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You are here: Home » Destinations » Guilin Tours » 4 Days Highlights of Guilin, Yangshuo & Longji

4 Days Guilin Highlights Tour (Li River, Yangshuo & Longji Terraces)

Guilin Short Vacation But Cover All the Highlights

The Chinese primary school textbook says: "Guilin’s landscape is the best under heaven". You will find that's exactly true after taking this trip to Li River, Yangshuo and Longsheng, the three most classic and popular places in Guilin. Only 4 days are needed to get them all in a single trip. As long as you arrive at Guilin a little earlier, you will even stay an interesting night and day at Longji Rice Terraces which is an ideal place for experiencing ethnic culture, hiking and photography. You will also enjoy a relaxing cruise along Li River to Yangshuo, and have a pleasant time of countryside exploration.

  • Type : Private Tour
  • Tour Code : CD-GT-04
  • Price : from $464
    1. 1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one double-bed room in a 4-star hotel and traveling in low seasons;
    2. 2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate.
  • Trip Length : 3D/2N
  • Theme : Nature / Cruise

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TOUR

  • Have a chance to stay a night locally at Ping'an Ethnic Village so that you have more time to enjoy the beauty of Longji Rice Terraces on the next day;
  • Be enchanted by the breathtaking Karst scenery while taking the relaxing cruise (about 4 hours) from Guilin to Yangshuo;
  • Diverse exciting activities for you to have fun at Yangshuo countryside - biking, bamboo rafting...
  • Be accompanied by local friendly and knowledgeable tour guide and skillful private driver.
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Itinerary Day by Day (Can Be Customized)
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Day 1 Guilin Arrival - Longji Rice Terrace

Pick up in Guilin and transfer 2.5 hours to Longji Rice Terrace

Welcome to Guilin, the most scenic city in China. Upon your arrival at airport (railway station), our local guide and driver will pick you up and then transfer you to Ping'an Village at Longji Rice Terrace. Check in your hotel. The rest of today is free for you to explore beautiful surroundings.

Important to Know: 1) The driving from Guilin to Ping'an is about 1.5 hours. If your flight or train arrives at Guilin after 5pm, we suggest you spend a night at Guilin, then transfer to Ping'an on the next day; 2) Walking: When arriving at Ping’an Village, you can only be dropped at Ping’an Village Tourist Center parking lot from where you need to walk about 900 steps to your hotel. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended; 3) Luggage carrying: For the aged or travelers who are lack of physical strength, you’d better hire a local porter to help carry your heavy luggage to the hotel (pay extra expense on your own).

  • Santos from Canada - Longji Rice Terraces, Guilin Longji Rice Terraces View, Taken by Santos from Canada in 2018

Day 2 Longsheng to Guilin (B, L)

Today's highlights: Sunrise, Longji Rice Terrace

When you wake up in the fresh air of peaceful morning, you may forget where you are. Try to watch the magnificent sunrise from a great location on the terraces if you don't mind getting up very early. After breakfast, your guide will take you to explore the breathtaking views of Longji Rice Terrace leisurely. The rice terrace is layer upon layer, like the changing ladder created by nature leading to the blue sky, forming a majestic painting between heaven and earth. From Pingan, you can hike on the cobbled paths built among terraces to catch the best landscape. Climb up to the great lookouts at Seven Stars with Moon and Nine Dragons and Five Tigers from which you can get superlative views of terraces and villages.

Different seasons will show you the different views. From mid-April to Mid-June, local people will release water into the terraced fields. Patches of patches watery terraced fields will reflect its beauty in the sun shine. While during mid-June to mid-September, the glossy and green rice terraces wave with summer breeze, and you can also see the curves of the terraced fields. The months from late September to early October are the mature time of the rice when the whole terraced fields will become golden and local farmers will start to harvest.

Hike half day around, then back to Pingan. Then transfer back to Guilin City. Check in at your hotel. The rest time is free on your own to have fun in Guilin - strolling, hunting food...

