I thought Baise in Guangxi was already stunning, until I visited Yangshuo, Guilin...

2 Days 1 Night in Yangshuo, Guilin | A Healing Short Trip Amidst Mountains and Waters I've long heard that "Guilin's scenery is the best under heaven, and Yangshuo's surpasses Guilin's." Taking advantage of the weekend, I arranged a two-day-one-night short trip to immerse myself in the poetic beauty of this landscape painting. This guide is practical and tested—follow it for a relaxed and enjoyable experience, even beginners can easily handle it! Pre-trip Tips - Documents: ID card, student ID (discounts at some attractions), a small amount of cash (some small shops may require it). - Clothing: Wear comfortable flats or sneakers for long walks; Guilin is mountainous and watery, so mornings and evenings can be cool—bring a light jacket; if you plan to play in the water, pack a pair of sandals. - Other: Sunscreen, sun hat (strong UV rays), umbrella (weather can change quickly), power bank (photos drain battery fast). 🌿 Itinerary Day 1: Strolling Through Guilin City, Encountering Poetic Landscapes - Morning: Arrive in Guilin, first glimpse of the city's landscapes Take the high-speed train to Guilin Station (closer to downtown, more convenient than Guilin North). Choose a hotel near Elephant Trunk Hill or Two Rivers and Four Lakes. After dropping off your luggage, slurp a bowl of authentic Guilin rice noodles—try the "Lu Cai Fen" (dry noodles with braised pork, marinated egg, and secret sauce), so delicious you'll lick the bowl clean! - Afternoon: Visit landmarks, savor the old town - Elephant Trunk Hill: The symbol of Guilin, a must-visit! Enter from Gate 3 to see the classic "elephant drinking from the Li River" up close. The riverside photos are stunning (book tickets in advance, student discounts available). - Two Rivers and Four Lakes · Sun and Moon Pagodas: A 10-minute walk from Elephant Trunk Hill. During the day, see the pagodas nestled by the Li River; at night, the lit-up pagodas are even more breathtaking, with golden and silver reflections on the water—every shot looks like an ink painting. - Dongxi Alley: More charming than Zhengyang Pedestrian Street, with cobblestone paths flanked by Ming and Qing architecture, hiding many handicraft shops and cafes. Take a break with a cup of oil tea and soak in the slow pace of the old town. - Evening: Night cruise on Two Rivers and Four Lakes A boat ride at night offers a different vibe. See the lights outlining bridges and mountains, and watch the "mountain shadows entering the water" as you pass Ronghu Bridge. The 1-hour cruise with cool evening breezes and scenic views is pure bliss. Day 2: Yangshuo's Landscapes, a Date with the Li River - Morning: Xingping Ancient Town, find the 20 RMB scenery - After taking the high-speed train to Yangshuo Station, take a bus (about 40 minutes) to Xingping Ancient Town. Start with a bowl of Ai Ye Ba Ba (glutinous rice cakes with peanut and sesame filling) for energy. - Rent an e-bike (20 RMB/day) and ride along the Li River. In 10 minutes, you'll reach the "20 RMB Viewpoint." Compare the mountains to the bill—the Li River's green and the mountains' odd shapes match perfectly. Wear light-colored clothes for better photos. - If time allows, take a bamboo raft ride on the Li River (the highlight section) to see Nine Horses Fresco Hill (the mountain wall resembles nine horses—spotting five is impressive!). The 1-hour raft ride feels like floating through a painting. - Noon: Yangshuo County, slurp a bowl of authentic rice noodles Return to Yangshuo County and try "Chongshan Rice Noodles." Their signature braised beef noodles with crispy pork, pickled bamboo shoots, and chili are tangy and spicy—perfect for recharging. - Afternoon: Drift on the Yulong River, get lost in Ten-Mile Gallery - Yulong River Bamboo Raft: More serene than the Li River. Choose the "Shui'e Di to Gongnong Bridge" section (about 1.5 hours). The manually poled raft is smooth, passing rice fields and karst peaks. Splashing through shallow rapids feels amazing (buy tickets at the official booth a day in advance—avoid scalpers). - Ten-Mile Gallery: After the raft ride, explore by e-bike. Along the way, see Big Banyan Tree, Moon Hill, and more. The roadside rice fields and lotus ponds are stunning, especially at dusk when the mountain shadows stretch long—every shot is wallpaper-worthy. - Evening: West Street in Yangshuo, taste local snacks Don't miss these treats on West Street: Snail Stuffed with Minced Meat (snail meat mashed and stuffed back into the shell, stewed with perilla—savory and spicy), Beer Fish (swordfish fried and stewed in beer—crispy outside, tender inside), and finish with Osmanthus Cake (glutinous rice wrapped in osmanthus honey—sweet but not cloying). After dinner, catch the high-speed train back, ending two fulfilling days. 📌 Friendly Reminders 1. Besides the high-speed train, you can take a cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo (4 hours) for scenic Li River views—ideal if you have more time. 2. Wear a life jacket on the Yulong River raft and waterproof your phone (use a waterproof bag). 3. Remember to wear a helmet when riding e-bikes in Yangshuo and follow traffic rules. There are plenty of charging spots, so no need to worry about running out of battery. Guilin's landscapes are endlessly captivating. Two days are perfect for hitting the highlights. Next time, I'd love to stay at a riverside homestay by the Yulong River, waking up to the sound of water...