6 Days Guilin Photography Tour with Longji, Xingping & Yangshuo

Ni Hao! Welcome to Guilin, the most picturesque paradise in China! Upon your arrival at Guilin airport/train station, the tour guide and driver will meet you at the exit, greet you, and escort you directly to the downtown area, where they will help you check in at your hotel.

Arrival Options: Travelers can reach Guilin by taking a flight or a train. Guilin Lijiang Airport has flights connecting to major cities such as Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Hangzhou, among others. Guilin has three main train stations in the downtown area: Guilin Railway Station, Guilin North, and Guilin West. Travelers can take high-speed trains to Guilin from Hong Kong (4 hours), Guangzhou (3 hours), Chongqing (4.5-5 hours), Chengdu (5.5-6 hours), Changsha (2.5-3 hours), Zhangjiajie (7 hours), and other cities.

Free Time Photography Suggestions:

If you happen to arrive early, you can explore on your own to some of the easily accessible nearby sites. We highly recommend photographing:

1. Elephant Trunk Hill: The stunning Elephant Trunk Hill is widely regarded as the symbol of Guilin. This natural wonder sits at the confluence of the Li River and Peach Blossom River, resembling a giant elephant drinking water from the river. The hill is made of water-soluble limestone rocks that have been gradually eroded by acidic rainwater over millions of years, creating a unique and breathtaking landscape. Its beauty is so awe-inspiring that it has contributed to the popular saying “桂林山水甲天下”, which means that Guilin’s scenery is the best under heaven.

2. Two Rivers and Four Lakes Cruise: When night falls, take a relaxing cruise to sail through the Two Rivers and Four Lakes scenic area. It takes about 1-1.5 hours depending on the route you choose. Sit back, relax and take in the stunning views of the tranquil waters and illuminated landmarks, including ancient bridges, pagodas, and lush gardens. Nice spot for taking photos of the charming night view of the Sun & Moon Pagodas.

This morning, drive about 77km (2 hours) from Guilin (altitude of 100m) to the Longji Terraces Scenic Area (altitude of 300-1,100m). Inside the scenic area, the winding mountain roads will lead you to the incredible Longji Rice Terraces (Longsheng Rice Terraces) that were created by the ancient Zhuang and Yao minority peoples 2,300 years ago. You will make a stop at Huangluo Yao Village (Long Hair Village) to learn more about the culture of the Yao minority through a performance by long-haired Yao women. After a unique lunch featuring bamboo rice, you will begin hiking in the brilliant Longji Rice Terraces around Dazhai Village.

In the morning, you will arrive at the Huangluo Yao Village (population of over 400) which is famous as “the World’s Longest Hair Village”. You will marvel at the dramatically long and pitch-black hairs worn by its women of the Yao ethnic group. The village has over 70 Yao women with hairs over 1 meter (the longest hair of 2.72 meters) which has been listed by Guinness World Record as the “longest hair group”. By watching the performances of villagers (45min, optional), such as folk songs, drum dances, Red Yao wedding customs, sunning red clothes, and combing long hair, you will learn about the history, traditions and way of life of the Red Yao people, such as customs like spinning and weaving. You can even ask Red Yao women to share their secrets on how to take care of their long hair and how to make their Rice Water Shampoo.

Next, visit a local villager’s restaurant for lunch where you can try some local Rice Wine and learn to cook some popular local dishes, such as Bamboo Rice (rice cooked in bamboo tubes) Bamboo Tube Chicken (bamboo stuffed chicken), and Chinese Smoked Pork (smoked Chinese bacon).

In the afternoon, enjoy hiking in the Longji Rice Terraces (Longsheng Rice Terrace) around Dazhai Village. The Longji Rice Terraces are one of the top ten most beautiful terraced fields in the world and the closest terraced fields to a major city (only a 2-hour drive from the city center of Guilin). With a history of at least 2,300 years, Longji Rice Terraces are hailed as the “Birthplace of Terraced Fields Worldwide” and a “Globally Significant Agricultural Cultural Heritage“. It has not only been included in the list of National Wetland Parks but also represents an important heritage of ancient Chinese water management wisdom and agricultural civilization that has been passed down to this day by ancient Zhuang and Yao peoples.

