2-Day Itinerary At a Glance

To plan your trip, review Lonely Planet Guilin.

For current hours, prices, and announcements, start with South China Karst.

The route is designed to save you time and energy. We group locations by their physical distance to each other. This keeps your walking time very low.

Use this list to check your daily photography goals. It ensures you do not miss any iconic city views. Keep your camera battery charged for the whole day.

• Day 1: Explore the central lakes and ancient city gates.
  • Morning: Visit the iconic Sun and Moon Pagodas.
  • Afternoon: Walk through the historic East-West Alley.
  • Evening: Capture the glowing lights of the lakes.
• Day 2: Visit Elephant Trunk Hill and riverside boardwalks.
  • Morning: Photograph the famous Elephant Trunk Hill.
  • Afternoon: Explore the scenic Li River boardwalks.
  • Evening: Enjoy a colorful sunset at Fubo Hill.

2-Day Itinerary for Top Photo Spots on Guilin Walking Tours

Your first day focuses on the heart of the city. We start with the famous Two Rivers and Four Lakes route for water views. These spots are very easy to reach on foot.

Day two takes you closer to the famous river banks. You will see how the mountains rise from the water. These locations are perfect for wide-angle landscape shots.

Each stop is chosen for its unique visual appeal. We recommend walking to see the small details of local life. This adds more depth to your travel photo collection.

1. Day 1: Discover the golden pagodas and historic streets.
   • Morning: Start at the Sun and Moon Pagodas.
   • Afternoon: Explore the historic Zhengyang Pedestrian Street.
   • Evening: Photograph the illuminated lakes and bridges.
   • Time: 6 to 8 hours total.
   • Logistics: Wear comfortable shoes for city pavement.
   • Optional: Visit the nearby scenic Solitary Beauty Peak.
2. Day 2: Capture the iconic river views and mountain peaks.
   • Morning: Head to the Elephant Trunk Hill park entrance.
   • Afternoon: Walk along the scenic Li River banks.
   • Evening: Climb Fubo Hill for a panoramic city view.
   • Time: 5 to 7 hours total.
   • Logistics: Bring a tripod for low light shots.
   • Optional: Take a short bamboo boat photo session.

Best Base for Photography in Guilin

Staying near the city center is your best option. You can easily access the Zhengyang Pedestrian Street from most central hotels. This area is full of life and color.

Look for hotels near the Cedar Lake or Banyan Lake. These spots provide great views right outside your door. You can catch the early morning light without traveling far.

Many photographers choose the riverfront area for easy access. This allows you to walk to the river at sunrise. Being close to the action saves a lot of time.

Essential Photography Tips for Guilin Tours

Lighting is the most important factor for your photos. The best time for night photography is just after sunset. The city lights reflect beautifully on the still lake water.

Use a tripod to capture the sharpest night images possible. The pagodas glow with gold and silver light every evening. A slow shutter speed will make the water look smooth.

Do not forget to interact with the local people you meet. Ask for permission before taking close-up portraits of street vendors. Most people are very friendly to polite tourists with cameras.

How to Plan Your Guilin Walking Tour

You should learn how to join local tours to find hidden gems. Local guides know the best angles that tourists often miss. They can show you secret spots in the old town.

Check the weather forecast before you start your long walk. Rain can create beautiful reflections but might damage your camera gear. Always carry a waterproof bag for your expensive equipment.

Make sure you understand the local customs regarding photography fees. Some private gardens may ask for a small entrance or photo fee. It is best to carry some local currency for these.