2-Day Immersive Guilin Experience From Shanghai: Serene Yulong River, Ancient Cultural Treasures & Striking Riyue Shuangta Twin Towers

Day 1 Shanghai-Guilin

In the morning, your private driver will arrive punctually at your Shanghai hotel, assist you with your luggage, and escort you to the airport in a clean, comfortable vehicle. Upon arrival, they’ll guide you through the check-in process, ensuring everything goes smoothly so you can enjoy a stress-free departure. With your flight tickets pre-booked and logistics handled, simply relax and enjoy your journey to Guilin. When you land at Guilin Liangjiang International Airport, your local guide—easily recognizable by a clear “Your Way Holiday” sign—will be waiting just outside the arrival gate with a warm smile and a bottle of water ready. They’ll assist you with your luggage and lead you to your private, air-conditioned vehicle. On the way to your hotel, your guide will offer insider tips on the city, answer any questions you have about the local culture, food, or itinerary, and help you settle in with ease. Their attentive, thoughtful service ensures you feel welcomed and cared for from the moment you land, setting the tone for a truly relaxing and personalized Guilin adventure.

After arrival, your Guilin adventure begins with a visit to the city’s most iconic landmark—Elephant Trunk Hill. Rising where the Li River meets the Peach Blossom River, this majestic limestone formation resembles a giant elephant lowering its trunk to sip from the water, a natural shape sculpted by millions of years of erosion. The hill’s name and form have made it a cherished symbol of Guilin, celebrated in countless poems, paintings, and local legends. As you stroll along the shaded stone paths winding around the hill, your guide will share fascinating stories behind its name—like the legend of a celestial elephant who fell in love with the beauty of Guilin and stayed behind, later turning to stone to guard the city. You’ll explore hidden spots like the Water Moon Cave, carved right beneath the “trunk,” where inscriptions from ancient dynasties still echo the voices of past scholars. At the summit, quaint pavilions offer sweeping views of the Li River, forested hills, and Guilin’s poetic skyline—a picture-perfect blend of nature and culture. With every step, your guide brings the hill’s appearance, history, and symbolic meaning to life, making this more than just a scenic stop—it's a vivid introduction to Guilin’s natural beauty and cultural spirit.

At noon, treat your taste buds to one of Guilin’s most iconic culinary delights—Guilin rice noodles, a beloved local staple with centuries of history. Served piping hot in a fragrant broth slow-simmered from pork bones, star anise, cinnamon, and other regional spices, the noodles are soft yet chewy, offering a comforting mouthfeel with every bite. The bowl is generously topped with a medley of textures and flavors—crisp pickled long beans, roasted peanuts, scallions, garlic oil, and often slices of marinated pork, beef, or even preserved egg for added richness. Each restaurant or vendor has its own secret blend of sauces, allowing locals to personalize their bowl to perfection. Your guide will take you to a trusted, clean eatery favored by residents, explaining the history and significance of this humble yet flavorful dish. As you eat alongside locals, you’ll experience not just a meal, but a warm slice of Guilin’s daily life—simple, hearty, and deeply rooted in regional tradition.

After lunch, you'll visit one of Guilin’s most breathtaking natural treasures, the Reed Flute Cave. Formed over 180 million years ago, this spectacular limestone cavern is renowned for its dazzling array of stalactites, stalagmites, and fantastical rock formations that seem to tell ancient stories. As you step inside, vibrant multicolored lights dance across the cave walls, casting an ethereal glow that transforms the natural sculptures into shimmering works of art. Marvel at formations like the “Crystal Palace”, a majestic cluster of glittering minerals, and the towering “Dragon Pagoda”, whose intricate shapes stir the imagination. The cool, crisp air inside the cave carries a quiet stillness, punctuated only by the gentle drip of water echoing through the chambers. Your knowledgeable guide will enrich your visit with captivating geological explanations and enchanting local legends—tales of immortals, hidden treasures, and ancient poetry inspired by the cave’s mystique. As you pause to admire each formation’s unique shape and texture, you’ll gain a profound appreciation for the natural history and cultural significance woven into this extraordinary underground world.

