A 6-Day Guilin Longsheng Yangshuo Tour: Explore Private Guilin Journey through Nature, Culture & Karst Beauty From Shanghai

Summary

Day 1 Guilin Arrival
Day 2 Guilin: Elephant Trunk Hill, Fubo Hill, Reed Flute Cave
Day 3 Guilin-Yangshuo: Guilin to Yangshuo by cruise, Li River Cruise, West Street, Impression Liu Sanjie show
Day 4 Yangshuo-Longsheng-Sanjiang: Yangshuo to Longsheng to Sanjiang by private vehicle, Longji Rice Terrace, Minority Village
Day 5 Sanjiang-Zhaoxing-Guilin: Sanjiang County, Zhaoxing, Sanjiang to Guilin by private vehicle
Day 6 Guilin Departure

Day 1 Shanghai-Guilin

In the morning, your private driver will pick you up from your hotel in Shanghai and escort you to the airport, assisting with check-in for your flight to Guilin.  Upon arrival, your local guide will greet you at the airport with a “Your Way Holiday” sign, help with your luggage, and provide a comfortable private transfer to your hotel.  After assisting with the check-in, your guide will offer personalized tips on local dining, walking routes, and scenic spots.  The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace—whether it’s a relaxing lakeside stroll, browsing vibrant markets, or simply soaking in the laid-back charm of Guilin.  Thoughtfully arranged air travel and attentive local service ensure a smooth and refreshing start to your China adventure travel.

Day 2 Guilin

After breakfast, 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.

Next, we head to Fubo Hill, also known as Wave-Subduing Hill, a site where Guilin’s natural beauty and cultural heritage come together. Rising beside the Li River, this iconic limestone hill has been admired for centuries, named after General Fubo of the Han Dynasty, who is said to have calmed the river's waves with his presence. As you explore the site, you’ll find ancient inscriptions carved into the cliffs, mysterious stone chambers, and elegant pavilions that reflect traditional Chinese aesthetics. Inside the hill’s Thousand Buddha Cave, your guide will explain the significance of the Buddhist statues and centuries-old carvings. A climb up the winding stone steps rewards you with sweeping views of Guilin’s picturesque landscape—a perfect blend of history, nature, and architectural charm.

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.

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 3 Guilin-Yangshuo

After breakfast, embark on the enchanting Li River Cruise, widely celebrated as one of the world’s most breathtaking river journeys. As you drift gently downstream from Guilin to Yangshuo aboard a comfortable riverboat, you’ll be surrounded by a surreal landscape where crystal-clear waters perfectly reflect towering limestone karst peaks that rise dramatically from lush riverbanks. Along the way, admire iconic natural wonders such as Nine Horses Fresco Hill, where unique rock formations resemble a herd of galloping horses, and Yellow Cloth Shoal, renowned for its tranquil waters and poetic scenery often captured in traditional Chinese brush paintings. The riverbanks come alive with scenes of daily rural life—fishermen skillfully maneuvering bamboo rafts with trained cormorants, water buffalo slowly grazing amid verdant paddies, and small riverside villages with tiled roofs and stone pathways. The Li River has inspired countless generations of poets and artists, its timeless beauty immortalized in classical Chinese art and even featured on the back of the 20 RMB note.  This serene cruise offers more than just stunning views—it’s a journey into the heart of southern China’s natural splendor and rich cultural heritage, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in a peaceful, unforgettable experience.

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.

Then, 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.

In the evening, you’ll be captivated by the Impression Liu Sanjie show, a spectacular outdoor performance directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Zhang Yimou and set against the breathtaking natural stage of the Li River and its surrounding karst mountains. This unique show blends stunning lighting, music, and traditional folk culture into a dynamic 70-minute experience featuring over 600 local performers from ethnic groups like the Zhuang, Miao, and Yao. Through seven thematic chapters—from vibrant folk songs and harmonious rural life to romantic love stories and shimmering fishing lights—the performance tells the legendary tale of Liu Sanjie, a beloved Zhuang folk singer symbolizing hope, love, and harmony. Using the river, mist, and towering peaks as its backdrop, the show creates an immersive atmosphere that transports you into the heart of southern China’s cultural heritage. Your knowledgeable guide will enrich your experience with expert explanations, helping you appreciate the show’s deep cultural significance and the artistic mastery behind this unforgettable spectacle.

