Famous for its karst mountainous, Guilin is rich in hills and rivers. Between the mountains, there are winding waterways, towns, villages, farmlands, and roads. It is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts.
Guilin's hiking trails are primarily divided into two categories: riverside walks (e.g., Li River and Yulong River) and countryside explorations (e.g., Longji Terraces).
I'm a local from Guilin, and on weekends or holidays, I often go hiking around the area with friends or family. Below are four of my favorite routes. Their main differences lie in difficulty and scenery. No matter which one you choose, you'll get a taste of how locals live their lives.
Hiking the Li River: Walking Through the Most Scenic Landscapes
Hiking the Li RiverWhile most tourists admire the Li River's beauty from cruise boats, hiking offers a more intimate experience. You could explore riverside villages and local culture up close. The most popular hiking route stretches from Yangdi to Xingping, showcasing the river's most breathtaking scenery, including the iconic "20 Yuan RMB Backdrop".
Along the way, your guide will share stories about the traditional lifestyles of Li River fishermen. You'll also have opportunities to interact with local villagers and fishermen, gaining insight into their daily lives. Here's the most classic route:
Quanjiazhou - Xingping Hike
- Distance: 12 km
- Duration: ~4 hours
- Terrain: Gravel riverbanks and countryside paths
- Difficulty: Moderate (no steep climbs)
- Best season: October-November (pleasant temps around 26°C; low water levels)
- Location: 60km from Guilin to Quanjiazhou (~1.5h by car). After hike, travel from Xingping to Yangshuo (~1h by car). Or spend a night on a small island (Lian Dao Wan / Sickle Bay) in Xingping. Here you can immerse yourself in not only the idyllic rural scenery but also the authentic fishing village culture along the Li River.
If you prefer a shorter hike, consider the Quanjiazhou to Nine Horses Fresco Hill route -only 6 km (about 2 hours). It is perfect for families with kids or those short on time. Last National Day holiday, I took my 10-year-old on this trail, and she loved it! We only needed one short break along the way.
Or, for a mix of rafting and hiking, try this combo:
Take a bamboo raft from Yangdi to Nine Horses Fresco Hill. Then hike to Xingping (~6 km, ~2 hours). This way, you enjoy both the tranquil river views and an easy countryside walk!
Longji Terraces Trek: Step into a Millennium of Farming Heritage
Longji Terraces TrekIf you want to witness one of the world's most spectacular terrace systems, the thousand-year-old Longji Terraces are must-see. The scenic area comprises three main Zhuang ethnic villages:
- Ping'an Zhuang Village (most developed, with night activities & illuminated terraces)
- Jinkeng Dazhai (largest terraces)
- Ancient Zhuang Village (smallest, best-preserved stilt houses)
As you hike, you'll encounter terraces cascading like "earth's fingerprints" or a "dragon's backbone" (the namesake of Longji). Try to discover the well-preserved Zhuang stilt-house clusters in Ancient Zhuang Village. You could also enjoy hands-on experiences like bamboo-tube rice cooking with locals. The following is a classic hiking route:
Longji Ping'an to Ancient Zhuang Village Hike
- Distance: 5km
- Duration: ~2 hours
- Trail Condition: Flagstone paths with ~30° incline
- Difficulty: Easy (approx. 10,000-20,000 steps)
- Best Time to Visit: Late Sep to mid-Oct, golden rice terraces (peak scenery & photo ops). Mid-May: Mirror-like terraces during spring ploughing (Note: Rice harvest begins late October)
- Transport: Guilin → Longji Terraces: 90km via expressway (~2h drive)
The Ping'an Village is built along the mountainside from low to high elevations. It takes about 10 minutes to walk from the parking lot to the lowest part of the village, and another 30 minutes from there to reach the village center.
The route above is best enjoyed with an overnight stay in one of Longji's villages, allowing plenty of time to experience the unique features of two villages.
If you're just visiting for a day (not staying overnight), I recommend focusing on hiking around Ping'an Village. There are two main viewpoints here: Seven Stars with the Moon and Nine Dragons and Five Tigers.
Seven Stars with the Moon is closer - a round-trip walk from the village center takes about 40 minutes. At an elevation of around 800m, you'll see seven circular terraces surrounding a crescent-shaped one, resembling stars around the moon.
The other viewpoint, Nine Dragons and Five Tigers, is farther - about 1.5 hours round-trip. It could also be reached via shuttle bus. At a higher elevation (~880m), you can enjoy panoramic views of vast terraced fields and distant mountains.