Good to Know:

1. Weather: The temperatures of Longsheng are normally lower 2℃ to 3℃ than Guilin City (28.3℃ in July and 7.9℃ in January), while the mountain tops temperature is lower than the mountain foot, so please take some warm clothes with you.

2. Walking: When arriving at Pingan Village, you can only be dropped at Pingan Village Tourist Center parking lot that you need to walk about 900 steps to your hotel. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended!

  • Longji Rice Terraces (Pingan, Nice Dragons and Five Tigers, Autumn), Guilin Longji Rice Terraces (Pingan, Nice Dragons and Five Tigers), Photo by China Discovery in Early October, 2018
  • Claire from UK - Longji Rice Terraces (Pingan, Seven Stars with Moon), Guilin Claire from UK visited Longji Rice Terraces (Pingan, Seven Stars with Moon) in October 2021
  • Santos from Canada - Longji Rice Terraces (Pingan, Nine Dragons and Five Tigers), Guilin Santos from Canada visited Longji Rice Terraces (Pingan, Nine Dragons and Five Tigers) in 2018
  • Steven - Longji Rice Terraces (Pingan, Nice Dragons and Five Tigers, Spring), Guilin Longji Rice Terraces (Pingan, Nice Dragons and Five Tigers), Photo by Our Customer Steven in Spring

Day 3 Guilin - Li River Cruise - Yangshuo (B, L)

Today's highlight: Li River Cruise, Yangshuo Yulong River, West Street

As the declaration in Chinese textbook "Guilin's landscape is the best under heaven", today you will explore this best landscape starting with a relaxing sightseeing cruise along the Li River from Mopanshan Pier to Yangshuo Town. Along the 84-kilometer cruise, dazzling scenery overwhelms your eyes like a vast endless Chinese painting of winding river, green limestone karst mountains, fascinating countryside views, amazing scene of A Painting of Nine Horses, and notable view printed on the back of the 20 RMB note. (Please note: Lunch is served by the cruise with simple local Chinese cuisine. And you can take some snacks when getting on board.)

After about 4 hours's cruise, disembark in Yangshuo Town, and check into your hotel.

After a short break, start your impressive exploration of the best charming sightseeing and ideal countryside ease at Yulong River. Let all the refreshing scenes please your eyes and souls to the utmost. Just enjoy every moment with the Karst hills dotted around, chatting stream, rippling mountain reflection, swaying floras, patches of vivid crops, comfortable breeze... There are diverse kinds of ways for your enjoyment of the fun and beauty, including biking, hiking, bamboo rafting and scooter. You can easily choose and combine your ideal way(s) and part of Yulong River. (Please tell your likes to your travel consultants before booking the tour, as the final prices will differ by activities you choose).

Biking: (some physically demanding & sightseeing by the river) - Ride to enjoy the river view and the real fields (route: Yangshuo - Jima - Shuiedi Dock - Gongnong Bridge - West Street; for 1.5-2 hours).

Bamboo Rafting (relaxing and interesting & sightseeing on the river) - have fun with the classic bamboo rafting (Route A: Shuiedi Dock - Gongnong Bridge for 40-50 minutes; Route B: Jima Dock - Gongnong Bridge for 1.5 hours) to see the more serene view like pieces of traditional Chinese landscape ink paintings.

Driving (most leisurable and comfortable & sightseeing on the road) - drive and travel from Jima to Gongnong Bridge to appreciate the lovely countryside view (about 0.5 hour). You can get off and on anywhere on the middle way to explore more about your interested place.

After that, walk leisurely on the ancient West Street to witness how the western culture and Chinese culture perfectly and peacefully coexist here. Whether you want to enjoy a cup of drink in bar, taste some local food, or just experience the relaxing atmosphere, you get it here.

Note: according to the regulations of Yulong River Tourism, children less than 1 meter high and elders over 70 years old are not allowed to take the bamboo rafting.

