5-Day Guilin-Yangshuo Lijiang Gallery Tour

Description

Day 1: Arrive in Guilin · First Encounter with the City of Mountains and Waters

【Itinerary Overview】

• Transportation: Airport/Railway Station pickup (Guide holding a sign) → Private car transfer to downtown hotel (Approx. 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic).
• Accommodation: Guilin Downtown Hotel (Fixed accommodation, specific hotel as per the departure notice).
• Catering: Meals at own expense throughout the day (Local food recommendations below).

【Fixed Itinerary】

• Pickup and Check-in (Times for reference only, subject to actual arrival):
  • Flight Arrival: Gather at the exit of Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL), meet the guide, and transfer to the hotel.
  • Train Arrival: Gather at the exit of Guilin Station / Guilin North Station / Guilin West Station, meet the guide, and transfer to the hotel.
  • Arrive at the hotel and assist with check-in (Recommended after 14:00; luggage storage available if arriving early).

Jingjiang Princes’ Palace (Core Historical and Cultural Area)

• Historical Background: The longest-existing and best-preserved Ming Dynasty vassal palace site in China. Construction began in 1372 (5th year of Hongwu) as the fief for Zhu Shouqian, the grand-nephew of Ming Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, and took over 280 years to complete.
• Architectural Features: Adopts typical Ming official architectural style centered on “Chengyun Hall,” with red walls, yellow tiles, and carved beams. The city wall is 1500 meters long and 7 meters high, with four gates (Zhengyang, Tiren, Zunyi, and Guangzhi).
• Landscape Highlights:
  • Climb Solitary Beauty Peak (Altitude 216 meters, the highest point in downtown Guilin) to overlook the panoramic view of “The city in the scenery, the scenery in the city.” The cliff walls are engraved with inscriptions such as “The Pillar of the Southern Sky.”
  • Visit the “Gongyuan” (Ancient Imperial Examination Hall) to experience the examination scenes of ancient scholars.
• Practical Information:
  • Opening Hours: 8:30-17:30 (Last entry at 16:30).
  • Tickets: 100 Yuan/person (Includes Solitary Beauty Peak); the guide can assist with ticket purchase.
  • Suggested Visit Time: 2-3 hours (9:00-12:00 or 14:00-17:00 to avoid midday heat).
  • Location: No. 1 Wangcheng, Xiufeng District, Guilin (Downtown, 5-minute walk from East-West Alley).

East-West Alley (Ming and Qing Ancient Streets · Intangible Heritage Experience)

• Historical Background: The central commercial street of Guilin Prefecture during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Originally built in the Song Dynasty, existing buildings are mostly Ming and Qing structures, witnessing Guilin’s nearly 1400-year history. Restored in 2013 as a cultural tourism integration area.
• Special Experiences:
  • Architecture: Bluestone paths, horse-head walls, and wooden lattice windows preserve the traditional “three-entry three-opening” shop layout.
  • Intangible Heritage: Round fan making (hand-painted), sand-stone painting (using Li River stone grains), and Guizhou embroidery (Guangxi characteristic embroidery).
  • Food: Recommended “Time-honored Rice Noodle Shop” (e.g., “Youyixuan” flagship store, approx. 15 Yuan per person, braised meat noodles with sour beans and crispy pork), “Water Chestnut Cake” (freshly steamed, 5 Yuan/piece, sweet and refreshing).

Two Rivers and Four Lakes Cruise (Essence of Night Scenery)

• Landscape Highlights: The two rivers (Li River, Taohua River) and four lakes (Shan Lake, Rong Lake, Gui Lake, Mulong Lake) form a city-wide water system, connecting Elephant Trunk Hill, Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas, etc. The night view is comparable to Venice.
• Experience Mode:
  • Cruise Types: Luxury air-conditioned boat (with narration, passing 9 bridges and 10 scenic spots), Painted Boat (antique style, great for photos).
  • Must-see Landscapes: Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas (Golden Sun Tower, Silver Moon Tower, their reflection in the water looks like “Twin Pagodas Greeting the Moon”), Glass Bridge (Transparent bridge body, water right under your feet).
• Practical Information:
  • Departure Times: 19:00-21:30 (Every 30 minutes; additional shifts during peak season).
  • Duration: Approx. 70 minutes, price 210 Yuan/person (Includes narration, guide can book discounted tickets).
  • Pier: Wenchang Bridge Pier (Near Elephant Trunk Hill, 10-minute walk) or Jiefang Bridge Pier.

【Catering Recommendations】 (At own expense, for reference)

• Breakfast: Chongshan Rice Noodles (Flagship store, Yiren Road, Xiufeng District, approx. 12 Yuan per person, braised meat noodles + soy beans + sour bamboo shoots).
• Lunch/Dinner: Chunji Roast Goose (Zhongshan Road Store, approx. 60 Yuan per person, signature roast goose with crispy skin and Lipu taro braised pork).
• Snacks: “Haitian Rice Rolls” on Zhengyang Road Pedestrian Street (5 Yuan/portion, freshly steamed rice rolls with shrimp and lean meat).

