5 Days Guilin & Yangshuo Discovery Tour: Li River Cruise, Karst Mountains, Bamboo Rafting & Cultural Wonders

Experience the best of southern China’s landscapes and traditions in just five days

$652.00
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Description

5 Days Guilin & Yangshuo Discovery Tour: Li River Cruise, Karst Mountains, Bamboo Rafting & Cultural Wonders

Tour Prices/per person
Group Sizes Total Price (USD)/per person
6 guests 652

*Prices are per person on twin sharing. A single room surcharge applies if a traveler stays alone in a separate room at the designated hotel for the entire trip.

*If your group has fewer or more than 6 people, please contact us for a recalculated price.

🌟Tour Highlights

  • Cruise along the Li River, praised by CNN as one of the world’s most beautiful rivers.

  • Explore the dazzling Silver Cave, filled with glittering stalactites and legends of prosperity.

  • Drift on a bamboo raft along the Yulong River, surrounded by breathtaking karst mountains.

  • Experience a unique hot air balloon ride over Yangshuo (weather permitting).

  • Be immersed in Guilin’s culture with the Guilin Romance Show and stroll West Street, a blend of tradition and modern charm.

  • Visit the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill and relax in the scenic Seven Star Park.

  • Enjoy a special photo experience in ethnic costumes as a complimentary gift.

5-Day Itinerary

+ DAY 1: Arrival in Guilin

Meals: Not included
Overnight: Guilin
Upon arrival at Guilin Liangjiang International Airport or the train station, please collect your luggage and head to the exit. Our local guide will have contacted you by 8:00 PM the day before to confirm details—please make sure your phone stays reachable. Your private driver and guide will be waiting for you at the exit. After verifying your information, you’ll enjoy our exclusive VIP service: no waiting, available 24 hours a day—just arrive and go! You’ll be transferred directly to your hotel in downtown Guilin (about a 60-minute drive).
At the hotel, simply provide your name at the front desk to check in—no deposit required. Take some time to rest and breathe in the fresh air of beautiful Guilin. If you arrive early and would like to explore, you may head to the city center to experience local life and see how Guilin residents spend their day.
Travel Tip: Guilin has shared bikes such as Ofo and Mobike available. During your free time, your guide and driver will not accompany you, so please take care and stay safe.

+ DAY 2: Li River Cruise • Silver Cave • Yulong River Bamboo Rafting • West Street

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch on board
Overnight: Yangshuo
This morning, board a four-star sightseeing cruise (about 4 hours) to enjoy the most beautiful stretch of the Li River, praised by CNN as one of the world’s top 15 rivers. After disembarking, take an electric shuttle (included) to the parking area.
Visit the stunning Silver Cave (about 1 hour), famous for its glittering stalactites and formations that sparkle like silver. A local saying goes: “Those who tour Silver Cave will never lack wealth.”
Experience a bamboo rafting trip on the Yulong River (about 50 minutes). Glide gently downstream, pass over weirs, and enjoy the fresh mountain air and peaceful scenery.
In the evening, explore Yangshuo’s West Street on your own. This lively pedestrian street blends traditional charm with modern flair.
Travel Tip: During free time, your guide and driver will not accompany you. Please take care and stay safe.

+ DAY 3: Hot Air Balloon • Shangri-La (Shiwai Taoyuan) • Guilin Romance Show

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Overnight: Yangshuo
Hot Air Balloon Ride – Soar 30–80 meters above Yangshuo (weather permitting) and take in breathtaking views of the Yulong River winding through the karst mountains, dotted villages, and rising mist. (If canceled due to weather, it will be replaced with an elegant afternoon tea.)
Visit Shiwai Taoyuan (Shangri-La), a scenic spot reminiscent of the idyllic world described in The Peach Blossom Spring. Enjoy peaceful landscapes of rivers, bridges, lush forests, and traditional countryside life.
In the evening, watch the spectacular Guilin Romance Show (about 1 hour). With hundreds of performers, high-tech stage effects, and stories spanning local legends and folk culture, this immersive performance is considered a must-see in Guilin.

+ DAY 4: Gudong Waterfall • Elephant Trunk Hill • Local Market • Seven Star Park + Travel Photo Experience

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Overnight: Guilin
Drive about 50 minutes to Gudong Waterfall Scenic Area (about 2 hours), known as “Little Xiangshan of Guilin.” Explore lush forests, waterfalls, clear pools, and a suspension bridge with panoramic views of vast maple forests. In summer, visitors can climb the waterfalls with rental safety gear (helmet, straw sandals, raincoat; about 10 RMB).
Visit Elephant Trunk Hill (about 1 hour), the city’s iconic landmark. Resembling a giant elephant drinking from the river, this spot has inspired countless poets and remains one of Guilin’s most famous symbols.
Stop at Wanfutang Supermarket, where you can browse like a local and pick up regional specialties as souvenirs.
Explore Seven Star Park (about 1.5 hours), Guilin’s largest park, featuring karst peaks shaped like the Big Dipper, caves, gardens, temples, and cultural sites such as Xixia Temple and the spot where President Clinton once gave a speech.
Special Bonus: Enjoy a complimentary travel photo session—dress in traditional ethnic-style clothing and take home a memorable picture with Guilin’s scenery.

