Best Places to Visit During Summer Vacation in July

Attraction Recommendations - **Li River Scenic Area**: Take a bamboo raft downstream to admire attractions like Nine-Horse Fresco Hill and Yellow Cloth Shoal. The Yangdi to Xingping section is the most picturesque. - **Elephant Trunk Hill Scenic Area**: The iconic landmark of Guilin, resembling an elephant drinking water by the river. - **Reed Flute Cave**: A stunning karst cave with dazzling stalactites and stalagmites, creating a fairy-tale-like atmosphere. - **East and West Alley**: A historic district from the Ming and Qing dynasties, featuring charming shops and local delicacies. - **Yangshuo West Street**: A vibrant commercial street with an exotic vibe, especially lively at night. - **Longji Rice Terraces**: Vast and beautifully contoured, offering breathtaking views in every season—a paradise for photographers. Food Recommendations - **Guilin Rice Noodles**: A traditional Guangxi snack with fragrant broth and silky-smooth rice noodles. - **Yangshuo Beer Fish**: Fresh fish braised in premium Guilin beer, tender and flavorful. - **Lipu Taro Pork Belly**: A classic Guangxi dish combining soft pork and sweet taro. - **Gongcheng Oil Tea**: A strong, slightly bitter tea brewed with ginger, garlic, and scallions, with a spicy hue. - **Li River River Snails**: Stir-fried with Guilin’s signature pickled chili and bamboo shoots, offering a tangy and spicy taste. Accommodation Tips - **Guilin City**: Stay near Elephant Trunk Hill or Two Rivers and Four Lakes for convenience. Recommended hotels: - **Lijiang Boyin Hotel** (next to Sun and Moon Pagodas, great views). - **SYYF Poetry & Distance·Elephant Hill Hotel** (rooftop pool and kids' playground). - **Yangshuo**: Choose near West Street (lively nightlife) or Yulong River (serene countryside views). - **Longji Terraces**: Opt for homestays near the terraces (e.g., Jinkeng Dazhai or Ping’an Village) for stunning scenery. Transportation Guide - **Getting There**: Guilin has an airport (Liangjiang International, ~28 km from downtown) and multiple train stations (Guilin Station is central; Guilin North has high-speed rail). - **Local Transport**: - Buses (¥2, but some attractions are far). - Taxis (¥8 starting fare) or ride-hailing apps. - Car rentals for flexibility, especially for groups.