4 Days Best of Guilin Private Tour From Shanghai: Longji Rice Terrace & Li River Cruise

Summary

Day 1 Shanghai-Guilin: Shanghai to Guilin by Flight 
Day 2 Guilin-Longsheng: Longji Rice Terrace Scenic Area, Minority Village
Day 3 Guilin: Li River Cruise, West Street
Day 4 Guilin Departure: 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.

Then, you’ll settle in for a delicious lunch at a cozy local restaurant, where the authentic flavors of Guilin cuisine await. Your guide will recommend a carefully curated selection of the region’s most cherished dishes, featuring hand-pulled Guilin rice noodles, prized for their chewy texture and flavorful broth; fresh river fish, expertly prepared to highlight its natural sweetness; and stir-fried bamboo shoots with tender river shrimp, showcasing the crisp, earthy tastes of locally harvested ingredients. Each dish is crafted using fresh, seasonal produce sourced directly from the surrounding farmlands and rivers, providing a genuine farm-to-table experience. As you savor these dishes, your guide will enrich the meal with stories about the culinary traditions of Longsheng, explaining how the region’s agricultural lifestyle and natural bounty shape its distinctive flavors and cooking techniques. This leisurely lunch offers not only a chance to rest and refuel but also a deeper cultural connection—allowing you to taste the land and appreciate the intimate relationship between Guilin’s people, their food, and their environment.

After lunch, your cultural journey continues with a visit to Huangluo Yao Village and Ping’an Zhuang Village, two Minority Village nestled within the scenic Longji region.  At Huangluo, you’ll be welcomed by the Red Yao people, famous for their unique tradition of growing incredibly long hair—often reaching over six feet—regarded as a cherished symbol of beauty, longevity, and cultural pride. As you stroll through the village’s stone-paved paths lined with classic wooden stilt houses, your guide will share fascinating stories of the Yao’s unique hair customs, age-old beauty rituals, and vibrant folk traditions, while you observe villagers weaving textiles and creating handicrafts by hand. Continuing to Ping’an Village, you’ll step into the heart of the Zhuang ethnic culture, surrounded by elegantly sloped wooden homes perched along the terraced hills. Your guide will introduce you to the Zhuang people’s deep connection to the land, from their clever terrace farming techniques to seasonal celebrations filled with dance, music, and colorful costumes. Together, these two villages offer an unforgettable window into southern China’s rich ethnic diversity, where breathtaking landscapes blend seamlessly with living history and enduring cultural traditions.

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

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.

After your enchanting visit to Li River Cruise, you’ll sit down to a delightful lunch at a charming local restaurant, where the essence of Guilin’s vibrant culinary heritage awaits. Known for its perfect harmony of savory, spicy, and aromatic flavors, Guilin cuisine is a true reflection of the region’s fertile lands and fresh river produce.   You’ll savor signature dishes like beer fish, tender river fish simmered in a fragrant, mildly spicy broth, and bamboo shoots stir-fried with succulent river shrimp, showcasing the crisp textures and natural sweetness of local ingredients. No meal here would be complete without the famous Guilin rice noodles, served in a rich, flavorful broth with pickled vegetables and tender slices of meat or tofu—comfort food that locals cherish. As you enjoy each bite, your guide will share fascinating stories about the origins and cultural significance of these dishes, revealing how centuries of tradition and local farming practices have shaped the flavors on your plate. This immersive dining experience offers more than just a meal—it’s a delicious journey into the heart and soul of Guilin’s food culture.

After lunch, you’ll explore West Street, Yangshuo’s oldest and most iconic thoroughfare, with a rich history spanning over 1,400 years. Stepping onto its narrow, stone-paved paths, you’ll be greeted by a captivating blend of old and new—rows of beautifully preserved white-walled, gray-tiled houses stand alongside vibrant cafés, cozy guesthouses, and international restaurants. Traditional shops offer local handicrafts, intricate embroidery, and handmade silver jewelry, while lively street food stalls tempt you with delicious Guilin specialties like rice noodles and grilled skewers. Known as the “Global Village,” West Street attracts travelers from all over the world, creating a dynamic cultural mix where you can hear multiple languages and experience East-meets-West charm. With the dramatic karst mountains rising in the background and the Yulong River nearby, West Street isn’t just a commercial center—it’s a living cultural landmark where history, local life, and modern creativity come together. Whether you’re shopping for souvenirs, savoring local delicacies, or simply people-watching from a riverside café, West Street offers an unforgettable glimpse into the vibrant heart of Yangshuo.

After a full day of exploration, your private driver will escort you back 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 4 Guilin Departure

After a leisurely breakfast, your private driver and guide will meet you at your hotel and escort you to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport for your return flight to Shanghai. Your guide will assist with luggage handling, help with check-in procedures, and ensure a smooth, stress-free departure. As you make your way to the airport, take one last glimpse of Guilin’s beautiful karst mountains and peaceful countryside. We hope your journey through Guilin has been filled with unforgettable moments—whether it was the stunning rice terraces, relaxing river cruises, or vibrant local culture—and that you leave with lasting memories and a deeper connection to this remarkable part of China.

Price Per Person in US Dollars