How to Plan a Trip to Xi’an and Guilin (Ultimate Guide)

Both Xi'an and Guilin are top travel destinations in China. Xi'an, an ancient capital with a history spanning over 3,000 years, is famous for its grand Terracotta Army and medieval city wall that echo stories of a bygone era. On the other hand, Guilin, a picturesque paradise adorned with limestone karst formations and winding rivers, attracts visitors with its tranquil beauty and enchanting allure.

A combined exploration of Xi'an and Guilin is a harmonious blend of history, culture, and nature, offering an unforgettable tour through time and natural beauty. This article will help you plan a perfect trip to Xi'an and Guilin.

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• How Long Do You Need in Xi'an and Guilin
• A Classic Xi'an and Guilin Itinerary
• Best Times to Visit Xi'an and Guilin
• Trip to Xi'an and Guilin Cost
• Where to Stay in Xi'an and Guilin
• How to Travel between Xi'an and Guilin

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Exciting trip in Guilin and Yangshuo Our trip to Guilin and Yangshuo was guided by Henry, a very knowledgeable and helpful local guide. We visited in scorching heat and we had to make some adjustments to the program in order to be able to cope with the heat. Henry was very flexible and resourceful. For instance, he took as to learn and play mahjong in the afternoon, an activity which was lots of fun, and even offered us as a gift a small mahjong set for travel, which we highly appreciated. We also changed the visit to a water cave with a trip to Ruyi Peak, which was fitting our group better. The water cave exploration can be quite tricky as we understand and we have in our group a person over 60, therefore it did not seem appropriate. Instead, we agreed with Henry to visit Ruyi Peak, which offers spectaculor views over the karst scenery. We visited Da'xu ancient town and Red Flute cave in the first day, which was not so exciting, but the Li river cruise and visiting Yangshuo is really worthwhile. Henry also arranged for us to see the Impressions by SanjuLiu show, which we highly recommend. more Jul 2025, Mihaela2

Mystisch und bestens umsorgt Wir wurdem am Bahnhof von Ling abgeholt und bis wir am Hotel ankamen, hatte Sie bereits Medikamente für den Husten meines Mannes und meine Magenverstimmung besorgt. Das Highlight in Guilin, war für uns die Schiffahrt auf dem Lin-Fluss, mystisch und atemberaubend. Die Reissterrassen erstreckten sich endlos. Unser Hotel hatte einen wundersch?nen Blick auf den Fluss und die dahinterliegende Karstlandschaft. Wir k?nnen die private Reiseleitung (Ling und Chauffeur) sowie Chinahighlights w?rmstens empfehlen. Alles hat wunderbar geklappt. more Jul 2025, helvetia3325

Beautiful Guilin and Yangshuo We had the best time in Guilin and Yangshuo with Michelle as our guide. The Li River cruise is not to be missed— truly stunning! We loved the quiet beauty of Yangshuo. My kids loved the Reed Flute Cave, and my husband, and I loved the bike ride along the river in Yangshuo. A cable car ride up the mountain and glass bridge was pretty amazing as well! Loved every moment! Michelle was so accommodating and kind and really did a great job with our four children! I highly recommend Michelle and China Highlights! They made our trip amazing and so easy! more Jul 2025, Mindy J

How Long to Spend in Xi'an and Guilin

Generally, a classic tour itinerary for Xi'an and Guilin lasts about a week, with 3 days set aside for Xi'an and 4 days for Guilin.

For those with a keen interest in historical and cultural sites, extending your stay in Xi'an is recommended. Alternatively, if you prefer engaging in natural outdoor activities, consider adding extra days to your visit to Guilin.

How Long to Spend in Xi'an

Terracotta Army

For first-time visitors to Xi'an, we suggest dedicating 2 to 3 days to immersing yourself in its iconic attractions.

Spend a day exploring the site of the Terracotta Army, where you could even try your hand at making a mini clay warrior. Another day could be allocated to visiting Shaanxi History Museum and Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Complete your Xi'an experience with a day trip to savor the flavors of the Muslim Quarter on a food tour and enjoy a leisurely walk along Xi'an Ancient City Wall.

If you have an interest in traditional Chinese national costumes, consider spending half a day participating in our Hanfu experience program. You would have the opportunity to try on exquisite Hanfu garments (of the Han Dynasty from 206 BC to 220 AD) and take memorable photos. Your guide would provide insights into the culture of Hanfu and you would have the chance to immerse yourself in Han culture.

How Long to Spend in Guilin

Yulong River

While in Guilin, for a relaxed travel experience, we recommend spending a minimum of 4 days exploring its key attractions. These include city landmarks, a scenic Li River cruise to Yangshuo, and the captivating Longji Rice Terraces. Here are some popular tour suggestions:

Guilin city: Allocate 1 day to visit iconic landmarks, such as Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave, and Two Rivers Four Lakes.

Yangshuo: Allow 1–2 days to engage in activities like rock climbing, exploring the countryside by bike, attending a cooking class, participating in local farming activities, and more.