Next, step into the tranquil elegance of Riyue Shuangta Cultural Park, a lakeside haven at the heart of Guilin, where nature and culture blend in perfect harmony. At the center of this scenic retreat rise the iconic Sun and Moon Twin Towers, standing gracefully on Banyan Lake. The golden Sun Tower, soaring nine stories high and built entirely of bronze, is the world’s tallest bronze pagoda, a feat of architectural brilliance that glows warmly in the sunlight. Beside it, the silver-toned Moon Tower, constructed of traditional glazed tiles, offers a striking yet complementary contrast, embodying the yin-yang balance central to Chinese philosophy. Strolling through the park’s winding pathways lined with willows and stone bridges, you’ll discover tranquil ponds, carved stone tablets, and quiet pavilions that invite reflection. Your knowledgeable guide will illuminate the symbolic meanings behind the towers—the Sun representing masculinity and strength, the Moon symbolizing femininity and grace—as well as their historic roots and transformation into illuminated landmarks on Guilin’s skyline. With detailed stories, local legends, and thoughtful interpretation, this peaceful cultural stop becomes a rich, immersive experience that highlights the spiritual depth and artistic soul of Guilin.

After a full day of exploration, your private driver will take you back to your hotel in Guilin, where you can relax and unwind while reflecting on the day’s unforgettable experiences. Your guide will be available to answer any lingering questions and provide helpful tips for the days ahead, ensuring your journey remains smooth and enjoyable. Spend a peaceful evening at your leisure, recharging for more exciting adventures in the picturesque landscapes of Guilin.

Day 2 Guilin Departure

After breakfast, you’ll set out for Xingping Old Town, a riverside treasure with over 1,300 years of history, dating back to the Tang Dynasty. Once an important trading port along the Li River, the town retains its ancient soul through a maze of cobbled lanes, traditional courtyard homes with upturned eaves, stone archways, and timeworn gray-brick walls. Many buildings feature wooden balconies, intricately carved window frames, and sloped tiled roofs that reflect classic southern Chinese architecture. Notable landmarks include the Xingping Ancient Stage, once a hub for opera performances, and the Guandi Temple, dedicated to the revered general Guan Yu. A highlight is the centuries-old stone bridge that stretches across the river, offering a picture-perfect frame for the surrounding karst peaks. As you explore, your guide will point out charming teahouses, folk art shops, and lively markets where locals sell fresh produce, handmade crafts, and regional snacks. Just beyond town lies the breathtaking view featured on the 20 Yuan banknote, where Laozhai Mountain rises steeply from the Li River in a scene that has captivated artists and photographers for generations. With your guide’s stories bringing each corner to life, Xingping reveals itself as a beautifully preserved tapestry of architecture, folklore, and natural splendor.

For your second stop of the day, you’ll immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the Yulong River, a hidden jewel tucked away in the peaceful countryside near Yangshuo. Renowned for its crystal-clear, gently flowing waters, the river winds gracefully between towering karst limestone peaks that soar dramatically into the sky, creating a breathtaking natural cathedral. As you drift downstream on a traditional bamboo raft, expertly guided by local boatmen, you’ll be surrounded by lush rice paddies, verdant bamboo groves, and vibrant wildflowers that paint the riverbanks in seasonal colors. Iconic landmarks such as the graceful Moon Hill—with its distinctive natural arch—and the distant Nine Horses Fresco Hill rise majestically against the horizon, adding to the surreal landscape. Along the way, you’ll pass quaint villages where time seems to stand still, featuring rustic wooden houses, ancient stone bridges, and farmers tending to their fields in age-old rhythms. The gentle sounds of flowing water, birdsong, and rustling bamboo create a serene soundtrack, making the Yulong River a perfect escape for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a peaceful connection with the timeless beauty and authentic rural culture of southern China.

At the end of your tour, your professional guide and private driver will pick you up from your hotel in Guilin and escort you directly to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport for your onward journey. During the comfortable transfer, your guide will be happy to answer any last questions, share local stories, and offer final travel tips to enrich your experience. Upon arrival at the airport, your guide will personally assist with luggage handling, guide you through the check-in process, and ensure all formalities are handled smoothly, saving you time and effort. Every detail is thoughtfully arranged so you can enjoy a completely stress-free departure. As you bid farewell to Guilin, we hope you leave with wonderful memories of spectacular scenery, cultural discoveries, and warm local hospitality to carry with you to your next destination.

Price Per Person in US Dollars