Guilin to Yangshuo Tour: Scenic 4-Day Guilin Boat Tour from Shanghai with Cultural Highlights

Summary

Day 1 Shanghai-Guilin: Shanghai to Guilin by High-Speed Train
Day 2 Guilin-Yangshuo: Bamboo raft to Xingping Ancient Town
Day 3 Yangshuo: Bamboo raft down Yulong river, cycling in countryside, Xianggong Hill
Day 4 Guilin Departure

Day 1 Shanghai-Guilin

In the morning, your private driver will meet you at your hotel in Shanghai and escort you to the railway station, assisting with your luggage and guiding you through the check-in and boarding process for your high-speed train to Guilin. With reserved seats arranged in advance, you can sit back and enjoy a comfortable and scenic ride through China’s diverse landscapes. Upon arrival at Guilin North Railway Station, your local guide will be waiting for you at the exit, holding a clear “Your Way Holiday” sign for easy recognition. After helping you with your luggage, your guide will provide a relaxing private transfer to your hotel in Guilin. During the drive, feel free to ask questions, get local dining tips, or ask for suggestions on places to explore. After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure—perhaps take a gentle walk along the scenic lakes, discover nearby markets, or simply unwind and take in the laid-back charm of Guilin.   From efficient high-speed rail travel to attentive local service, everything has been thoughtfully arranged for a smooth and enjoyable start to your journey.

Day 2 Guilin-Yangshuo

In the morning, gliding down the Li River on a bamboo raft toward Xingping Ancient Town feels like stepping into a living Chinese ink painting. The river winds gently between dramatic karst mountains that rise steeply from the water, their limestone peaks weathered by time and veiled in drifting mist. Their reflections shimmer flawlessly on the jade-colored surface, creating a mesmerizing mirror world that blurs the line between sky and earth. Along the banks, water buffalo amble through the rice paddies, egrets perch motionlessly on tree branches, and traditional fishermen in wide-brimmed straw hats float by with cormorants balanced gracefully on their bamboo poles. Occasionally, a rustic village comes into view—clusters of tiled rooftops nestled at the foot of the hills, smoke curling from chimneys into the clear morning air. The only sounds are the soft splash of the oar, the breeze through the reeds, and distant birdsong, making the entire journey feel like a gentle meditation through one of nature’s masterpieces.

As your bamboo raft gently docks along the old stone steps of Xingping Ancient Town, you step into a world where time seems to have paused. Narrow cobbled alleys wind between centuries-old brick and timber houses, their weathered facades bearing the marks of dynasties past. With a history stretching back over 1,700 years, Xingping was once a vibrant trade hub along the Li River, its docks once filled with merchants, fishermen, and storytellers. Today, the town preserves its soul through beautifully maintained Ming and Qing-era architecture—arched gateways, grey brick walls, carved wooden lattice windows, and tiled roofs with gently upturned eaves. One of the town's most iconic landmarks is the old opera stage in the central square, where villagers once gathered for open-air performances of traditional dramas beneath red lanterns. Nearby, local shops sell handwoven bamboo crafts, calligraphy scrolls, and postcards bearing the image of Xingping’s most famous view—featured on the back of China’s 20 RMB note. As you stroll through the town, the air is filled with the aroma of youcha (savory oil tea), freshly grilled river fish seasoned with local herbs, and the faint sweetness of traditional rice cakes. Whether you're exploring hidden alleyways, pausing by the riverbank, or sipping tea in a courtyard shaded by ancient banyan trees, Xingping invites you to slow down and connect with the quiet elegance of southern China’s living heritage.

As evening falls, you’ll transfer from Xingping to nearby Yangshuo, where you’ll spend the night surrounded by some of the most breathtaking karst landscapes in all of China.  After checking into your cozy hotel or boutique lodge, you’re free to explore Yangshuo’s vibrant yet laid-back nightlife—perhaps take a leisurely stroll along West Street, sip tea under glowing lanterns, or enjoy an optional evening performance like the Impression Liu Sanjie show, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Li River.  Whether you choose to wander the quiet alleys or relax on a rooftop terrace under the stars, your overnight stay in Yangshuo offers a peaceful end to a day filled with beauty, culture, and unforgettable scenery.

