Guilin
Misty rivers, jungle valleys, and quiet romance among karst peaks
Highlights
Glide past Guilin’s iconic karst mountains on a scenic boat ride to Yangshuo, perfect for dreamy photos together.
Cycle or stroll through rice fields, bamboo groves, and dramatic limestone cliffs in the Ten-Mile Gallery area.
Wander hand-in-hand through otherworldly limestone formations in Guilin’s most famous illuminated cave.
Enjoy a romantic lakeside walk around the Sun & Moon Pagodas as they reflect on the water after dark.
Float on a bamboo raft along a quieter, greener branch of the Li River surrounded by jungle-like scenery.
Share snacks, shop for small souvenirs, and soak in the lively yet laid-back atmosphere of Yangshuo’s old town.
Where to Stay
2 picks
Yangshuo Mountain Retreat
A boutique riverside lodge surrounded by karst peaks and dense greenery, with wooden balconies and rooms that open directly to jungle-like views over the Yulong River.
Aroma Tea House Guilin (桂林馨香茶语酒店)
A character-filled boutique hotel overlooking Rong Lake, with warm wooden interiors, greenery, and easy walking access to the lakes, pagodas, and downtown halal restaurants.
Where to Eat
5 picks
Xiaofei Halal Lanzhou Noodles (小飞兰州拉面)
Casual halal Lanzhou noodle shop with basic but clean setting; get a bowl of halal beef noodle soup, cold cucumber salad, and a simple tomato-egg noodle if you prefer something lighter. All beef and lamb are halal, and the kitchen is fully halal.
Yangshuo Aishang Muslim Restaurant (阳朔爱尚清真餐厅)
Small halal restaurant just off West Street; try the halal chicken with green peppers, stir-fried morning glory, spicy potato slices, and plain rice. All meat is halal and they do not serve pork or alcohol; confirm 'qingzhen' on arrival.
Al-Azhar Muslim Restaurant (阳朔艾资哈尔清真餐厅)
Halal Chinese and simple Middle Eastern-style dishes in a modest, leafy setting; order halal beef fried rice, vegetable stir-fries, eggplant with garlic, and lentil or vegetable soup if available. Fully halal kitchen with no pork or alcohol.
Guilin Muslim Noodles & Grill (桂林清真面馆烧烤)
Local halal eatery with some plants and open-front feeling; go for grilled halal lamb skewers, beef noodle soup, vegetable fried rice, and simple stir-fried greens. The restaurant is clearly marked as halal (清真) and uses only halal meat.
Taste of Xinjiang Halal Restaurant (新疆风味清真餐厅)
Halal Xinjiang-style restaurant with wood and greenery decor; share a big plate chicken (halal chicken stew with potatoes and noodles), lamb kebabs, naan-style bread, and a fresh salad. Fully halal meats, no pork, and staff familiar with Muslim guests.
What to Do
7 picks
Reed Flute Cave (芦笛岩)
Walk through illuminated limestone caverns with stalactites, stalagmites, and underground pools; take it slowly and pause at viewpoints for photos and quiet moments.
Rong & Shan Lakes with Sun and Moon Pagodas
Stroll around the tree-lined lakes, cross small bridges, and admire the Sun and Moon Pagodas by day; optionally take a short lake cruise or go up the pagoda for views.
Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo
Take a half-day cruise (standard or 3-star boat) along the Li River, sitting on the upper deck to watch karst peaks, bamboo-covered banks, and small villages drift by.
Yangshuo West Street & Riverfront Promenade
Wander the old stone lanes, browse small shops, grab drinks or snacks from clearly halal-friendly vendors, and walk along the Li Riverfront for sunset.
Yulong River Bamboo Rafting (Two-Person Raft)
Ride a two-person bamboo raft down the Yulong River, passing under small stone bridges and between lush, jungle-like banks and karst peaks; expect occasional small dams/rapids that are fun but not extreme.
Ten-Mile Gallery Countryside Route
Rent bicycles or an electric scooter and follow the Ten-Mile Gallery route past rice paddies, bamboo groves, and dramatic cliffs; stop at viewpoints or small paths whenever something catches your eye.
Elephant Trunk Hill (象鼻山) & Xiangshan Park
Walk through Xiangshan Park to view the famous rock arch that looks like an elephant drinking from the river, then climb gentle paths for views over the river and nearby greenery.
Good to Know
5 picks
How to Keep Everything Halal in Guilin & Yangshuo
Look for clearly marked halal (清真/qingzhen) restaurants, usually run by Hui or Uyghur Muslims, and avoid generic local places that specialize in pork or beer fish. Carry a card in Chinese stating your halal requirements and stick to venues that explicitly identify as halal; when in doubt, choose vegetable and egg dishes at trusted halal-labeled restaurants.
Simple Transit Between Guilin and Yangshuo
The easiest low-stress option is to book a Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo and have your luggage transferred, then return to Guilin by direct bus (about 1.5 hours) or private transfer arranged by your hotel. Ask your hotel to print addresses and instructions in Chinese for drivers so you don’t need mobile data.
Staying Connected Without Local Data
Before you travel, download offline maps for Guilin and Yangshuo and save your hotel, key attractions, and a few halal restaurants as favorites. Screenshots of Chinese names and addresses work well when asking for directions or showing taxi drivers where to go.
Best Times of Day for Views and Photos
For the Li and Yulong Rivers, mornings usually have softer light and atmospheric mist, while late afternoon and early evening are best around the lakes and pagodas in Guilin. Plan caves and indoor activities for midday when it’s hottest or rainiest, and carry a small microfiber towel for camera lenses in humid conditions.
Cash, Tickets, and Booking Strategy
Book only the key pieces in advance—Li River cruise, Yulong rafting slot, and first-night hotel—and leave everything else flexible. Bring enough cash in RMB for entrance fees, taxis, and small shops, and keep larger bills in a money belt or inner pocket; pay for bigger items like hotels with card where possible.
Map
Best For
Start planning your trip with this itinerary in Takeoff.
Don't have the app? Download it free on the App Store.