Discover Guilin’s Beauty: 2-Day Local Tour Escape From Shanghai by Overnight Train

Day 1 Shanghai-Guilin

In the morning, your private driver will pick you up from your hotel in Shanghai and escort you to the train station, assisting with your luggage and ensuring a smooth check-in for your overnight sleeper train to Guilin.  Settling into your cozy, private cabin, you’ll enjoy a comfortable and restful journey through the picturesque Chinese countryside as the world outside gently passes by. Upon arrival at Guilin Railway Station the next morning, your friendly local guide will be waiting in the arrival hall, holding a clear “Your Way Holiday” sign for easy recognition. After helping with your luggage, your guide will provide a private, air-conditioned transfer to your hotel in Guilin. During the drive, feel free to ask questions or seek recommendations to make the most of your stay.  With every detail thoughtfully arranged—from smooth transfers to personalized local assistance—you can fully relax and prepare for an unforgettable Guilin adventure ahead.

After arrival, your first stop is the enchanting Li River Cruise, celebrated as one of the most picturesque river journeys in the world. Drifting downstream from Guilin to Yangshuo, you’ll glide through a mesmerizing landscape where crystal-clear waters mirror dramatic limestone karst peaks that rise sharply from the riverbanks. Along the way, you’ll pass iconic landmarks such as Nine Horses Fresco Hill, where natural rock patterns resemble galloping horses, and Yellow Cloth Shoal, famous for its serene reflections and frequent appearance in traditional Chinese paintings. Fishermen on bamboo rafts, water buffalo grazing along the shores, and quaint riverside villages add vibrant touches of local life to the scenery. The Li River is not just a feast for the eyes — it has long been a source of artistic inspiration and cultural pride, immortalized in poetry, paintings, and even on the back of the 20 RMB note. This cruise offers a peaceful escape into nature, allowing you to soak in the timeless beauty and cultural heritage 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.

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 2 Guilin Departure

After breakfast, your journey begins with a visit to Elephant Trunk Hill, one of the city’s most iconic natural landmarks. This striking limestone formation, gracefully arching over the Li River, perfectly resembles an elephant dipping its trunk to drink, making it a beloved symbol of Guilin’s stunning karst landscape. As you wander along the winding pathways carved into the hill, your guide will share captivating local legends—tales of mythical elephants, ancient poets, and historic emperors—that breathe life into the rock’s timeless presence. You’ll pause at charming pavilions perched atop the hill, where panoramic views unfold over shimmering river waters and lush greenery, offering serene spots for reflection and photography. The peaceful atmosphere, coupled with the hill’s natural grandeur and rich folklore, creates a deeply evocative experience that connects you to both the landscape and the cultural soul of Guilin.

Then, 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.

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.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Riyue Shuangta Cultural Park, home to the iconic Sun and Moon Twin Towers—two elegant pagodas that have stood as symbols of Guilin’s rich heritage for centuries. The Sun Tower, reaching skyward with its intricate wooden architecture, contrasts beautifully with the gracefully curved Moon Tower, together creating a harmonious balance that reflects traditional Chinese philosophy. Nestled amid lush gardens and tranquil ponds, the park offers a peaceful retreat where visitors can explore beautifully landscaped paths, ancient inscriptions, and cultural exhibits. Your expert guide will provide insightful commentary on the history and symbolism of the twin towers, sharing stories of their significance in local folklore and their role as enduring landmarks that capture Guilin’s spiritual essence. This visit not only showcases architectural elegance but also deepens your appreciation of the cultural roots and artistic spirit woven into the city’s identity.

As night falls, embark on a captivating cruise along Guilin’s famous Two Rivers and Four Lakes waterway, a sparkling network that winds through the heart of the city. Illuminated bridges, glowing pagodas, and shimmering reflections create a dreamlike atmosphere, transforming the cityscape into a canvas of light and water. The cruise offers enchanting views of landmarks such as the Sun and Moon Twin Towers, Elephant Trunk Hill, and the Jingjiang Princes’ City—all beautifully lit against the night sky. Your knowledgeable guide will enrich the experience with stories about the history and development of this unique water system, explaining how it connects Guilin’s natural and urban landscapes while preserving its cultural heritage. This leisurely evening journey provides a magical perspective on the city’s charm, combining breathtaking scenery with expert narration to leave you with lasting memories of Guilin’s nighttime splendor.

At the end of your tour, your professional guide and private driver will pick you up and escort you directly to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport or Guilin Train Station 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