Description
Day 1: Arrival in Guilin · First Encounter with Mountains and Rivers
Our Arrangements:
- Pick-up Service: The tour guide will hold a sign at Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (Exit 3, Domestic Arrival Hall, T2 Terminal) or Guilin Railway Station (South Square Exit). Pick-up times are flexibly arranged based on your arrival time.
- Hotel Check-in: A private car will take you to a hotel in Guilin city center (Reference hotels: Guilin Bravo Hotel / Shangri-La Guilin, subject to the final itinerary notice). After check-in, the guide will explain the itinerary details in person and provide a complimentary hand-drawn Guilin food map.
Free Time Suggestions (Recommended Visiting Times):
- 15:00-17:00 Elephant Trunk Hill Park (No. 1 Minzhu Road, Xiufeng District, Guilin)
- Historical Background: A famous scenic spot since the Ming Dynasty, originally named “Li Hill,” named for its resemblance to a giant elephant drinking by the river. It features the Puxian Pagoda (brick pagoda, 13.6 meters high) and over 60 stone carvings from the Tang, Song, and Republic of China eras.
- Scenic Highlights: ① Water Moon Cave (“Elephant Hill Water Moon” is one of the eight old scenes of Guilin) ② Puxian Pagoda ③ Taiping Heavenly Kingdom Revolution Exhibition Hall at Yunfeng Temple
- Practical Info: Ticket 55 yuan/person (at own expense), open 7:00-18:00, recommended visit 1.5 hours, enter through Gate 1 to capture classic reflection photos.
- 17:30-19:30 East-West Alley Historical and Cultural District (Jiefang East Road, Xiufeng District, Guilin)
- Architectural Style: Streets in Ming and Qing styles, preserving the Tang Dynasty Xiaoyao Tower ruins, Qing Dynasty city wall segments, and Republic of China era arcade buildings.
- Recommended Experiences: ① “Bainian Taoji” handmade fan making experience (30-50 yuan/person) ② “Guibeifang” taste fresh Oil Tea (5 yuan/bowl) ③ 20:00-20:30 Jingjiang Princes’ Palace wall light show (free)
- 20:00-21:30 Night Cruise on Two Rivers and Four Lakes (Optional self-funded project)
- Boarding Point: Wenchang Bridge Pier (Southeast side of Wenchang Bridge, Xiufeng District)
- Route Highlights: Pass by the Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas (Copper Pagoda 41 meters high), Ancient Banyan Bridge, Big Dipper Bridge, and 19 other bridges.
- Practical Info: Night cruise ticket 210 yuan/person (at own expense), sailing about 90 minutes, recommended to book through the guide 1 day in advance.
Dining Notes:
- Included: None (all meals at own expense)
- Recommended Food (Zhengyang Pedestrian Street area):
- Old brand “Tonglaiguan” Rice Noodles (No. 32 Yiren Road, Xiufeng District): Signature braised meat rice noodles 5.5 yuan/two liang, open until 2:00 AM
- “Xiao Nan Guo” Guilin Flavors (Jiedong Road branch): Beer Sword Bone Fish 88 yuan/portion, average 60-80 yuan per person
Accommodation:
Designated hotel in Guilin City (Included)
Day 2: Karst Exploration · Huixian Secret Realm
Our Scheduled Itinerary:
- 08:00-08:30 Hotel Breakfast (Chinese buffet)
- 08:30-10:00 Drive to Huixian Town (approx. 1.5 hours via Airport Road-Baomao Expressway)
- 10:00-14:30 Wild Cave Exploration (Mamian Village, Huixian Town, Lingui District, Guilin)
- Exploration Details:
- Cave Features: Typical Karst underground river cave, about 800 meters long, featuring stalactites, stone waterfalls, helictites, and other secondary chemical deposits.
- Professional Safety: ① German PETZL helmets and headlamps provided ② Professional caving suits (abrasion-resistant material) ③ UIAA certified static rope rappelling system
- Core Experience: A 20-meter rope rappel point located in the second large chamber, with an underground river flowing below, water temperature stable at 18-20℃.
- Cave Lunch: We provide self-heating rice and bottled water; recommended to bring chocolate or other high-energy snacks.
