Guilin 5-Day 4-Night Boutique Private Experience

Description

Day 1: Guilin → Longji Rice Terraces (Ping’an Zhuang Terraces + Ping’an Village) One-day Tour

Accommodation: Guilin downtown hotel (Fixed arrangement, non-modifiable)

Meals Included: Lunch (Specialty meal in Ping’an Village within the scenic area)

Meals Not Included: Breakfast (Recommended to have in Guilin city; “Minggui Rice Noodles” flagship store is suggested, average 10-15 RMB, Address: No. 23 Jiefang East Road, Xiufeng District); Dinner (Upon returning to Guilin, “Chunji Roast Goose” Zhongshan Road branch is an option, average 60-80 RMB, signature dishes: Roast Goose, Golden Custard Buns)

【Fixed Itinerary】

🕐 07:30-08:00 Departure and Gathering

• Location: Designated gathering point in Guilin city (e.g., parking lot near Two Rivers and Four Lakes scenic area, subject to the final tour notice)
• Transportation: Air-conditioned tourist bus (including driver and guide services)
• Driving Time: Approx. 77 km, 2 hours (Mountain roads have many curves; motion sickness medicine is recommended)

🕐 10:00-12:30 Ping’an Zhuang Rice Terraces Hiking and Sightseeing

• Attraction Introduction:
  • Historical Background: The Ping’an Terraces were first built in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), over 700 years ago. It is the earliest developed area of Longji Terraces, created by Zhuang ancestors who cultivated the mountains and introduced irrigation. In 2018, it was listed in the preparatory list of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems.
  • Landscape Highlights: The terraces fluctuate with the mountain terrain, featuring over 1100 levels. In spring, irrigation makes them look like mirrors (best in April-May); in autumn, they become golden waves of rice (best in September-October). The core viewing platform “Nine Dragons and Five Tigers” (980 meters altitude) is named after 9 small ridges resembling dragon claws and 5 peaks resembling tigers. “Seven Stars Accompanying the Moon” (880 meters altitude) consists of 7 small mounds surrounding a central circular terrace, resembling the Big Dipper accompanying the moon.
  • Movie Location: Jackie Chan’s “Skiptrace” (2014) filmed a field chase scene here.
• Hiking Route: Ping’an Village entrance → Seven Stars Accompanying the Moon viewing platform (40 min walk, gentle stairs) → Nine Dragons and Five Tigers viewing platform (30 min walk, wide view) → Return to village entrance (Total approx. 2.5 hours, free admission).

🕐 12:30-13:30 Lunch at Ping’an Village (Included)

• Dining Location: “Zhuang Village Flavor Restaurant” next to the central square of Ping’an Village (Designated group restaurant)
• Specialty Dishes: Bamboo Rice (glutinous rice + cured meat, 15 RMB/tube), Bamboo Chicken (local chicken + mushrooms, 68 RMB/portion), Cured Meat Platter (local black pork, 48 RMB/portion), Wild Vegetable Soup (seasonal wild vegetables, 20 RMB/portion). Average consumption is about 50 RMB (already included in the tour fee).

🕐 13:30-15:00 Ping’an Village Folklore Experience

• Humanities & Culture:
  • Clothing Features: Zhuang men and women wear handmade homespun cloth clothing daily. Men wear short robes with embroidered geometric patterns, while women wear white tops and black pants with colorful headscarves (mostly blue, red, and yellow). The elderly still keep the custom of head wrapping (Taking photos of elderly clothing in the village is free, but do not touch them randomly).
  • Architectural Features: Stilt houses (Ganlan style) are wooden structures. The ground floor is for livestock, the second for people, and the third for storage. Roofs are covered with blue tiles, and corridor pillars are carved with floral and bird patterns (Recommended visit to the century-old “Mo Family Ancestral Hall” at the end of the village, free admission).
• Free Activity: Wander along the stone paths in the village, visit intangible cultural heritage workshops (such as Zhuang Brocade weaving, where you can watch the production process; purchases are at your own expense, scarves around 80-150 RMB).

