Summer vacation with kids in Guilin Yangshuo: Unlock the ultimate fun family travel guide

Summer vacation is here! Want to take your kids on a joyful and unforgettable trip? Guilin Yangshuo, a hidden gem nestled in a landscape painting, is definitely the best choice for a family-friendly destination! Here, you’ll find not only the stunning scenery described in textbooks as "Guilin’s landscape is the best under heaven," but also plenty of exciting activities perfect for parents and children to enjoy together. Pack up and set off with your kids now! Itinerary Day 1: First encounter with Guilin, feel the city’s charm - Morning: Arrive in Guilin, check into the hotel, rest a bit to recharge. - Afternoon: Visit Elephant Trunk Hill, a unique peak named for its resemblance to an elephant drinking water, and a symbol of Guilin. Stroll with your kids on Love Island, admire the beautiful scenery where mountains and water meet, and don’t forget to wear Zhuang ethnic costumes to take a set of family photos full of ethnic charm, capturing these wonderful moments. - Evening: Take a night cruise on the Two Rivers and Four Lakes. Under the dazzling lights, the pavilions and towers on both banks, along with the Sun and Moon Twin Towers, create a dreamlike world. Listen to the guide tell stories about Guilin’s history and culture, experiencing the city’s unique charm. Afterward, find a nearby small restaurant to taste authentic Guilin rice noodles and start your culinary journey. Day 2: Explore nature, experience the wonder of caves - Morning: Head to Reed Flute Cave, take a small train up the mountain for an easy approach to the cave entrance. Entering Reed Flute Cave is like stepping into a magical underground palace, where various strange stalactites under colorful lighting create dazzling scenes. Listen to the guide explain the stories behind each sight, letting your kids marvel at nature’s craftsmanship. - Noon: Have lunch near the hotel, savor local specialties like Yangshuo beer fish and Lipu taro pork. - Afternoon: Visit Jingjiang Princes’ City, the residence of a Ming Dynasty prince, with a long history and simple architecture. Climb Duxiu Peak with your kids to overlook the entire Guilin city and appreciate the grandeur of the "Pillar of the Southern Sky." Inside the palace, participate in traditional cultural activities like rubbings and pitch-pot games, allowing your kids to learn about history and culture through play. - Evening: Stroll through Dongxi Alley and Zhengyang Road pedestrian street. The ancient-style streets are filled with a dazzling array of specialty shops and food stalls. Buy some small souvenirs for your kids and taste Guilin’s local snacks like osmanthus cake and water chestnut cake, soaking in the lively local atmosphere. Day 3: Li River bamboo rafting, enjoy the beauty of mountains and water - Morning: Go to the Li River and take a bamboo raft ride, the most classic activity in Yangshuo. Sitting on the bamboo raft drifting downstream, admire the spectacular peaks lining both banks and the clear flowing water, as if you are inside a landscape painting. Kids can play in the water on the raft, enjoying the cool river water. Don’t forget to chat with the raftman and listen to stories and legends about the Li River. - Noon: Have lunch in Xingping Ancient Town, try local farmhouse dishes like bamboo tube rice and native chicken stew, experiencing authentic rural flavors. - Afternoon: Explore Xingping Ancient Town, which preserves many old buildings and traditional handicraft shops. Take your kids into these shops to learn about local culture and handicraft making, and even make some small crafts by hand to create lasting memories. Then, visit the photo spot featured on the 20 RMB banknote background, letting your kids experience the fascinating blend of textbook and reality. - Evening: Return to Yangshuo County and check into a charming guesthouse with a beautiful environment. At night, you can watch the stars in the guesthouse courtyard with your kids, sharing the joy and gains of the day. Day 4: Yulong River cycling, enjoy family time - Morning: Rent a small electric scooter and ride with your kids along the Ten-Mile Gallery. The scenery along the way is breathtaking, with green mountains, clear waters, and pastoral landscapes. You can stop anytime to walk into the fields and feel close to nature; you can also visit some attractions like the Big Banyan Tree and Moon Hill to learn their stories. - Noon: Have lunch at a farmhouse near Yulong River, tasting local specialties like stuffed snails and Yangshuo’s eighteen stuffed dishes. - Afternoon: Experience bamboo rafting on the Yulong River. Unlike the Li River, Yulong River rafting is quieter and more leisurely, allowing you to feel the charm of the landscape up close. Kids can have water fights on the raft and enjoy playing in the water. After rafting, play on the riverside beach, build sandcastles, and collect stones, spending a joyful family time. - Evening: Watch the Impression Liu Sanjie show, a large-scale live performance set against the backdrop of the Li River landscape. Through lighting, music, dance, and other art forms, it showcases the culture and life of the Zhuang ethnic group, bringing your kids a feast for the eyes and ears. After the show, stroll through West Street in Yangshuo and experience the lively nightlife. Day 5: Relaxed return, leave beautiful memories - Morning: Sleep in, enjoy breakfast, pack up, and check out. If time allows, stroll around the county town to buy some local specialties like Guilin chili sauce and luohan fruit. - Afternoon: Head to the airport or train station according to your return flight or train schedule, ending your pleasant Guilin Yangshuo family trip. Helpful Tips - Travel preparation: Check the weather forecast in advance and prepare suitable summer clothes, sun protection (sunscreen, sun hats, sunglasses, etc.), and mosquito repellents (mosquito bracelets, floral water, etc.). When traveling with kids, also bring common medicines like fever reducers, cold medicine, and stomach medicine just in case. - Transportation guide: After arriving in Guilin, you can take a taxi, bus, or rent a car to Yangshuo. Renting a small electric scooter in Yangshuo is the most convenient way to get around, allowing you to freely enjoy the scenery and stop anytime. But remember to wear helmets and follow traffic rules. - Accommodation recommendations: In Guilin, choose hotels in the city center or near the Li River for convenient travel; in Yangshuo, it’s recommended to stay near the Yulong River scenic area or West Street in guesthouses with beautiful environments and rich atmosphere. Check other travelers’ reviews when booking to choose accommodations with good value and service. - Food recommendations: Besides the mentioned beer fish and Guilin rice noodles, try Yangshuo sticky rice cakes, stuffed snails, eighteen stuffed dishes, Lipu taro pork, and Gongcheng oil tea. Sample more local snacks and specialties to let your taste buds travel too. - Ticket booking: For popular attractions like Reed Flute Cave and the Impression Liu Sanjie show, it’s recommended to book tickets online in advance to avoid waiting in line and save time. - Safety issues: For water activities, always make sure kids wear life jackets and follow staff instructions. When riding electric scooters, pay attention to safety, control speed, and don’t let kids sit in front to avoid accidents. This summer vacation, bring your kids to Guilin Yangshuo and start a joyful and surprising family trip! Amid the mountains and waters, create unforgettable memories with your children, let them gain knowledge and happiness through travel. What are you waiting for?