Quick answer: Three days in Guilin and Yangshuo works best as: Day 1 Guilin + Li River cruise to Yangshuo, Day 2 Yangshuo (bike or scooter around Yulong River), Day 3 morning hike or Longji option, then return. This is the classic first-timer route that fits the scenery without rushing.
Last reviewed: August 2026. Ferry and cruise schedules, ticket prices and opening hours change; confirm current details before your trip.
Guilin and Yangshuo in 3 days: the route at a glance
| Day | Base | Main plan | Sleep |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Guilin | Arrive (train or flight), riverside walk, evening at Zhengyang Pedestrian Street or two rivers and four lakes | Guilin |
| 2 | Yangshuo | Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo (about 4-5 hours), settle in, West Street dinner | Yangshuo |
| 3 | Yangshuo | Yulong River bamboo raft or bike ride, Xingping town or Longji morning option, return | Yangshuo or onward |
This order matters: the Li River cruise is one-way from Guilin to Yangshuo, so doing it on Day 2 avoids backtracking. Day 3 is flexible — add Longji Rice Terraces only if you are comfortable with a long day trip, otherwise stay around Yangshuo.
Day 1: Guilin first, not the cruise first
Arriving in Guilin gives you a buffer day. Land, check in near the river, and keep the evening light. The two rivers and four lakes night walk is pleasant but optional. The real reason for this day is to position you for the Li River cruise the next morning, when the water and light are at their best.
Use the time to sort out payment and data (read our eSIM guide and Alipay guide), and to book the next day’s cruise in advance if you can.
Day 2: the Li River cruise to Yangshuo
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The Li River cruise is the scenic highlight: karst peaks, bamboo groves and the river bends that appear on the RMB 20 note near Xingping. Book the standard cruise in advance during peak season. It takes most of the day, so plan a light Yangshuo evening after you arrive. You can compare Li River cruise tickets on Klook and book in advance for peak season.
Yangshuo itself is walkable. West Street is busy and touristy; the Yangshuo guide has quieter alternatives for food and evening walks.
Day 3: Yulong River, bikes, or the Longji option
The classic Day 3 is a Yulong River bamboo raft or a bike/scooter loop through the countryside. Both are easy, scenic and cheap. If you want bigger scenery, the Longji Rice Terraces are worth the day trip but add 3-4 hours of driving each way — skip them if you are short on time or traveling with small children.
Getting to Guilin: train, flight and connections
Guilin connects well with the rest of a China route: high-speed rail from Guangzhou (about 3 hours) and from Changsha, plus direct flights from major cities. From Shanghai or Beijing, fly. Add Guilin as a 3-day detour between Guangzhou/Shenzhen and your next stop.
Guilin Yangshuo 3-day trip FAQ
Is 3 days enough for Guilin and Yangshuo?
Yes, for the classic route: Guilin city, the Li River cruise and Yangshuo. Add a fourth day only if you want Longji Rice Terraces or a full day of countryside biking without rushing.
Which is better, Guilin or Yangshuo?
Yangshuo has the scenery and the relaxed countryside vibe; Guilin is the transport hub with the better dining and access to the cruise. Do both — the route above links them naturally.
How long is the Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo?
About 4-5 hours by boat. It is one-way, so it doubles as your transport between the two bases on Day 2.
Can I add Longji Rice Terraces to a 3-day Guilin trip?
Only as a long day trip, and it works best if you start early. For a relaxed 3 days, keep Longji for a future trip or an extra day.
Related guides
- Li River Guilin Guide
- Yangshuo Travel Guide
- Longji Rice Terraces Guide
- Guilin Rice Noodles Guide
- 15-Day China Itinerary
- 30-Day China Itinerary
Affiliate note: if you use the Klook links on this guide, we may receive a commission without increasing your price.