🕐 15:00-16:30 Rice Field Fish Catching Experience (Fixed Activity)

• Location: “Rice-Fish Symbiosis Field” below Ping’an Village (10 min walk from the village gate)
• Experience: Bamboo baskets and waterproof shoe covers are provided (free loan). Follow villagers to learn how to catch rice-flower fish (mainly carp and crucian carp) by hand. Time limit is 1 hour. Caught fish can be purchased at 30 RMB/jin to take away (Self-funded; suggested to have them processed on-site into sour soup fish, processing fee 20 RMB).
• Farming Culture: The “Rice-Fish-Duck Symbiosis System” of Longji Terraces is certified by the FAO of the United Nations as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System. Fish eat weeds, ducks remove pests, forming an ecological cycle.

🕐 16:30-18:30 Return to Guilin

• 2-hour drive with a rest stop at “Longji Scenic Area Ticket Office” (free restrooms). Arrive at Guilin city around 18:30 for group dismissal.

【Recommendations】

• Optional Items: If you want to photograph the sunset, you can stay at the Nine Dragons and Five Tigers viewing platform until 18:00 (Need to coordinate with the guide; pay attention to the last bus time); “Longji Mist Tea” experience in the village (30 RMB/cup, tasting available).
• Practical Tips: The temperature difference in the terraces is large (especially in spring and autumn), so bringing a light jacket is recommended; mountain roads can be slippery, wear non-slip sports shoes.

Day 2: Guilin → Huixian → Xingping One-day Tour (Wild Cave Exploration + Xianggong Mountain)

Accommodation: Xingping Town hotel (Fixed arrangement, non-modifiable)

Meals Included: Breakfast (Simple breakfast at Guilin hotel, including bread, milk, eggs); Lunch (Simple meal inside the cave)

Meals Not Included: Dinner (Recommended “Old Place Beer Fish” in Xingping, average 70-90 RMB, Address: No. 38 Rongtan Street, Xingping Town, signature dish: Beer Sword-bone Fish)

【Fixed Itinerary】

🕐 08:00-09:30 Drive to Huixian Town

• Location: Pick-up from Guilin downtown hotels (Specific time subject to final notice)
• Driving Time: Approx. 1.5 hours, passing by “Huixian Wetlands” (the largest karst wetland in Guangxi; you can view peak forests from afar, free viewing platform on the right side of the road).

🕐 09:30-12:00 Wild Cave Exploration (Led by professional guide)

• Location: “Swallow Cave” in Tongqiao Village, Huixian Town (3 km from the town center, GPS “Swallow Cave Exploration Base”)
• Equipment Provided: Helmet with headlamp, non-slip gloves, one-piece exploration suit (Free use, 200 RMB deposit required, refunded upon return).
• Exploration Process:
  1. Safety Training (30 min): Learn rope operation and emergency signals (3 whistles represent emergency gathering);
  2. Descending Experience: Descend along a 20-meter professional rope into the underground hall (Free, weight limit under 100kg);
  3. Cave Sightseeing: View stalactites (8-meter high “Magic Needle”) and stalagmite clusters (“Lotus Terrace” formation). Total approx. 2 hours (Cave temperature is constant at 18℃; long sleeves are recommended).
• Lunch: Simple meal inside the cave (Includes bread, ham sausage, mineral water, provided for free; you may bring your own chocolate for energy).

🕐 12:00-14:00 Proceed to Xianggong Mountain and Climb

• Attraction Introduction:
  • Historical Background: Xianggong Mountain was originally named “Heibao Mountain,” named for its resemblance to an ancient official’s hat. It became famous in the 1990s when photography enthusiasts discovered its panoramic view of the Li River. No entrance fee (reaching the summit requires an eco-shuttle ticket of 20 RMB/person, included in tour fee).
  • Landscape Highlights: 360° overlook of the first bend of the Li River (the riverbed is “U” shaped), distant view of Nine Horse Fresco Hill, and the actual scenery of the 20 RMB note background (peak in the lower-left corner). Lighting is best at sunset (17:30-18:30); probability of sea of clouds is about 30% (easily seen after rain).
• Climbing Route: Parking lot at the foot of the mountain → Wooden plank path (800 steps, approx. 40 min to the top), with viewing platforms every 200 steps.

