10:00

Elephant Trunk Hill

Set aside about 1.5–2 hours for the park and viewpoints: seen from the Li River, the rock formation resembles an elephant dipping its trunk into the water. Stroll along the paths and head to the viewpoints only if the route is accessible; to get there from the central area, consider walking or a short taxi ride, roughly 10–25 CNY. Budget an estimated entrance fee of 0–70 CNY, subject to official channels.

In the morning, the light can make the outline of the rock easier to see; bring water and shoes with a sturdy sole.

13:30

Reed Flute Cave

After a lunch break of about an hour, take a taxi to the cave: from the center or from Elephant Trunk Hill, the transfer can take around 20–35 minutes and cost roughly 20–45 CNY, depending on traffic and your starting point. Allow about 1.5–2 hours for the underground route, taking in the stalactites, stalagmites, and illuminated rock formations; admission is estimated at around 80–120 CNY. Check the official website for access details, tickets, and service availability before you leave.

Inside, the temperature can be cooler and the floor damp: a light jacket and non-slip shoes are useful.

16:30

Seven Star Park

To reach the park from the cave, allow around 25–40 minutes by taxi, with an estimated cost of 25–55 CNY. Spend 2–2.5 hours on a selective walk among paths, limestone outcrops, and green viewpoints: the park is large, so choose a route suited to the time and energy you have left. Expect an estimated entrance cost of 0–60 CNY, which may depend on the areas accessible; after the visit, plan dinner nearby or on the way back to the city center.

Don’t try to see every attraction inside: check a park map before you enter and choose a short route.

06:45

Sun and Moon Pagodas

Reach the Shanhu Lake area on foot or by taxi and spend about 40–50 minutes admiring the pagodas and their reflections on the water; in the morning you can best appreciate the exterior and the silhouette of the Sun Pagoda and the Moon Pagoda. If you want to visit the interiors, check the official website first for access, opening hours, and tickets: as a reference, expect about 35–50 CNY. Around 07:35, take a taxi to Zhujiang pier, allowing roughly 45–60 minutes for the trip and 80–120 CNY for the car.

Confirm the pier shown on your ticket: boarding for Li River cruises can take place from different ports.

09:00

Li River Cruise

Arrive at the pier early for boarding procedures and a cruise of about 4 hours to Yangshuo, following the river’s bends between karst peaks, villages, and fields. Keep your camera handy and enjoy the scenery from the outdoor decks, depending on weather conditions and the crew’s instructions. Ticket prices vary according to boat category and included services: plan on roughly 210–450 CNY; check the official website for the departure time, whether meals are included, and the actual destination.

Bring water and a waterproof layer; arrange your onward transfer from Yangshuo in advance, as the cruise ends outside central Guilin.

10:00

Xingping Ancient Town

Spend about 2–3 hours wandering the village lanes and the accessible stretch of the Li Riverbank, taking in the traditional houses, shops, and karst peaks. From Guilin, allow roughly 1–2 hours by train to Yangshuo Station plus another 15–25 minutes to Xingping; the train and local connections may cost a total of about 40–100 CNY each way, depending on the transport and availability. Access to the town streets is generally free, while snacks or drinks may add about 10–40 CNY; check for any tickets and updated information on the official channels.

To save time, book the connection from Guilin in advance and arrange the transfer from Yangshuo Station.

14:30

Laozhai Hill (20 RMB View)

After lunch in Xingping, walk to the hill access point, a short distance from the village, and allow about 1–2 hours for the climb, scenic stop, and descent: the route is steep and requires sure footing. From the top, take in the Li River bend and the karst peaks, recognizing the landscape often associated with the 20 RMB banknote. Bring water and shoes with good grip; budget around 20–60 CNY for lunch and check in advance for any access conditions or fees through official channels.

If it is raining, the ground is slippery, or visibility is low, consider skipping the climb.

09:30

West Street in Yangshuo

Reach Yangshuo from Guilin by bus or private transfer: allow about 1.5–2.5 hours, depending on the service and traffic, and check schedules and fares through official channels. Spend about two hours on West Street and the nearby alleys, taking in the traditional facades, signs, and shops; walking is free, while snacks and drinks may cost roughly 10–40 CNY. For lunch, expect about 30–80 CNY per person at an informal restaurant.

The street can be lively: leave time to get your bearings and agree on the meeting point before heading to the valley.

