Guilin: A Gentle Encounter with Landscapes and Time

## Guilin Guide: A Poetic Sojourn Amidst Mountains and Ancient Towns **1. Scenic Spots:** * **Li River:** Take a bamboo raft cruise to admire the picturesque landscapes on both banks, experiencing the poetic feeling of "floating on emerald waves, as if traveling through a painting." The Yangdi to Xingping section is highly recommended for its stunning views. * **Yangshuo West Street:** A bustling pedestrian street brimming with exotic charm, especially enchanting when lit up at night. * **Longji Rice Terraces:** Vast terraced fields cascade down the mountains, creating a magnificent sight that changes with the seasons. The golden hues of autumn are particularly breathtaking. * **Elephant Trunk Hill:** The symbol of Guilin, resembling a giant elephant drinking water—a must-visit spot for photos. * **Jingjiang Prince City:** A well-preserved Ming Dynasty princely residence, offering a glimpse into history’s grandeur and vicissitudes. **2. Food Recommendations:** * **Guilin Rice Noodles:** A must-try local dish featuring smooth noodles, rich broth, and generous toppings. Recommended spots: Lao Dongjiang Rice Noodles, Chongshan Rice Noodles. * **Beer Fish:** A Yangshuo specialty with tender fish, aromatic beer, and a flavorful sauce. Recommended spots: Sister Xie’s Beer Fish, Master Chef Beer Fish. * **Lipu Taro with Braised Pork:** Sweet and soft taro paired with melt-in-your-mouth braised pork. Recommended spots: Agan Restaurant, Chunji Roast Goose. * **Oil Tea:** A unique Guilin beverage made by pounding tea leaves, ginger, garlic, and other ingredients. Recommended spot: Gongcheng Oil Tea Shop. * **Water Chestnut Cake:** A traditional Guilin snack—sweet, chewy, and delightful. **3. Accommodation Recommendations:** * **Guilin City:** * Guilin Youth Hostel: Budget-friendly and welcoming, ideal for backpackers. * Home Inn (Guilin Central Square Branch): Prime location, clean, and great value. * **Yangshuo:** * Yangshuo Osmanthus Alley Youth Hostel: Near West Street, affordable and cozy. * Yangshuo Paradise Hotel: Close to the Li River with beautiful views and reasonable prices. **4. Itinerary Suggestions:** * **Day 1:** Arrive in Guilin, visit Elephant Trunk Hill and Jingjiang Prince City, and enjoy Guilin rice noodles for dinner. * **Day 2:** Take a bamboo raft cruise on the Li River, head to Yangshuo in the afternoon, explore West Street, and savor beer fish. * **Day 3:** Cycle along the Yulong River to enjoy rural scenery, then return to Guilin in the afternoon. * **Day 4:** Visit the Longji Rice Terraces to experience Zhuang culture, and return to Guilin in the evening. **5. Travel Tips:** * Guilin has a humid climate; summers are hot, so stay sun-protected and hydrated. * Follow safety instructions during the Li River cruise. * Yangshuo West Street is crowded—keep an eye on your belongings. * The Longji Rice Terraces have rugged paths; wear comfortable shoes. **Experience the boundless beauty of Guilin’s landscapes on a limited budget!**