Day 2: Longji Rice Terraces · Huangluo Yao Village + Ping’an Village Hiking

【Itinerary Overview】

• Transportation: Guilin Hotel → Longji Rice Terraces Scenic Area (Approx. 77 km, 2-hour drive, winding mountain roads, motion sickness medicine recommended).
• Accommodation: Ping’an Village Guesthouse in Longji (Fixed location, traditional wooden house, no star rating, please be mentally prepared).
• Catering: Breakfast included (Hotel simple meal), Lunch included (Farmhouse meal in Ping’an Village); Dinner at own expense (Recommended farmhouse in the village).

【Fixed Itinerary】

• 08:00-10:00 Depart from Guilin
  • We arrange a private car to take you to the entrance of Longji Rice Terraces Scenic Area (transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus required, 20 Yuan/person, included in the tour fee).
• 10:00-12:00 Huangluo Yao Village (World’s Longest Hair Village)
  • History and Customs: A Red Yao ethnic village where women have a thousand-year tradition of growing long hair, believing “Long hair = Longevity + Wealth.” They cut their hair only once at their 18th birthday and grow it for life, with a record of 2.72 meters (Guinness certified).
  • Activities:
    • Watch Folk Performance (45 minutes, free, usually at 11:00/15:00): Long hair performance (collective hair flipping), folk song duets, long stick dance.
    • Interact with Villagers: Learn the “Rice water hair washing method” (using fermented rice water + tea oil), and understand Red Yao weaving (a provincial intangible heritage).
  • Location: Inside Longji Rice Terraces Scenic Area, 10-minute drive from Dazhai parking lot.
• 12:00-13:30 Lunch at Ping’an Village
  • We arrange lunch at a farmhouse in Ping’an Village. Recommended dishes: Bamboo tube rice (glutinous rice + cured meat steamed in bamboo, 15 Yuan/tube), Bamboo tube chicken (local chicken + mushrooms, 80 Yuan/chicken), Fried bracken cake with cured meat (made from local fern roots, 30 Yuan/portion).
• 13:30-16:30 Ping’an Zhuang Rice Terrace Hiking
  • Hiking Route: Ping’an Village parking lot → Nine Dragons and Five Tigers Viewpoint (2 km, 30 minutes) → Seven Stars with the Moon Viewpoint (2 km, 30 minutes). Total approx. 2-3 hours (Level bluestone paths, suitable for all).
  • Landscape Highlights:
    • Nine Dragons and Five Tigers (Altitude 980 meters, best sunset spot): 9 small hills like dragon claws and 5 like tigers; the terraces look like “Ten thousand dragons gathering.”
    • Seven Stars with the Moon (Altitude 880 meters, best sunrise spot): 7 small hills surrounding a crescent moon-shaped paddy field.
  • Cultural Experience: Stroll through Ping’an Village to observe Zhuang stilt houses (Diaojiaolou) and interact with villagers in traditional attire.
  • Practical Tips:
    • Weather: Changeable; bring raincoats (10 Yuan/piece available in the village) and wear non-slip shoes.
    • Luggage: Portions require walking; you can pay villagers to carry luggage (50-100 Yuan/piece).
    • Musty Smell: Wooden houses are damp; bring dehumidifier bags and open windows for ventilation.
• 16:30-18:00 Check-in at Ping’an Village Guesthouse
  • Experience the Yao fire pit culture in a traditional wooden house.
• After 18:00 Free Activity
  • You can choose: Watch the sunset (Nine Dragons and Five Tigers around 18:30 in summer) or browse the village night market (wild honey, mist tea).

【Traditional Festival Experience】 (Optional, subject to corresponding dates)

• Huangluo Yao Village · Long Hair Festival (3rd day of the 3rd lunar month):
  • Activities: Collective hair combing, folk song competition, learn hair braiding.
• Ping’an Village · Shu Yang Festival (June 8-9):
  • Activities: Torchlight terrace night view, rice planting competition, sacrificial rituals.

Day 3: Jinkeng Dazhai Red Yao Terraces · Sunrise and Panorama

【Itinerary Overview】

• Transportation: Ping’an Village → Jinkeng Dazhai (14 km hike, 4-5 hours, or optional drive + cable car, see below).
• Accommodation: Return to Guilin Downtown Hotel (Same standard as Day 1).
• Catering: Breakfast included (Guesthouse simple meal), Lunch included (Farmhouse meal in Jinkeng Dazhai); Dinner at own expense (Recommended Guilin city cuisine).