13:30

Cycling in the Yangshuo valley

After lunch, take a taxi or local transfer to the Gongnong Bridge area and the rural paths along the Yulong River; allow about 20–40 minutes from the center, depending on traffic and the exact destination. Rent a bicycle for about 20–60 CNY for a few hours and ride at a relaxed pace past rice fields, villages, and karst hills, allowing 2.5–3.5 hours for photo stops and the return. The route is largely outdoors: before setting off, ask the rental provider for up-to-date information on road conditions, traffic, and the return; any additional activities or entry fees vary and should be checked on the official website.

Bring water, sunscreen, and cash or a local payment method; if the ground is wet or you do not feel confident, choose a short, flat stretch.

09:00

Rafting on the Yulong River

Depart from Guilin for the arranged boarding point on the Yulong River: allow about 1.5–2 hours by car and confirm the exact departure point in advance, as raft routes vary. Set aside about 1.5–2 hours for the descent, taking in the karst hills, fields, and stone bridges along the waterway; as a reference, expect around 180–320 CNY per raft, with price and capacity to be reconfirmed with the operator. After the activity, plan a simple lunch break nearby before continuing by car to Moon Hill, about 35–50 minutes away.

Bring cash or a locally accepted payment method, protect your phone and documents from water, and check the itinerary, rates, and conditions on the official website or with the authorized operator.

13:30

Moon Hill

Reach Moon Hill by car and set aside about 1.5–2 hours for the visit: the shape of the hill is recognizable for its large natural arch opening, visible even from the surrounding area. If the trail is accessible and conditions allow, take your time climbing the steps to admire the karst formation from different angles; as a guideline, expect about 15–30 CNY for admission, to be checked before your visit. At the end, return to Guilin by car: allow about 1.5–2 hours and plan to leave no later than late afternoon.

The climb can be strenuous in heat or humidity: bring water, shoes with good grip, and check the official website for up-to-date information on access and tickets.

17:00

Impression Sanjie Liu Show

Reach the show area in Yangshuo by taxi or booked transfer; allow about 20–40 minutes from the center, depending on your starting point and traffic. Use this stop for the scenic performance on the Li River, with karst hills as a backdrop; the program and running time may vary. Expect roughly 198–688 CNY for the ticket and check schedules, availability, and prices on official channels: the time shown is a travel reference, not a confirmation of a performance.

To respect the required order, this stop is placed before Daxu; this may mean choosing a performance that fits the subsequent transfer.

21:30

Daxu Ancient Town

After the show, arrange a direct transfer to Daxu: a car with driver is the most practical option at this hour, while public transport requires checking connections and last departures. Allow about 1.5–2.5 hours of travel, to be reconfirmed based on traffic and your starting point; once there, limit your visit to a relaxed walk through the historic streets and river views, without relying on activities or services being available. Access to the town streets may be free, while transport and refreshments vary in cost; to enjoy the bridges, alleys, and shops at a leisurely pace, it is best to plan Daxu during the day in a reordered itinerary.

The evening stop depends on the actual timing of the show and the journey: check your return in advance or book an overnight stay nearby.

09:00

Longji Rice Terraces (Ping'an Village)

Leave Guilin around 06:00 by private car: the journey to the Longji area takes about 2.5–3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. From the access point, reach the village and walk the marked trails to the viewpoints, allowing about 2–2.5 hours to walk and stop to take in the terraces; also allow time for a simple lunch or snack before setting off again. For entrance and any internal transfers, budget around 80–180 CNY per person, as an indicative figure to be checked before your visit.

Ask the driver to agree in advance on the pickup point and time: the roads between the different Longji areas are winding and travel times can vary.

13:00

Dazhai Village (Jinkeng Terraces)

From Ping'an, travel to Dazhai by road with the car and, if required by local rules, with an authorized transfer from the access area: allow about 45–75 minutes, plus any waiting time. Spend about 2–2.5 hours on a walk to an accessible viewpoint, choosing the route according to the weather and your energy levels; a cable car or other services, if available and useful, may add an approximate extra cost of about 55–100 CNY. For any entry fee or shuttle, allow around 40–100 CNY per person, to be checked on official channels; leave for Guilin by late afternoon for an estimated return between 20:00 and 21:00.

Bring water and shoes with good grip; do not plan long trails if you need to return to Guilin the same evening.