The scenery of Jinkeng Rice Terraced Fields has the largest scale, highest altitude, deepest valley, and the most magnificent scenery. In Chinese, “Jin” means “Gold”, “Keng” means “Sinkhole”. The Jinkeng Terraced Fields are named after the production of gold and are surrounded by mountains on all sides, resembling a natural sinkhole. The Jinkeng Rice Terraced Fields feature three best viewpoints: West Hill Music (西山韶乐; 1,180m, the highest spot for sunrises and sunsets), Thousand Layers to the Heavens (千层天梯; a sunset spot & photographer’s first choice), and Golden Buddha Peak (金佛顶; a sunrises spot with a panoramic terraces view). You can watch farmers working in the fields or rent a set of Yao ethnic group costumes and take pictures. It is also optional for you to take a 20-minute cable car ride from the Dazhai parking lot to Golden Buddha Peak instead of a 1-hour walk.

In Jinkeng Terraced Fields, you will gain a great understanding of the strength and wisdom of humanity that are fully present on this land. After a half-day Longji Rice Terraces Photograph Tour, go back to overnight in Dazhai Village, which is home to the Yao people.

This morning, you can wake up early to reach the highest spot of the Longji Rice Terraces at the West Hill Music (西山韶乐; 1,180m), to capture the sunrise, weather permitting. It is the only spot in Jinkeng Rice Terraced Fields where you can take photos of the surface of the rice fields. Additionally, it is optional for you to wear the traditional clothing rented from the local Yao people and walk into the fields for beautiful photos. You can also choose to visit the Golden Buddha Peak (金佛顶) for a sunrise shoot while enjoying a panoramic view of the terraced fields. Take your time to find the best viewpoints to capture the beauty of these incredible terrace fields that have existed since ancient times.

After the photography tour in the rice fields, you will arrive at the Dazhai parking lot. Here, your driver will meet you and transport you to Xingping Town (150km, 3 hours) via Cuiping, an ideal location for photographing the karst mountain peaks.

In the afternoon, you will hike to the top of Cuiping Five Fingers Mountain (Cui Hill or Cui Peak, better arrive before 17:00), which is about a 20-minute walk and has an altitude of 248 meters above sea level. In 2017, the mountain gained international fame when Spanish photographer Jesus M Garcia secured a spot in the top ten of The Epson International Pano Awards (Open Landscape category) with a photo taken on Cuiping Mountain. This recognition has since bolstered its popularity both domestically and internationally, making it an essential destination for landscape photography enthusiasts, particularly those keen to capture pastoral sunsets. Even if the weather is bad, you can still enjoy the breathtaking view of overlapping mountain peaks and the convergence of the waters of the Wugui River (Tortoise River) at the mountain’s base. This river flows southward into the Yulong River, meandering through villages and fields. In a small bay of the river, villagers work in the fields, burning dry grass and sending smoke wafting over the village. The scenery is so picturesque that it feels as if you’ve stepped into a painting. This is one of the representative works of Guilin’s pastoral scenery.

After photographing Cuiping Mountain, head to Xingping for an overnight stay. Rest well in Xingping Town to prepare for another sunrise shoot the following morning.

Today, you will get up early to visit Xianggong Mountain (Xianggong Hill) with a stunning 360-degree panoramic view, which is the best photography spot for the sunrise over Guilin’s landscape. The sunrise here is at about 05:30 from June to August, 06:00 from September to October, and 06:30 in December. After that, you will head to enjoy Yulong River Bamboo Raft via a quick shot of the 500 years old Fuli Bridge on the way (25km, about 1hour drive). You will have fun on the Yulong River by a bamboo raft from Jinlong Bridge to Jiuxian Village (about 1.5 hours). After lunch in Yangshuo, you will reach Xingping Ancient Town (1.5 hour drive) to photograph the Li River Fisherman, a traditional fishing activity on the Li River.

