Guilin: 1-Day Iconic Landmarks & Cultural Tour｜China

Morning: Elephant Trunk Hill and Solitary Beauty Peak

Your day begins with a visit to Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin’s most iconic landmark. This natural wonder resembles an elephant drinking from the Lijiang River and is steeped in local legend. Take memorable photos, listen to the story of how an elephant transformed into a hill, and explore the hidden secrets within the “belly” of this geological marvel. Next, head to Reed Flute Cave on Guilin’s northwest outskirts. With over 1,200 years of history, it is a top Chinese karst cave. It’s named for outside reeds once used for flutes.
Inside, colorful lights highlight stalactites, stalagmites and stone curtains—shaped by millions of years of water erosion. The 240m-long cave (max 18m high) feels like a natural art gallery, offering an unforgettable underground experience of Guilin’s beauty.

Midday: Daxu Ancient Town Exploration

Afterward, take a 1-hour drive to Daxu Ancient Town, located on the east bank of the Li River, 23 kilometers southeast of Guilin City. This town boasts over 1,000 years of history, dating back to the early Northern Song Dynasty. Once the leader of four renowned ancient towns in Guangxi Province, Daxu is home to highlights such as the Gaozu Temple, the Hanhuang Temple (built during the Qing Dynasty), assembly halls, and a two-kilometer-long bluestone street lined with well-preserved buildings. Don’t miss the Longevity Bridge, a Ming Dynasty-era stone arch admired for its natural and simplistic beauty. With the Li River to its west, this town offers an excellent opportunity to appreciate the river’s timeless charm.

Evening: Cormorant Fishing Performance and Return to Guilin

Conclude your day with a visit to Xingping Town to witness the captivating cormorant fishing performance, a popular nighttime activity in Yangshuo. Cormorants, fascinating birds trained to dive underwater and catch fish, are part of a traditional fishing method that has existed for over 1,000 years in Yangshuo. Watch as fishermen skillfully guide these birds to preserve a practice that blends nature and human ingenuity. After the performance, your driver will transfer you back to Guilin, bringing your memorable day of exploration and discovery to a close.