Optional evening activity:

Watch the splendid evening performance of Impression Liu Sanjie with the Li River itself as the stage, which was directed by famous director - Zhang Yimou (usually performs for an hour between around 19:45 and 22:20).

  • Claire from UK - 20 RMB Note View, Li River, Guilin Guilin Li River Scenery on 20 RMB Chinese Note, Taken by Claire from UK in October 2021
  • Josh's Group from USA -  Yulong River Cycling, Yangshuo, Guilin Josh's Group from USA Enjoyed Cycling along Yangshuo Yulong River in July, 2023
  • Christina's Group from Denmark - Yulong River Bamboo Rafting, Yangshuo, Guilin Christina's Group from Denmark Enjoyed Yulong River Bamboo Rafting in July 2021
  • Santos from Canada - Li River Cruise, Guilin Li River Scenery, Taken by Our Customer Santos from Canada in September, 2018
  • Giorgia's Group from Italy - Yulong River, Yangshuo, Guilin Giorgia's group from Italy visited Yulong River in August, 2019
  • Chusi's Family from USA - West Street, Yangshuo, Guilin Chusi's Family from USA Visited Yangshuo West Street in June, 2018

Day 4 Yangshuo - Guilin Departure (B, L)

Today's highlight: Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave

After breakfast, transfer back to Guilin in a comfortable vehicle (1.5~2hrs). Then make a visit to the symbol of Guilin landscape - Elephant Trunk Hill. A giant rock hill vividly shapes like an elephant which is drinking water. Besides, there are many historical sites here for you to explore, such as stone carving, Buddhist temple, relic exhibition, etc. Then, drive about 7 kilometers to next attraction - Reed Flute Cave, a majestic underground palace with sparkling different colors. The magical Mother Nature condenses millions years of natural efforts to form the incredible stalactite, stalagmite, stone shield and stone waterfall of different sizes and shapes.

Lastly, your tour guide will take you to catch your flight / train to your next destination. Tour ends!

  • Santos from Canada - Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin Santos from Canada Visited Elephant Trunk Hill in 2018
  • Delma from Ireland - Reed Flute Cave, Guilin Delma from Ireland visited Reed Flute Cave in July, 2021

The quotation for this trip is from $464 Per Person

1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one standard double-bed room in a 4-star hotel and traveling with our private tour in low seasons.
2. This price is subject to change according your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate. If you want a lower price, you can get more people to join you, or use economy class hotels.
3. This price is only valid to March 31, 2025.
4. Reference exchange rate of USD 1=RMB 7.00. The final quote is based on current exchange rate. It may change according to the currency fluctuation, while the RMB quotation will be remained the same.

What's included?

  • Professional licensed English-speaking guide;
  • Admission tickets for all attractions listed in the itinerary;
  • Accommodation as listed in the itinerary (4-star standard);
  • Necessary vehicle transfers as listed in the itinerary;
  • Airport (and train station) pick up and drop off;
  • Luggage Transfers: between airports (railway station) and hotels;
  • All meals as listed( “B” for Chinese and Western breakfast buffet in your hotel; “L” for Chinese Lunch in local restaurant; “D” for Chinese dinner in local restaurant.);
  • Our service charge, including tour planning, handling, operational and communication charges.

What's excluded?

  • China visa;
  • Personal expenses;
  • Accommodation not listed in the itinerary;
  • Tourist sites which are not listed in the itinerary;
  • Recommended optional activities;
  • Excess Baggage Charges;
  • Optional tips to guides, drivers, etc.

Check What our delighted customers are saying about our services

Hi Samantha,

Thanks!

We are enjoying China very much. You made us confident that we would have the experience we wanted. That is why we booked with you and we were not disappointed.

We had a good day with Timo. Timo would have exceeded our expectations if Peter had not set our expectations so high. Timo is a very close second place.

Peter is great! Peter suggested we hike this afternoon when it is more clear and we agreed.

Lunch at Bravo Hotel was good; enough left over for dinner. We walked around the lake across from the hotel this afternoon. It is a pretty area.

Having Fun!

