What is the best time to visit Guilin?
Guilin is well-renown for its Li River, caves, Karst landscape in Yangshuo and longji rice terraces in Longsheng with local minority culture. The charming of those views are not affected a lot by the seasons,which means visitors can enjoy the beauty of Guilin all year round for different charms.
Usually locals believe early spring (April and May) and early autumn (September and October) are the best time to visit when the places are at their best. These periods are also the most comfortable and recommended seasons to visit Guilin, Yangshuo and Longsheng.
If possible, avoid Summer Holiday in China (July and August) when it is very hot and very crowded. All Chinese holidays should also be avoided when planning the trip in China, e.g. May Day Holdiay (May 1 - May 3), National Day Holiday (October 1 - October 7) and Spring Festival.
What are the must-do for first-timers?
Things include city highlights like Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave and Fubo Hill; as well as taking a 4- hour Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, cycling on a Yangshuo countryside road and visiting a local family; and going to Longsheng mountainous area for Longji Terraces. 85% of visitors going to Guilin would not ignore these activities.
Why would I need the guide and car service in Guilin?
First, a guide will absolutely maximize your time in Guilin. Our guides are local people spending over 200 days per year in these places to guide foreigners. They know all the up-to-date information, and have a deep understanding of the areas.
Secondly, a car will save you time and trouble. When people talk about visiting Guilin, they are not just referring to Guilin city itself but usually include Yangshuo and Longsheng. Attractions and activities in these places are not very close. Unlike Beijing and Shanghai most people in Guilin cannot speak English. A private car with an experienced local driver will solve most of these problems.
How to get to Guilin?
Flights: Direct flights are available from most big cities in China to Guilin, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Chongqing and Xi'an. Liangjiang International Airport is about 40-minutes driving time from the city center.
There is only one flight every day between Hong Kong and Guilin, taking 90 minutes. Other major cities have many flights running every day. It takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes from Beijing to Guilin, 2 hours and 15 minutes from Shanghai, and 1 hour from Guangzhou
Trains: Direct high-speed trains between Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, Guiyang and Guilin are running every day. A train ride only takes 2 hours and 30 minutes from Guangzhou, 10 hours from Beijing, 8 hours from Shanghai and 2 hours from Guiyang. High-speed trains usually depart and arrive at Guilin North Railway Station while other trains stop at Guilin Railway Station.
Buses: Guilin is connected with most major cities in China and places near Guilin. It is not recommended to visit Guilin from other cities by bus. It takes at least 8 hours from Guangzhou to Guilin and longer from other cities.