In the early morning, you will climb up Xianggong Mountain, which has an altitude of 216 meters and a full-length cement staircase that takes just over 10 minutes to reach the top. Xianggong Mountain is the source of inspiration for landscape photography in China and a place where photographers often win awards. It is located on the west bank of the Li River, between Huangbutan (黄布滩20-yuan Banknote View Spot) and Jiuma Huashan Mountain (九马画山), where the Li River makes a sharp turn. From the mountaintop, you can overlook the beautiful karst mountains, pastoral homes, and picturesque landscapes, making it a breathtaking sight. Xianggong Mountain is known as the best spot to capture the “First Bend of the Li River“, a holy site for photography enthusiasts to capture the sunrise, light and shadow, clouds, and colorful skies. It attracts photographers from both China and abroad to compete for the best shot.

After breakfast, you will visit Fuli Bridge (富里桥), located at the upper reaches of the Yulong River (Little Li River), to take some photos of the ancient bridge stretching across the river, surrounded by Guilin’s unique karst hills. Then, it is time to experience the classic Yulong River Bamboo Raft Trip, which is the essence of Yangshuo’s Landscape (Little Li River Landscape). Sit back and relax on bamboo raft while watching the green mountains and rice fields glide by. Take some nice photos at Yulong Bridge, o​ne of the three famous bridges in Guangxi, and enjoy the cool, gentle breeze over the clear water while observing the daily life of the local people in the village.

In the afternoon, head to Xingping Ancient Town, which is over 1,700 years old and is the number one town of the picturesque Li River. This town owns well-preserved ancient architecture. Walking through the old streets paved with slate, you can capture the cultural and humanistic themes of the ancient streets while relaxing your body and mind. Then, move to the 20-yuan Banknote View Spot for the most famous thing about Xingping Ancient Town – the traditional “Li River Fishing Fire” (漓江渔火Highlight of Guilin). When night falls, Li River Fishermen’s bamboo rafts go deep into the Li River. The dim oil lamps on the bow of the raft flicker continuously, while the fishermen in raincoats shout a few times and the cormorants dive into the water to catch fish. The Li River Fishing Fire and the Huangbutan Reflection (黄布倒影) at night are a perfect combination of light and shadow, which is a subject that photographers never tire of capturing. Stay overnight in Xingping Ancient Town.

Today, you can wake up early to catch a ferry from Xingping Wharf (兴坪码头) to admire the Jiuma Huashan Mountain (Nine Horses Fresco Hill九马画山), photograph the sunrise over the Huangbutan Reflection and witness cormorants fishing on the Li River. Afterwards, enjoy yourself in the Yangshuo Countryside by hiking along the Yulong River while waiting for the sunset, and take a leisurely stroll along West Street in the evening light.

In the morning, you can enjoy a view of the Nine Horses Fresco Hill from the Li River ferry. It resembles an unmissable spectacle of an ink painting. The mountain vividly portrays nine horses, each depicted in different postures such as standing, lying, drinking, neighing, running, and jumping, with lifelike expressions. It is also a great opportunity to capture the sunrise at Huangbutan, which is not far south of Jiuma Huashan. Huangbutan Reflection (Huangbu Reflection 黄布倒影) is one of the most renowned locations on the Li River and is even featured on the 20-yuan banknote. The beauty of the Li River’s landscape lies in its reflections, with the reflection of Huangbutan being the most captivating. The river here is clear and translucent, displaying a deep emerald green color. From the water’s surface, you can observe a large sandy-yellow stone slab at the river’s bottom, extending several yards in length and width. It resembles a piece of yellow cloth spread out on the riverbed, thus earning the name “Huangbutan” which means “Yellow Cloth Shoal 黄布滩” in Chinese. Also, you can continue your journey by capturing misty-morning photos of Li River Fishermen on bamboo rafts and their cormorants fishing in the morning light (optional).