- Safety Tips: ① Humidity inside exceeds 85%, anti-slip river tracing shoes are recommended ② No solo activities ③ Not recommended for patients with heart disease or claustrophobia
- Exploration Details:
- 15:00-17:00 Huixian Glass Fields (Muhuantou Village, Huixian Town, Lingui District)
- Best Viewing Point: Qinglong Mountain Observation Deck behind the village (approx. 25 minutes hike up stone steps)
- Photography Timing: ① April-June irrigation period for mirror-like surfaces ② July-August green rice fields like carpets ③ Best light 1 hour before sunset
- Local Experience: Visit villagers to learn “Straw Dragon” making (intangible heritage project, appointment required, 30 yuan/person)
- 17:30-19:00 Drive to Xingping Town (via G65 Baomao Expressway, approx. 1.5 hours)
Free Time Suggestions:
- After 19:30 Xingping Old Street Exploration
- Recommended Activities: ① Watch fishing fires at Xingping Pier (traditional cormorant fishing performance around 20:00) ② Night view from Laozhai Mountain (approx. 40 minutes hike, flashlight required)
Dining Notes:
- Included: Breakfast (hotel), Lunch (self-heating meal in cave)
- Dinner Recommendations (Xingping Town):
- “Najia Xiaodian” Private Kitchen (No. 13 Xingping Ancient Town Pedestrian Street): Snail stuffed with meat, Osmanthus tofu, approx. 50 yuan/person
- Laojiefang Restaurant: Li River Sesame Sword Fish Hotpot, 80-100 yuan/person
Accommodation:
Xingping Town boutique guesthouse (Reference: Yangshuo Shanshui Villa / This Old Place International Youth Hostel, Included)
Day 3: Li River Essence · Ancient Town Secrets
Our Scheduled Itinerary:
- 06:00-07:30 Xianggong Mountain Sunrise (West bank of Li River, Xingping Town, Yangshuo)
- Hiking Guide: Approx. 15 minutes on concrete steps from parking to the viewpoint, with 3 levels of observation platforms.
- Photography: The second level platform offers the same perspective as the 20 yuan bill background; 70-200mm lens recommended.
- Notes: ① Morning temperature is low, bring a jacket ② We provide bottled water and a simple breakfast pack.
- 08:30-10:00 Li River East Bank Hike (Essence segment: Lengshui Village to Nine-Horse Fresco Hill)
- Route Highlights: ① Yellow Cloth Reflection (widest part of Li River) ② Real-life location of the 20 yuan bill background (opposite Xingping Pier) ③ Monk and Nun Hill
- Hiking Distance: Approx. 3 km of flagstone path, flat and easy.
- 10:30-11:00 River Crossing Experience (Xingping Pier to Dahebei Pier, ferry fee 5 yuan/person included)
- 11:00-12:30 Xingping Ancient Town Guided Tour
- Cultural Highlights: ① Xingping Ancient Stage (built in the 4th year of Qianlong, well-preserved) ② Guandi Temple ruins ③ 173 stone steps of the old street
- Handicraft Experience: Optional “Xingping Painted Fan” making (“Xu’s Fan Shop” at the town entrance, basic experience 20 yuan/person)
- 13:00-14:00 Farmhouse Lunch (Includes: Xingping specialty Bamboo Rice + Lipu Taro Braised Pork)
Free Time Suggestions:
- 14:30-16:00 Choose one of two (self-funded):
- A. Li River Bamboo Rafting (Chaobanshan Pier to Mashan Pier): 120 yuan/person, approx. 40 minutes
- B. Cycling Experience (Rent bike in town for 20 yuan/bike): Ride along the Li River path to Lianhua Cave
- 16:30-17:30 Drive to Yangshuo County (approx. 1 hour)
Activities after arriving in Yangshuo:
- 19:00-20:30 “Impression Liu Sanjie” Performance (Self-funded 238 yuan/person, booking required)
- West Street Food Exploration: Recommended “Shouzi Rice Noodles” (dry mix) and “Sister Xie’s” Beer Fish.
