Guilin & Yangshuo

The Karst Region We Know Best

Guilin and Yangshuo sit in Guangxi province in southern China, set among some of the most photographed karst peaks on earth. Guilin (KWL airport) is the main transport hub; Yangshuo lies about 60km south, deep in the limestone landscape, and is where almost every outdoor day begins. A stay of three to five days is enough to combine two or three distinct activities with time to wander the town and surrounding countryside.

What You Can Do Here

This is China's best-developed region for soft outdoor adventure aimed at international travelers — no Mandarin required, all gear provided, and guides who work entirely in English.

• Rock climbing — hundreds of bolted sport routes on limestone, from first-timer slabs to multi-pitch lines.
• Cave exploration — wild karst cave systems with underground rivers and formations off the tourist track.
• Kayaking & SUP — flat, clear paddling on the Yulong River beneath the peaks, accessible from age six.
• Via ferrata & canyoneering — get onto the rock and into the canyons with no prior climbing experience.
• Hiking — stone trails through rice paddies, ridgelines and traditional villages.
• Local culture — village visits, home cooking, crafts and cormorant fishing on the Li River.

Book a Guided Day

All activities run with our English-speaking, certified guide team. Small groups, all gear included, adjustable for families with children from age six. Get in touch to tell us your dates, group size and what you'd like to do — we'll put together the right combination and reply within four hours.

Plan your Guilin & Yangshuo trip →

Planning to explore beyond the karst? China Trailfolk also designs city journeys and outdoor travel across the rest of China — see our City Journeys and Travel Guides.