🕐 14:00-16:00 Free Photography and Rest

• Recommended Positions: East side viewing platform at the summit (for sunrise/sunset), West side platform (for Li River fishing boats).
• Precautions: Climbing the guardrails is prohibited; drones must be reported in advance (flying allowed in the scenic area, height limit 120 meters).

🕐 16:00-17:00 Proceed to Xingping Town for Check-in

• 30-min drive. Upon arrival, check in (Hotel located near Xingping Old Town, 5 min walk to the main street).

【Recommendations】

• Optional Items: Cave camping (must contact travel consultant 3 days in advance, includes tent and sleeping bag, 300 RMB/person, minimum 10 people); Xianggong Mountain photography guide (local photographer follows for 1 hour, 200 RMB/group).
• Practical Tips: There may be no mobile signal inside the cave; walking in groups is recommended. Many mosquitoes on Xianggong Mountain; bring repellent.

Day 3: Xingping → Yangshuo One-day Tour (Xingping Old Town + Fuli Paper Fan + West Street)

Accommodation: Yangshuo County hotel (Fixed arrangement, non-modifiable)

Meals Included: Breakfast (Simple breakfast at Xingping hotel); Lunch (Farmhouse meal in Fuli Town)

Meals Not Included: Dinner (Recommended “Master Fu Beer Fish” West Street branch, average 80-100 RMB, Address: No. 19 Diecui Road, Yangshuo County)

【Fixed Itinerary】

🕐 08:00-09:00 Li River Hiking and Ferry Experience

• Hiking Route: Xingping Pier → Nine Horse Fresco Hill (1.5 hours walk along the Li River path, free). View “Yellow Cloth Reflection” along the way (the core area of the 20 RMB note background; water is calm as a mirror, best shot in early morning or evening).
• Ferry Ride: Nine Horse Fresco Hill Pier → Xingping Old Town Pier (One-way 10 RMB/person, included in tour fee, 20-min ride; you can watch cormorant fishing performances).

🕐 09:00-10:30 Xingping Old Town Tour

• Attraction Introduction:
  • Historical Background: Built in the first year of Ganlu in the Kingdom of Wu (265 AD), it has over 1700 years of history. It was once an important commercial port of the Li River, with over 200 Ming and Qing dynasty buildings remaining.
  • Core Sights: Ancient Stage (Qing Dynasty wooden structure, free admission, daily 10:30 Gui Opera performances), Wanshou Bridge (Ming Dynasty stone arch bridge with a statue of “Liu Sanjie” at the bridgehead), Laozhai Mountain (Summit offers panoramic view of the old town, free, approx. 30 min climb).
• Free Activity: Wander “Xingping Old Street” (blue stone path, lined with shops selling ginger candy and osmanthus cake, 5-20 RMB/portion).

🕐 10:30-12:00 20 RMB Note Background Photo-op

• Location: Yellow Cloth Reflection Viewing Platform (1 km downstream from Xingping Pier, GPS “20 Yuan Background Viewing Platform”)
• Tip: Compare the banknote with the real scenery. Note the “Meeting of Monk and Nun” peaks in the background (Monk on the left, Nun on the right). Passersby can assist with group photos (free).

🕐 12:00-13:30 Lunch at Fuli Town (Included)

• Dining Location: “Fan Painter Family” in Fuli Town (Designated group restaurant, 12 km from Xingping, 20-min drive)
• Specialty Dishes: Li River Shrimp (stir-fried, 48 RMB/portion), Lipu Taro Braised Pork (35 RMB/portion), Seasonal Vegetables (20 RMB/portion). Average approx. 40 RMB (already included in tour fee).

