Description
Day 1: Arrival in Guilin, Exploring Ancient City Alleys
Theme: Urban Integration & Independent Exploration
Our Arrangements:
- Pick-up Service: Your guide will meet you at the exit of Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) or Guilin Railway Station/Guilin North Railway Station with a welcome sign and escort you to your hotel in Guilin city center for check-in.
- Accommodation: Guilin downtown hotel (Fixed arrangement).
Your Free Time (Meals at your own expense today):
The time from arrival until tonight is for free activities. If you are feeling energetic, we strongly recommend exploring the urban pulse of Guilin.
- Recommended Free Activities:
- Jingjiang Princes’ Palace (Solitary Beauty Peak · Prince City Scenic Area):
- Detailed Description: This was the princely mansion of Zhu Shouqian, the grand-nephew of the Ming Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang. Built in 1372 (the 5th year of the Hongwu Era), it predates the Forbidden City in Beijing. It is the best-preserved Ming Dynasty princely mansion in China, following strict Ming palace architectural regulations. The “Royal Path” ancient road, the ruins of Chengyun Palace, and the relics of the Qing Dynasty Examination Hall are all worth exploring. Climbing Solitary Beauty Peak (about a 15-20 minute hike) offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Guilin city; this is also the true origin of the famous ancient verse “Guilin’s scenery is the best under heaven.”
- Practical Information: Opening hours are approximately 7:30-18:00. Reference ticket price is about 100 RMB. Located at No. 1 Wangcheng Road, Xiufeng District, Guilin, it is accessible by foot or a short taxi ride from most city center hotels.
- East and West Alleys (Dongxi Lane) Historical and Cultural District:
- Detailed Description: Adjacent to the Jingjiang Princes’ Palace, this is the only remaining historical street area from the Ming and Qing Dynasties in Guilin. Here, you can find pastries from the century-old brand “Hongqinglong” and experience intangible cultural heritage projects like Guilin Round Fan painting or Bloodstone Jade carving at the “Craftsman Workshop” (experience fee approx. 30-80 RMB). At dusk, the lanterns in the alleys are lit, creating a special charm.
- Recommended Food (Dinner at your own expense):
- “Chunji Roast Goose” (Zhongshan Road Branch): A well-known local chain. The signature roast goose is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the stir-fried dishes have a strong Northern Guangxi flavor. Average consumption is about 60-80 RMB per person. Address: No. 2 Zhongshan Middle Road, Xiufeng District.
- “Laobiaoji” or “Wangcheng Vinegar Blood Duck”: Taste the local specialty Vinegar Blood Duck, which is sour, spicy, and appetizing. Average cost is about 50-70 RMB per person.
- Night Cruise on Two Rivers and Four Lakes (Optional project, highly recommended):
- Detailed Description: This is the classic way to enjoy Guilin’s city nightscape. Sail through the urban water system consisting of the Li River, Taohua River, Mulong Lake, Gui Lake, Rong Lake, and Shan Lake. Along the way, you can see the Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas, ancient banyan trees, and replicated ancient bridges. The lights and landscape intertwine for about 90 minutes.
- Practical Information: Night cruise flights usually start after 19:00. Piers are mostly at Wenchang Bridge or Riyuewan. Reference ticket price is about 210 RMB. Our Note: This is a self-funded item; please consult your guide if you wish to book.
- Jingjiang Princes’ Palace (Solitary Beauty Peak · Prince City Scenic Area):
Day 2: Longji Secret Realm, Traversing Millennium Terraces and Yao Villages
Theme: Deep Experience of Mountain Pastoral and Ethnic Minority Culture
Our Arrangements:
- Catering: Includes hotel breakfast and a specialty lunch in Ping’an Village (tasting Bamboo Rice, Bamboo Chicken, etc.).
- Transportation & Itinerary: Depart from the hotel at approximately 8:00 AM. Drive about 2 hours to the Longji Rice Terraces Scenic Area. Assemble at approximately 16:30 to return to Guilin, a 2-hour drive.
- Core Activities: Visit Huangluo Yao Village, hike the Ping’an Zhuang Terraces, and explore Ping’an Village.
