One-Day Yangshuo and Li River Highlights Tour
One-Day Yangshuo and Li River Highlights Tour
City
Guilin
Guilin Travel
“East or west, Guilin’s scenery is best”, while Yangshuo’s scenery is the best of the best! The key, however, is finding the best way to see all the beautiful landscapes, and that’s what we will show you on this day trip. You’ll have a bird’s-eye view of the amazing landscape of hills and river from the top of a mountain and you’ll drift along the beautiful and clear Li River, enjoying the natural scenery. What’s more, you’ll have a bicycle ride into a local village where rivers are flowing, birds are singing, and flowers are blooming. Just forget the hustle and bustle of the city, lose the burdens of everyday life, and pretend you are staying in paradise.
Tour Highlights
- Enjoy panoramic views of Yangshuo’s stunning landscapes and the serene Li River from various scenic spots.
- Climb to the top of a mountain for an awe-inspiring bird’s-eye view of the surrounding hills and river.
- Cycle through picturesque countryside paths, passing through tranquil villages and lush nature.
- Experience a peaceful raft ride along the Yulong River, taking in the beauty of the peaceful waters and landscapes.
The Design of the Day Trip
- This itinerary is carefully designed to allow you to fully appreciate the natural beauty of Yangshuo and the Li River.
- No shopping stops, no detours, and no long queues—just pure sightseeing and exploration.
- The small group tour includes no more than 10 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.
- Flexible departure from either Guilin or Yangshuo, making hotel collection and drop-off convenient.
- Our knowledgeable, English-speaking local guide will ensure a smooth and enriching experience throughout the day.
Detailed Itinerary:
You’ll receive a telephone call from your tour guide before 9:30 pm to let you know the exact collection time for your trip the next day.
Please Note:
- The listed itinerary might be adjusted by your guide due to the weather, transportation or other reasonable situations based on your agreement.
You may take more than a hundred steps to climb up, normally it takes 10-15 minutes, you will climb up to the peak of the hill where you’ll be taken aback by the amazing view of the beautiful karst landscape set as countless hills around the Li River.
Details about Your Transport:
- If you stay in a hotel in Yangshuo County, pick up time from your hotel is about between 8:30 am and 9 am. The exact time will be given to you by the tour guide the day before your departure. Your driver will collect you from your hotel and drive to Xianggong Hill where you will meet your guide and other tour members.
- The free hotel pickup and drop-off areas will be within the urban areas of Guilin and Yangshuo. For further distances, you can hire a taxi to the appointed hotel, please provide your hotel information in the booking form. For detailed pick-up and drop-off area, please read our FAQ.
- Our drivers are licensed and have at least 5 years’ driving experience. This ensures you have a safe trip. Our vehicles are comfortable and spacious, is equipped with a safety belt on every seat, air conditioners, and an unlimited supply of bottled water.
In the vicinity of Yangshuo, Xingping village is more than 1000 years old and houses a number of historic residences. If you visit here on market day occasionally, the village comes alive. By the way, Xingping is also the location of the photo to on the back of 20 yuan banknotes.
You may take a nap in the car. You will go by an ancient town named Fuli, which has a history of over 1,000 years. If you are lucky to meet the market-day, you can see some people come from nearby villages to sell their homegrown fresh fruits and vegetables, meanwhile, some people buy daily articles in the market. This tradition has been continued for many years. You’ll also have a chance to taste some local street food which is only provided on this special day. Feel free to ask the tour guide to stop by, and take you to market if you want to visit.
After driving for about 1 hour, you’ll arrive at the rural paths near the Yulong River. Take a bicycle or an electric scooter ride along the beautiful countryside paths next to the Yulong River where the water flows silently, the birds are singing, and flowers are blooming. Watch the local farmers ride their ox carts as they plow the fields. Everything is so peaceful, harmonious, and perfect. Forget all your troubles while you feel like staying in paradise.
Details about the Bike Ride
- There are two ways to visit the beautiful rural scenery, either on a bicycle or an electric scooter.
- We recommend taking an electric scooter, which is the locals’ favorite transportation. It saves your energy so you can just relax and enjoy the scenery.
- Don’t know how to ride an electric scooter? Don’t worry. Your guide will show you how to use one and it is easy to learn.
