3-Day Unforgettable Guilin Adventure From Shanghai: Li River, Longji Rice Terraces & Culture

Summary

Day 1 Shanghai-Guilin: Shanghai to Guilin by Flight
Day 2 Guilin-Longsheng-Guilin: Longji Rice Terrace, Ping'an Village
Day 3 Guilin Departure: Li River Cruise, Yulong River, West Street, Guilin Departure

Day 1 Shanghai-Guilin

In the morning, your private driver will promptly pick you up from your hotel in Shanghai, ensuring a timely and comfortable transfer to the airport. They will assist with your luggage and guide you through the check-in process, making your departure completely hassle-free. With your flights carefully pre-arranged, you can relax and enjoy a seamless journey to Guilin, free from stress or delays. Upon arrival at Guilin Liangjiang International Airport, your friendly local guide will be waiting to greet you in the arrival hall, holding a clear “Your Way Holiday” sign for easy recognition. After helping with your luggage, your guide will escort you to a private, air-conditioned vehicle for a smooth and comfortable transfer to your hotel in Guilin. Upon arrival, your guide will assist with the hotel check-in, ensuring a swift and hassle-free process. After settling in, the rest of the day is yours to explore Guilin at your own pace—whether you wish to relax, wander through local markets, or discover nearby attractions. From efficient airport services to attentive local support, every detail has been thoughtfully arranged so you can fully relax and eagerly anticipate the exciting Guilin adventure ahead.

Day 2 Guilin-Longsheng-Guilin

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a scenic one-hour drive from Guilin to Longsheng County, where your first stop awaits—the breathtaking Longji Rice Terraces, famously known as the “Dragon’s Backbone” due to their unique ridged shape resembling a dragon’s spine. These terraces are a stunning example of ancient agricultural ingenuity, painstakingly carved into the rolling hills by the Zhuang and Yao ethnic communities over 600 years ago. As you hike along winding mountain paths, panoramic views unfold before you—layer upon layer of lush green fields cascading down the slopes like waves frozen in time. The terraces’ appearance changes beautifully with the seasons: shimmering pools reflecting the sky in spring, vibrant emerald rice plants in summer, golden hues of ripe grain in autumn, and a serene blanket of snow in winter. This iconic landscape not only offers breathtaking photo opportunities but also tells a story of harmony between humans and nature, celebrating the enduring spirit and cultural heritage of the local people who continue to nurture this remarkable land.

At noon, savor the authentic flavors of Guilin with a delicious bowl of local specialty—Guilin rice noodles. This iconic dish features silky, tender rice noodles served in a flavorful broth made from simmered pork bones and spices, topped with fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, crunchy peanuts, and sometimes tender slices of meat or preserved eggs. Known for its comforting taste and satisfying texture, Guilin rice noodles are a beloved staple that perfectly captures the essence of the region’s culinary heritage. It’s a must-try meal that will refuel you for the adventures ahead.

After lunch, you’ll visit the enchanting Ping’an Village, nestled high within the Longji Rice Terraces and known as one of the most picturesque ethnic villages in the region. This traditional Zhuang minority settlement is renowned for its distinctive wooden stilt houses that cling gracefully to the hillside, offering breathtaking panoramic views over the patchwork of terraced fields below. As you meander along narrow, winding stone paths and stairways, you’ll be immersed in the tranquil rhythm of village life, where time-honored customs and traditions continue to thrive. Ping’an serves as the gateway to some of the most iconic terrace viewpoints, including “Seven Stars with the Moon” and “Nine Dragons with Five Tigers,” named for their evocative shapes in the landscape. The village itself acts as a living museum of Zhuang culture: friendly locals dressed in vivid, intricately embroidered traditional clothing welcome visitors with heartfelt folk songs, lively dances, and demonstrations of age-old handicrafts like weaving and silverwork. This visit offers a perfect blend of stunning natural scenery and rich cultural heritage, providing a rare and authentic window into the harmonious life of rural China’s ethnic minorities.

After a full day of exploration, your private driver will escort you back to Guilin, where you’ll be comfortably driven to your hotel. There, you can unwind and reflect on the day’s unforgettable experiences amidst the city’s charming ambiance. Your knowledgeable guide will remain available to answer any lingering questions and offer personalized recommendations for your upcoming days, ensuring your journey continues to be smooth and enriching. Enjoy a relaxing evening at your leisure—whether you choose to stroll through Guilin’s lively streets, savor local cuisine, or simply rest—recharging for the exciting adventures still awaiting you in this beautiful region.

Day 3 Guilin Departure

After breakfast, your journey begins with the enchanting Li River Cruise, widely acclaimed as one of the most scenic river voyages in the world. Boarding a comfortable boat in Guilin, you’ll drift leisurely downstream toward Yangshuo, surrounded on all sides by towering limestone karst peaks that soar dramatically from the riverbanks, their reflections shimmering perfectly on the crystal-clear waters below. Along this iconic route, you’ll pass famous natural landmarks such as Nine Horses Fresco Hill, where ancient rock formations intriguingly resemble galloping horses, and the tranquil Yellow Cloth Shoal, celebrated for its mirror-like waters and frequent depiction in traditional Chinese landscape paintings. The riverbanks come alive with scenes of daily rural life—fishermen skillfully maneuvering bamboo rafts with trained cormorants, water buffalo grazing peacefully on lush grass, and charming villages dotted with wooden houses and pagodas nestled amidst verdant hills. The Li River has long been a wellspring of artistic inspiration and cultural pride, immortalized in centuries of poetry, painting, and even featured on the back of the 20 RMB note. This serene cruise offers not just breathtaking vistas, but a deep, immersive experience of southern China’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, inviting you to relax, reflect, and connect with the timeless spirit of the region.

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.

Next, you’ll visit West Street, the oldest and most famous street in Yangshuo, with over 1,400 years of history. Blending ancient charm with modern energy, West Street features beautifully preserved traditional architecture, with white-walled, gray-tiled buildings lining narrow stone-paved alleys. It’s a lively hub where East meets West — local shops, street food stalls, and handicraft boutiques sit alongside trendy cafés, bars, and international restaurants. The street’s vibrant atmosphere makes it perfect for strolling, people-watching, and soaking in the unique cultural mix. Surrounded by the stunning backdrop of karst mountains, West Street is more than just a shopping and dining area; it’s a cultural landmark where travelers from around the world come to experience the relaxed lifestyle, artistic spirit, and timeless beauty of Yangshuo.

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