After a full day of exploration, your private driver will take you back to your hotel in Yangshuo, 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 Yangshuo.

Day 4 Yangshuo-Longsheng-Sanjiang

Pick up from your hotel in the morning, Your first stop after arrival is the breathtaking Longji Rice Terraces, often called the “Dragon’s Backbone” for their unique shape resembling a dragon’s spine. You’ll embark on a scenic one-hour drive from Guilin to Longsheng County. Stretching across the rolling hills of Longsheng County, these terraces are a masterpiece of ancient agricultural engineering, carved by local ethnic groups over 600 years ago. As you ascend the scenic mountain paths, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of lush, layered fields that rise and fall like waves in the landscape. Depending on the season, the terraces transform dramatically — shimmering with water in spring, vibrant green in summer, golden with ripe rice in autumn, and dusted with snow in winter. Beyond the stunning scenery, Longji reflects the harmony between people and nature, showcasing the wisdom and resilience of the Zhuang and Yao communities who have sustained this land for centuries.

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 enjoying your visit, your driver will take you back to Sanjiang at a comfortable pace, allowing time to relax and enjoy the scenic countryside along the way. Upon arrival in town, you'll be treated to a local dinner, where you can sample traditional Dong cuisine known for its rich flavors and fresh ingredients. Afterward, you’ll be escorted back to your hotel, where your guide can assist with check-in or share tips for the evening if you’d like to explore a bit more before resting.

Day 5 Sanjiang-Zhaoxing-Guilin

After breakfast, you'll set off on a scenic drive to Sanjiang County, a culturally vibrant region in northern Guangxi known for its rich tapestry of ethnic minority groups including the Dong, Zhuang, Miao, Yao, and Han. Your journey begins with a visit to the iconic Drum Tower, an architectural marvel built entirely of wood without nails. These towers, some centuries old, are the spiritual heart of Dong villages—serving as gathering places for meetings, celebrations, and traditional performances. You'll then explore the Wind and Rain Bridge, a stunning example of Dong craftsmanship, featuring elegant pavilions and intricate wooden carvings that offer shelter and symbolize unity. As you continue through local Dong villages, you’ll walk along cobbled paths, admire the traditional stilted wooden houses, and witness daily life steeped in centuries-old customs. Your guide will share the fascinating history and significance of each site, giving you a deeper understanding of how these communities have preserved their cultural identity through architecture, music, and craft.

After lunch at a local restaurant featuring authentic regional cuisine, you'll set off on a scenic four-hour drive to Zhaoxing, the most renowned Dong village in China and one of the largest of its kind, home to over 4,000 residents. Nestled in the rolling hills of southeastern Guizhou, Zhaoxing is celebrated for its five magnificent Drum Towers—each symbolizing a different Dong family clan—and for its beautifully crafted Wind and Rain Bridges, which reflect the Dong people's architectural brilliance and harmonious relationship with nature. As you stroll through the cobbled alleys lined with traditional stilted wooden homes, your guide will delve into the village's rich heritage, explaining centuries-old customs, ancestral rituals, and the importance of music and communal life in Dong culture. The village’s blend of historical depth, vibrant folk traditions, and striking craftsmanship offers an unforgettable window into one of China’s most distinctive minority cultures.

At a suitable time in the afternoon, you'll enjoy a comfortable drive back to Guilin city, taking in the changing scenery along the way. Upon arrival, your guide will escort you to a local restaurant where you can savor a well-prepared dinner featuring Guilin’s regional flavors. After the meal, you'll be transferred to your hotel, where your guide will assist with check-in to ensure a smooth and relaxing end to your day.

Day 6 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