- Of course, if you don’t want to use the electric scooter, you can take a normal bicycle, which is also a very interesting way to take in the surrounding scenery.
Another highlight of a trip to Yulong River is taking a bamboo raft. But this is an optional activity, you can ask your tour guide to book for you on site. No motorized raft, and row by a real bamboo-raft man. Rafting quietly and casually on the beautiful Yulong River. You can see the hills on both banks in different shapes. There are thick bamboos along the river and the banana trees are green in four seasons.
Essential rafting part: Shui E Di 水厄底 – Gongnong Bridge 工农桥 (Duration: 40 mins), Price: RMB 180 per raft. Maximum 2 Pax.
After enjoying the beautiful Li River scenery in Yangshuo, your trip comes to an end. You will be transferred back to your hotel in Guilin or Yangshuo.
If you are staying in a hotel in Yangshuo, we can drop you off at the West Street which is a shopping street that’s famous for its unique combination of both Chinese and Western cultures. you can always browse this street by yourself. There is a huge choice of restaurants around West Street (both Western and local).
If you are staying in Guilin, your driver will take you back to Guilin (after dinner) and drop you off at your hotel. The journey will take about 1½ hours.
A Recommended Evening Show
- We highly recommend you stay in Yangshuo during the evening and watch the famous performance called “Impression Liu Sanjie”. It is directed by the famous Chinese director, Zhang Yimou, who also directed the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
- The show starts at about 8 pm and lasts for 70 minutes. The ticket price for normal seats is 228 yuan (the tickets for normal seats usually not available due to the very limited seats) while the prices for VIP seats vary from 268 to 358 yuan.
- If you want to watch this show, please feel free to ask your guide to help you book the tickets. He/she will escort you throughout the whole show before sending you back to your hotel in Yangshuo or Guilin. Your guide can also take you to West Street and find a restaurant for dinner (this isn’t included in the price).
- Please note that if you stay in Guilin and decide to watch this show that means you agree to give up take our vehicle back to Guilin, there will be an extra coach fee of 30 Yuan for the public transportation from Yangshuo to Guilin.
Tour 'Wow' Points
Xianggong Hill (象公山)
Xianggong Hill offers one of the most iconic views in Yangshuo, allowing visitors to enjoy a panoramic bird’s-eye view of the picturesque Li River and its surrounding karst mountains. Standing at the top of the hill, you can admire the dramatic landscape that has been immortalized in countless photographs and paintings. The combination of towering peaks, winding rivers, and lush greenery makes this location a must-see for anyone visiting the area. A hike up to the summit is rewarded with spectacular views that are especially breathtaking in the early morning light or during sunset.
Xingping Old Street (兴坪古街)
Xingping is a historic village over 1,000 years old, located along the Li River. Famous for its traditional architecture and historical charm, Xingping retains much of its old-world character. The old street is lined with ancient residences and shops, providing visitors a glimpse into the past with its cobbled streets and picturesque riverfront views. Xingping is also known as the location depicted on the back of China’s 20 yuan banknote, which shows the stunning karst peaks surrounding the village. On market days, the village comes to life with vibrant stalls selling local goods and produce.
Fuli Ancient Town (富里古镇)
Fuli, a town with a history spanning more than a millennium, is a peaceful stop on your journey through Yangshuo. Known for its traditional painted fans, Fuli is an excellent place to experience local craftsmanship and buy authentic handmade souvenirs. The ancient market square is still active, with vendors selling fresh produce and handmade goods, offering a slice of traditional rural life. Visiting Fuli gives you a rare opportunity to see a village that has preserved its heritage while embracing the modern world.
Yulong River Scenic Area (遇龙河风景区)
The Yulong River, often referred to as the “smaller Li River,” flows through the heart of Yangshuo’s countryside. This tranquil river is famous for its crystal-clear waters and the surrounding karst peaks. The landscape here is less commercialized compared to the Li River, making it a serene escape into nature. The Yulong River is best enjoyed by bicycle, electric scooter, or bamboo raft, where visitors can take in the peaceful surroundings, watching water buffalo and local farmers working the fields. The river is flanked by beautiful countryside, where wildflowers bloom, birds chirp, and lush greenery envelops you.
