Guilin Weather in October – Perfect for Outdoor Activities

I've been living in Guilin for over 30 years, and October has always been my favorite month of the year here.

October falls in autumn, offering mild and pleasant weather. It is one of the best times to travel in Guilin and most parts of China. Daytime temperatures range between 25-30°C. It is warm but not hot, perfect for outdoor activities. Evenings are cooler, around 15-20°C.

Rainfall decreases noticeably in October, with average precipitation around 80-100 mm spread over just 5-7 days. Most are light showers or brief rain that won’t disrupt your plans. Skies are mostly sunny throughout the month.

This is also the prime viewing period for the golden rice terraces in Longji, as well as the rice fields along the Yulong River. The combination of golden rice fields and stunning karst landscapes creates unforgettable photo opportunities. October is also an ideal time for hiking, cycling, rock climbing, and outdoor exploration in Guilin.

What Dates Should You Avoid in October?

Crowded National Day

October 1–7 is China's National Day holiday, the busiest travel period of the year. Hundreds of millions of Chinese people travel across the country during this week. Flight, cruise, train, and hotel tickets - as well as attraction entries are often extremely difficult to book. And scenic spots become overwhelmingly crowded. I highly recommend avoiding this holiday for a more enjoyable experience.

If your trip does overlap with National Week, here’s how to minimize the impact:

Hotel Booking: Reserve at least one month in advance. Avoid popular areas like Yangshuo West Street. Instead, consider staying in countryside hotels near Yangshuo, such as the Yangshuo Mountain Retreat Hotel, Yangshuo Moondance Hotel and Tea Cozy Hotel.

Li River Cruise: Book your cruise one month ahead. If four-star ships are sold out, opt for three-star options (more available). Bring your own snacks in case the boxed meals don’t suit your taste. Avoid bamboo rafting, as wait times can reach 2–3 hours.

Cave Exploration: Choose semi-developed caves like Swallow Cave or Yangshuo Moon Water Cave, which attract fewer tourists.

Yulong River Scenery: Consider hiking or cycling along the river or try stand-up paddleboarding on its tributaries or upper sections.

Longji Terraces Visit: Stay overnight in a less-crowded village like Ancient Zhuang Village. Rely on real-time updates from your guide to avoid peak traffic and enjoy a smoother experience.

Top Autumn Activities in Guilin in October

In addition to classic experiences like Li River cruises, bamboo rafting, and cave exploration, here are some unforgettable activities you won’t want to miss this month:

1. Experience the Golden Harvest Season in Longji

Longji Terraces in October

October is the best time to witness the magnificent golden terraces of Longji. The entire mountainside glows with ripe rice, offering unparalleled photo opportunities. Harvesting typically takes place in late October, so for the most stunning shots, plan your visit during the week after October 7th. The Longji Terraces consist of three main villages.

• Jinkeng Dazhai has the largest terraced fields.
• Ping’an Village comes second in size and is the most developed village.
• Ancient Zhuang Village is the smallest.

If you’re visiting just for the day, I recommend focusing on one of the larger villages, such as Ping’an or Jinkeng Dazhai. Having been to both, I personally suggest Jinkeng Dazhai. Its higher viewpoint offers more expansive and dramatic views. And a cable car is available for a comfortable ascent and descent.

Our customers are making bamboo-tube rice

If you have more time, consider staying overnight in Longji. You can take part in activities like learning to make bamboo-tube rice with local villagers or tasting traditional Yao ethnic oil tea. If your visit coincides with the harvest, you may even try your hand at cutting rice with a sickle. In the evening, many villages host bonfire gatherings. Join Zhuang and Yao locals in bamboo pole dancing and immerse yourself in their rich cultural traditions. Read more about Guilin tour including Longji Terraces.

2. Enjoy a Relaxing Afternoon Tea by the Li River

Afternoon Tea by the Li River

Just imagine this: sitting at an open-air riverside spot, sipping coffee or tea while admiring the karst peaks in the distance. Accompanied by delicate pastries, it offers a uniquely relaxing experience.

You can choose a location in the urban section of the river, such as near Yushan Bridge in Guilin. Alternatively, head to a mini farm on the peninsula opposite Xingping Town (about 70 km from downtown Guilin) - the heart of the Li River's most scenic area. This farm is located near the landscape featured on the 20 RMB banknote. Here, you can enjoy coffee, and children can feed small animals.

