Essence of Guilin Tour with 2 Reviews by Truly China Travel

5 daysDuration

Private TourPrivate experience, no group joining

16 peopleMaximum group size

2 peopleMinimum to book

4 - 79 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Relaxed

Minimal physical effort, perfect for travelers seeking an easy-going experience.

Starts

Guilin, China

Ends

Yangshuo, China

Highlights

Discover the beauty of Guilin, a city on the west bank of the Li River

See the scenic rice terraces of Longji

Enjoy sailing down the mystical Li River

Visit Yangshuo, known for its karst formations

Itinerary

Imagine paddling through Guilin’s luminous waterways under a canopy of night lights, then waking to panoramic vistas atop the Longji Rice Terraces—this is just the beginning of your journey on "The Essence of Guilin" tour. Crafted for experienced travelers and families alike, this immersive tour package blends cultural discovery with natural beauty over a dynamic itinerary. You’ll stroll through the Zhuang and Yao villages, delving into the unique customs and mysteries of these ethnic minorities, and gain firsthand insight into local traditions.

A highlight of this trip is a luxury cruise on the Li River, offering spectacular views of the region’s renowned limestone peaks and emerald hills. Adventurers will also enjoy cycling past tranquil villages and lush countryside, and a gentle rafting experience on the Yulong River, surrounded by storybook landscapes. For those curious about China’s tea culture, a visit to one of the country’s largest tea plantations awaits—you’ll handpick tea leaves, wander among the aromatic rows, then return to your lodge for a traditional tea ceremony, learning about ancient customs in a warm, authentic setting.

If you seek unforgettable viewpoints, the climb up Xianggong Hill reveals an unrivaled panorama over the Li River Valley, perfect for photographers and nature lovers. Each day balances active exploration with leisurely moments, ensuring comfort and engagement for families and mature explorers, while still exciting the seasoned adventurer. Group and private tour options are available to suit your travel style, with departures flexible for private groups ranging from one to twenty participants.

The unique selling point of this tour lies in its rare blend of hands-on cultural experiences—like tea picking and ethnic village visits—paired with Guilin’s breathtaking natural scenery. Whether you crave cycling, river cruising, or simply soaking in local traditions, "The Essence of Guilin" tour package promises a well-rounded, enriching escape for travelers seeking both adventure and cultural immersion.

day 1 - Guilin Arrival, Boat trip to Two Rivers & Four Lakes

Ni Hao! Welcome to Guilin! As one of China's well-known tourist scenic cities, Guilin is also a historic and cultural city with a history of over 2,000 years.

Your Guilin tour begins with a welcome meeting at 16:00pm where you'll meet your tour leader and fellow travelers.

Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. We will collect/check your passport, insurance and next of kin information at the group meeting, please have these on hand. After the meeting maybe head out to explore the pedestrian streets - with your hotel located centrally, a walk in any direction will unveil all sorts of wonderful surprises. Perhaps kick off your Guilin adventure with a taste of an iconic dish - Guilin rice noodle.

After dinner, take a boat trip to Two Rivers and Four Lakes. You will enjoy more than ten famous mountains such as Elephant Trunk Hill, Fubo Mountain, Diecai Mountain, LoYan Hill, Baoji Mountain, etc; The relics pagoda, Hongqiao Dam, Zhuzi memorial archway, One legged Pavilion and other places of interest along the Peach Blossom River; You can also visit Chinese classical gardens, ecological gardens, and the Song Historical and Cultural Park; Appreciate the World Famous Bridge Expo Park, Famous Flowers and Trees Expo Park, Pavilion Expo Park, and Sculpture Expo Park in the scenic area. Be dazzled by performances along the coast such as: Guiju Opera, local folk art, Guihu Fishing Fire, and Lefang Yao Long Hair Dance - Lotus Pond Dressing. You can appreciate why there is a sigh of "I would rather be in Guilin than in a Fairy tale" in the world.

Special Information

A Single Supplement for adult to have your own room is bookable on this trip, with the exception of the overnight train (subject to availability).