+ DAY 5: Departure

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: None
According to your flight or train schedule, pack your luggage and say goodbye to Guilin as your journey comes to an end.

Travel Tip:If your departure is later in the day, you may leave your luggage at the hotel and explore Dongxi Lane, a historic district near Jingjiang Prince City. This well-preserved area from the Ming and Qing dynasties blends traditional streets with modern shops, restaurants, and cultural experiences, making it a great spot for a final stroll before leaving Guilin.


Tour 'Wow' Points

Elephant Trunk Hill - The Iconic Symbol of Guilin

Shaped like an elephant drinking from the Li River, this famous hill is a natural marvel and a beloved city landmark. Located at the river's edge, Elephant Trunk Hill is perfect for a leisurely walk, with great photo spots and river views.

Li River - China’s Most Scenic River Cruise

Cruising down the Li River is a must-do in Guilin. Sail past limestone peaks, lush countryside, and fishing boats against a postcard-perfect backdrop. The stretch between Guilin and Yangshuo is especially famous for its breathtaking beauty and is even featured on China’s 20-yuan banknote.

Yulong River - A Peaceful Escape on Bamboo Rafts

Often called the "Little Li River," the Yulong River offers a quieter, more intimate experience. Drift along the crystal-clear waters on a bamboo raft, past rice fields, stone bridges, and traditional villages. It's the perfect way to soak in Guilin’s rural charm.

Silver Cave - A Dazzling Underground Wonder

Step into Silver Cave and explore a vast network of underground chambers filled with shimmering stalactites and stalagmites. Colorful lights illuminate the intricate rock formations, making it feel like a natural cathedral carved by time.

Gudong Waterfall

Nestled in a lush forest, Gudong Waterfall is famous for its multiple cascades, crystal pools, and fresh mountain air. Visitors can walk along the scenic trails, cross a suspension bridge, or even climb the waterfalls with simple gear for an adventurous, up-close experience with nature.

Shiwai Taoyuan (Shangri-La)

Inspired by the classic tale The Peach Blossom Spring, Shiwai Taoyuan is a peaceful retreat of rivers, bridges, lush greenery, and traditional countryside life. It feels like stepping into an ancient Chinese painting where time slows down and nature embraces you.

West Street, Yangshuo

Known as the heart of Yangshuo, West Street blends old-world charm with modern energy. Lined with traditional architecture, lively cafés, shops, and bars, it’s the perfect place to experience local culture by day and vibrant nightlife after dark.

Price Includes & Price Excludes

Price Includes Price Excludes
  • Accommodation: Hotel stays as listed in the itinerary.

  • Transportation and meals during free time.
  • Meals: 4 breakfasts + 2 lunches/dinners.
  • Single-room supplement and extra bed fees. Rooms are based on standard twin rooms; other room types require guests to pay the price difference according to hotel policy. Personal expenses in the hotel such as laundry, hairdressing, phone calls, faxes, pay TV, drinks, or alcohol are not included.
  • Breakfast is not included for travelers not occupying a bed.

  • Guide: English-speaking tour guide service.
  • Travel accident insurance and flight insurance (highly recommended).
  • Transportation: Private vehicle service during the tour.
  • Any additional expenses for children beyond the quoted child price.
  • Additional costs due to force majeure such as traffic delays, strikes, weather, flight cancellations, or schedule changes.
  • Attractions: First admission tickets to all scenic spots listed in the itinerary.
  • Costs caused by traveler’s own violations, mistakes, illnesses, or personal reasons.

  • Passport holders may be required to pay additional fees directly to the local operator upon arrival.

    Avoid Travel During Chinese Public Holidays:

    • New Year's Day: January 1

    • Spring Festival (Chinese New Year): January 28 – February 4

    • Valentine’s Day: February 14

    • Qingming Festival: April 4 – April 6

    • Labor Day: May 1 – May 5

    • Dragon Boat Festival: May 31 – June 2

    • Mid-Autumn Festival: October 6

    • National Day Holiday: October 1 – October 8

    Change & Cancellation Policies

    • If a cancellation request is submitted before 00:00 on the day 7 day(s) before departure, no fee will be charged for cancellation.
    • If a cancellation request is submitted before 00:00 on the day 5 day(s) before departure, a fee of 30% will be charged.
    • If a cancellation request is submitted before 00:00 on the day 3 day before departure, a fee of 100% will be charged.
    • If a discount is applied, the fee will be calculated as a proportion of the pre-discount price. It will not exceed the amount actually paid.
    • *Partial refund not available
    • *If you need to change the date, please cancel the booking and then rebook.

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