🕐 13:30-15:00 Fuli Paper Fan Making Experience

• Location: “China Fuli Painted Fan Factory” (Provincial intangible cultural heritage workshop, Address: No. 12 Fuxing Street, Fuli Town)
• Experience:
  1. Visit the Painted Fan History Exhibition Hall (Free, displaying exquisite fans from the Ming and Qing Dynasties to the present);
  2. Guidance by Heritage Successor: Choose a blank silk fan (20 RMB/fan, self-funded), paint Guilin landscapes/flowers and birds (paints and brushes provided, 1 hour to complete), and take the finished product home (makes a great souvenir).
• Cultural Background: Fuli Town painted fans began in the Song Dynasty, known for “full composition and vibrant colors.” It was included in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2008.

🕐 15:00-16:00 Proceed to Yangshuo County

• 30-min drive. Upon arrival, check in to hotel (Located near Yangshuo Park, convenient transportation).

🕐 16:00-19:00 Free Activity at West Street

• Attraction Introduction: West Street is 517 meters long, dating back to the Sui Dynasty (590 AD). Existing buildings are arcade styles from the late Qing and early Republic periods, blending Chinese and Western elements (e.g., “Meiyou Restaurant” is a French-style building from the Republican era).
• Recommended Experiences:
  • Visit “Yangshuo West Street Museum” (Free, learn about West Street’s hundred-year changes);
  • Taste snacks: Sister Xie Beer Fish (small portion 58 RMB), Osmanthus Cake (10 RMB/box), Coconut Glutinous Rice (8 RMB/portion);
  • Listen to folk music at a bar (Average 50-100 RMB, “Pony’s Day” quiet bar is suggested, local original musicians often perform there).

【Recommendations】

• Optional Items: Li River bamboo rafting (Yangdi-Xingping section, official price 216 RMB/person including transfer, approx. 90 min, close view of Nine Horse Fresco Hill); Impression Liu Sanjie show (Standard seat 198 RMB/person, starts at 20:00).
• Practical Tips: West Street is crowded at night, keep belongings safe; fan making requires patience, simple patterns (like lotus) are suggested for children.

Day 4: Yangshuo One-day Tour (Yangshuo Countryside + Yulong River Bamboo Raft + Ferrata Climbing)

Accommodation: Yangshuo County hotel (Fixed arrangement, non-modifiable)

Meals Included: Lunch (Farmhouse meal along the Yulong River)

Meals Not Included: Breakfast (Suggested simple breakfast at hotel, including porridge, buns, eggs); Dinner (Recommended “Xiao Nan Guo Restaurant,” average 70-90 RMB, Address: No. 68 Pantao Road, Yangshuo County, signature dishes: Beer Fish, Stuffed Snails)

【Fixed Itinerary】

🕐 08:30-09:00 Gathering and Preparation for Countryside Exploration

• Location: Gather at Yangshuo County hotel lobby (Specific time subject to final notice)
• Countryside Exploration Options (Choose one at your own expense):
  • Cycling (Recommended): Rental point “Giant Cycling Post” (West Street entrance branch, Address: No. 21 Pantao Road, Yangshuo County), single bike 30 RMB/day (including basic maintenance), tandem 50 RMB/day. Recommended route: Jima Village to Jiuxian section (along Yulong River tributary, approx. 12 km, 2-hour ride), passing rice fields, karst peaks (e.g., “Camel Crossing the River” peak), Ming and Qing ancient villages (Jima Village has a century-old “Chen Family Ancestral Hall,” free visit). You may see villagers planting rice (April-May) or drying grain (August-September).
  • Driving + Walking: GPS “Yulong River Path Start” (next to Jima Pier), parking fee 10 RMB/day. For the walking section, choose the “Path Essence Section” (Jiuxian to Xiatang Village, 3 km, 40 min), with bamboo fences, waterwheels, and washing piers along the way (where villagers wash clothes).
  • Motorcycling: Rental point “Yangshuo Moto-Tour Club” (Kangzhan Road branch), 125cc model 50 RMB/day (license required). Route same as cycling; slow down on mountain curves.

