Guilin in May with 2 small kids

Posted by pocoyo (95 days ago)

We're thinking of going to Guilin next weekend on a 3 night stay with our 2 kids aged 3 1/2 yrs and 20 mths. Having read various travel websites, we're thinking of staying the first night in Guilin, second day - visit the Longsheng rice terraces, 3rd day - Li River cruise to Yangshuo and spend a night there, 4th day return to Guilin and do some sightseeing there before taking the 9pm flight back to HKG.

Has anyone gone on a similar trip before? I got some quotations from 2 travel agents based in China and the cheapest for the 4 of us was USD1200 which includes hotel, airport-hotel-airport transfers, entrance fees to sites included in the tour program, Li River cruise, breakfast and lunch. Is this a reasonable amount? More importantly, is this a good time to go? I've looked at a 10 day weather forecast for Guilin, and I can see that it's the rainy season. If it was just me and hubby, I wouldn't mind so much but with the little ones, it would be much harder sightseeing in the rain.

Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

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Posted by ldsllvn (94 days ago)

we sort of did 3-4 yrs ago - before we had kids. Only we stayed in Guilin and did not stay over in Yangshuo - i really liked Yangshuo tho, so, yes, go for it - stay one night there, not much to do but it is lovely. I think you can also go to a lights show there - quite spectacular i was told - dancers with torches, etc..
It was part of our trip around China, so cant really help out on the price but as for the rainy season - Guilin is VERY rainy, pretty much always - and that is part of its charm - esp when you do Li River cruise, the all say if it is a misty day, it is better than sunny, the hills look particulary spectacular.
Go for it - beatiful place!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Info Seeker (91 days ago)

Guilin/Yangshuo was our best trip ever with our kids (ages 4 and 7). I can't comment on prices as it depends on hotel, etc. In Guilin, we stayged in the Sheraton and actually got adjoining room with our kids. Just around the corner and up a couple blocks on a pedestrian street was a Western Restaurant that my kids liked. I think it was called Rosies or another woman's name. Sights: the Reed Flute Cave is good, there is a palace at Solitary Beauty peak. Li River Cruise takes about 5 hours - take some entertainment for the kids and maybe some food if they don't like Chinese. Yangshuo is a fairly laid back backpacker place. The Paradise Resort is probably the best place in town (4*) and there are lots of little places to eat - no problem for kids. Did bamboo rafting and Big Budha mud cave.

(I am based in Guangzhou)

Posted by Peggie Wong (89 days ago)

I was born in Guilin - used to be called Kweilin before. It's really a beautiful place.
This time of the year is the rainy season and sometimes quite misty. October has lovely weather but the river tends to be quite shallow in parts therefore cruising along the Li River is out and you don't want to miss that as it's one of the best attraction in the region.

The price you are paying is reasonable. Have a nice journey!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Diego (88 days ago)

My Mum & step father want to go to Guilin & tour for a few days around for 5 or 7 days.

Problem is that they do not speak english at all.

Would you know any travel agencies that could organize for them a tour with a guide?

It would be a disaster if they joined these mainland chinese tours with stickers, caps following the leader & his flag...

Thanks for your help!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by pocoyo (86 days ago)

Thanks for all your input. The weather forecast for this weekend in Guilin says thunderstorm and rain, so I think I will postpone the trip to another weekend.

Diego, I got the quotation from a company called China Highlights. They seem to be pretty reputable but I'm not sure what language tourist guide you're looking for, so can't help in that area.

(I am based in Hong Kong)