Dining Notes:
- Included: Breakfast (simple pack), Lunch (farmhouse specialty)
- Dinner Recommendations (Yangshuo West Street area):
- “Master He’s Gold Medal Beer Fish” (Pantao Road branch): Beer Catfish 98 yuan/jin, average 80-120 yuan/person
- Snail Rice Noodles on the Tongue (No. 28 Xianqian Street): Signature Snail Rice Noodles 18 yuan/bowl
Accommodation:
Hotel in Yangshuo County (Reference: Yangshuo Green Lotus Island Hotel / Hidden Hotel, Included)
Day 4: Yangshuo Pastoral · Yulong River Poetics
Our Scheduled Itinerary:
🕐Morning (08:30-12:00) In-depth Yangshuo Countryside Experience
- 08:30-09:00 Hotel Breakfast (Includes: Guilin rice noodles + fried dough sticks + white porridge)
- 09:00-12:00 Yangshuo Countryside Tour (Two options provided, please confirm selection before departure) Option A: Cycling + Hiking Exploration (Recommended)
- Cycling Route: Yangshuo County → Jima Pier → Jiuxian Village → Yulong River Pathway (approx. 10 km total, flat asphalt + field paths)
- Equipment: 24-speed mountain bikes and helmets provided (Included)
- Route Highlights: ① Jima Village: Qing Dynasty architecture, visit “Three-Entry” residences (Free; villagers often dry chili and sweet potato 9:00-11:00) ② Rice Field Landscapes: May-June planting/October harvest; see water buffalo plowing (Photo ops from distance, do not disturb) ③ Yulong Riverbank: Local women washing vegetables in traditional bamboo baskets (Common in mornings)
- Hiking Segment: Jiuxian Village to Xiangui Bridge (approx. 1.5 km flagstone path, best scenery segment)
Option B: Car + Short Walk (Suitable for families/seniors)
- Route: Yangshuo County → Ten-Mile Gallery → Gongnong Bridge → Big Banyan Tree exterior
- Walking Points: Gongnong Bridge Viewpoint (Free), Xiatang Village field path by Yulong River
- Special Experience: Visit Secret Garden Coffee (Old house renovated by a Swiss designer, Latte 38 yuan/cup, No. 11 Xiatang Village)
🕐Lunch (12:00-13:30) Rural Farmhouse Lunch
- Location: “Laogen Farmhouse” in Jiuxian Village (No. 162 Jiuxian Village, Yangshuo)
- Included: Braised free-range chicken, stir-fried seasonal greens, farmhouse stuffed tofu, rice
- Self-funded options: Casserole fish (market price, approx. 78 yuan/portion), homemade Osmanthus wine (15 yuan/liang)
🕐Afternoon (14:00-16:30) Yulong River Bamboo Rafting
- Departure Pier: Jinlong Bridge Pier (Baisha Town, Yangshuo)
- Rafting Segment: Jinlong Bridge → Jiuxian (Classic essence segment, approx. 6 km)
- Duration: Single trip approx. 90 minutes (including dam shooting)
- Core Experience: ① Dam Shooting: Pass 9 artificial dams, drops 0.5-1.2 meters, light splashing expected ② Ancient Bridges: Pass Fuli Bridge (Ming Dynasty stone bridge, 10m high), Yulong Bridge (Built in the 10th year of Yongle) ③ Photography: Best light 14:00-15:00 for mountain/water reflections.
- Practical Info:
- Included: Double bamboo raft fee (Max 2 persons per raft, single traveler needs to share)
- Notes: ① Children under 1m and pregnant women are not permitted ② No standing/walking on raft ③ Waterproof phone bags recommended
🕐Afternoon Tea Time (16:30-17:30) Free Time
- Recommendation: After disembarking at Jiuxian Pier, walk 3 minutes to “Village Haruki” Coffee (By Road 090, Jiuxian Village)
- Specialty: Osmanthus Latte (32 yuan), handmade Osmanthus cake (18 yuan/portion). Browse Guilin old photo albums for free.
🕐Evening (After 18:00) West Street Exploration
- Overview: 1180m long, 8m wide. A trade hub in Ming/Qing eras; flagstone road restored in 1999.