If you wish to arrive a few days early in Guilin, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Duration:12 hours

Accommodation:4 Star Hotel at Guilin Bravo Hotel or similar

day 2 - Excursion to Longji Rice Terraces & Minority Villages

An excursion to the rice terraces of Longji awaits you after breakfast. Your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel at 8:00 am. These terraces were first built during the Yuan Dynasty (1271AD to 1368AD) and their construction continued until the early Qing Dynasty (1644AD to 1911AD).

The terraces change their appearance according to the season. In spring, when the water is irrigated into the fields, the terraces look like ribbons stretching along the hillside. During summer, it looks like waves of green are rushing down the hills from above. Autumn, the season of harvest, is when the hills look golden brown. And in winter, when it snows, the hills are decked in white.

As well as its amazing scenery, Longji is a great destination to experience the culture of China’s ethnic minorities. It is home to Zhuang and Yao ethnic groups.

Return back to your hotel in Guilin in the late afternoon after the excursion is over.

Duration:24 hours

Accommodation:4 Star Hotel at Guilin Bravo Hotel or similar

Meals:Breakfast

day 3 - From Guilin cruise Li River down to Yangshuo

Your guide and driver will pick you up from the hotel and drive you to a Li River pier after breakfast. The journey takes about 60 minutes. Board a 4-star cruise boat on reaching the pier and sail down the meandering Li River. The journey from Guilin dock to Yangshuo via Yangdi, Jiu Ma and Xingping takes around 4 hours.

Li River looks like a jade-green belt winding its way among countless mountains. The sides of the river unwind like a paper scroll, unraveling beautiful scenery as the boat drifts down the river. No wonder people call the river a colorful gallery.

No matter how bad or good the weather is, travelers are always in for a surprise during their journey down the river. While a sunny day can mean clear water with countless fishes swimming leisurely beneath you, clouds and mist play hide-and-seek around hills and mountains on a cloudy day.

You'll be transferred to your hotel and check in after the boat arrives at Yangshuo pier.

This evening is free time for you, there is a spectacular outdoor cultural show/Impression Sanjie Liu staged by Zhang Yimou, director of the Beijing Olympic's opening ceremony, is a definite highlight and highly recommended (optional).

Duration:24 hours

Accommodation:4 Star Hotel at Yangshuo New Century Hotel or similar

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

day 4 - Countryside cycling & rafting on Yulong River

The dramatic countryside surrounding Yangshuo is best seen on a bike, today you’ll jump on a bike and explore the splendid green landscape surrounds and nearby villages, bamboo rafting on the Yulong River enjoy the idyllic scenery on both sides of the river, which is pleasing to the eye. Stop for lunch at the house of our local farmer friends for a tasty meal made from locally grown produce.

In the afternoon, a great optional activity for you to head out, what is one of the largest tea plantations in Yangshuo, in the plantation you’ll try on a Chinese reed hat to feel the atmosphere of a tea plantation, pick your own tea leaves and wander through the rows of tea and return to the lodge to experience the traditional tea service and learn the customs, climb up to the Xianggong hill to experience the spectacular panorama over the Li River Valley, from here you’ll see sunlight & shadow, clouds sea & the rosy clouds, If you're lucky, you can also see a beautiful rainbow.

It’s the last night in Yangshuo, enjoy an optional final farewell dinner to sample some of the best Yangshuo dishes, and wander up the busy West shopping street, then enjoy some time to browse the stores or relax in a cafe.

Duration:24 hours

Accommodation:4 Star Hotel at Yangshuo New Century Hotel or similar

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

day 5 - Yangshuo departure

Your Guilin tour comes to an end this morning. There are no activities today. Please note that the checkout time is 12:00 noon. If you have booked the optional departure transfer with us, please confirm the hotel pick-up time with your tour leader in advance.

If you wish to leave a few days later in Yangshuo, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Duration:12 hours

Meals:Breakfast

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What's Included

Meals: 4 breakfasts & 2 lunchesFour nights' stay in 4-star hotels in double or twin-share rooms with private facilitiesExperienced, English-speaking tour guideGuilin city walking tourA Luxury boat trip through the 2 Rivers & 4 Lakes in GuilinAn excursion to Longji Rice Terraces, Zhuang & Yao Minority VillagesLi River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo (4-Star Cruise)Yangshuo Park & West Street walking tourYangshuo Countryside Cycling TourYulong River Bamboo RaftingAll transportation during the tour is included

What's Excluded

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