Day 3 Yangshuo

Start your morning with a tranquil bamboo raft ride down the pristine Yulong River, where time seems to slow, flowing as gently as the crystal-clear water beneath you. As dawn breaks, soft beams of sunlight pierce through the morning mist, casting a magical glow that turns the river’s surface into shimmering shades of jade and silver. Your experienced local boatman, clad in traditional linen garments and a broad straw hat, skillfully maneuvers the raft with a long bamboo pole, guiding you silently through a fairy-tale landscape of towering karst peaks, dense bamboo groves swaying softly in the breeze, and quaint villages nestled quietly along the riverbanks. You’ll drift under ancient stone bridges like the 600-year-old Yulong Bridge, once vital links on historic trade routes threading through these mountains. Along the way, farmers tend their water buffalo, wading through shallow paddies, while flocks of ducks glide effortlessly on the calm water. The only sounds are the rhythmic splash of the oar, birdsong from hidden perches, and the whisper of the wind—a serene symphony that invites you to fully immerse yourself in the timeless beauty and peaceful rhythms of rural China.

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, swap the bamboo raft for a bicycle and pedal through the idyllic countryside surrounding Yangshuo. The winding cycling paths lead you past vibrant emerald rice terraces that ripple gently with the breeze, sleepy villages where time seems to stand still, and narrow stone lanes shaded by clusters of banana trees and towering bamboo stalks. Along the way, pause at a traditional farmstead to watch artisans craft sturdy brick houses using age-old techniques, or strike up a conversation with an elderly villager shelling peanuts on her wooden stool in a sun-dappled courtyard. Observe locals hanging freshly washed clothes beneath tiled eaves or guiding goats along hand-laid stone paths, everyday moments that echo a lifestyle preserved across generations. Depending on your route, you might cycle past the iconic Moon Hill, its majestic arch-shaped limestone formation rising dramatically against the sky, or rest at a rustic countryside teahouse where the fragrant aroma of blooming osmanthus tea invites you to slow down and savor the peaceful surroundings. The ride is unhurried and rich with sensory delights—the earthy scent of tilled soil and growing crops, the gentle chorus of cicadas hidden in the foliage, and the distant laughter of children playing by irrigation ditches—all blending to create an unforgettable immersion into the heart of rural Guangxi.

As the sun begins its slow descent, embark on a refreshing ascent up Xianggong Hill—a relatively short but invigorating 20-minute climb along a well-maintained stone staircase, bordered by lush greenery and vibrant clusters of wildflowers that scent the air with subtle sweetness. Along the path, the sounds of rustling leaves and distant birdcalls accompany your steps, heightening the sense of immersion in nature. Upon reaching the summit, you are greeted by one of southern China’s most breathtaking panoramic vistas: the Li River weaving gracefully like a shimmering jade ribbon through a labyrinth of jagged karst peaks, each cliff face bathed in the warm, golden hues of the setting sun. Wisps of clouds drift languidly between the limestone towers, casting shifting shadows that add depth and mystery to the surreal landscape. Below, tiny riverboats glide silently, their delicate silhouettes resembling brushstrokes on an expansive, living scroll painting. Once a hidden vantage point known only to local farmers, Xianggong Hill has become a cherished spot for photographers and romantics seeking that perfect moment. Breathing in the crisp mountain air and soaking in the serene beauty, you’ll understand why this hill is hailed as the crown jewel of Yangshuo’s scenery—a timeless memory that stays with you long after twilight fades.

As night falls, you’ll return to Yangshuo for an overnight stay, where the town’s enchanting charm takes on a new life under soft lantern light. After settling into your comfortable hotel or boutique guesthouse, you’re free to explore the vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere of West Street, lined with cozy cafés, artisan shops, and lively bars. The gentle hum of music mingles with the laughter of locals and travelers alike, creating a warm, welcoming vibe. Whether you choose to wander the quiet alleys or relax at a riverside terrace sipping jasmine tea, your night in Yangshuo offers the perfect blend of rest and cultural immersion.

Day 4 Guilin Departure

After a leisurely breakfast, your dedicated professional driver will arrive promptly at your hotel, ready to assist with your luggage and ensure a smooth, stress-free transfer to Guilin’s train station or airport. With years of local experience, your driver will expertly navigate the best routes to avoid traffic, allowing you to relax comfortably and reflect on your journey. Throughout the ride, you’ll appreciate the attentive service and thoughtful care that have been hallmarks of your trip—from seamless airport pickups to personalized guidance along the way. We hope the stunning karst landscapes, vibrant local culture, and warm hospitality of Guilin have left a deep, lasting impression. Thank you for trusting us with your travel experience—we wish you safe onward travels and hope the memories of Guilin’s beauty and charm accompany you wherever you go.

Price Per Person in US Dollars