itinerary relatively quickly, just rest in the hotel.
Go to West Street for dinner 🍚.
In the evening, go to have dinner near West Street. Just order according to your own preference. After having enough to eat and drink, stroll around. West Street is not large, so I won’t give details.
Go back to the hotel 🏨 to rest.
After that, take a taxi back to the hotel to rest. It is recommended to get up at about 9:00 a.m. the next morning. Here, it depends on the time of your return high – speed rail on that day.
There are two ways:
1️⃣ First, if the time is relatively tight, directly choose to take a taxi to Yulong River to take a bamboo raft and then return. The whole process of transportation and playing takes about two hours. It is recommended to start from Jima Pier.
2️⃣ Second, if the time is ample, you can ride in Ten – mile Gallery ➕ take a bamboo raft in Yulong River. The whole process takes about five hours. Here, I will use the second way as a reference.
First, rent an electric scooter at the hotel.
After getting up, rent an electric scooter at the entrance of the hotel for 30 yuan. It can be without a deposit, and this electric scooter can be driven until 11:00 p.m., which is very suitable for self – driving friends. I must give a thumbs – up to the boss. You can ride all day during the day, and you can also return the scooter after strolling around West Street at night, saving the transportation cost for a day.
One – stop navigation 🧭.
After renting the electric scooter, open Baidu Maps and ride to Ritouhuo South Station Store to have breakfast first. This store is just on the way to ride, and it is also the store we went to. It is recommended that everyone order the 2 – liang 6 – yuan marinated vegetable powder in the price list. I like to eat rice noodles. Locals also call it sliced noodles. For the ingredients, it is recommended to add some scallions, sour bamboo shoots, peppers, and a small amount of soup, mainly dry – mixed.
Finally, stir the ingredients and the rice noodles evenly and then you can start eating. After having enough, it is about 10:00 a.m. at this time.
The last stop: Impression · Liu Sanjie in Guilin
Finally, follow the navigation to the destination, the Impression · Liu Sanjie Scenic Area in Guilin. If you stay at the coffee shop for about half an hour before, it will be about 2:00 p.m. when you arrive here. After that, you can directly navigate back to the hotel or have lunch 🥣. Here, you can make a free choice or just choose any restaurant you like during the cycling.
Return to the hotel 🏨
It will be about 2:30 p.m. when you return to the hotel. Since the time has already exceeded the check – out time, you can check out in advance before finishing the morning tour, store your luggage at the front desk first, and then return the electric scooter. You can choose to take a taxi to the high – speed rail special – line passenger station, and then take a bus to the high – speed rail station. The bus ticket price is 20 yuan, and the journey takes about one hour. You can also take a taxi directly from the hotel to the high – speed rail station, and the whole journey takes about 45 minutes.
Finally,
Well, this travelogue comes to an end here. It has been several days since I came back to work. It took me a long time to finish writing a travelogue 😩. I feel so busy and tired every day 💤, so it took me several days to write it out. I hope it can be helpful to sisters. Also, thank you all for reading. Wish everyone a happy journey 😁.
I’m also looking forward to my next departure 😚.
