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Cormorant fisherman at sunrise, Li River, China
Home Destinations North and Central Asia China Guilin and The Li River

Guilin and The Li River

Offering plenty for those who are seeking some of Chinas natural beauty with stunning panoramic landscapes and interesting cultural tribal groups.

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Guilin is located in Southern China and makes a lovely inclusion to any China holiday.

As well as a vibrant night market and lakes that are prettily lit at night, Guilin’s charm lies in its magical scenery which has inspired poets and artists for thousands of years.

Sunset overlooking the Li River near Guilin, China
China

The Li River

It is now an area known for its green hills, clear waters, unusual rock formations and caves. Sheer limestone peaks covered in lush vegetation dominate the area, rising up from flat plains and lining the banks of the Li River.

The Li River meanders between the town of Guilin and the smaller market town of Yangshuo and a lovely way to view the landscape is to board a cruise between the two. The journey takes just over 3 hours and as well as the spectacular scenery offers a chance to see some of the local life as you pass small riverside villages, Water wheels irrigating the fields and local men fishing with cormorants from bamboo rafts. Yangshuo itself is a lovely place to spend a few days, with a laid back feel and market stalls, bars and restaurants lining the cobbled streets plus the opportunity to explore the surrounding countryside on foot or by bicycle.

Yaoshan Mountain, Guilin, China hillside rice terraces landscape
China

Rice Terraces

Nearby are 800-year-old rice terraces still farmed by the Zhuang tribe, who wear traditional costumes and live in their traditional houses. Another local tribe who inhabit the area are the Yao, or Long Hair, people, whose women grow their hair to the ground and can be seen combing it out by the mountain streams.

Experiences

Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.

Rice Terraces, China
 

Longsheng Rice Terrraces

Visit the 800 year old Longsheng rice terraces and some of the minority tribes who inhabit the area.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Rice terraces
 

Li River Cycling

Cycle through rural countryside, paddy fields and local villages surrounded by the limestone peaks of the Li River, stopping for a picnic enroute.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Yulong River, Guilin, China
 

Li River Rafting

Cruise the Li River by bamboo raft, as the traditional cormorant fishermen do.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Weaving traditional chinese silk arts and crafts
 

Markets of Guilin

Shop for traditional arts and crafts at the local markets around Guilin and Yangshuo.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Banyan Tree Yangshuo, View towards karst peaks, Yangshuo, China
 

Stay at The Banyan Tree Yangshuo

On the banks of the Li River amidst spectacular karst scenery, stay at the Banyan Tree Yangshuo.

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View all holiday ideas View all group tours

Need Holiday Inspiration?
Browse our China holiday ideas.

Our China experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.

Group tour
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View Holiday Idea
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Departing 7th September 2026
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View Group Tour
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Departing 1st June 2026
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View Group Tour
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Roof, Hanging Monastery, Datong, China
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Luxury Hosted Holiday to China
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Lines of terracotta warriors stood in tomb trenches.
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Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Li-An Lodge £££££

  • China
  • Boutique

Perched high on a mountain with panoramic views across the tumbling rice terraces below, Li-An Lodge is an entirely wooden structure. Built using time-honoured building techniques of tongue and groove with no nails, this charming hotel has 16 traditional style rooms, making the most of the breath-taking views.

View Property

Banyan Tree Yangshuo £££££

  • China

Located alongside the Li River with a spectacular backdrop of mountains and karst limestone peaks, Banyan Tree Yangshuo is built in a local style to sympathetically blend in with the remarkable surroundings. The 142 suites and villas offer views of the central pagoda lake, the river or the mountains and some have a private balcony or terrace. The outdoor swimming pool occupies a superb location overlooking the Li River and the choice of restaurants serve a wonderful array of regional specialities.

View Property


More luxury accommodation

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Paul Craven in Samarkand, Uzbekistan
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Paul Craven

Paul is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Central Asia and the Silk Route.

I first travelled to Vietnam in 1988, when tourism was barely a concept, and have been visiting Central Asia since it was still behind the Iron Curtain. Such first-hand experience makes all the difference when talking to clients. I know the importance of asking questions, not taking the first answer as gospel, and matching the right destination to the right person.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980
Clare Diving in Indonesia
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Clare Wiggins

My love for Asia began with living there. Based in Vietnam and then Malaysia, I also explored the surrounding regions before eventually finding my way back home via China and the Trans-Siberian railway. At Steppes Travel, I get to share that love for Asia every day, helping clients experience the places I know best as if they were locals themselves.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

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