In the afternoon, visit Yangshuo town, you can step out and let the captivating scenery of Yangshuo’s countryside wash over you. Vibrant, green fields stretch out like a sea of emeralds, nestled under a clear, blue sky. The misty Karst mountains rise in the distance, their vast and rolling shapes protecting the serene landscape below. Then, it’s time to get up close to this rural paradise. Choose the way that suits your style: (1) by driving, plus walking; (2) by bike; or (3) by scooter. (Additional prices may apply). Let all the picturesque scenes please your eyes and your souls to the maximum for total relaxation. At various points, you might also spot locals engaging in their daily chores, farmers tending to their fields, or even children playing along the riverbanks. Dotting the riverbanks are quaint stone houses, their grey slate roofs offering a delightful contrast against the verdant surroundings. You might also photograph a solitary water buffalo leisurely grazing in the fields, adding a heartwarming touch of rural life to the panoramic vista. Take your time to find the best spot to photograph the sunset of Yulong River.

Then, you will stroll along West Street in the evening, which is the most prosperous area in Yangshuo. Restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops along the street are always full of guests. It is a fusion of Western culture and Chinese culture and it is the best place to spend your nightlife here. Whether you want to enjoy a cup of coffee, taste some local food or just throw yourself into the vivid atmosphere… all you can get.

Optional Evening Activity: If you are interested, you can enjoy the amazing evening performance called Impression Liu Sanjie directed by the famous director Zhang Yimou. The show uses the natural landscape as its stage, with the karst mountains and river serving as a unique backdrop. It combines traditional folk music, vibrant costumes, and modern theatrical techniques for a fantastic spectacle of light, sound, and color.

Today, it is nice to wake up from the tranquility of Yangshuo to start your journey towards Guilin via a quick stop at Tianxincun Village.

In the early morning, you can head to Yangshuo Bridge to capture the famous sunrise scenery of Zhuobi Peak (卓笔峰). This location is also one of the best spots for photography enthusiasts to capture the beauty of sunrise. Witness the gradual rise of the sun over the Li River, with the fiery red sun, the hazy river surface, and the silhouette of fishermen on their bamboo rafts. These elements blend together on the calm mirror-like surface, creating the most classic Chinese-style landscape painting. From Yangshuo Bridge, as you look towards the east, Zhuobi Peak (Upright Pen Peak) stands out among the surrounding mountains. Its shape is distinctive, with a round base and a pointed top, resembling a calligraphy brush pointing towards the sky, hence its name.

On the way back to Guilin, pay a visit to the Zhuangyuan Bridge (Number One Scholar Bridge, 状元桥) in Tianxincun Village to photograph farmers and water buffaloes. The stone bridge is entirely constructed from slate sourced from the local mountain, without the use of any other binding materials. It has stood there for one to two hundred years, enduring the wind and sun. Tianxincun Village is an ancient cultural village that has produced 4 “Hanlin” (翰林, members of the Imperial Academy), 9 “Jinshi” (进士, high-ranking scholars in the imperial examination), and many other successful candidates in the Chinese imperial examination. Zhuangyuan Bridge was built by the local elders to encourage young people to study hard and aim for official positions. The village still maintains traditional agricultural practices, such as buffalo plowing, transplanting rice seedlings, and harvesting crops. Today, an increasing number of tourists come here to “check-in,” leaving behind beautiful works of art and carrying with them the hope of achieving top ranking in the examination.

After the tour, it is time to end your 6 Days Guilin Photography Tour with Longji, Xingping & Yangshuo. Your guide will escort you to the airport/train station for your flight or high-speed train to your next destination.

Trip Extension Ideas: If you’re interested in exploring other destinations in China and Asia instead of returning home right away, we would be more than happy to assist you with planning an extension trip. Don’t hesitate to share your ideas with us!

Thank you for choosing HelloChinaTrip for your China tour. We are always here to work for you and hope to welcome you back for your next trip to China or Asia.

Other Photograph Tips for this tour:
1. During photography activities, please pay attention to personal safety and keep your personal documents and belongings secure.
2. We reserve the right to make reasonable adjustments to the itinerary and attractions during the actual photography process due to road conditions or weather conditions.
3. There is a significant temperature difference in the mountainous areas during the morning and evening, so please bring warm jackets. Also, remember to bring rain protection equipment and rain gear for your camera.
4. To photograph the fishing fires on the Li River, it is necessary to make a paid reservation in advance with the fishermen. The photography fees may vary slightly for sunset and sunrise sessions.
5. Depending on the photography locations and hotel arrangements, luggage transportation will be arranged separately by car or with the assistance of porters.