Guilin

Guilin Overview

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Guilin, located in Guangxi Province, is one of China’s most famous tourist destinations known for its stunning karst landscapes and scenic beauty. If you’re planning a trip to Yunnan, a province that offers dramatic landscapes, rich culture, and diverse ethnic groups, this guide will help you plan your journey from Guilin to Yunnan.

Best Time to Visit Yunnan

• Spring (March to May): Ideal for outdoor activities with mild temperatures and vibrant nature.

• Autumn (September to November): A great time for sightseeing with clear skies and comfortable weather.

Yunnan is known for its pleasant climate year-round, with spring and autumn being the most comfortable seasons.

Guilin to Yunnan Transportation

By Air

• Flights: The fastest way to travel from Guilin to Yunnan is by air. Several direct flights are available from Guilin Liangjiang International Airport to major cities in Yunnan.

  • Guilin to Kunming: Flight duration is around 1.5 to 2 hours.

  • Guilin to Lijiang: Flights with one stop may take approximately 4.5 to 5 hours.

  • Guilin to Shangri-La: Flights typically involve a stopover, taking around 5 hours.

  • Guilin to Dali: Flights with a layover will take about 4.5 to 5 hours.

• Booking: You can book flights to Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and other destinations through online travel platforms or directly at the airport.

By High-Speed Train

• Guilin to Kunming: The high-speed train journey takes about 7-8 hours from Guilin Railway Station to Kunming South Railway Station.

• Guilin to Dali: You will need to transfer at Kunming, and the total journey time will be approximately 10-12 hours.

• Guilin to Lijiang: Similar to Dali, you will need to transfer at Kunming for a journey of about 12-14 hours.

By Normal Train

• Guilin to Kunming: The journey by regular train takes about 12-14 hours.

• Guilin to Dali: It may take about 18-20 hours, with a transfer in Kunming.

• Guilin to Lijiang: Regular trains will take around 20-22 hours, also requiring a transfer.

By Road

• Buses: Long-distance buses are available from Guilin to Yunnan cities, but the journey time is typically 18-24 hours depending on the destination.

• Self-Drive: A road trip from Guilin to Kunming or other Yunnan cities will take over 20 hours, depending on your route.

Top Yunnan Destinations & Suggested Tours from Guilin

Kunming

• Stone Forest: Famous for its unique limestone formations.

• Dianchi Lake: A picturesque lake surrounded by mountain views.

• Western Hills: A scenic area with hiking trails and panoramic views.

Dali

• Erhai Lake: A beautiful freshwater lake perfect for boat rides and cycling.

• Cangshan Mountain: A popular hiking spot offering views of the surrounding region.

• Dali Ancient Town: Explore Bai culture in this charming old town.

Lijiang

• Lijiang Old Town: A UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its traditional Naxi architecture.

• Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: An iconic snow-capped peak offering activities like cable car rides.

• Tiger Leaping Gorge: A stunning gorge with excellent trekking opportunities.

Shangri-La

• Songzanlin Monastery: A large Tibetan Buddhist monastery.

• Pudacuo National Park: A pristine national park known for its lakes, forests, and wildlife.

• Napa Lake: A beautiful high-altitude lake surrounded by mountains.

Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces

• Why Visit: The terraced rice fields, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offer breathtaking views and a deep dive into the Hani people’s agricultural culture.

Xishuangbanna

• Wild Elephant Valley: See Asian elephants in the wild.

• Jinghong: Visit the tropical rainforest and experience Dai culture.

• Tropical Botanical Garden: Explore the rich flora of this tropical region.

Suggested Itineraries from Guilin

Guilin to Kunming Tour (4 Days)

• Day 1: Arrive in Kunming, explore Stone Forest and Green Lake.

• Day 2: Visit Dianchi Lake and Western Hills.

• Day 3: Discover Yunnan Provincial Museum and local markets.

• Day 4: Return to Guilin or continue your journey.

Guilin to Dali & Lijiang Tour (6 Days)

• Day 1: Arrive in Dali, visit Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain.

• Day 2: Explore Dali Ancient Town and learn about the Bai culture.

• Day 3: Travel to Lijiang, visit Lijiang Old Town and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

• Day 4: Hike Tiger Leaping Gorge.

• Day 5-6: Visit Shangri-La, explore Songzanlin Monastery and Pudacuo National Park.

• Day 7: Return to Guilin.

Guilin to Shangri-La & Yuanyang (7 Days)

• Day 1-2: Arrive in Shangri-La, visit Songzanlin Monastery and Pudacuo National Park.

• Day 3-4: Explore the Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces.

• Day 5: Visit Tiger Leaping Gorge.

• Day 6-7: Travel to Jinghong in Xishuangbanna, explore the tropical rainforest.

• Day 8: Return to Guilin.

Sample Tour Packages from Guilin

Guilin to Kunming Tour (4 Days)

• Includes: Visit Stone Forest, Dianchi Lake, and Western Hills.

Guilin to Dali & Lijiang Tour (6 Days)

• Includes: Explore Erhai Lake, Cangshan Mountain, Lijiang Old Town, and Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Guilin to Shangri-La Tour (7 Days)

• Includes: Songzanlin Monastery, Pudacuo National Park, and the Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces.

Travel Tips for Your Yunnan Trip

Accommodation

• Booking: It’s recommended to book your hotels in advance, especially in popular cities like Lijiang, Dali, and Kunming. You’ll find a variety of accommodations, from guesthouses to boutique hotels and luxury resorts.

Cuisine

• Yunnan Cuisine: Be sure to try crossing-the-bridge noodles, wild mushroom hotpot, and steam-pot chicken.

Cultural Etiquette

• Respect Local Traditions: Yunnan is home to many ethnic minorities, including the Naxi, Tibetan, and Bai people. Be respectful when visiting their villages and cultural sites.

Altitude

• Some areas, like Shangri-La and Lijiang, are located at high altitudes. Allow your body time to acclimatize, stay hydrated, and rest if you feel any altitude sickness.

Traveling from Guilin to Yunnan is a memorable journey filled with a variety of landscapes, cultures, and adventures. With many transport options like flights, trains, and buses, you can easily explore the rich diversity that Yunnan has to offer. Whether you’re visiting Kunming, Lijiang, or Shangri-La, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience. Use this guide to help you plan your perfect Yunnan getaway!