- Accommodation: Guilin downtown hotel (Fixed arrangement).
Itinerary Details & Tips:
- 🕘 Morning (Arrive approx. 10:30): Huangluo Yao Village (“World’s First Long Hair Village”)
- Cultural Details: This is the residence of the Red Yao people. Red Yao women have an ancient custom of growing long hair, which they regard as part of their life. You can see them using fermented rice water (“Red Yao Secret Formula”) to wash and care for their long hair. The singing and dancing performance in the village (optional, approx. 80 RMB/person, 45 minutes long) showcases Red Yao wedding customs and long-stick dances.
- Practical Tips: When interacting with Yao women, you can politely ask about the meaning of their hairpins (symbolizing status and age), but avoid touching others’ hair directly.
- Noon: Lunch at Ping’an Village
- Culinary Details: The lunch we arrange will include local specialties. Bamboo Rice is made by roasting glutinous rice with cured meat and taro inside fresh bamboo tubes, carrying a bamboo fragrance. Bamboo Chicken is slow-stewed in bamboo tubes with spring water, resulting in a sweet and clear broth.
- 🕘 Afternoon: Ping’an Zhuang Terrace Hiking and Ping’an Village Exploration
- Hiking Highlights: We arrange for a guide to lead the hike. Ping’an Terraces have two main viewing platforms:
- “Seven Stars Accompanying the Moon” (elevation approx. 880m): Composed of seven small terrace mounds and one large central mound, it looks like stars surrounding the moon. It is an ideal spot for photographing the sunrise (if staying overnight).
- “Nine Dragons and Five Tigers” (elevation approx. 980m): The terrace lines resemble dragons and tigers, offering a majestic view. This is the perfect spot for viewing the sunset, and the afternoon light is most suitable for photography here.
- Lifestyle Details: In Ping’an Village, you will see Zhuang women wearing indigo-blue local cloth clothing. The Diaojiaolou (stilt houses) in the village usually have three floors: the ground floor for livestock, the second for living, and the third for storage. If you see He Ba (rice ears) hanging on the door lintel, it symbolizes a bountiful harvest.
- Practical Tips: Hiking the terraces requires some physical stamina; please wear non-slip sports shoes. There are villagers selling water and snacks along the way; you can support them as appropriate. Please smile and ask for permission before photographing local people.
- Hiking Highlights: We arrange for a guide to lead the hike. Ping’an Terraces have two main viewing platforms:
Day 3: Cruising the Ink-wash Li River, Enjoying Yangshuo’s Pastoral Charm
Theme: Landscape Poetry and Slow Countryside Life
Our Arrangements:
- Catering: Includes hotel breakfast and lunch on the Li River cruise (upgraded to a Chinese-Western buffet).
- Transportation & Core Itinerary:
- 🕘 Morning: Depart from the hotel at approximately 8:00 AM for Mopanshan Pier (approx. 1 hour drive). Take a 4-star Li River Cruise (approx. 4 hours) downstream to Yangshuo. We provide a transfer from the pier to your hotel in Yangshuo.
- 🕘 Afternoon: Arrange a classic Yulong River bamboo rafting experience (one section, such as Jinlong Bridge to Jiuxian, lasting approx. 1.5 hours).
- 🕘 Evening: Free exploration of West Street.
- Accommodation: Yangshuo hotel (Fixed arrangement).
Itinerary Details & Tips:
- 🕘 Morning: Li River Essence Cruise
- Landscape Highlights: The cruise will pass Nine Horse Fresco Hill (try to count the nine horses on the cliff) and Yellow Cloth Reflection (the background site of the 20 RMB note). Our Note: The cruise follows a fixed schedule; simple tea is provided on board, but you may bring your own snacks. The deck is the best place for viewing and photography, but please pay attention to safety.
- 🕘 Afternoon: Yangshuo Countryside and Yulong River
- Exploration Methods (Pick one of three, we arrange the basic method, upgrades are self-funded):
- (Basic) Driver transfer combined with short walks: Our driver will take you to the Yulong River bank and rural highlights, where you can get off to stroll and take photos at any time.
