The postcard is familiar: the majestic karst peaks of Guilin, reflected in the serene waters of the Li River. For families, this image promises adventure, but the reality of crowded cruise decks and bustling Yangshuo West Street can sometimes feel more hectic than harmonious. The true magic of Guilin, especially for those traveling with children, lies not just in its iconic rivers, but in the heartbeat of its countryside—in the villages where time follows the rhythm of the sun, where adventures are hands-on, and where memories are made not just seen.
This is a guide to the other Guilin, the one where your family can pedal past water buffalo, learn ancient crafts from local masters, and sleep under a blanket of stars so thick it feels like you could reach up and grab one. We’re moving beyond the standard itinerary to explore villages that offer authenticity, engagement, and wide-open spaces for little legs to run free.
Before we dive into specific locations, let’s talk about what makes a village "family-friendly" in this context. We’re looking for places that offer:
While technically an ancient town, Xingping’s soul is village-like, and it serves as the perfect, less-commercialized base compared to Yangshuo. It’s home to the iconic scene printed on the 20 RMB note.
Why Families Love It: The 20 RMB Photo Spot is a fun treasure hunt. Let the kids hold up the bill and match the scenery—it’s a geography lesson they’ll never forget. Instead of a long river cruise, opt for a private bamboo raft or motorboat trip from Xingping to Nine Horses Fresco Hill. The shorter duration is perfect for young attention spans, and the views are arguably Guilin’s best.
Hands-On Hotspot: Hire bikes and cycle the Bamboo River Path. This flat, paved trail winds through villages and farmland, far from cars. You’ll pass grazing water buffalo, farmers in conical hats, and can stop at any point for a snack or a paddle in the shallow water. It’s freedom and beauty on two (or three, with a child seat) wheels.
Just downstream from Xingping, Fuli is famously the "Town of Fans," but its true charm is its laid-back riverfront life.
Why Families Love It: Visit a traditional fan painting workshop. Watching an artist meticulously paint landscapes on delicate paper fans is mesmerizing. Many offer short classes where kids can try their hand at painting a simple bamboo design on a small fan—a unique, packable souvenir. Later, wander the old street and see artisans crafting from bamboo and wood.
The Real Adventure: For a truly local experience, ask a boatman for a short trip to Dutou Village, a tiny settlement on an island in the Li River. It feels worlds away, with chickens roaming and fishermen mending nets. It’s a glimpse of a disappearing way of life.
A 2-3 hour drive from Guilin city transports you to another world: the magnificent Longji (Dragon’s Backbone) Rice Terraces. Staying in a village here is a highlight reel moment for any family.
Why Families Love It: The hiking is the main event, but it’s hiking with a purpose. Choose the interconnected villages of Ping’an (Zhuang Minority) or Dazhai (Yao Minority). The paths between them are stone steps that wind through and above the terraces. For smaller children, you can hire a local sedan chair carried by two villagers—an unforgettable experience for everyone. The vistas are like something from a fairy tale, changing with the seasons from water-filled mirrors in spring to emerald green in summer and golden hues in autumn.
Cultural Connection: In Dazhai, the Yao women are known for their incredibly long hair, often styled with traditional songs and dances. Many guesthouses are run by local families who serve home-cooked meals featuring bamboo rice (rice cooked inside a bamboo stalk over a fire)—a huge hit with kids.
To escape Yangshuo’s buzz, base yourself in one of the villages along the Yulong River, like Jiuxian or Chaoyang. This is Guilin’s pastoral dreamscape.
Why Families Love It: The Yulong River Bamboo Rafting is calmer, shallower, and more interactive than the Li River. Kids will love watching the raftsmen navigate small dams (a gentle splash!) and you can even hop off to swim in safe, designated areas. The surrounding area is a cyclist’s paradise. Rent bikes with child seats or tag-alongs and spend a day getting lost on paved paths and dirt trails, crossing ancient stone bridges like the Yulong Bridge.
Farm Fun: Seek out a family-friendly farmstay. These often let kids help feed ducks, collect eggs, or pick seasonal fruits and vegetables. It’s a wonderful way to connect with the land and understand where food comes from.
The landscape of Guilin, with its towering limestone peaks, has inspired Chinese poets for a thousand years. For your family, let it inspire a different kind of poetry—the messy, joyful, unforgettable kind. It’s in the mud on little boots after a rice paddy walk, the shared laughter of trying to steer a bamboo raft, the quiet wonder of a starry night far from city lights, and the warmth of a shared meal with a new friend. In these villages, you’re not just visiting a scene; you’re becoming part of it, writing your own family’s story into the enduring beauty of Guangxi.
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Author: Guilin Travel
Link: https://guilintravel.github.io/travel-blog/guilins-best-familyfriendly-villages.htm
Source: Guilin Travel
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