Thinking about visiting Guilin in September? How's the weather? What should you wear? If you're planning an autumn trip to Guilin, here's some advice from a local.
September marks the transition from summer to autumn in Guilin. While temperatures remain relatively warm, with daytime highs between 30-35°C, the weather becomes more comfortable compared to July and August. There are more partly cloudy days and less intense heat. Mornings and evenings are noticeably cooler (around 26-28°C), making early hours ideal for outdoor activities.
Rainfall also decreases in September, dropping to around 80mm spread over just 5-6 days. Most are short afternoon showers that won't disrupt your travel plans.
Is September a Good Time to Visit Guilin?
Mid-Autumn Festival in GuilinYes, September is one of the best months to visit Guilin. By September, the peak summer travel season has ended. Guilin's attractions are no longer as crowded as they were in July and August. You can enjoy the landscapes in a more relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. Hotel prices also return to normal levels during this period. You could book higher-class accommodations at lower rates.
Additionally, securing tickets becomes much easier - no more last-minute rushes. Reservations made just one week in advance are usually sufficient.
From mid-September onward, the terraces of Longji begin to turn golden, while the Li River and Yulong River still maintain ample water flow. The improved visibility and clearer skies also make it an ideal time for hiking and photography.
Another highlight is the Mid-Autumn Festival, a major traditional Chinese holiday that usually falls in mid-September. If you're interested in experiencing authentic Chinese customs like moon gazing and tasting mooncakes, visiting around this time is highly recommended.
Unique Experiences in Guilin in September
In September, in addition to classic activities such as Li River cruises, bamboo rafting, and cave exploration, you can also enjoy more outdoor activities. Go for hiking, cycling, and trekking in the cooler mornings and evenings. Here are some recommended experiences:
1. See the Rice Turning Golden at Longji Terraces
Longji Terraces in SeptemberNestled in the mountains, the Longji Terraces enjoy pleasantly cool mornings and evenings in September (around 26°C). If you visit in late September, you'll see the rice fields beginning to turn golden. The layer of glowing terraces set against traditional Yao wooden houses create unforgettable photo opportunities.
But the terraces offer more than just stunning views. You can also take part in a range of activities. Learn from local Yao people how to make bamboo-tube rice (glutinous rice roasted in fresh bamboo tubes), taste unique Longji oil tea (pounded from tea leaves, ginger, and peanuts), or try your hand at traditional Zhuang brocade weaving.
In the evening, join a bonfire party where you can sip rice wine and listen to Yao girls singing toast songs. At dawn, you can even join villagers in catching rice paddy fish. It is a truly authentic farming experience. Learn more about visiting the Longji Terraces.
What made my visit most memorable was watching my children experience the joy of catching fish in the terraced fields. They splashed barefoot through the shallow water as tiny fish darted between their feet. Their clothes were soon soaked, but nothing could dampen their laughter.
2. Enjoy Bamboo Rafting on the Yulong River
Bamboo Rafting on the Yulong RiverWith the summer peak season (July-August) over by September, you can fully enjoy the Yulong River without big crowds. Drift leisurely on a bamboo raft and take in the stunning 360° views of the karst peaks rising around you.
Mornings in September are the most comfortable time for rafting. Wear sandals and pack your camera in a waterproof bag. You can ask the rafter to pause briefly for photos, making it easy to capture those picture-perfect moments.
Recommended Rafting Routes:
For a calm and relaxing experience, choose the Jima–Gongnong Bridge section (6 km / 1.5 hours). The current is gentle, and the route ends near the Ten-Mile Gallery.
For a more thrilling ride with rapids and dam drops, try the Jinlong Bridge–Jiuxian section (approx. 6 km / 1.5–2 hours). This route passes multiple weirs with exciting downward flows.
Beyond rafting, you can also go cycling or hiking along the Yulong River in the cooler early mornings or evenings. A highly recommended route stretches from Yulong Bridge to Jiuxian - about 5 km, taking roughly 1.5 hours to walk or 40 minutes to cycle. Discover more about the Yulong River.
3. Reach the Mountain Viewpoints to Overlook Guilin's Landscapes
Picture from Xianggong HillFrom mid-September onward, the weather becomes perfect for hiking and enjoying panoramic views. Whether you want to watch the sunrise upon layers of karst peaks, or take in the Li River winding, Guilin offers numerous mountaintop viewpoints to fulfill your wishes. Here are some of the most notable ones:
Xianggong Hill: Located about 60 km from downtown Guilin (around 1.5 hours by car), Xianggong Hill is one of the best viewpoints of the Li River. From the top platform, you'll enjoy a bird's-eye view of Li River bending and Nine Horses Fresco Hill. It's a true pilgrimage site for photography enthusiasts. Learn more about visiting Xianggong Hill.
Caoping Dashīwān Viewing Platform: About 40 km from Guilin (roughly 1.5 hours by car), this site features multiple viewing decks overlooking vast karst formations. While the Li River can be seen in the distance, the main attraction is the spectacular sea of peaks. It is best enjoyed at sunset when the sky lights up in brilliant colors.
Yangshuo Thousand-Mile Landscape Viewpoint: Approximately 30 km from Yangshuo West Street (around 1 hour's drive), this spot offers breathtaking views of endless rolling mountains stretching toward the horizon. Note that the access road is steep and winding. If you prone to motion sickness, you may prefer Caoping Dashiwan instead.
4. Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival Like a Local
Mid-Autumn Festival in Guilin Ancient South GateFor a more immersive cultural experience during your trip, consider staying in the countryside to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival (usually in mid-September) just as the locals do. Try to spend a night in the Longji Terraces or a Yangshuo village to join in traditional moon gazing and festive activities.
With far less light pollution, the countryside offers clearer, more brilliant views of the moon - along with peacefully quiet mornings and evenings.
During the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Longji Terraces host special events such as bonfire gatherings and moon viewing over the terraced fields. You could fully immerse yourself in this cherished Chinese tradition.
If you're spending the festival in urban Guilin, I recommend visiting the East West Alley (Dongxi Xiang) or the Ancient South Gate (Gu Nanmen). These historic sites often hold classic Mid-Autumn activities like solving lantern riddles and hanging festive lanterns. Alternatively, head to the Li River near Yushan Bridge to see how locals gather by the water to admire the moon.
What to Wear in Guilin in September
During the day, lightweight summer clothing such as short-sleeved T-shirts and breathable sun-protective jackets are recommended.
In mountainous areas like the Longji Terraces, mornings and evenings can be slightly cool, so packing a light jacket or cardigan is advisable.
For activities like hiking or cycling, quick-dry long pants and sports shoes offer both comfort and practicality. If you're planning a bamboo rafting trip on the Yulong River, wear slip-resistant sandals (as you may step into the water) and bring a waterproof jacket or a change of clothes in case of splashes.
When exploring caves, carry a light hoodie or sweatshirt. Temperatures inside can be about 10°C cooler than outside.
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