We are happy with China Discovery and would recommend them to others.

Joseph

Joseph‚ USA, February 28, 2024

Hi Jack,

All good, hope all is well with you too.

It was an incredible experience for my family as from the start till finish, the itinerary was meticulously planned, a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation suitable for young and old alike. This allows us to fully immerse in the activity and destination without feeling rushed or overwhelmed

I must commend our tour guide, Grace, whose dedication, thoughtfulness and patient truly enhanced our journey. Her enthusiasm for sharing the culture and history of each location made the experience more enjoyable.

Overall, our trip exceeded our expectations, leaving us with only good memories. Thank you again Jack for providing such a wonderful experience and sorry to bother you when you are on vacation. We look forward to the opportunity to travel with your company again in the near future.

Warms Regards.

Debbie

Debbie‚ Indonesia, February 27, 2024

Hi Wonder,

it was such a wonderful trip, giving me a great impression of Chengdu and Chongqing, thanks to the professional guide by Ellen and David.

Thank you Wonder and Benny for arranging the trip. It was fun, food was good and we did enjoy it very much!

Evelyn

Evelyn‚ Hong Kong (China), February 27, 2024

Dear Jack,

Apologies for delayed feedback because we were busy travelling in Jan and Feb. We have just returned to HK yesterday night. Pls find attached our comments.

1. Yes, fast and helpful responses to queries via WeChat and whatapps.

2. The tour arrangements were very professionally delivered as stated in the itinerary by our guide and driver, who were courteous and friendly. The pickup and transport were timely and safe.

3. Yes, willing to recommend. Had mentioned to our relatives and friends who enquired.

4. Very professional and helpful.

Leong

Leong‚ Singapore, February 26, 2024

Hi Rita,

Greetings from Malaysia. Thank you for your email.

We enjoyed the tour very much and are satisfied with all the arrangements from the guide picking us up at the airport, the itinerary, transport arrangements between Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou and the shows recommended. Both Seven (Shanghai, Suzhou) and LuLu (Hangzhou) were excellent guides, very friendly, approachable and knowledgeable.

Definitely will recommend your services to my relatives and friends. We hope we can visit China again.

Nothing to complain about, only that our visit is too short!

Susan

Susan‚ Malaysia, February 21, 2024
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"It was an incredible experience for my family as from the start till finish, the itinerary was meticulously planned, a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation suitable for young and old alike..." read more »
Reviewed on February 27, 2024
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Nomad
"It was an incredible experience for my family as from the start till finish, the itinerary was meticulously planned, a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation suitable for young and old alike..." read more »
Reviewed on February 27, 2024
Read all reviews(1,810+)

How Our Teams Serve you at China Discovery

"Highest Standards of Quality and Honesty" is the core value of each specialized team at China Discovery.

Eveyone in our company is working hard for only one goal, which is to ensure the highest level of service, luxury, and attention to detail from the minute you begin planning your trip, to the day you return home.

1-on-1 Travel Consultant

China Tour

Our travel consultants are professional, experienced and responsible, helping you from the very beginning to the end of your China trip!

After sending us an inquiry, one of our travel consultants will get back to you within 0.5~23.5 hrs. In the next few days, he/she will be working closely with you to formulate a customized tour plan, as well as providing professional suggestions based on your travel interests, time, and budget.

Beside, he/she will keep in contact with you during your entire tour in China, continually checking if everything is going well as planned.

We're working at Chengdu Bamboo International Tours, local based in Chengdu.

Local Tour Guides

China Tour

Our local guide in every destination is not only very friendly, enthusiastic but also very informative and knowledgeable.

Once you arrive in the destination, the patient and punctual guides will pick you up and take you to get under skin of the city at your own pace. By in-depth discovery and explanation, they’ll show you more about the history, culture, customs and authentic local life. Throughout the journey, they're not only expert guides who take care of all the details but also fellow travelers who are dedicated to help you explore in comfort and style.

Our guides are passionate about what they do, and it shows all the way!

