5 Days Guilin Yangshuo Tour: New Way to Explore Karst Landscape

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.

On this delightful day, you will enjoy a scenic journey from Guilin downtown to the charming Huixian Town (about 1.5-2 hours’ drive).

Upon arrival, it is time for an exciting exploration of a wild cave. This cave offers the ultimate experience in cave spelunking, transporting you to a dreamlike space that feels as if you’ve stepped into another world at the center of the Earth. The Karst landscape, shaped over thousands of years, narrates the tale of flowing water and the passage of time. Concealed underground labyrinths, tumultuous underground rivers, and dimly lit caves that have never been illuminated by carbide lamps… all await your exploration.

First, follow the guidance of the professional leaders, carefully listen to the safety instructions, and equip yourself with the necessary cave exploration gear, including helmets with headlamps, gloves, and cave exploration suits. Now, you are ready to embark on an adventure. As you enter this mystical underground wonderland, you will unveil its enchanting beauty with every step. Inside, you will witness stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over thousands of years, adorning the cave’s interior and creating a spectacle of natural splendor. The ethereal atmosphere, combined with these captivating formations, will transport you to a world untouched by time. One of the most thrilling highlights awaits as you prepare yourself for a personal challenge – rappelling down to the flat ground, approximately 20 meters below. After the exhilarating descent, continue your journey through the cave chamber, where a breathtaking sight unfolds before your eyes – an abundance of impressive stalagmites. These unexplored sections of the cave hold a myriad of fascinating and enchanting discoveries, enticing you to uncover their mysteries! (Kindly note: 1. You will have lunch in the cave, so please remember to bring some food with you. 2. If you are interested, we can arrange accommodation in the cave through camping, providing a unique and marvelous experience. Please communicate your preferences to your travel consultant.)

In the afternoon, you will be transported to the Glass Rice Terraces in Huixian Town. The romantic glass fields and picturesque landscape of Guilin represent an idealized rural life, often referred to as “Little Yangshuo.” To capture the panoramic view, you will need to walk for about 30 minutes to reach a viewing platform. A breathtaking sight awaits you as the crisscrossing paths reflect the sky, the beauty of the mountains, and the shadows of trees. This creates a vast and magnificent landscape painting that includes the surrounding villages. These glistening terraces, reflecting sunlight like shimmering jewels, form a breathtaking panorama that is certain to leave you in awe.

After the tour, drive approximately 50km (1.5 hours) to a comfortable hotel in a peaceful village facing Xingping Town across the Li River. This location is renowned as one of the best spots for capturing breathtaking pictures, as the Li River graciously presents its most stunning river bend here.

After breakfast, you will be escorted to a breathtaking mountain for 360-degree panoramic view. This mountain is renowned as a paradise for photographers. The meandering Li River gracefully embraces rolling hills on both banks, forming a magnificent 180-degree bend at this location. Take a short 15-minute hike up the hill to reach the viewing platform. From there, you will overlook the sinuous Li River, which creates an idyllic painting where land and water harmoniously converge beneath the vast and open sky. The river, resembling a silver ribbon, meanders around the lush green peaks, carving a path through the vibrant landscape. (Note: If you wish to witness the sunrise over the mountain, it is recommended to wake up early in the morning.)

Later, take some time to hike along the banks of the Li River and relish the renowned scenery, including the captivating Nine-Horse Fresco and the mesmerizing reflection of the Yellow Cloth Shoal. And then, take a ferry across the Li River to 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. Walking along 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.

After that, 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. You may want to take a moment to draw out a 20-yuan note and compare it with the actual scene before you. Now, it’s your opportunity to witness the authentic fishermen with their cormorant birds and lanterns, gracefully navigating bamboo rafts amidst the captivating Karst mountains. You have the option to embark on their bamboo raft and capture memorable photos together, or alternatively, you can opt to photograph them from a distance, cherishing the enchanting scene they create against the backdrop of the Karst mountains.

After the tour, you will be accompanied to Yangshuo Town (about 1 hour’s drive) for accommodation. Have a good rest tonight.

Wake up from the tranquility of Yangshuo to start your relaxing countryside tour. After breakfast, 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.

First, it’s time to get up close to this rural paradise. You can explore by bike, or a combination of driving and walking, to discover the postcard-perfect karst hills and rice paddies and passthrough tranquil villages. 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 encounter a solitary water buffalo leisurely grazing in the fields, adding a heartwarming touch of rural life to the panoramic vista.

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 clear water sparkles as it captures the sun’s rays, vibrant green river grass dances with the water’s flow underneath the surface, lush bamboos and verdant rice paddies dot the riverbanks, the karst mountains are shrouded in soft mist. 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.

Later, you will have the delightful opportunity to indulge in a serene experience at the picturesque rice terrace while enjoying afternoon tea (optional). Sit back, unwind, and savor a cup of coffee as you immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery that surrounds you.

After that, get back to the town and 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.

Optional Evening Activity: If you are interested, you can enjoy the amazing evening performance called Impression Liu Sanjie with the Li River 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. It is regarded as one of the must-see performances for anyone visiting Yangshuo.

After breakfast, you will have some leisure time to explore Yangshuo at your own pace. Take this opportunity to explore the town or simply relax and soak in the charming atmosphere. Later, your guide and driver will accompany you to the airport or train station in Guilin, from where you will take 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.