3 Day Guilin Yangshuo Xingping Tour: Lost in Li River Landscape Painting

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 Suggestions:

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

1. Elephant Trunk Hill: It is one of the most recognizable and iconic attractions in the region, known for its resemblance to an elephant drinking water from the Li River, hence the name “Elephant Trunk Hill.” 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.

2. East West Alley: Step back in time and explore the charming East West Alley, which merges with three ancient streets, offering a glimpse into the rich history of Guilin. Established during the Tang Dynasty, the alley has borne witness to nearly 1400 years of the city’s rise and fall. Take a leisurely stroll along the streets and indulge in some local delicacies, such as the famous Guilin Rice Noodles. Immerse yourself in the traditional culture by trying your hand at fan-making, Lijiang River sand and stone painting or even donning a Hanfu, an ancient Chinese costume.

3. 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.

“East or west, Guilin landscape is the best”. After breakfast, you will go to explore the most stunning natural scenery along the Li River, which is renowned as one of the “the world’s top 10 watery wonders” by National Geographic. After a 1-hour drive from your hotel to pier, embark on a 4-hour relaxing sightseeing Li River cruise to Yangshuo. Throughout the 83-kilometer scenic cruise, you’ll be entranced by countless Chinese paintings come to life, with winding rivers and towering Karst peaks in every direction. Marvel at the famous sights along the banks, such as the Immortal Pushing the Mill, Nine-Horse Fresco, Yellow Cloth Shoal reflection, etc. You’ll also encounter idyllic villages like Xingping Town nestled along the river. (Lunch Upgrade: Asia Odyssey Travel has thoughtfully prepared a customized Western-style lunch exclusively for you. Your guide will bring freshly made meals prepared early that morning for you to enjoy on the boat.)

The Li River, calm and stunning, meanders its way from Guilin, turns a corner at the Yangshuo, and finally reaches the charming town of Yangshuo. Upon arrival, the driver will pick you up from the dock and drive to your hotel in Yangshuo town for a short rest. Once you’re ready, 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. The Yulong River, a small offshoot of the Li River, meanders through the scene, its tranquil waters reflecting the stunning surroundings like a living mirror.

Then, it’s time to get up close to Yangshuo 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. During your ride, the scenery keeps changing, yet it remains consistently mesmerizing. The karst mountains rise and fall in an endless series, each peak unique in its shape and size.bAt 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. There’s a solitary water buffalo languidly grazing in the fields, a sight that adds an endearing touch of rural life to the panoramic display.

Next, board a hand-cranked bamboo raft for a journey down the Yulong River. As you ease into the gentle rhythm of the water, you become one with the serene surroundings. The Yulong River resembles green jade, its clear water sparkles as it captures the sun’s rays, vibrant green river grass dances with the water’s flow underneath the surface, lush bamboo, and verdant rice paddies dot the riverbanks, and the karst mountains are shrouded in soft mist, creating a picturesque scenery that feels like gliding through a beautiful landscape painting. As you float downstream, you’ll drift past the ancient bridges, a testament to the architectural marvels of yore, and glide through a variety of dams that interrupt the river flow, creating gentle rapids that splash cool water around, enhancing the joy of the journey.

Then, you will stroll along West Street, 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.

After dinner, we’ll head on over to Xingping, a quaint little town nestled along the Li River that’s about 27 km upstream from Yangshuo. It’s one of the best spots to take pictures, the Li River generously gifts its most beautiful river bend here. The painting of the “Yellow Cloth Shoal” hanging on the wall of China’s embassy to the UN headquarters is from Xingping Ancient Town. And you know the pattern on the back of a 20 yuan note? Yeah, that’s also from Xingping Ancient Town. Oh, and let’s not forget about that iconic image of Guilin – you know the one with the fisherman and his cormorants? That was taken in Xingping too.

In the evening, you have the option to experience the “Li River Fish Fire,” a unique event that promises both a rich cultural encounter and a feast for your eyes. Witness fishermen with their cormorant birds and lanterns on bamboo rafts set against the Karst mountains. When the pine wood on the rafts is lit, it illuminates the water in a mesmerizing glow. Coupled with the moonlight and shimmering beach, this creates the awe-inspiring “Li River Fishing Fire.” While this tradition may no longer be practical, it is maintained to preserve cultural heritage and offer an unforgettable experience to visitors.

After breakfast, you will explore Xingping Ancient Town. The ancient town has a history of more than 1,700 years. The town, which thrived because of its proximity to the river, has always been a bustling center for merchants and various trades throughout history. Today, Xingping still retains its ancient charm with Ming Dynasty houses, Qing Dynasty stages, and old streets and alleys where generations of town dwellers have continued their traditional ways of life, enjoying the tranquility of passing years. As you wander through the town, you’ll be transported back in time. The well-preserved Ming Dynasty houses and Qing Dynasty stages bear testament to its rich historical past. Walking down the old streets and narrow alleys, you’ll get a feel for the traditional lifestyle that generations of town dwellers have maintained, and you can enjoy the serene tranquility that comes with time.

Then, you’ll be taken to a special viewpoint to behold the iconic scene depicted on the back of the 20-yuan banknote. The tranquil Li River meanders between towering karst mountains, their peaks shrouded in a soft mist, creating a painting-like atmosphere. In the foreground, you can imagine a traditional fisherman on a bamboo raft with his trusty cormorants, an echo of the scene on the 20-yuan banknote. This is the moment when you realize why this particular view was chosen to represent China on its currency – it encapsulates the ethnic minority, cultural heritage, and Chinese landscapes and countryside that are so characteristic of this country. You may want to take a moment to draw out a 20-yuan note and compare it with the actual scene before you, truly appreciating the artistry and realism captured on the banknote.

The day is not yet over. Next, you will be taken to a mountain with a stunning 360-degree panoramic view. The mountain, known to be a paradise for photographers, was the shooting location for a bronze medal-winning work in the 10th International Film Festival. The meandering Li River, embraced by rolling hills on both banks, makes a 180-degree bend here. Overlooking the sinuous Li River, it forms an idyllic painting where earth and water meet under the vast, open sky. The river, a ribbon of silver, meanders around the verdant peaks, carving a path through the lush landscape. The mountains themselves, a series of jade-green peaks, rise sharply from the river, their tops wreathed in a gentle mist that lends an ethereal air to the scene.

From this view, you will gain a deeper understanding of the Chinese aesthetic of natural beauty, where harmony between human beings and their environment is paramount. This breathtaking vista reflects the idea of “shanshui“, a traditional Chinese aesthetic that is deeply embedded in their culture and art, particularly in their landscape painting. “Shanshui” translates to “mountain-water” and depicts a landscape where mountains, rivers, and sometimes waterfalls are present. This concept isn’t merely about portraying the external beauty of the natural world, but it also represents a spiritual journey. The tall, majestic mountains signify the virtue and strength of a gentleman, while the gentle, flowing rivers represent the best of human nature. Visiting this location offers more than just an opportunity to see a beautiful landscape. It also allows you to delve into China’s rich cultural heritage, experiencing firsthand how the Chinese philosophies of balance, harmony, and respect for nature are deeply intertwined with their appreciation of the natural world.

Finally, after this unforgettable tour through history and nature, you will be escorted back to Guilin for your departure. No doubt, you will leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Chinese landscape, its history, and its people. We hope to see you again soon for more explorations in the beautiful country of China!