Journey at a glance
- Day 1 Arrive in Longsheng
- Day 2 Longsheng to Guilin
- Day 3 Guilin to Yangshuo
- Day 4 Yangshuo
- Day 5 Depart Yangshuo
Dramatic karst peaks, the sun-dappled Li River, jade-green rice paddies – the scenes of Guilin are like the brushstrokes of an unseen artist. Experience rural life on the spectacular “Dragon’s Backbone” rice terraces, bike, hike and raft between villages, and learn to cook like a local.
About this Journey
Step into a classical scroll painting in Guilin, whose harmonious landscape has inspired the brushstrokes of traditional Chinese landscape paintings for centuries. From the calm waters of the Li River, set against a backdrop of dramatic karst peaks, to the mesmerizing man-made tiers of the Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces, Guilin is full of stunning scenery.
Venture headlong into the inspiring region by wandering through ethnic minority towns amidst a backdrop of wood-tiled hamlets and rice paddies, floating across the Li River, and exploring the area’s verdant rice terraces.
Tour Highlights
- Standing amidst a verdant sea as you hike through undulating rice fields
- Embarking on a river cruise on the Li River, gliding past spectacular karst landforms
- Basking in the tranquility of Yangshuo on a hike or a bike ride
YOUR JOURNEY
Route Map
Select a route section to explore the map. Tap a stop for its location or use the directions link for the next leg. Flights, trains, cruises and hiking arrangements follow your itinerary.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Longsheng
Step off the plane in Guilin and meet your local guide in the airport arrivals hall. They’ll be waiting to welcome you and will have your private vehicle on standby, ready to whisk you off to your hotel in Longsheng (1.5 hour drive). • Hike for 30 minutes to reach your hotel.
Day 2 Longsheng to Guilin
Hike at your own pace through minority villages along the verdant, softly undulating Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces. • Stop at Ping An, a fairytale village and home of the Zhuang, China’s largest ethnic minority. Meet the locals and explore the town, keeping an eye out for the mesmerizing patterns of Zhuang textiles. • After your excursions through Longsheng, drive back to Guilin and check into your hotel.
Day 3 Guilin to Yangshuo
Embark on a 4-hour river cruise and drift past remote villages and spectacular karst landforms • Upon arrival in Yangshuo, you’ll check into your hotel and relax. • Enjoy the spectacle of Impression Liusanjie, an epic two-hour performance of ethnic song and dance, choreographed by the mastermind behind the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony, in a natural amphitheater.
Day 4 Yangshuo
Hike or bike near the calm Yulong River, a quieter tributary which offers a nice contrast from the more crowded and famous Li River. Hike through primarily flat but very picturesque forested paths, open fields, and isolated villages. • Try your hand at a different kind of daily grind in the home of a local family to make soy milk, a refreshing beverage of local favorites.
Day 5 Depart Yangshuo
Your local guide will escort you to the airport (1.5 hour drive to Guilin Airport) and help you check in for your flight home.
Hotels
Photos
Li'an Lodge Longsheng Local Boutique Situated amidst Longsheng’s undulating rice terraces, this local boutique hotel was built in the traditional Chinese way and offers a charming respite after a long day of exploring.
Photos
Shangri-La Guilin 5 star Located on the famously picturesque Li River, the Shangri-La Guilin offers weary travelers comfortable, elegant rooms as well as indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
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Banyan Tree Yangshuo Resort Luxury Boutique Nestled within misty karst mountains and with the Li River in its backyard, Banyan Tree Yangshuo Resort is a picturesque mountain retreat for weary travelers.
Photos
Photos Wuzhi Hill, Yangzhuo Chinese,Traditional,Living,Habits,,Images,Of,Traveling,In,Guilin,,China, Impression Liusanjie Minority Villages Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces-backbone-rice-terraces Li River Guilin by Colleen O'Connor
Details
What’s Included
- Services of an English-speaking local English-speaking guide
- Accommodation based on double occupancy with breakfasts included
- All overland transfers with private chauffeur and in-transport refreshments
- Private chauffeur service to and from airport at start and end of your trip
- All admission fees and activity expenses, as noted in the itinerary
- Meals as noted in the itinerary with complimentary drinking water
What’s Excluded
- International and domestic flights, domestic trains, plus relevant taxes
- Chinese tourist visa, which is required for most foreign passport holders
- Travel and medical insurance
- Meals, apart from those included in the itinerary, and alcohol
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Excursions and activities not included in the itinerary
- Discretionary gratuities for guides and drivers
TAILOR-MADE TRAVEL
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