Bicycle or Electric Scooter Ride in Yangshuo’s Countryside
One of the highlights of this day trip is the opportunity to explore Yangshuo’s idyllic rural landscapes by bike or electric scooter. The paths meander through serene countryside, offering a perfect view of the natural beauty of the region, from winding rivers to vast rice fields. The journey will take you past charming villages, farmers tending their crops, and tranquil streams. The electric scooter is a relaxing way to travel through the countryside, but for those who prefer a more active experience, a bicycle ride is equally rewarding.
Bamboo Raft Ride on the Yulong River
A bamboo raft ride on the Yulong River is an optional, yet unforgettable experience. Rowed by a local raft man, you’ll float quietly along the river, surrounded by towering peaks and dense bamboo groves. The natural beauty of the area is unparalleled, with the still waters reflecting the karst formations on both sides. As you glide through the peaceful waterway, you’ll witness a landscape that seems almost unchanged for centuries. It’s a serene and picturesque activity that captures the essence of Yangshuo’s rural charm.
Impression Liu Sanjie (印象刘三姐)
“Impression Liu Sanjie” is a world-renowned outdoor performance directed by Zhang Yimou, the same director who helmed the 2008 Beijing Olympics opening ceremony. This spectacular show is set against the stunning backdrop of the karst mountains and the Li River. The performance, which tells the story of the legendary folk singer Liu Sanjie, uses the natural landscape as a stage, with the mountains, water, and sky all becoming part of the show. The performance is an artistic celebration of local culture, featuring music, dance, and beautiful choreography, making it a must-see when in Yangshuo.
These sites together make for an enriching experience of Yangshuo’s stunning scenery, rich history, and vibrant culture, and will certainly leave a lasting impression on any visitor.
FAQs About This Tour
Important Notes:
- Minimum number of participants required for the tour to run is 2. Tour may be canceled in case of minimum number of participants not met. You will get a full refund.
- This trip is NOT opened during the China National Day golden week from Oct. 1st to Oct. 7th.
What is the hotel pick-up and drop-off area?
The hotel collection and drop-off areas will be within the urban areas of Guilin and Yangshuo.
In Guilin city, the hotel collection and drop-off area should be within the following area: the north side is Beijiguangchang/北极广场, the west side is West Hill Park/西山公园, the east side is Sanlidian Square/三里店广场 and the south side is Wonderful Plaza/万福广场. Most of the major hotels are located in these areas such as The Sheraton Hotel, The Shangri-la Hotel, The Li River Waterfall Hotel and Guilin Bravo Hotel etc.
For further distances, you need to hire a taxi to the appointed hotel which your tour guide will tell you the day before the trip.
What is your cancellation policy?
- If we are not able to implement the contract due to war, flood, typhoon, fire, strikes, storm, earthquake, or any other condition we are not able to foresee and avoid, we will inform customers at the first possible opportunity and offer the best possible solutions, and the final bill shall be settled based on the service we actually provide.
- Up to 7 days before departure: 100% refund of all money paid, excluding penalties charged by hotels, railways, airlines, and PayPal, if applicable. All penalties will be itemized.
- From 3 to 7 days before departure: 90% refund, excluding penalties charged by hotels, railways, airlines, and PayPal, if applicable. All penalties will be itemized.
- Within 3 days before departure: no refund.
- After the trip has commenced, we are unable to refund any amount for cancelled services due to non-participation, early departure, late arrival, or missed days on tours.
- For groups of more than 10 people: The terms for cancellation may vary from case to case. Please ask your travel advisor regarding the cancellation policy for your group.
What if I want to make a last-minute booking?
In order to making sure we have enough time to arrange your trip and make sure the availability we usually require customer make their booking at least 24 hours in advance and that’s why you can not book directly on-line for a 24-hour last-minute booking.
How to connect Whatsapp, Google, Facebook and other social medias when you’re traveling in China?
Due to state control of internet security in China, many popular websites and APPs are blocked, such as Google, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, WhatsApp etc. It is very possible that you may not be able to receive your emails and other important information. For this reason, we highly recommend you to sign up for a VPN service(for example, ExpressVPN) before your trip, to make sure you can connect to the global internet.
Good to know: Wechat is widely use in China, we suggest you to use Wechat for further communication if possible.
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