Guilin Li River cruise and Longsheng hiking tour

Welcome to Guilin! After you arrive at the airport or train station, your local guide and driver will be there to greet you and take you to your hotel. You’ll have the rest of the day to relax or take a short walk to get a feel for the city. If you’re up for it, we recommend strolling around the Two Rivers and Four Lakes area or heading up Diecai Hill for a great view of Guilin.

Today, you’ll head out of the city to visit the famous Longji Rice Terraces, about 2.5 hours from Guilin. Nicknamed the “Dragon’s Backbone,” these terraces climb up the mountainsides in waves, and from certain viewpoints, they really do look like a dragon stretching into the distance.

You’ll visit Ping’an Village, home to the Zhuang ethnic groups. It’s a great place to learn about traditional rural life in China. The locals are warm and welcoming, and your guide will help you connect with them and understand their unique culture. There’ll be time to explore the terraces and soak in some unforgettable views.

Overnight in a local hotel or guesthouse in Ping’an Village.

Today is a hiking day! After breakfast, you’ll start a scenic trek from Ping’an Village to Dazhai, home to the Jinkeng Rice Terraces. This hike typically takes around 4 to 5 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take in the views. If that feels too long, we can arrange a shorter trek to suit your pace.

The Jinkeng terraces are higher, wider, and often considered more spectacular than those in Ping’an, yet they tend to be less crowded, which makes the experience even more special. Along the way, you’ll reach some of the area’s highest viewpoints, with peaks up to 1,180 meters (3,871 ft), offering sweeping panoramas of the layered fields and surrounding mountains.

As you walk through local villages, you may meet Yao women in their colorful traditional dresses, silver jewelry, and famously long hair that often reaches the ground. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn about their unique culture and way of life.

In the late afternoon, your guide and driver will take you back to Guilin. Overnight in Guilin.

This morning, enjoy a relaxing 4-hour cruise along the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo. The scenery is stunning, with limestone peaks, peaceful villages, and bamboo groves. You can sit back, take photos, or simply enjoy the calm atmosphere as the boat glides through some of China’s most beautiful landscapes.
After arriving in Yangshuo, take a short break at your hotel and then head out for a bike ride through Yangshuo’s countryside. This is one of the best ways to explore the area. You’ll ride past rice paddies, small farms, and quiet village roads. There will be chances to stop and meet local farmers. With your guide’s help, you can chat with them and get a glimpse into everyday life in rural China. Overnight in Yangshuo.

Today is all about enjoying nature in the morning and soaking in local culture and relaxing in the afternoon. After breakfast, set out on a scenic 4 to 5 hour hike along the peaceful Yulong River, starting from Gongnong Bridge and ending near Yima Village. This trail takes you through bamboo groves, ancient stone villages, and beautiful karst landscapes. Along the way, your guide will share stories about the area’s history, culture, and local life.

There are plenty of chances to stop in small villages or nearby farms and meet locals tending their fields. It’s a great way to connect with the slower pace of life in rural Yangshuo.

In the afternoon, head back into town and visit West Street, the heart of Yangshuo. This lively area has been welcoming foreign travelers since the late 1970s. You’ll find a mix of local and Western-style shops, cafes, and restaurants. Some are run by visitors who loved Yangshuo so much, they never left.

Overnight in Yangshuo.

This morning, you’ll drive back to Guilin for a final half-day tour before departure of Guilin.

First, explore Reed Flute Cave, a colorful underground wonder filled with amazing rock formations. Then visit Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin’s most iconic landmark that looks just like an elephant sipping from the river. If time allows, make a quick stop at Fubo Hill for one last panoramic view of the city.

After lunch, your guide and driver will take you to the airport or train station for your departure.

If you’re continuing your China adventure, we’re happy to help you with your next destination!