🕐 11:00-12:30 Yulong River Bamboo Rafting (Optional project)

• Location: Yulong River Jinlong Bridge Pier (15 km from county town, 25-min drive) or Jiuxian Pier (8 km from county town, 15-min drive). We arrange unified transport to Jinlong Bridge Pier.
• Raft Details: Manual bamboo raft (Max 2 people per raft, includes boatman). Rafting section Jinlong Bridge to Jiuxian (approx. 12 km, 90 min), passing 9 ancient dams (e.g., “Mandarin Duck Dam,” “Rhino Pond Dam”). Water splashes about 1 meter high when crossing dams, providing “water roller coaster” fun.
• Landscape Highlights:
  • Fuli Bridge (Built in Wanli era of Ming Dynasty, one of the most complete stone arch bridges in Guangxi): Three-arched body, reflecting in water like a full moon. Best photo point is the middle of the bridge with karst peaks in background;
  • Pastoral Scenery: Rice fields on both banks (emerald green in summer, golden in autumn), phoenix bamboo groves, farmstead smoke;
  • Visible Fish/Shrimp: River water is crystal clear; carp shoals occasionally swim by (No fishing allowed to protect the ecosystem).
• Price Reference: Official price 255 RMB/raft (2 persons). Pier transfer adds 30 RMB/person (optional). Children under 1.2m free (must share raft with adults).

🕐 12:30-13:30 Lunch (Included)

• Dining Location: “Yulong Riverside Farmhouse Restaurant” next to Jiuxian Pier (Designated group restaurant)
• Specialty Dishes: Bamboo Rice (glutinous rice + local taro, 18 RMB/tube), Beer Duck (Li River duck, 58 RMB/portion), Stir-fried Seasonal Vegetables (water spinach/sweet potato leaves, 22 RMB/portion), Daily Soup (Winter melon pork rib soup, 25 RMB/portion). Average approx. 45 RMB (already included in tour fee).

🕐 14:00-16:30 Via Ferrata (Iron Way) Climbing Adventure (Fixed Activity)

• Location: Yangshuo “Ferrata Climbing Base” (next to Gongnong Bridge in Ten-Mile Gallery, GPS “Yangshuo Ferrata Climbing”). The base is a karst cliff (60m vertical height, limestone).
• Experience:
  • Basic Route (Suitable for families age 6-60): 650 meters total, including a 40-meter suspension wooden bridge and an 8-meter diameter semi-circular viewing platform. Total duration 1.5 hours (including 30-min coach training);
  • Upgrade Experience (Optional item): Two high-altitude ziplines (each 400m long, 50m high; zipline fee 50 RMB/time/person, offering panoramic view of Yulong River).
• Safety Guarantee: Harness, helmet, and non-slip gloves provided (free use). 1 coach for every 4 tourists, with double-rope protection throughout. Children must be over 1.2m tall; ages 6-12 must be accompanied by a parent.
• Culture: Yangshuo climbing culture began in the 1990s. With its rich karst cliff resources, it became a “Climbing Mecca of China.” Via Ferrata is a technology introduced from Italy, popularized after 2010.

🕐 16:30-17:30 Return to Hotel for Rest

• 30-min drive back to Yangshuo county town. Free time (rest at hotel or organize photos).

【Recommendations】

• Optional Items:
  • Yulong River Bamboo Raft “VIP Private Raft” (398 RMB/raft, suitable for families);
  • Via Ferrata zipline (50 RMB/time/person);
  • Evening “Impression Liu Sanjie” show (Standard seat 198 RMB/person, VIP 298 RMB/person, 20:00-21:00, Location: Yangshuo Shutong Mountain Li River Theater, must book 1 day in advance).
• Practical Tips:
  • Bring sun hats and insect repellent for cycling; wear sandals for rafting (feet get wet);
  • Wear long pants for climbing (prevent scratches); do not wear jewelry;
  • Best time for Fuli Bridge photography is before 10 AM (less backlight, soft reflection).

