6 days Guilin Li River cruise and Longsheng hiking tour

Upon your arrive in Guilin, your local guide and driver will greet you. After reaching your hotel, check-in and relax, or if ready start exploring nearby restaurants and feel China's culture.

Morning visit from Guilin to the Longji. Longji has a great Chinese translation to the "Dragon's Backbone" and is one of the most impressive Terraced Rice Fields in China; known for its appearance of a dragon's scales. Built along the banks of a countryside river the terraces ride along the riverside till reaching the peak of the mountain of 880 m. (2,887 ft.). While standing on the top of the mountain can see the dragon's backbone twisting off into the distance. This is very classical China and as seen in countless photos! 

While it may be hard to leave this natural beauty, the next stop of the day will be a visit to Pingan Yao and Zhuang Villages. These two (2) areas are not populated with Han but rather Yao Minority. Observe a different glimpse of China's ethnic identities, as they are well known for being extremely friendly. Talk freely with them and learn about the Yao lifestyle. Overnight at Piangan Village.

Hiking day! After having breakfast start your day with a morning hike to the village of Dazhai and the Jinkeng Terraces. Most travelers will reach the destination in 4 to 5 hours of hiking. Reach the highest point of the terraces at 1,180 m. (3,871 ft.). Jinkeng Rice Terrace is less crowded but owns a much more fabulous view than any other ones. It is wider, higher and more beautiful so that you will watch more wonderful scenery. After meeting with the local Yao women with their famous colorful dresses, silver jewels and long black hair that can sometimes touch the ground, you will have a deep idea with their culture. 

Late afternoon, your driver and guide will drive you back to Guilin. Overnight at Guilin.

Today your trip will continue with a relaxing 4 hour cruises along the Li River Cruise. You will board the ship in Guilin and travel down river to Yangshuo. Guilin is world famous for its rivers and rolling hills, many consider the section between Guilin and Yangshuo to be the best. It offers a wide range of wonderful natural landscape scenery along the Li River. The time can be spent relaxing on deck or study the geological wonders that helped create this natural beauty. 

After enjoying lunch in Yangshuo, you will have a short bicycle trip into the countryside. Biking is synonymous with China and a very popular way to explore Yangshuo. Stop along the way and meet with local farmers, exploring their home and way of life. Then you can begin to understand the daily life of a Chinese peasant. We welcome and hope you will talk friendly with the help of your guide to translate, so upon leaving you will have a true understanding of their way of living. Overnight at Yangshuo.

Today's is split into 2 parts morning is filled with hiking and natural beauty while the afternoon allows for shopping and observe some of Yangshuo's city life. Start with a 4 to 5 hours' hike from Gongnong Bridge to Yima Village along mystical Yulong River. As you wander the path your guide will help you better understand the history and origin of the Yulong and Yangshuo.  Keep with the spirit of cultural introduction there are plenty of opportunities to stop and visit some of the smaller villages along the river, nearby farms and the locals that tend to them all.

After returning Yangshuo, travel to 'West Street', the busiest in the whole city. Known as a mixing place of east and west, Yangshuo is one of the first place open to foreigners after 1978. You can easily feel the presence of mixed architecture and today see many westerners all around the street. Some are travelers, others run the local business such as an ice cream shop, cafe shop or a west restaurant here. 

When ready leisurely return to your hotel for an overnight in Guilin.

Your last day of what we are certain would be an amazing trip. Much of today's focus relates to the natural beauty found in the rocky landscape. Stop first at Reed Flute Cave, which is a natural limestone cave built over 180 million years. Full of minerals and crystals you will certainly be impressed by the various stalactites and stalagmites.

The next stop is famous Elephant Trunk Hill, international know as a symbol of Guilin City. A naturally occurring mountain which looks like an active elephant is drinking. It is visited each year by countless domestic and overseas travelers.

The second to last stop before lunch is Fubo Hill. This protruding rock formation has the appearance of floating on water, depending on the height of the river, if lucky you will catch this illusion. If not the grandeur and mass of the rock along with the amazing view from the top will certainly impress you. Offering a breathtaking panoramic vice of the whole city.

After lunch, your guide and driver will bid you farewell as the ensure you reach your departing train or flight on time. WindhorseTour is here and ready to help plan continued travel to any city in China.