If you arrive early (before 10 AM), you can visit both viewpoints. But if you arrive around noon or later, I suggest just hiking to the closer Seven Stars with the Moon viewpoint.
For a longer challenge, try the 14km (5-hour) hike from Ping'an Village to Jinkeng Dazhai. Unlike the Zhuang ethnic culture of Ping'an, Jinkeng is a Yao minority village.
Here you'll discover unique Yao architecture, as well as the famed long-haired women of the Red Yao (a UNESCO-listed cultural heritage). This cross-cultural trek lets you experience two distinct ethnic traditions in one journey.
Xingping Osmanthus Ancient Trail Hike: Discover the Charm of Guilin's Historic Trade Route
Xingping Liandaowan hiking- Distance: 3-4km
- Duration: 1 hour
- Terrain: Flagstone path (well-preserved historic surface)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best Season: September-November (peak osmanthus bloom in October)
- Location: The Osmanthus Ancient Trail is located in Xingping, about 70 kilometers from downtown Guilin, with a 2-hour drive required. It's 30 kilometers from Yangshuo, about 1 hour by car.
As this short trail only takes about one hour to finish, it's ideal to combine with your Li River tour. We recommend connecting it with a scenic bamboo raft ride from Yangdi to Xingping. If you have extra time or plan an overnight stay in Xingping, don't miss this opportunity to walk through history.
Over 2,000 years ago, the Qin Dynasty first connected southern and northern China's waterways by Ling Canal. Guilin has served as a vital commercial hub in ancient southern China.
With this convenient water route established, overland trade roads began flourishing across the region. Among them was the Osmanthus Ancient Trail at Xingping's Sickle Bay - a surviving section of these historic merchant paths.
The trail represents one of Guilin's last well-preserved flagstone trade paths (dating back 400+ years). During ancient times, this route served as a critical link where southern goods were transported to the Li River before being shipped north via waterways. Surprisingly, this historical trail remains largely unknown to most non-local hikers.
As you traverse this ancient trail, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Li River's karst landscape. Walk around the rice terraces, quaint villages, and local orchards bursting with seasonal fruits.
The path has some hidden historical treasures. You would find remarkable architectural relics like a Buddhist nunnery nestled within a mountain cave. Follow your guide and discover the route's rich heritage by listening to the fascinating stories.
Yulong River Hiking: Immerse Yourself in Yangshuo's Serene Countryside
Yulong River HikingThe Yulong River is Yangshuo's most famous scenic area, attracting over 90% of visitors. While most opt for the popular bamboo rafting, I personally prefer hiking along its peaceful banks.
When you walk along the Yulong's banks during autumn, you would get spectacular rural views. The golden rice fields are ready for harvest. And there are plots of seasonal crops, and orchards overflowing with ripe oranges, pomelos and persimmons.
The crystal-clear waters and ancient stone bridges are perfect for photography too. These authentic rural moments simply can't be experienced from a raft. The following is a classic route:
Yulong Bridge - Jiuxian – Yangshuo Mountain Retreat Hotel Route
- Distance: Approximately 12km
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Terrain: Countryside footpaths
- Difficulty: Moderate (recommended for regular hikers or running enthusiasts)
- Best Season: October-November (golden rice fields & fruit-laden orchards along the trail)
- Location: The Yulong Bridge is located approximately 60 kilometers (about 1.5 hours by car) from Guilin downtown, and just 10 kilometers (30-minute drive) from Yangshuo.
You can also choose to hike just a small section of the Yulong River. For example, the route from Yulong Bridge to Jiuxian is about 5 kilometers and takes approximately 1.5 hours.
Alternatively, you can take the rural trail from Yulong Bridge to Jiuxian and then to Xiatangzhai, covering about 7 kilometers with a walking time of 2 hours. If you choose to stay at Yangshuo Mountain Retreat Hotel, you can also walk along the Xiatangzhai- Yangshuo Mountain Retreat Hotel trail. It is about 6 kilometers and takes around 1.5 hours.
After arriving at Yangshuo Mountain Retreat Hotel, you can enjoy an afternoon tea (including chocolates, cakes, tea, or coffee) while taking in the scenic views of the Yulong River. Alternatively, later in the evening, you can savor an elegant candlelit dinner in the hotel's garden.
Explore Guilin with China Highlights
Whether you're fascinated by the Li River's stunning landscapes or the ethnic charm of the terraced fields, China Highlights can tailor-make your perfect Guilin itinerary. With our thoughtful guides and attentive drivers throughout your journey, you'll be free to fully enjoy a relaxing vacation and the delights of hiking.
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