Fifth Timezone TravelEven better than the photos
★★★★★
The Li River cruise at sunrise was magical — mist on the karsts. Cycling in Yangshuo felt very safe and the cormorant fishing demo was charming. Excellent value.
Olivia Chen · Australia 🇦🇺 · Sep 2026
NaturePhotography
Guilin & Yangshuo Li River Landscape 4-Day Tour
桂林阳朔漓江山水 4 日
4 daysGuilin · Yangshuo4.8 (113)Private guide · English/中文
Cruise down the Li River to Yangshuo, see the same scenery as on the 20 RMB banknote in Xingping, then pedal through a countryside sunset on Ten-Mile Gallery.
Guilin, renowned for its 'green mountains, clear waters, strange caves, and beautiful rocks,' is the essence of South China's Karst landscape. This 4-day itinerary reserves the most classic Li River section for a cruise: board at Moban Mountain Pier, enjoy a 4-hour journey past Nine Horse Fresco Hill and Yellow Cloth Reflection, and disembark at Xingping Ancient Town—the backdrop of the 20 RMB banknote.
On the third day, switch to Yangshuo's relaxed pace—cycle through rice paddies and villages along Ten-Mile Gallery, drift down Yulong River on a bamboo raft amid green bamboo groves, and explore West Street in the evening for a beer fish dinner. On the final day, choose between Silver Cave or the waterways of 'Edenland' before your airport transfer. The tour includes carefully selected hotels in both Guilin and Yangshuo, a private guide with dedicated car, and all cruise, raft, and bicycle fees. Perfect for first-time visitors to Guangxi and photography enthusiasts.
Tour highlights行程亮点
- Li River Moban Mountain—Xingping Scenic Cruise (approx. 4 hours)
- Capture the same landscape as the 20 RMB banknote in Xingping Ancient Town
- Bamboo rafting on Yulong River
- Countryside cycling along Ten-Mile Gallery
- Silver Cave or Edenland (choose one)
- Yangshuo West Street and beer fish dinner
Day-by-day itinerary每日行程
D1Arrive in Guilin · Elephant Trunk Hill & Dongxi Lane
After being picked up from the airport or train station, check into your Guilin city hotel to rest. In the afternoon, visit Elephant Trunk Hill—the city's emblem—a mountain with a water moon cave at the confluence of the Li and Peach Blossom Rivers. Stroll along the riverside path for about 1 hour. Then, explore Dongxi Lane, this Ming-style arcade street gathers Guilin rice noodles, oil tea, and other local snacks—perfect for your first meal after arrival. Travel tip: It's recommended to book Elephant Trunk Hill online one day in advance; the riverside stone paths can be slippery, so wear non-slip walking shoes. Dinner features Guilin beer fish and snail rice rolls. Afterward, you can walk along the Two Rivers and Four Lakes pathway to see the night view of the Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas.
D2Li River Scenic Cruise · Xingping Ancient Town
After breakfast, drive about 40 minutes to Moban Mountain Pier and board the Li River cruise for the scenic section: passing classic sights like Yangdi Misty Rain, Nine Horse Fresco Hill, and Yellow Cloth Reflection. The cruise takes approximately 4 hours with a simple lunch provided. Disembark at Xingping Pier, wander the old streets with bluestone pavement in Xingping Ancient Town, and visit the exact landscape featured on the back of the 20 RMB banknote. In the afternoon, return to Yangshuo to check into your hotel. In the evening, you can climb the small hill next to Yangshuo Park to watch the sunset. Travel tip: During peak season (April-October), cruise seats are in high demand, and booking is included in this tour. It can be windy on the boat, so even in summer, it's advisable to bring a light jacket. Dinner is recommended to be Yangshuo beer fish.
D3Yangshuo Ten-Mile Gallery Cycling · Yulong River Bamboo Raft
In the morning, cycle along Ten-Mile Gallery, passing Karst peak forest and countryside landscapes like Big Banyan Tree and Moon Hill. The one-way distance is about 10 km, taking approximately 3 hours with stops. In the afternoon, head to Yulong River and enjoy a 2-hour bamboo raft ride, passing through several century-old stone arch bridges, experiencing the idyllic charm of 'a small bamboo raft drifting on the river.' In the evening, explore Yangshuo West Street, this ancient street with over 1400 years of history gathers Chinese and Western restaurants, craft shops, and night markets. Travel tip: Bring sun protection and water for cycling; if you can't ride a bike, you can take a scenic e-bike instead. Bamboo rafts accommodate two people; children must share with an adult.
D4Silver Cave or Edenland · Airport Transfer
After breakfast, choose between visiting Silver Cave for about 1.5 hours to admire 'world-class cave wonders' of stalactites and underground river with lighting, or taking Edenland Park, where you'll boat through the Yanzi Lake waterway to see Zhuang countryside and wind-rain bridges. Return to Guilin city for lunch, ending your trip with Guilin rice noodles. Transfer to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (about 45-minute drive) or Guilin North Station according to your flight/train schedule. Travel tip: It's recommended to book flights after 14:00; before departure, you can purchase souvenirs like osmanthus cakes and monk fruit at the airport.
What's included费用包含
- 3 nights of selected hotels (1 night in Guilin + 2 nights in Yangshuo)
- Breakfast + 3 lunches
- Li River cruise ticket and Yulong River bamboo raft
- Bicycle rental for Ten-Mile Gallery
- Private guide and dedicated car for the entire trip
- Airport/high-speed rail station transfers
Photos from the road实拍照片
