Guilin Scenery 4-Day Tour

Tour Overview

Discover the ethereal beauty of Guilin, where dramatic karst limestone peaks rise from emerald rivers and terraced rice paddies cascade down mountainsides. This 4-day journey takes you through some of China’s most photographed landscapes, immortalized in traditional Chinese paintings for centuries. Float down the legendary Li River, explore the charming town of Yangshuo, and witness the engineering marvel of the Longji Rice Terraces.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Guilin - Elephant Trunk Hill

Arrive at Guilin Liangjiang International Airport and transfer to your hotel in the city center. After settling in, visit Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin’s most iconic landmark. This natural rock formation resembles an elephant drinking from the Li River and has been a symbol of the city for centuries.

Evening free to explore the pedestrian streets around Two Rivers and Four Lakes, where illuminated pagodas and bridges create a magical atmosphere.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Guilin

Day 2: Li River Bamboo Rafting - Yangshuo

Morning transfer to the Li River pier for an unforgettable bamboo raft journey through the heart of karst country. Drift past towering limestone peaks with poetic names like Nine Horses Fresco Hill and Yellow Cloth Shoal, scenes depicted on the Chinese 20-yuan banknote.

Arrive in Yangshuo, a charming riverside town beloved by travelers worldwide. Afternoon explore West Street, a vibrant pedestrian avenue lined with cafes, galleries, and shops. Optional evening: attend the spectacular Impression Liu Sanjie outdoor light show directed by Zhang Yimou.

Meals: Breakfast (hotel), Lunch (river fish specialty)

Accommodation: Boutique hotel in Yangshuo

Day 3: Longji Rice Terraces

Full day excursion to the Longji (Dragon’s Backbone) Rice Terraces, approximately 2 hours from Yangshuo. These spectacular terraces were carved into the mountainsides over 700 years ago by the Zhuang and Yao ethnic minorities.

Hike through traditional wooden villages where locals still wear traditional dress and maintain ancient customs. Reach viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of terraces that seem to climb endlessly toward the sky. Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch featuring local specialties like bamboo rice.

Meals: Breakfast (hotel), Lunch (ethnic minority cuisine)

Accommodation: Boutique hotel in Yangshuo

Day 4: Yangshuo Countryside - Departure

Morning bicycle ride or electric cart tour through the Yangshuo countryside, passing through rice paddies, water buffalo, and traditional villages. Visit Moon Hill, a natural arch in a karst peak, and the ancient Fuli Town known for its painted fans.

Transfer to Guilin airport for your departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast (hotel)

Travel Tips

• Li River rafting operates weather permitting; alternative cruise boat available
• Best photography at Longji Terraces during rice planting (May-June) or harvest (September-October)
• Yangshuo is very walkable; comfortable shoes recommended
• Summer months can be hot and humid; bring sun protection and water
• The Impression Liu Sanjie show runs March through November
• Bargaining is expected at local markets and shops