Day 5: Yangshuo → Guilin Departure (Hotel Check-out + Drop-off Service)

Accommodation: None (Tour ends)

Meals Included: Breakfast (Simple breakfast at Yangshuo hotel, including porridge, steamed buns, eggs, pickles)

Meals Not Included: Lunch, Dinner (Recommended “A Gan Restaurant” Wenming Road branch in Guilin city, average 60-80 RMB, signature dishes: Dry-steamed Sword-bone Fish, Lipu Taro Braised Pork)

【Fixed Itinerary】

🕐 07:30-08:30 Breakfast and Free Time

• Location: Breakfast at hotel restaurant (with room card). Afterward, you may choose:
  • Walk around the hotel (e.g., Yangshuo Park, free admission; observe local life with seniors practicing Tai Chi or singing Caidiao opera);
  • Visit “Yangshuo Agricultural Products Market” (1 km from hotel, Address: No. 128 Kangzhan Road, open 7:00-9:00) to buy fresh kumquats (5 RMB/jin) or monk fruit (3 RMB/piece) as souvenirs.

🕐 08:30-09:00 Hotel Check-out

• Store luggage at reception (If late check-out is needed, consult the front desk; some hotels support free extension to 12:00).

🕐 09:00-10:30 Drop-off Service

• Transportation: Air-conditioned tourist bus (including driver, departing 2 hours before flight/train time)
• Drop-off Location: Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (1.5-hour drive) or Guilin Railway Station/Guilin North Station (1-hour drive), subject to final tour notice.

【Optional Free Activity Suggestions】(At your own expense)

1. Elephant Trunk Hill (Guilin City Landmark)

• Location: No. 1 Binjiang Road, Xiangshan District, Guilin (Confluence of Taohua River and Li River)
• Historical Background: Named for its shape resembling a giant elephant drinking water. It is a core part of Guilin’s karst landform. The mountain is limestone deposited from the ocean 360 million years ago. It was designated as the “Guilin City Emblem” in 1995.
• Landscape Highlights: Water Moon Cave between the trunk and legs (transparent like a full moon, captures “Water Moon” reflection), Puxian Pagoda on the summit (Ming Dynasty lama pagoda, 13m high, overlooks the Li River bend).
• Practical Info: Ticket 55 RMB/person (Off-season April-October), open 7:00-21:30; Best photo point is “Zizhou Park” (500m from Elephant Trunk Hill, free, for full views).

2. East and West Alleys (Ming and Qing Historical Streets)

• Location: No. 18 Jiefang East Road, Xiufeng District, Guilin (next to Jingjiang Prince City)
• Historical Background: Built during the Wude era of the Tang Dynasty (618-626 AD). During the Ming and Qing, it was the site of the Guilin Prefectural Government. Over 30 arcade buildings from the late Qing to the Republic remain; reopened after restoration in 2014.
• Experiences:
  • Food: Haitian Rice Noodle Rolls (approx. 10 RMB, Address: Area A, No. 12), Heritage Water Chestnut Cake (5 RMB/portion, Area B Stall 3), Guilin Rice Noodles (20 RMB/bowl, Fulin Rice Noodle Shop);
  • Heritage Experience: Guilin Round Fan making (East and West Alleys “Intangible Heritage Hall,” Address: Area C No. 5, experience fee 30 RMB/person, simple fan in 1 hour), Sandstone Painting observation (Li Guanghua Sandstone Painting Studio, Area D No. 8, free visit, works for sale 200-2000 RMB);
  • Architecture: Lijiang Academy (Republican Western-style building, free reading), Zhuangyuan Gallery (Replicated wind-and-rain bridge gallery listing Guilin’s historical scholars).

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]