I spent five magical days exploring Yangshuo with my family, drifting down the emerald Li River surrounded by towering karst peaks that looked like they belonged in a traditional Chinese painting. From cycling through the breathtaking Ten-Mile Gallery to watching my child's eyes light up at Silver Cave's glittering formations, this journey delivered moments I'll treasure forever. We navigated ancient water towns by bamboo raft, sampled mouthwatering local specialties, and discovered why Guilin's landscape has inspired poets for centuries. If you're looking for a family-friendly adventure that combines natural wonders with authentic cultural experiences, Yangshuo offers the perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories.
Trip Overview
When: August 2021 (Summer)
Duration: 5 days
Travelers: Family with young child
Budget: ~2,000-3,000 RMB (~$280-420 USD) for family of three
Transportation: High-speed train, taxi, electric scooter rental
Day 1: Arrival in Guilin – First Impressions
When we finally arrived at Guilin North Railway Station after a high-speed train journey, it was already past 7 PM. We were hot, tired, and dragging luggage—but the excitement of starting our adventure kept us going. After checking into our hotel and grabbing a quick dinner, I realized something amusing: traveling with a toddler means no matter where you are in the world, you're still just parenting in a different location!
The next morning, we started our day the local way—with authentic Guilin rice noodles. The steaming bowls arrived at our table, and I watched my family's faces as they took their first bites. Have you ever had Guilin rice noodles? The chewy rice noodles in savory broth, topped with crispy peanuts and pickled vegetables, were the perfect fuel for our adventures ahead.
Our first stop was Elephant Trunk Hill (Xiàngbí Shān), the iconic symbol of Guilin. Standing before this natural limestone formation that genuinely resembles an elephant drinking from the Li River, I finally understood why this landscape has captivated visitors for centuries. The 360-million-year-old rock formation has been watching over the river for eons.
🎯 Practical Info: Elephant Trunk Hill Park
Entry Fee: ¥55 (~$8 USD); children under 1.2m free Main Attractions: Water Moon Cave, Elephant Trunk Rock, Elephant Eye Rock, Puxian Pagoda, Yunfeng Temple Recommended Time: 2 hours
After exploring the park for about two hours, we grabbed lunch and returned to the hotel for our daughter's nap. Traveling with kids requires flexibility, and we've learned to build rest time into our itinerary.
At 5 PM, we headed to the famous Two Rivers and Four Lakes (Liǎng Jiāng Sì Hú). Walking along the serene waterways as the sun began to set, we spotted the stunning Sun and Moon Pagodas reflected in the emerald-green lake. The lush trees lining the shore created a scene of tranquil beauty that felt almost surreal.
We spent about an hour and a half strolling around before heading to East-West Lane (Dōngxī Xiàng) for dinner. This historic pedestrian street offered a perfect blend of traditional architecture and modern dining options.
Day 2: Li River Cruise to Yangshuo – The Journey of a Lifetime
Today was the day I'd been dreaming about—the legendary Li River (Lí Jiāng) cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo. We took a taxi to Mopanshan Wharf and boarded a three-star cruise boat. The ticket cost ¥215 per person, which included the scenic area admission and boat fare.
🎯 Practical Info: Li River Cruise
Route: Guilin (Mopanshan Wharf) → Yangshuo Duration: Approximately 4 hours Three-Star Boat: ¥215 (~$30 USD) including scenic area ticket Tip: Sit on the upper deck for the best views
As our boat glided along the crystal-clear river, I found myself mesmerized by the endless karst peaks rising dramatically from the water. Layer upon layer of misty mountains stretched into the horizon, each peak uniquely shaped by millions of years of erosion. The famous saying "Guilin's landscape is the best under heaven" suddenly made perfect sense. I stood on deck, camera in hand, barely able to capture the breathtaking scenery unfolding before us.
By midday, we arrived in Yangshuo and headed straight to lunch. We stumbled upon a fantastic local restaurant where we ordered Yangshuo's famous beer fish (píjiǔ yú), roasted goose, and stir-fried tea tree mushrooms. The beer fish—fresh river fish braised in local beer with tomatoes and peppers—was absolutely delicious. My daughter couldn't get enough of the tender, flaky fish.
After lunch and another nap for the little one, we rented an electric scooter (¥50 for the day) and set off to explore the Yulong River (Yùlóng Hé) area. Following GPS navigation along Highway 321, we rode through the Ten-Mile Gallery (Shílǐ Huàláng)—a scenic corridor flanked by thousands of uniquely-shaped karst peaks.
We passed Butterfly Spring, the famous Big Banyan Tree (Dà Róngshù), and eventually reached the Yulong River. Every turn revealed another postcard-worthy view. I kept stopping the scooter to take photos—no filter needed, every angle was naturally stunning.
After completing the Ten-Mile Gallery loop, we discovered a small road leading down to the riverside near Gongnong Bridge. Following this path became the highlight of our afternoon. We rode along the water's edge, surrounded by lush greenery and dramatic limestone formations.
The cool breeze and stunning scenery made us want to ride forever. We stopped at a small dam where the water formed shallow pools perfect for wading. My daughter splashed around, giggling with pure joy. It was one of those spontaneous moments that make travel so special.