【Fixed Itinerary】

• 05:30-06:30 Optional: Sunrise at Seven Stars with the Moon
  • Guide-led (optional, 5:00 wake-up call) walk to the viewpoint to watch the sun rise over the layers of terraces (Best season April-October).
• 07:00-12:00 Hiking from Ping’an Village to Jinkeng Dazhai
  • Route: Ping’an → Zhongliu Village → Thousand Layers Sky Ladder → Xishan Shaole → Golden Buddha Peak.
  • Cultural Experience: Encounter Red Yao people and observe traditional “slash-and-burn” farming (planting May-June, harvest September-October).
  • Practical Tips:
    • Difficulty: Moderate (500-meter elevation gain). Bring enough water (2L) and snacks.
    • Avoid Getting Lost: Follow the guide as there are many side paths.
    • Costume Rental: Yao ethnic clothing (50 Yuan/set) available near Golden Buddha Peak.
• 12:00-13:30 Lunch at Jinkeng Dazhai
  • Farmhouse lunch. Recommended: Bamboo tube fish (40 Yuan/fish), Yao Oil Tea (5 Yuan/bowl).
• 13:30-15:00 Golden Buddha Peak Viewpoint (Optional Cable Car)
  • Landscape Highlights: “Golden Thread Hanging a Gourd” and “Eagle Spreading Wings,” a 360° overlook of Jinkeng.
  • Transport Options:
    • Hiking: Parking lot to peak (1.5 hours, steep).
    • Cable Car: 20-minute one way, 55 Yuan/person (at own expense).
• 15:00-18:00 Return to Guilin
  • Private car back to Guilin hotel (approx. 2 hours).

【Traditional Festival Experience】 (Optional, subject to corresponding dates)

• Dazhai · Clothes Drying Festival (6th day of the 6th lunar month):
  • Activities: Red Yao families dry colorful handmade clothes, wedding ceremonies, and blessing rituals.

【Photography and Hiking Tips】

• Best Photography Periods:
  • Water Filling Period (April-early June): Terraces like mirrors with mist.
  • Golden Period (mid Sept-mid Oct): Harvest time with layers of gold.
  • Snow Scene (Dec-Feb): Occasional snow creates a quiet white world.
• Hiking Alternative: Drive from Ping’an to Dazhai (40 mins, 50 Yuan/person) and take the cable car.

【Catering Recommendations】 (At own expense)

• Dinner: Xiaonan Guo (approx. 70 Yuan per person, Beer Fish, Lipu Taro Pork).

Day 4: Guilin → Yangshuo · Li River Gallery and Pastoral Poetry

【Itinerary Overview】

• Transportation: Hotel → Mopanshan Pier (1 hour) → Li River Cruise (Approx. 83 km, 4 hours) → Yangshuo Pier → Yangshuo Hotel.
• Accommodation: Yangshuo Hotel (Near West Street or Yulong River).
• Catering: Breakfast included, Lunch included (Western set meal on cruise); Dinner at own expense.

【Fixed Itinerary】

• 08:00-09:00 Depart from Guilin to Mopanshan Pier.
• 09:30-13:30 Li River Cruise (3-Star, Western Lunch included)
  • Highlights:
    • Core Spots: Immortal Pushing the Mill, Nine Horse Fresco Hill, Yellow Cloth Reflection (20 Yuan note scene), Xingping Ancient Town.
    • Experience: “Boating on the green waves, traveling in a painting.”
  • Cruise Service: Western lunch box provided; top deck for viewing; Upgrade to 4-Star available (+200 Yuan/person).
• 14:00-15:00 Pier to Hotel Check-in.
• 15:30-17:30 Yulong River Bamboo Rafting (Jinlong Bridge → Jiuxian)
  • Experience: Manual bamboo raft (2 persons per raft), 90 mins, passing 9 dams like a “water roller coaster.”
  • Highlights: Karst peaks, ancient camphor trees, Yulong Bridge.
• 18:00-21:00 Free Exploration of West Street
  • Choose: Browse shops, try Beer Fish, or visit a riverside bar.

【Evening Recommendation】 (Optional, at own expense)

• “Impression Liu Sanjie” Outdoor Show: Directed by Zhang Yimou, staged on the Li River with 600 performers. Approx. 198-298 Yuan/person.

Day 5: Yangshuo → Guilin · Landmark Caves and Return

【Itinerary Overview】

• Transportation: Yangshuo → Elephant Trunk Hill (1.5 hours) → Reed Flute Cave (30 mins) → Guilin Airport/Station (40 mins).
• Accommodation: None (Tour ends).
• Catering: Breakfast included; Lunch/Dinner at own expense.

【Fixed Itinerary】

• 08:00-09:30 Depart from Yangshuo to Guilin.
• 10:00-11:30 Elephant Trunk Hill (Guilin City Symbol)
  • Background: 5A scenic spot, the hill looks like a giant elephant drinking from the river.
  • Highlights: Water Moon Cave, Elephant Eye Cave, Puxian Pagoda.
  • Tips: Tickets 55 Yuan; best view from Jiefang Bridge or Zizhou Park.
• 12:00-13:30 Reed Flute Cave (“Nature’s Art Palace”)
  • Geology: Karst cave formed 1 million years ago with spectacular stalactites.
  • Highlights: Crystal Palace, Morning Glow over Lion Ridge, Flower and Fruit Mountain.
• 14:00-16:00 Tour Ends · Drop-off
  • Transfer to Airport/Railway Station for departure.

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]

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]