Forget Guilin! This place is way more amazing

Guilin, renowned as having "the most beautiful scenery under heaven," offers a 2025 travel guide blending classic attractions with fresh experiences. Here's a carefully curated Guilin travel guide covering must-visit spots, food, accommodations, and practical tips: --- **Must-Visit Attractions** 1. **Li River Bamboo Rafting (Yangdi to Xingping Section)** - Highlights: Nine Horses Fresco Hill, Yellow Cloth Shoal (featured on the 20 RMB note). - Upgrade: Opt for a "Li River Afternoon Tea" raft (80 RMB/person) with tea and folk songs. - Best time: Early morning or dusk for soft lighting and photography. 2. **Longji Rice Terraces** - Best seasons: May–June (mirror-like flooded terraces) or September–October (golden harvest). - Tips: Take the cable car in Dazhai (100 RMB round-trip) or hike to "Nine Dragons and Five Tigers" viewpoint in Ping’an Village. 3. **Yangshuo West Street** - Nightlife hub: Bars, handicraft shops, and beer fish (try "Master Chef Award-Winning Beer Fish"). - Hidden gem: Explore artsy cafés along the Yulong River, away from the main street. 4. **Elephant Trunk Hill** - Iconic landmark: Climb to Elephant Eye Rock for a Li River view by day; free light show at night (7:30–10:00 PM). 5. **Yulong River Bamboo Rafting** - Top route: Jinlong Bridge to Jiuxian (255 RMB/raft for 2 people) for serene countryside views. --- **Food Guide** 1. **Guilin Rice Noodles** - Must-try: Luosifen (Chongshan Noodles), horse meat noodles (Minggui Noodles). - Local tip: Order "Er Liang Luosifen" to avoid tourist pricing. 2. **Yangshuo Beer Fish** - Top picks: Sister Xie Beer Fish (Xingping), Master Chef Award-Winning (West Street), 70–100 RMB/person. 3. **Longji Bamboo Tube Rice** - Terraces specialty: Glutinous rice with cured pork, charcoal-roasted in bamboo, paired with oil tea. 4. **Gongcheng Oil Tea** - Intangible heritage: Bitter-sweet tea served with fried rice and boat cakes. --- **Accommodation Picks** 1. **Yangshuo** - Luxury: Huashan Yunshe (Yulong Riverside, from 500 RMB/night). - Budget: West Street guesthouses (from 300 RMB/night). 2. **Longji Terraces** - Scenic stays: "Panorama Hotel" in Dazhai (from 400 RMB/night, facing terraces). 3. **Guilin City** - Two Rivers & Four Lakes area: Shangri-La Hotel (luxury) or Dongxi Alley guesthouses (from 200 RMB/night). --- **Practical Tips** 1. **Transport** - High-speed rail: 3 hours from Guangzhou/Shenzhen to Guilin. - Local: Rent e-bikes in Yangshuo (30 RMB/day) or charter cars to Longji (200 RMB/day). 2. **Avoid Scams** - Book Li River rafts at official docks (e.g., Xingping Chaobanshan); skip suspiciously cheap tours. - Buy souvenirs like monk fruit or osmanthus cakes at supermarkets, not scenic spots. 3. **Best Seasons** - Spring (March–May for misty rivers) and autumn (September–November); avoid July–August heat. --- **Sample Itineraries** - **3-Day Highlights** Day 1: Elephant Trunk Hill → Two Rivers & Four Lakes night cruise. Day 2: Li River rafting → Xingping Ancient Town → Yangshuo West Street. Day 3: Yulong River rafting → Silver Cave. - **5-Day Deep Dive** Add Longji Terraces, *Impression Liu Sanjie* show, and Mao’er Mountain hiking. --- This 2025 guide combines the latest trends and local secrets for a seamless Guilin trip! For details, check the source link.