Guilin tours

Things to do in Guilin

In Guilin, where the Li River weaves through limestone peaks like a silk ribbon, nature paints a masterpiece that captivates the soul. The landscape here whispers stories of ancient poets and artists who found inspiration in its ethereal beauty. With your local guide, move beyond the postcard vistas on a private tour crafted just for you. Together, you'll explore hidden trails and quaint villages, where the rhythm of life flows as gently as the river itself. Embark on a walking tour through lush rice terraces, or indulge in a food and wine tour that introduces you to the flavours of Guangxi cuisine. Skip the line and immerse yourself in the genuine warmth of Guilin's people, where each encounter enriches your journey with tales of history and heart. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Guilin. Explore Guilin your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Guilin tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Guilin for every interest, including: Nature and Wildlife tours: Catch sunrise over the Longji Rice Terraces, hiking between Ping’an and Jinkeng while your guide points out tea bushes and seasonal field work. Down in the valleys, look for kingfishers along the Yulong River and follow quiet karst trails around Cuiping for wide views without the crowds. Boat tours: Charter a small boat on the Li River to float past Nine‑Horse Fresco Hill and the 20‑yuan viewpoint near Xingping, with time for photos on a gravel bank. For a slower ride, take a licensed bamboo raft on the Yulong River from Yulong Bridge to Gongnong Bridge and finish with a farmhouse lunch in a village courtyard. Off the beaten path tours: Cycle backroads through Jiuxian and Chaolong stone villages, stopping at a family workshop to see Guilin rice noodles made the old way and to taste them fresh. Or visit Fuli ancient town to try your hand at hand‑painting a paper fan with a local artisan before catching sunset at Xianggong Hill. The central area is easy to walk and local buses and taxis work well, but many top spots like the terraces and rural valleys are spread out; your guide can arrange chauffeured tours or tours with private transportation to save time. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Guilin inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Discover Guilin, China, on a private walking tour and delve into its neighborhoods with the insights of a local guide. The city's stunning landscapes and unique cultural spots make it a must-visit. - Yangshuo: Perfect for families and adventure seekers, this area is known for its breathtaking karst mountains and outdoor activities like biking and rock climbing. - Longsheng Rice Terraces: Cultural tourists will find this neighborhood fascinating. The stunning terraced fields offer a glimpse into traditional farming practices and local minority cultures. - Downtown Guilin: For those interested in food and local life, the lively downtown area features bustling night markets and street food vendors offering a taste of local flavors. Day trip ideas from Guilin From Guilin, day trips open up karst peaks, river towns, and terrace villages, and your tour can be built around hiking, cycling, or slow river time. - Yangshuo: Pedal backroads between limestone towers, float a quiet stretch of the Yulong River, and climb a short hill for big valley views; your tour can pick crowd-free lanes, set an easy pace, and pause for simple noodles or fruit stands along the way. - Longji Rice Terraces: Walk stone paths between Zhuang and Yao villages, see layered fields that change with the seasons, and learn how rice farming shaped daily life; your tour can choose shorter or longer hikes and time the visit for softer light. - Xingping: Wander old streets near the famous Li River bend, take in river life at the ferry, and hike a nearby viewpoint for a classic photo; your tour can mix a town walk with a calm boat ride and leave space for tea in a courtyard. - Daxu Ancient Town: Explore narrow lanes with wooden shopfronts and the stone Wanshou Bridge, peek into small workshops, and catch market scenes on busy days; your tour can focus on street photography, local snacks, and simple stories from the older neighbourhoods. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Guilin most travellers miss.