Local Drivers & Vehicle

Using our private transfer service makes you comfortable, relaxed and worry free all the way!

Our private service includes licensed drivers with many years’ driving experience and air-conditioned, non-smoking, clean and well-maintained cars/vans. Drivers are local, polite, friendly and helpful, taking you to your tourist sites, hotels, airport/train stations in safety. All kinds of vehicle are offered, and yours depends on the size of your group. Usually, we offer sedan cars, SUVs, business vans (MPV) and different types of buses, all with extra space for your luggage.

Our private transfer service guarantees you the highest comfort!

Comfortable & Homelike Hotels

China Tour

In each destination, you’ll enjoy a comfortable stay in a great location!

The hotels we choose are based on star rating, great locations, well-equipped facilities, cozy bed, high quality service and guests’ feedbacks. Choices are a lot ranging from luxury 5 star, comfortable 4 star to budget 3 star. You could decide where to stay to best suit for your budget and likes. Generally, the hotels have both Western and Chinese breakfast with a wide choices.

If you have already got an ideal hotel, please feel free to tell our travel consultants and they'll book the hotel for you.

Have good sleep in our well-selected hotels in all the destinations of China.

Meals & Dining

China Tour

We can satisfy all the dietary requirements no matter you want Chinese local food, western food, vegetarian food or muslin food.

The restaurants we will take you for lunch or dinner are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. They have very good sanitary conditions and the food is prepared fresh and clean.

There will be some meals excluded in your itinerary as you like, and your private guide will be delighted to give you some suggestions and take you to the local restaurants to taste like Beijing Roast Duck, Xian Dumpling Dinner, Sichuan Hotpot, etc., if you are interested in local food tasting.

All the dining options will satisfy your stomach!

Photo gallery of this trip

  • Santos from Canada - Longji Rice Terraces, Guilin Santos from Canada - Longji Rice Terraces, Guilin
  • Longji Rice Terraces (Pingan, Nice Dragons and Five Tigers, Autumn), Guilin Longji Rice Terraces (Pingan, Nice Dragons and Five Tigers, Autumn), Guilin
  • Claire from UK - Longji Rice Terraces (Pingan, Seven Stars with Moon), Guilin Claire from UK - Longji Rice Terraces (Pingan, Seven Stars with Moon), Guilin
  • Santos from Canada - Longji Rice Terraces (Pingan, Nine Dragons and Five Tigers), Guilin Santos from Canada - Longji Rice Terraces (Pingan, Nine Dragons and Five Tigers), Guilin
  • Steven - Longji Rice Terraces (Pingan, Nice Dragons and Five Tigers, Spring), Guilin Steven - Longji Rice Terraces (Pingan, Nice Dragons and Five Tigers, Spring), Guilin
  • Claire from UK - 20 RMB Note View, Li River, Guilin Claire from UK - 20 RMB Note View, Li River, Guilin
  • Josh's Group from USA -  Yulong River Cycling, Yangshuo, Guilin Josh's Group from USA - Yulong River Cycling, Yangshuo, Guilin
  • Christina's Group from Denmark - Yulong River Bamboo Rafting, Yangshuo, Guilin Christina's Group from Denmark - Yulong River Bamboo Rafting, Yangshuo, Guilin
  • Santos from Canada - Li River Cruise, Guilin Santos from Canada - Li River Cruise, Guilin
  • Giorgia's Group from Italy - Yulong River, Yangshuo, Guilin Giorgia's Group from Italy - Yulong River, Yangshuo, Guilin
  • Chusi's Family from USA - West Street, Yangshuo, Guilin Chusi's Family from USA - West Street, Yangshuo, Guilin
  • Santos from Canada - Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin Santos from Canada - Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin
  • Delma from Ireland - Reed Flute Cave, Guilin Delma from Ireland - Reed Flute Cave, Guilin