As evening approached, we returned the scooter and walked to West Street (Xī Jiē), Yangshuo's famous pedestrian thoroughfare. The street was alive with energy—shops, restaurants, street performers, and tourists from around the world. We sampled various street foods as we wandered through the bustling crowds.
Day 3: Ruyi Peak and Silver Cave – Heights and Depths
Our third day took us to Ruyi Peak (Rúyì Fēng), a relatively new attraction located in Gaotian Town, about 20 minutes from Yangshuo. Standing at 260 RMB for adults (240 RMB online) and 130 RMB for children, the ticket seemed pricey until I realized it included the full experience: cable car round trip, Ruyi Suspension Bridge, Ruyi Cloud Top, Cloud Walkway, and a glass skywalk.
🎯 Practical Info: Ruyi Peak
Location: Gaotian Town, Yangshuo County (on Highway 321) Adult Ticket: ¥260 at gate / ¥240 online (~$35 USD) Child Ticket: ¥130 (~$18 USD) Includes: Cable car (round trip), Ruyi Suspension Bridge, Cloud Top observation deck, glass skywalk, Cloud Walkway Duration: 3-4 hours
The cable car ride alone was worth the admission. As we ascended, panoramic views of Yangshuo's karst landscape unfolded beneath us—endless peaks stretching to the horizon like a giant's chessboard. My heart raced as we stepped onto the Ruyi Suspension Bridge, swaying gently hundreds of meters above the valley floor. The glass skywalk tested my courage, but the views were absolutely worth it.
After descending from Ruyi Peak, we noticed Silver Cave (Yínzi Yán) was only a few kilometers away. The timing was perfect—what better way to cool down after a morning in the sun than exploring an underground cave with a constant temperature of 18°C?
Silver Cave is located in Maling Town, Lipu City, right along Highway 321. The local saying goes, "Visit Silver Cave, and you'll never be short of money." I certainly hoped that would prove true!
🎯 Practical Info: Silver Cave
Location: Maling Town, Lipu City, Guangxi Adult Ticket: ¥65 at gate / ¥58 online (~$8 USD) Child Ticket: ¥33 (~$5 USD) Features: Multi-level karst cave spanning 12 mountain peaks Highlights: Music Stone Screen, Jade Pool Wonderland, Snow Mountain Waterfall, Buddha's Sermon, Single Pillar Supporting Heaven, Hunyuan Pearl Umbrella Tip: Free audio guides available at entrance (return required)
Walking through Silver Cave felt like entering another world. This multi-level karst cave stretches through twelve mountain peaks and features stunning stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years. The formations truly did resemble a galaxy of silver stars cascading from the ceiling.
After the cave tour, we collected our free audio guides (careful not to lose them—they charge for replacements!) and made our way back to Yangshuo. We stayed another night near West Street for convenient dining and found a fantastic family-friendly hotel with a bathroom almost as large as the bedroom itself, complete with two separate shower areas—perfect for families!
Day 4-5: Departure Through Xingping
On our final day, we took a bus from Yangshuo to Xingping Ancient Town (Xīngpíng Gǔzhèn), a charming riverside settlement famous for being featured on the 20 RMB banknote. We explored the ancient streets and enjoyed one last view of the Li River's iconic scenery before catching the high-speed train home.
As I watched the karst mountains fade into the distance from the train window, I reflected on our five-day adventure. We had floated down ancient waterways, cycled through landscapes that seemed too beautiful to be real, explored caves millions of years in the making, and created memories that would last a lifetime.
Yangshuo isn't just a destination—it's a place that reminds you why you fell in love with travel in the first place. The combination of natural beauty, accessible adventures, and family-friendly activities makes it an ideal choice for travelers seeking authentic experiences in one of China's most stunning regions.
Quick Reference Guide
🚗 Getting There & Around
To Guilin: High-speed trains connect Guilin with major Chinese cities Guilin to Yangshuo: Li River cruise (4 hours, scenic) or bus (1.5 hours, faster) In Yangshuo: Rent electric scooters (¥40-60/day) for ultimate flexibility Taxis: Readily available but negotiate price beforehand
🏨 Where to Stay
West Street area: Central location, lots of dining options, can be noisy at night Yulong River area: Quieter, scenic, better for families seeking tranquility Budget: Guesthouses start at ¥150/night Mid-range: Hotels ¥300-600/night
🍜 Must-Try Foods
Guilin Rice Noodles (桂林米粉): Local breakfast staple Yangshuo Beer Fish (啤酒鱼): Fresh river fish in beer sauce Rice Noodle Rolls (肠粉): Perfect light meal Osmanthus Jelly (桂花糕): Sweet local dessert
💡 Pro Tips
Visit attractions early morning to avoid tour groups Bring cash—many small vendors don't accept mobile payments Download offline maps—GPS can be spotty in rural areas Pack sunscreen and hats—the sun reflects strongly off the water Allow extra time when traveling with children—flexibility is key!
📍 Address Reference (for taxi drivers)
象鼻山公园 (Elephant Trunk Hill): 滨江路1号, Guilin 磨盘山码头 (Mopanshan Wharf): 灵川县, Guilin 如意峰 (Ruyi Peak): 高田镇蒙村, Yangshuo 银子岩 (Silver Cave): 马岭镇, Lipu City 西街 (West Street):strong> 阳朔县城中心