Another option is to stay at a riverside hotel like Xingping Island Resort. The hotel offers terrace afternoon tea services with breathtaking views of the mountains and water. Read more about Xingping.

3. Hiking Along the Li River

Li River hiking map

October is the perfect season for hiking along the Li River. I highly recommend the classic route from Quanjiazhou to Xingping (approx. 12 km, 4–5 hours). It offers breathtaking views of karst peaks and golden autumn rice fields along the way. Around noon, you can stop at a local farmhouse restaurant by the river to enjoy regional dishes such as beer fish and bamboo-tube rice.

After arriving in Xingping in the afternoon, climb up to the Xianggong Hill viewpoint to enjoy a panoramic view of the Li River’s most dramatic bend.

Pictures from Xianggong Hill

Xingping Fisherman

For accommodation, you can stay overnight in a riverside fishing village like Liandao Bay. The Yangshuo Xingping Island Resort is a great choice to experience the area’s peaceful evenings and mornings. Xingping is also close to Yangshuo (30 km away), so you can also choose to stay in Yangshuo if preferred.

For a shorter and easier hike, consider the 6-kilometer route from Quanjiazhou to Nine Horses Fresco Hill (about 2 hours). Discover more hiking routes in Guilin.

4. Cycling Along the Landscapes of Yulong River

Yulong River Cycling

With its crisp autumn air and clear skies, October is the perfect season for cycling in Yangshuo. The most popular routes follow the Yulong River. For a shorter ride, I recommend the route from Yulong Bridge → Jiuxian Village → Xiatang Village → Yangshuo Mountain Retreat Hotel (approx. 13 km).

This path offers beautiful views of golden rice fields, traditional villages, and stunning reflections of karst peaks in the river. In October, you may also witness the traditional scene of villagers drying harvested rice grains. The route is mostly flat and suitable for cyclists of all ages.

For a longer ride, consider the Fuli Bridge → Yulong River → Licun → Yongcun → Liugong → West Street route (approx. 50 km).

If you prefer a more relaxed experience, electric bicycles or sidecar e-bikes are also available. You can take a break at a farmhouse restaurant in Jiuxian or Xiatang Village to enjoy fresh local dishes and osmanthus tea. Read more about Yulong River. 

5. Conquer Karst Cliffs at Yangshuo’s Rock Climbing Bases

Rock Climbing in Yangshuo

October is the best time for rock climbing in Yangshuo. The cool, dry weather and stable conditions make climbing safer and more enjoyable. Moon Hill, Liquor Bottle Hill, and Cheese Hill are among the most popular climbing sites.

• Moon Hill features a classic natural arch and offers routes of varying difficulty suitable for all skill levels.
• Liquor Bottle Hill is known for its steep limestone walls and diverse route options, attracting intermediate and advanced climbers.
• Cheese Hill offer more beginner-friendly routes.

Under the guidance of professional instructors, even beginners can safely experience the thrill of climbing. October’s exceptional visibility allows you to enjoy panoramic views of Yangshuo’s picturesque countryside while challenging yourselves on the rocks.

Last October, I took my child climbing at Moon Hill. It was her first time, but with the coach’s patient instruction, she learned basic techniques in less than an hour and even completed a beginner’s route.

If rock climbing seems too challenging, you can try via ferrata, which is less difficult and open to children over 1.2 meters tall.

What to Wear in Guilin in October

October in Guilin brings significant temperature differences between day and night, so layering is key. During the day, opt for long-sleeved T-shirts or shirts paired with a light jacket. This combination provides warmth and makes it easy to adjust to changing temperatures. In the evening, when temperatures drop to 15-20°C, add a windproof jacket or thin sweater for extra warmth.

Please note that mountainous areas like the Longji Terraces are 3-5°C cooler than the city center, so pack a thicker coat or light down jacket for these regions.

When exploring caves, where temperatures remain around 18°C, it is wise to wear sports shoes and a light windbreaker. For cycling or hiking, comfortable and breathable sportswear is ideal. Be sure to bring sturdy, comfortable shoes suited to Guilin’s varied terrain and long hours of outdoor exploration.

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