Most Important Guilin Travel Notes

1. How to get to Guilin

Guilin as one of the top tourist destinations in China is well linked with other gateway cities and tourist places with flights, bullet trains, distance buses, etc. So far, you can get to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport by flight from Hong Kong (1.5 hours), Beijing (3 hours), Shanghai (3 hours), Xian (2 hours), Chengdu (1 hour & 40 minutes), Chongqing (1.5 hours), etc. Besides, there are fast high speed trains from Hong Kong (3 hours & 20 minutes), Guangzhou (2.5 hours), Chongqing (5 hours), Chengdu (7-7.5 hours), Guiyang (2-3 hours), Kunming (4.5 hours), Shenzhen (3.5 hours), Changsha (3.5 hours), Wuhan (5 hours), etc.

2. Accommodation in Longji, Guilin and Yangshuo

In this tour, you will stay a night at Guilin and a night at Yangshuo. Both Guilin and Yangshuo offers various hotels and hostels of different standards and levels. As an international tourist hot spot, almost accommodations provide great facilities and equipment for your comfortable stay in Guilin and Yangshuo. While at Longji Rice Terrace, you will stay a night at a local guest house. Though it is not as good as in the downtown area, but necessary items are provided, such as hot water, air condition, TV, private washroom, free Wi-Fi, etc. Some types of rooms there even have private viewing balcony that facing the marvelous rice terraces. Since the houses are mainly made with wood, so please be careful with the use of fire.

3. Best Time to Visit Guilin

Guilin situated in southern China is a hot destination to explore its special Karst landscape view. It is suitable to visit all year round due to its ever green plants and its warm temperature. April to October is the best time to appreciate the sightseeing of Guilin and Yangshuo. Spring (April-June) is best to enjoy the cozy weather and the vigorous scene of multiple flowers and the crops cultivated by local farmers. Autumn is also very good to enjoy the clear river view and clear sky. However, as it often rains, particularly during April to July, when you can see the misty beauty of the hills and water, you are advised to prepare your rain gears.

4. Warm Tips for Visiting Yulong River

For biking: we suggest you wear comfortable and quick-drying clothes and trainers to enjoy a better biking experience and protect yourself from catching a cold after sweating. During summer time, it may be a little hot for biking for a long time, so you can tell how much time you want to bike along the Yulong River to your guide. Also, you are highly suggested to prepare your hat, sunglasses and sun cream for UV protection.

For bamboo rafting: bamboo rafting is a classic activity to enjoy the fun and beauty of Yulong River. However, one raft can only hold 2 people, and children more than 1 meter high are required to take the raft together with adults. Besides, as the raft is slippery, it is better to sit on your chair for the sightseeing and avoid standing or walking in case of falling into the river. Furthermore, it would arouse some waves when passing weirs, so remember to lift your feet and protect your belongings especially mobiles and cameras.

5. Tailor Your Activities

In Yangshuo - to explore the natural scenery and fun of Yangshuo, you will have many kinds of activities and ways to choose. We can take you to enjoy bamboo rafting at Yulong River, biking at any region in Yangshuo, hiking along Yulong River or other places, cultural experience of Chinese cooking, Taichi, and calligraphy classes, photographing, and so forth.

In-depth Longji Rice Terrace Tour - if time and energy allow, you can hike from Ping'an Rice Terrace to Jinkeng Rice Terrace, which is a popular wild hiking route among hikers, and takes about 4-4.5 hours to finish. Jinkeng Rice Terrac, as a part of Longji Rice Terraces like Ping'an, has the largest amount of Rice Terraces. It is a Yao minority inhabited area. Many of the gorgeous photos about Longji Rice Terraces published on the website were shot here.

Please feel free to tell us about your ideal activities, route, time, period, etc., to tailor your special activity experience.

6. To Customize Your Guilin Tour

We China Discovery have rich experience for providing Guilin tour packages and customization service for global visitors, and our professional travel expert will sincerely help to design your Guilin tour if you are interested to extend your tour for more in-depth experiences, such as hiking, photography, family holiday, food tour, etc. Just feel free to let us know your idea.

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