Guilin karst mountains and river scenery

Free Overview Guide

South China Karst Nature Travel Guide

Guilin · Yangshuo · Longji · Libo · Huangguoshu · Guiyang | 14 Days / 13 Nights

A clear, first-time-friendly nature route connecting classic South China karst landscapes, river scenery, rice terraces, emerald waters and waterfalls.

View route preview Planning tips

Overview

Trip at a Glance

This free version gives the route structure and main planning logic. It keeps timing, hotels, restaurants and ticket choices broad so travelers can first judge whether the route fits their style.

Duration

14 days / 13 nights

Transport

Cruise, scenic shuttles, taxi, train and private car

Best for

First-time China visitors, nature photographers, couples and families

Route style

Karst mountains + rivers + terraces + waterfalls

Route Highlights

Nature moments along the route

Guilin’s Iconic Karst Mountains and Rivers

Peaceful Bamboo Rafting on the Yulong River

Panoramic Longji Rice Terraces

Emerald Waters of Libo Xiaoqikong and Daqikong

The Majestic Huangguoshu Waterfall

A Green Nature Escape at Qianling Mountain Park

Overall Itinerary

14-day route structure

Day 1–2

Arrive in Guilin → easy city nature sights

Recommended area: Guilin city center / Two Rivers and Four Lakes area

Food / transfer style: Guilin rice noodles, Guangxi dishes · airport/rail taxi + city taxi

Day 3–5

Li River Cruise → Yangshuo → Yulong River and flexible nature day

Recommended area: Yulong River area or outer West Street

Food / transfer style: Beer fish, countryside meals · cruise + local taxi/e-bike

Day 6–7

Yangshuo → Longji Rice Terraces

Recommended area: Ping’an Village or Dazhai / Jinkeng

Food / transfer style: Guesthouse meals, bamboo rice · mountain-road transfer, light luggage

Day 8–10

Longji → Libo → Xiaoqikong / Daqikong

Recommended area: Libo County or near Xiaoqikong gate

Food / transfer style: Sour soup fish, bean hotpot · long transfer + scenic shuttle

Day 11–12

Libo → Huangguoshu / Anshun waterfall area

Recommended area: Huangguoshu scenic area or downtown Anshun

Food / transfer style: Buyi dishes, Guizhou cuisine · early entry recommended

Day 13–14

Longgong / easy Anshun rest → Guiyang departure

Recommended area: Guiyang downtown, North Station or airport area

Food / transfer style: Beef noodles, sour soup fish · final buffer, avoid distant sights on departure day

Free-version planning rule: use this as a route preview. Reconfirm exact trains, scenic tickets, hotel passport check-in and transfer prices before making final bookings.

Travel Tips

Before you start

Keep these points in mind before you start the route.

Payment

Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before arrival and carry a small amount of RMB as backup.

Internet

Prepare an eSIM or international roaming for maps, translation, ride-hailing and mobile payment.

Long transfers

This route includes mountain roads and long scenic-area connections. Keep transfer days lighter.

Scenic tickets

Use official channels, Trip.com, Ctrip, Qunar, hotel desks or scenic counters. Reconfirm rules close to travel.

Luggage

Do not bring large suitcases uphill at Longji. Use a small overnight bag when staying in terrace villages.

Weather

Rain can affect rafting, viewpoints and visibility, but caves and waterfalls can still work as flexible options.

Find out more in the Full Guide

Upgrade from route preview to booking-ready planning.

The full guide includes time-by-time itinerary and day-by-day decision points, detailed transport choices, ticket notes and backup plans, accommodation recommendations by area and budget, food and restaurant guidance, and foreign-guest booking notes.

Route & Price Note: This is an independently produced free overview route for international visitors. Scenic tickets, opening hours, transport schedules, prices and hotel foreign-passport acceptance may change and should be reconfirmed before travel.