Guangxi – Yangshuo & Longsheng
Rolling hills along the horizon is how most people picture Guangxi.
This is Yangshuo, a stunning city perfect to explore on a bike. Not too far away
you can find Longsheng, home to the misty Longji Rice Terraces.
Itinerary Highlights
/ moon hill
If you rent a bike and scoot 10km out of Yangshuo, you’ll reach a peculiar hole in a mountain. Moon Hill is high enough to show off the surrounding scenery, get your sweat on and impressively wide when stood under.
/ yangshuo
Once you visit this city, it will be embedded in your mind forever. The architecture has been built around the cinematic-like hills that sprawl far and wide in Guanxi Province.
/ longji rice terraces
With an abundance of rain encouraging moody, misty clouds, the Longji Rice Terraces create the dreamiest of ambiances. Here you can hike for hours and see the old villages that are tucked into the layers of terraces.
/ xingping town
The Li River is a famous body of water in China, famous for the views of the engulfing hills. In Xingping, you can witness the scenery pictured on the 20rmb bank note, whilst cruising in bamboo raft or on a cruise.
Suggested Itinerary
Recommended time (4-5 days)
*NOTE: The two main areas of attractions on this itinerary spread out in
different directions from the base – Guilin, so back light for easy travelling.
Day 1
Arriving at Guilin Liangjiang International Airport, take the long-distance bus to Yangshuo (every 2 hours).
50rmb
1.5 hours
The Bus & Railway Stations have these long distance buses, too.
RECOMMENDED ACCOMODATION
11 International Youth Hostel
Leaving your things at the hostel, find a green area on the map and head there. Yangshuo has an abundance of parks, some backing onto the Li River.
For sunset, head to the TV Tower. Follow along Pantao Road (main road) until you reach Tianma Alley.
The trek up the stairs takes about 30 mins. From the top you get ideal, 360 degree views of Yangshuo below.
Head down to the Pedestrian Street for dinner and drinks. Though very commercial, food and drink options are in abundance and the ambiance is an awesome way to end the day.
Exploring the streets, you can generic trinkets, vintage market stalls and delicious street food.
Day 2
Xingping Town
You have two ways of reaching the Xingping – renting a scooter OR Taxi/Didi.
Option A:
40rmb/day + 50-100rmb deposit
1 hour
Option B:
75rmb
40 mins
You can rent scooters along the start of the Pedestrian Street. Following the Provincial Road for 28km will eventually bring you to the bamboo rafting area of the village.
Here you can buy your ticket for the raft, on which you ride along the river until you reach the famous 20rmb note view.
200-300rmb per raft
30 mins
Rafts run between 12:00-3:00pm
Head back to town the same way. Going 8km in the opposite direction from the centre, you can reach Moon Hill for an afternoon hike.
20rmb
40 min hike
If you plan on biking to the river AND to Moon Hill – you need to consider the bike’s battery as it won’t last for both journeys.
Day 3
Say farewell to Yangshuo and head to Yangshuo South Bus Station. Get the direct bus to Jinkeng Dazhai.
80rmb
~4.5 hours
(9am departure – be there earlier)
During off season, you’ll need to go via Guilin.
You’ll find yourself in the carpark. There is a cableway, but I suggest doing this hike. You can spend 4-5 hours hiking this area to the village and Golden Buddha Peak for sunset.
95rmb 2 day entry ticket
Refer to the map below
You’ll find an abundance of guesthouses in Dazhai, many with walk-in bookings. Dazhai is the less commercialised part of the terraces compared to Ping’an.
RECOMMENDED ACCOMODATION
Tian Ranju Inn
(this is an option for those who prefer booking ahead)
Bring a book with you – this is the perfect spot to drink by the stunning window views.
Day 4
If you wake up really early, you can spend half the day hiking before you get the final bus back to Guilin.
Take your things with you as you won’t have time to come back.
From the accommodation, head to the Thousand Layer Terraces. Continue on until you reach Seven Stars Around The Moon. Finally head down to Ping’an Village.
4-5 hours hiking
For more hiking suggestions, Crawford Creations has a detailed hiking guide here.
From here you can find a bus back to Guilin.
(The last bus leaves at 4pm – don’t be late or you stay another night!)
~60rmb
~3 hours
Book your next transportation to align with your arrival in Guilin OR stay the night.
In Guilin you can visit the
Sun & Moon Pagoda and Reed Flute Cave.
Weather in Shanghai
- Winter brings cool temperatures and isn’t ideal for visiting the terraces.
- Spring is short and mostly sunny.
- Summer is long, rainy and warm.
- Autumn bring landscape colours that appear golden and the weather is mild.
Transit options BEST for Guilin
- Guilin Liangjiang International Airport
- Guilin Railway Station
- Guilin North Railway Station