The Longji Rice Terraces: Dedicate 1–2 days to admire the terraced fields and experience life in a minority village.

A Classic 7-Day Xi'an and Guilin Itinerary

• Day 1: Xi'an arrival
• Day 2: The Terracotta Army and Xi'an City Wall
• Day 3: Shaanxi History Museum and Big Wild Goose Pagoda
• Day 4: Muslim Quarter food tour and departure for Guilin
• Day 5: A day tour of the Longji Rice Terraces
• Day 6: A Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo
• Day 7: Yangshuo for relaxation and departure

With this itinerary, you would explore the historical wonders of Xi'an, a city steeped in rich heritage and cultural significance.

To fully delve into the historical gems and cultural sites, it is essential to rely on a knowledgeable local guide to introduce the history and stories behind the historical relics in an engaging and entertaining manner, making it enjoyable for all, especially if you're traveling with children. Your experienced guide would organize the visiting times strategically to help you avoid large crowds at popular attractions, such as visiting the Terracotta Army either early in the morning at 7am or late in the afternoon at 3pm to ensure you have a more comfortable travel experience.

• A hands-on experience making clay warriors could be arranged efficiently according to your visit to the Terracotta Army.
• If you have an interest in traditional Chinese costumes, your guide could organize captivating Hanfu photoshoots for you.
• For enchanting nighttime activities in Xi'an, don't miss out on the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City, an immersive cultural experience that transports you back in time to the vibrant Tang Dynasty era. Immerse yourself in the captivating culture and heritage of this bygone era.

In this 7-day itinerary, the focus of the trip in Guilin is mainly on Longji and Yangshuo due to time constraints. If you wish to explore the landmarks of Guilin city (Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave, and so on), consider allocating an additional day.

Upon completing your adventure in Longji, it's advisable to return to Guilin to avoid hotel changes and the hassle of packing. This ensures a seamless transition to the pier the following morning, allowing you to catch your Li River cruise departing before 9am without any delays.

Embark on a 4-hour luxurious cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo the next day, followed by an exploration of Yangshuo's countryside by bike, providing an immersive experience of village life.

Best Times to Visit Xi'an and Guilin

Xi'an and Guilin are ideal destinations that could be visited throughout the year. For the best weather conditions, autumn (September to November) stands out as the perfect season to visit. During this period, there are more clear, sunny days with comfortable temperatures typically ranging from 15 to 25°C (59–77°F), making it perfect for outdoor activities.

However, if you're traveling with kids during the summer months (June to August), be prepared for hot weather and a higher chance of rainy days. The summer months in Xi'an and Guilin could reach average temperatures of 28–33°C (82–91°F) and sometimes experience stormy rain. These showers are usually short and often happen at night, which won't affect your trip too much. It is crucial to book your tour at least 3 months in advance to secure the availability of desired accommodation and flights during the summer vacation.

When deciding the time to visit Xi'an and Guilin, pay attention to the public holidays, such as National Day (October 1st–7th), May Day (May 1st–5th), and the Chinese New Year holiday (January or February). These times draw large crowds of domestic tourists, potentially affecting your travel experience significantly.

Travel Costs for Xi'an and Guilin

On average, a private tour of Xi'an and Guilin usually costs about US$150–200 per person per day for a group of 2–5 travelers. This cost includes entrance fees to attractions, local transfers, a private vehicle, accommodation in 4-star hotels, and the assistance of a local tour guide.

During peak seasons, such as the summer vacation in July and August, National Day (October 1st–7th), May Day (May 1st–5th), and the Spring Festival (January or February), travel expenses may surge by 50–100%, primarily due to increased hotel rates and airfares. If you intend to travel during these busy periods, it's advisable to secure bookings well in advance (at least 2 to 3 months prior).

Where to Stay in Xi'an and Guilin

In Xi'an, it is recommended to book your hotel in the area around the Bell Tower, a central and convenient location. Another excellent option is to stay near Big Wild Goose Pagoda, an area known for its tranquility and more budget-friendly accommodation. It is located near the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City, offering a convenient location for those visiting this medieval-styled pedestrian street.

When visiting Guilin, it is advisable to stay in the downtown center, such as Zhengyang Pedestrian Street or Binjiang Road, which hosts numerous international and star-rated hotels. Situated conveniently, these areas offer easy access to city attractions like Elephant Trunk Hill, Two Rivers Four Lakes, and more, making exploration convenient for visitors.

Yangshuo offers a full range of boutique and starred hotel options around its interesting-but-typically-bustling West Street center. For quieter, more-scenic accommodation consider a riverside resort with great access to the idyllic countryside.

If you stay 4 or more days in Guilin, we recommend staying at least one night at the Longji Rice Terraces for awesome views and more connection with the local ethnic culture. Hotels have fewer facilities and amenities due to the mountainside location, but make up for that with charm and scenery.

How to Travel Between Xi'an and Guilin

Given the long distance between Xi'an and Guilin, it is recommended to choose a direct flight, which typically takes about 2 hours. A bullet train from Xi'an to Guilin would require more than 10 hours of travel.