4-Day Guilin & Yangshuo Essence: Scenic River, Caves & Cultural Journey

Accommodation: Designated local guesthouse in Xingping
Arrival in Xingping, Yangshuo: Pick-up upon arrival in Yangshuo and check in to your hotel.
Explore the thousand-year-old riverside town of Xingping Ancient Town, a cultural gem on the banks of the Li River. Nestled among Guilin’s breathtaking landscapes, the town still preserves its ancient streets, stone bridges, traditional opera stage, and historic temples. As the saying goes, “The most beautiful scenery of the Li River lies in Xingping.” This location is also featured on the back of China’s 20 RMB banknote.
If time permits, you can freely wander the ancient town and enjoy the picturesque view of fishing boats at sunset.

Accommodation: Hotel in Yangshuo
Meals Included: Breakfast

Morning – Xingping Sanxing Cruise on the Li River (Xingping → Fishing Village) – Approx. 90 min
As the sun slowly rises, its light is softened by the mountains on both sides of the Li River, while a thin veil of morning mist lingers over the water. Sunbeams scatter through the mist, casting a gentle golden glow over the riverbanks — a magical scene known as the Li River Morning Glow.
Enjoy the serene beauty aboard a luxury Sanxing cruise from Xingping to the Fishing Village — the same route taken by former U.S. President Bill Clinton during his visit to China, earning it the name Presidential Tour. This section is considered the very essence of the Li River, with the famous Xingping Scenic Area featured on the back of the 20 RMB banknote. The river here is wide and calm, with crystal-clear reflections — a view you can only experience by staying in Xingping.
Lunch Break
Afternoon – Silver Cave (Approx. 60 min)
Visit this spectacular karst cave, known for its dazzling formations. Inside, countless stalactites sparkle in pure white, glistening like silver and diamonds. The shimmering effect, reminiscent of the Milky Way pouring down from the night sky, has earned it the title “The Most Beautiful Cave in Guilin.”
Ten-Mile Gallery (Approx. 20 min, drive-through)
Enjoy a scenic drive along Yangshuo’s first colorful road, often described as a living Chinese landscape painting. This route forms the heart of Yangshuo’s scenery, where you can spot famous natural landmarks such as Camel Crossing the River, Beauty Looking into the Mirror, Monkey King Crossing the Flaming Mountains, Monk Tang Meditating, Ram Horn Hill, the Big Banyan Tree, and Moon Hill.
Evening – Free Time on West Street
Wander Yangshuo’s famous West Street, a 1,400-year-old pedestrian street with charming traditional architecture. (No driver or guide service provided during free time.)

Accommodation: Hotel in Yangshuo
Meals Included: Breakfast

Morning – Yulong River Bamboo Rafting (Shared Raft, Approx. 50 min)
Drift along the tranquil waters of the Yulong River, gliding on a slow-moving bamboo raft between lush bamboo groves and rolling green hills. The idyllic countryside scenery on both sides feels like stepping into a traditional Chinese landscape painting. Often described as “Even more beautiful than the Li River,” the Yulong River offers a quiet, relaxing escape. On clear days, you might even enjoy the fun of singing to the mountains during the ride.
Lunch Break
Afternoon – Elephant Trunk Hill (Approx. 50 min)
Admire the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill from its best front-facing viewpoint. Shaped like a giant elephant drinking from the Li River, the hill features the famous Shuiyue Cave (“Water Moon Cave”) in its front section. The moon-shaped arch allows the emerald river to flow through, creating the stunning spectacle of “A moon beneath the water, and a moon floating on the water.” Only photos taken here capture the hill’s most iconic angle.
Osmanthus Commune Scenic Area (Approx. 90 min)
Visit the Osmanthus Commune, a scenic area themed around osmanthus trees, located at a convenient midpoint between the airport and train stations. Here, travelers can see a variety of osmanthus trees of different species and ages, learn about the deep cultural connection between osmanthus and the people of Guilin, and discover traditional methods for processing and preserving osmanthus seeds. The park also features a local specialty showroom near the exit (shopping here is optional). This marks the perfect ending to your colorful Guilin journey.

Meals Included: Breakfast
We will arrange your transfer according to your departure time.