- (Recommended Optional) Bicycle/Electric Scooter: Rent a bicycle (approx. 20-30 RMB/day) or an electric scooter (approx. 50-80 RMB/day) in Yangshuo to ride along the Ten-Mile Gallery or the Yulong River path. Practical Tip: Check the vehicle condition before renting and always keep to the side while riding, paying attention to passing vehicles.
- Yulong River Bamboo Rafting: Unlike the Li River motorboats, these are hand-poled rafts, offering more serenity. There will be small drops when crossing dams; please keep your phone and other belongings safe. You may give the rafter a small tip (20-30 RMB, not mandatory); they might be more willing to explain the sights and slow down for photos.
- Exploration Methods (Pick one of three, we arrange the basic method, upgrades are self-funded):
- 🕘 Evening: West Street and “Impression Liu Sanjie”
- West Street: A fusion of East and West, where you can taste Beer Fish (recommended shops like “Master Fu” or “Sister Xie,” approx. 80-120 RMB per person) and Stuffed River Snails. You can also find a quiet bar to sit in.
- Recommended Optional Project: “Impression Liu Sanjie” outdoor performance. The performance venue is at Yangshuo East Street, about 3 km from West Street. The show usually starts around 20:00 and lasts 70 minutes. Reference ticket price: Standard seat approx. 220 RMB. Our Note: This is a self-funded item; if you wish to watch it, please ask the guide to help with booking in advance.
Day 4: Karst Wonders, Return Trip
Theme: Tribute to the City Emblem and Underground Art Palace
Our Arrangements:
- Catering: Includes hotel breakfast. (Lunch and dinner at your own expense)
- Transportation & Itinerary: Depart from the Yangshuo hotel at approximately 8:30 AM to return to Guilin (approx. 1.5 hours drive). Then visit Elephant Trunk Hill and Reed Flute Cave. After the tour, we will drop you off at Guilin Liangjiang Airport or the railway station according to your flight/train time.
- Core Activities: Visit Elephant Trunk Hill and Reed Flute Cave.
Itinerary Details:
- 🕘 Morning (Approx. 10:30): Elephant Trunk Hill Park
- Detailed Description: The emblem of Guilin, named for its shape resembling a giant elephant drinking water by the river. The core highlight “Water Moon Cave” is a transparent round hole between the elephant’s trunk and body, which can be passed through by boat. The best photography spot is on “Love Island” opposite the park, where you can capture a full view of Elephant Trunk Hill. Visiting time is about 1-1.5 hours.
- 🕘 Afternoon (Approx. 13:00): Reed Flute Cave
- Detailed Description: Known as the “Palace of Natural Art.” The temperature inside the cave is constant at around 20°C, so please dress warmly. Under the guide’s explanation, you will see fantastic landscapes formed by countless stalactites and stalagmites, such as “Rosy Dawn over Lion Peaks” and “Crystal Palace.” The tour route takes about 1 hour. The lights in the cave are sensor-activated; please follow the group.
- End of Trip & Transfer:
- Finish the entire itinerary at approximately 15:00, followed by a private transfer to the station. We recommend booking flights after 17:00 or trains after 17:30 to ensure sufficient time.
Yangshuo — Practical Information
Tickets & Booking
- Silver Cave (Lipu city, on the Yangshuo border): Adult CNY 65 per person; children aged 6/under 1.2 m, seniors over 65, disabled persons and active-duty military personnel free; no booking required[src]
Transport & Schedules
- Yangshuo station (high-speed rail station) → Yangshuo county town | Dedicated coach/taxi: Yangshuo high-speed rail station is in Xingping town, about 20–30 km from the county town, requiring a transfer by dedicated coach (about CNY 5, about 40 min) or taxi (about CNY 60)[src]
Where to Stay · Room Type · Nearby
- Yangshuo West Street | Room tip: Lively with convenient food and shopping, but loud bar noise | Nearby add-ons: West Street night market, the Li River bank[src]
- Xingping Ancient Town | Room tip: Quiet, close to the CNY 20 banknote backdrop spot | Nearby add-ons: Xingping Ancient Town, Laozhai Mountain, the CNY 20 backdrop spot[src]
