Summary: Guilin is truly a paradise on earth, renowned for its unparalleled natural beauty. The Lijiang River, with its crystal - clear waters and picturesque scenery, serves as the very soul of Guilin's charm. It weaves together a tapestry of wonders, including the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill, which stands as a symbol of the city. Yangshuo West Street exudes a quaint and alluring charm, blending Eastern and Western cultures seamlessly. And the Longji Terraces present a breathtaking sight, with their magnificent and grand - scale terraced fields, showcasing the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. Each of these attractions is a masterpiece where the forces of nature and human ingenuity have come together in perfect harmony.

Day 1: Arrival and City Exploration

• Morning: Upon your arrival at Guilin Liangjiang International Airport or Guilin North Railway Station, take a pre - arranged airport/train transfer or a local taxi to your designated hotel. Check in, unpack, and take some time to freshen up after your journey.
• Mid - morning: Have a light breakfast at the hotel or a nearby café. You can try some local pastries or a simple bowl of congee to start your day.
• Afternoon: Head to Elephant Trunk Hill, one of the most famous landmarks in Guilin. This hill gets its name from its unique shape, which resembles an elephant drinking from the Lijiang River. Take a leisurely stroll around the hill, climb up to the viewing platforms to enjoy panoramic views of the river and the surrounding area. Explore the caves and rock formations within the hill, each with its own legend and story. After that, make your way to the Two Rivers and Four Lakes scenic area. This area combines the Li River, the Peach Blossom River, and four artificial lakes (Rong Lake, Shan Lake, Gui Lake, and Mulong Lake). You can choose to take a sightseeing boat to fully appreciate the beauty of the lakes and the bridges that connect them. The boat ride offers a different perspective of Guilin's cityscape, with lush greenery, ancient architecture, and modern buildings all blending together harmoniously.
• Evening: As the sun sets, find a local restaurant near your hotel or in the city center to taste the famous Guilin rice noodles. These noodles are known for their smooth texture and rich, flavorful broth, often served with various toppings such as sliced pork, peanuts, and pickled vegetables. After dinner, take a night - time walk around the hotel area or along the nearby streets to experience the local nightlife and the city's vibrant atmosphere.

Day 2: Li River Cruise and Yangshuo West Street

• Morning: Wake up early and have a hearty breakfast at the hotel. Then, make your way to the pier to board a cruise ship for a full - day journey along the Li River. The Li River cruise is one of the most popular activities in Guilin, offering a chance to see some of the most stunning landscapes in the world. As you sail downstream, you'll pass by towering karst mountains, lush green fields, and charming villages. The scenery changes constantly, with each bend in the river revealing a new and breathtaking view. Keep your camera ready to capture the iconic sights such as the Yellow Cloth Shoal and the Nine - Horse Fresco Hill.
• Afternoon: The cruise will stop at Yangshuo, a small town famous for its beautiful scenery and laid - back atmosphere. After disembarking, have lunch at a local restaurant in Yangshuo. Try some local specialties like beer fish, a dish made with fresh fish from the Li River cooked in beer and spices, giving it a unique and delicious flavor.
• Evening: Spend the evening exploring Yangshuo West Street. This street is a melting pot of cultures, with a mix of traditional Chinese architecture and Western - style shops, cafes, and bars. Stroll along the street, browse through the souvenir shops, and interact with the friendly locals and fellow travelers. You can also enjoy some live music performances at one of the bars or cafes, immersing yourself in the relaxed and exotic atmosphere of Yangshuo.

Day 3: Karst Landform Exploration and City Leisure

• Morning: Have breakfast at your accommodation in Yangshuo or a nearby café. Then, choose between visiting Yinziyan or Guanyan to delve into the mysteries of karst landforms. Yinziyan is a large - scale karst cave with magnificent stalactites and stalagmites, forming various strange and wonderful shapes. The cave is well - lit, allowing you to appreciate the natural beauty of these rock formations clearly. Guanyan, on the other hand, is known for its unique combination of a cave and a river. You can take a boat ride inside the cave, exploring the underground river and the stunning cave scenery along the way.
• Afternoon: Return to Guilin city by bus or private transfer. Once back in the city, you have the afternoon for free activities. You can visit some local markets to buy some handicrafts or souvenirs, or simply relax at a park and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. If you're interested in history and culture, you can also visit some museums in the city to learn more about Guilin's past.
• Evening: Have dinner at a restaurant of your choice in Guilin. Try other local dishes such as Lipu taro braised pork, a traditional Zhuang ethnic dish made with taro and pork, slow - cooked to perfection to create a rich and savory flavor. After dinner, you can take a short walk or call it a day and rest up for the next adventure.

Day 4: Longji Rice Terraces and Cultural Experience

• Morning: Wake up early and have breakfast. Then, set off for the Longji Rice Terraces, which are located about 2.5 hours' drive from Guilin city. As you approach the terraces, you'll be greeted by a breathtaking view of endless layers of terraced fields stretching across the mountainsides. Upon arrival, visit one of the Zhuang or Yao ethnic villages in the area. These villages are home to friendly and hospitable people who have preserved their traditional customs and way of life for generations. You can watch traditional performances, learn about their unique clothing, handicrafts, and farming techniques. Take a hike along the terraced fields, enjoying the fresh mountain air and the stunning scenery. The best time to visit the Longji Rice Terraces is during the planting or harvest seasons when the fields are either a vibrant green or a golden yellow.
• Afternoon: Continue your exploration of the terraces and the ethnic villages. Have lunch at a local restaurant in the village, where you can taste authentic ethnic cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients.
• Evening: Return to Guilin city. Once back, you can pack your luggage and get ready for your departure the next day. If you have some time, you can have a final dinner in the city to savor some more of Guilin's delicious food.

Day 5: Local Specialties Shopping and Departure

• Morning: Have a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Then, spend the morning exploring Guilin city for some last - minute shopping. You can visit local specialty stores to buy items such as Guilin chili sauce, a spicy and flavorful condiment that adds a kick to any dish, or some traditional Chinese tea. You can also visit some local markets to experience the hustle and bustle of daily life and interact with the locals.
• Mid - morning: Check out of the hotel and store your luggage if necessary. Take some time to walk around the hotel area or a nearby park, soaking in the final moments of your Guilin experience.
• Afternoon: Depending on your departure time, have lunch at a restaurant near the airport or railway station. Then, make your way to the transportation hub to catch your flight or train, bidding farewell to the beautiful city of Guilin with wonderful memories.

Recommended food:

• Guilin rice noodle: A must - try local dish with smooth noodles and a rich, savory broth, often served with a variety of toppings.
• Beer fish: Fresh fish from the Li River cooked in beer and spices, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.
• Lipu taro braised pork: A traditional Zhuang ethnic dish made with taro and pork, slow - cooked to create a rich and delicious flavor.
• Guilin chili sauce: A spicy condiment that adds a unique flavor to many dishes, perfect for those who love spicy food.

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