- Our Arrangement: Guide will escort and introduce the street entrance (approx. 30 mins), covering: ① West Street Christian Church (built in 1909, Sino-Western style) ② Former Residence of Xu Beihong (No. 2 Xianqian Street, now a memorial hall)
- Free Time Suggestions:
- Food Hunt: ① “Meiyou Restaurant” Beer Fish (No. 45 Xianqian Street, approx. 80 yuan/person) ② Mango Gang fresh juice (Mango Passionfruit 25 yuan) ③ Shouzi Rice Noodles (Diecui Road, dry noodles 15 yuan, open until 1:00 AM)
- Culture: ① Night Market Portrait Artists (After 20:00, sketch 50-100 yuan) ② Yangshuo Intangible Heritage Center (No. 28 Xianqian Street, open until 20:00, free embroidery display)
- Shopping: ① “Jinshunchang” Osmanthus Cake (No. 64 Pantao Road, 28 yuan/box) ② “Huaqiao” brand chili sauce (No. 33 West Street, small bottle 15 yuan)
Optional Evening Activity (Advance booking required):
- Impression Liu Sanjie
- Venue: Tianjia River segment of Li River, Yangshuo
- Time: Off-season 20:00, Peak season 20:00/21:30 (subject to daily notice)
- Tickets: Standard seat 238 yuan/person, guide can assist in booking (confirm 2 hours prior)
- Transport: 15 mins drive from West Street, taxi approx. 20 yuan
- Yangshuo West Street Bar Culture
- Bar Rec: “Little Pony’s Day” (No. 11 Binjiang Road, folk music from 21:00)
- Specialty Drinks: Osmanthus Rice Wine (35 yuan/glass), Liquan Beer (15 yuan/bottle)
Dining Notes:
- Included: Breakfast (hotel), Lunch (farmhouse specialty)
- Dinner at own expense (see West Street recommendations)
Accommodation:
Hotel in Yangshuo County (Same as Day 3, Included)
Day 5: Morning Rhyme in Yangshuo · Warm Return Journey
Morning Free Time (08:00-11:30)
- 08:00-08:30 Hotel Breakfast (Included)
- Recommended Activities (Choose one of three): 1. Morning Landscape Photography (08:30-10:00)
- Best Location: East viewpoint of Yangshuo Bridge
- Subjects: Karst peaks in morning mist, Li River fishing rafts (Cormorant fisherman photo ops require booking, 50 yuan/session)
- Tip: 7:00-8:00 is best for light; bring a telephoto lens.
2. Local Life Experience (09:00-10:30)
- Location: Yangshuo Chengxi Market (Intersection of Kangzhan Rd and Diecui Rd)
- Content: ① Purchase seasonal fruit: Kumquats (10-15 yuan/jin), Shatian Pomelo (8 yuan/jin, Oct-Nov) ② Local Snacks: Boat Cake (3 yuan each, mobile stalls) ③ Observe local trade: Morning is peak time for hearing authentic Guiliu dialect.
3. Light Hike (08:30-10:30)
- Route: Bilian Peak trail (behind Yangshuo Park)
- Duration: Approx. 1.5 hours round trip
- Highlight: “Yingjiang Pavilion” at the summit was visited by Premier Zhou Enlai; windows on the second floor frame eight different landscape views.
- 10:30-11:00 Return to hotel to check out (latest checkout 12:00)
Departure Transfer (Flexible based on flight/train)
- Our Arrangement:
- Private transfer (Hotel → Airport/Station)
- Guilin Liangjiang Airport: Approx. 1.5 hours from Yangshuo (Recommend departing 3 hours before flight)
- Guilin Station/Guilin North: Approx. 1.5-2 hours from Yangshuo (Recommend departing 2.5 hours before train)
- Sweet Services:
- Complimentary bottled water (1 per person)
- Assistance with self-service check-in (if needed)
- Electronic travel photo album provided within 24 hours after the trip (photos need to be provided in advance)
Lunch at own expense (Optional):
- Last meal in Yangshuo:
- “Yujiale” Rice Noodles (No. 13 Kangzhan Road): Snail noodles + braised egg set 19 yuan, free noodle refills
- “Chunji Roast Goose” Yangshuo (No. 79 Jingfeng Road): Signature Roast Goose (small) 48 yuan, approx. 60 yuan/person, fast service for travelers.
Extension Travel Suggestions:
- Within Guangxi: Extend to Longji Rice Terraces (2.5 hours from Yangshuo, best view May-Oct)
- Cross-province: Guilin → Zhangjiajie (3 hours by high-speed rail), Guilin → Guiyang (2.5 hours by high-speed rail for Miao ethnic culture)
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]
