Guilin

The stunning landscape where the city is situated has a kind of magic that captivates all visitors to the place. The bizarrely-shaped hills with the verdant vegetation make Guilin a popular city for travel and sightseeing. Located in the northeast of Guangxi, Guilin is considered to be the pearl of China’s thriving tourist industry.

Day 1: Arrival

Upon your arrival, our local English-speaking guide will meet you immediately outside of the luggage claim area holding a sign with your names and transfer you to the hotel. After check-in, the rest of the day is at your leisure.

Day 2: Ludi Caves, Duxiu Hill

Today, we will visit Ludi Caves and Duxiu Hill. The natural rock formations in Ludi Caves comprise some of the most extraordinary underground scenery in China. DuXiu Hill is a beautiful solitary peak which rises abruptly from the surrounding landscape. On some days, the peak appears to have a purple/golden glow at sunset.

Longsheng

The Longsheng Rice Terraces are located about 100 km from Guilin. The highest part of the terraces being 880m in elevation while the lowest part is 380m. The fields were mostly built during the Ming Dynasty, about 500 years ago. Longji (Dragon’s Backbone) Terraced Rice Fields received its name because the rice terraces resemble a dragon’s scales, while the summit of the mountain range looks like the backbone of the dragon.

Day 3: Hiking through rice terraces

Enjoy a hike through some beautiful Yao, Dong, and Zhuang minority villages of the famed Longsheng Rice Terraces. At night, stay in a local guesthouse on the top of the terraces where you can enjoy a night view of the area.

Sanjiang

Sanjiang (meaning three rivers) is a region traditionally inhabited by the Dong people. The county covers an area of 5450 square kilometers with a population of 350,000. Famous for drum towers, wind and rain bridges and unique Dong minority’s wooden architecture, Sanjiang is quickly becoming a popular tourist destination with travelers.

Day 4: Sanjiang

After breakfast, drive further into Dong minority territory to Sanjiang township. Explore the local area with a tour of the Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge and a few Dong villages. The afternoon and evening are free for your own exploration.

Yangshuo

Yangshuo lies in the northeast of Guangxi Province and to the southeast of Guilin. The special Karst mountain geology there makes it one of the most beautiful places in China and also one of the most photographed. Yangshuo also has over 1,400 years of history and a deep traditional culture. The diverse ethnic minority groups including Hui, Zhuang, Yao and others, enrich Yangshuo’s folk cultures.

Day 5: Li River Cruise, “Impression Sister Liusanjie”

This morning, we will drive back to Guilin from Sanjiang. Take in the breathtaking scenery of Guilin and its surrounding area on a Li River boat cruise to Yangshuo. If you are lucky you will see fishermen with their cormorants floating along with you on their bamboo rafts. End the cruise in Yangshuo and check into the hotel. In the evening, enjoy “Impression Sister Liusanjie” a magnificent outdoor night show (directed by Zhang Yimou). With the karst mountains as a backdrop and hundreds of locals performing, this show is guaranteed to be a great finale to an unparalleled day of touring.

Day 6: Free day

Free day for your own exploration. (Activity suggestion: rent bicycles for a ride into the surrounding villages, fields, and markets. Ride to Aishan Village, Big Banyan Tree, and Moon Hill. Yangshuo is characterized by its minority culture and local scenery. Biking is the best way to experience it all.) Contact Lune Tours for other personalized activity suggestions.

Day 7: Yangdi

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Yangdi town. The name Yangdi means two hooves. The town took this name because of its location near a mountain with two peaks that resembles a sheep’s hoof. The landscape here is spectacular with elegant mountains, a winding river, striking waterfalls, dense bamboo, and small villages. In the afternoon, transfer to the Guilin airport or train station for your onward connection. Service ends.