Private Essence Tour of Guilin & Li River

★ Li River: A Testament to the Harmony between Nature & Humanity 

Today marks the highlight of your 3 days Guilin tour. After a morning pick-up from your hotel, we’ll head to the dock to embark on a 4-hour cruise down the emerald waters of the Li River to Yangshuo. Much like the Seine flows through Paris, the Li River runs through the city of Guilin, but with a backdrop of untouched karst landscapes replacing historical landmarks like the Louvre and Pont Neuf. Its true essence is best seen up close when gliding outside Guilin. Along the way, you’ll be treated to whimsical karst formations along the banks, like Five Fingers Mountain, Nine Horses Mural Hill, and Glove Mountain. This pristine scenery may challenge the stereotype of China sacrificing its environment for development, allowing you to instead immerse yourself in an awe-inspiring harmony created by nature.

In the 1980s, pollutant discharge, diesel-powered bamboo rafts, and overfishing left the Li River scarred. However, they were soon noticed and resolved through one of China’s earliest environmental protection campaigns. An old fisherman even patrolled over 100 km (62 mi) along the river every day, closely monitoring potential threats to the water and the mountains on both banks. After more than a decade of governance, the Li River has regained its resilience and vitality, bringing new life to local villagers and tourism. As a Chinese saying goes, ‘Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.’ The Li River has truly become a shared sustainable asset for humanity. 

Continue admiring the ever-changing peaks and have a simple lunch box until we disembark in Yangshuo at around 14:00.

Next, let’s enjoy a languorous afternoon in Yangshuo with countryside cycling. Pedaling through open fields to the Yulong River, Li River’s longest tributary, you’ll find fellow tourists hiking or rafting along the water. On market days, the roadsides are vibrant with vendors selling freshly picked lotus roots, handmade tofu, and glutinous rice steamed in bamboo tubes. Just before exploring the villages in more detail, relax under the Big Banyan Tree’s leafy canopy and observe how the karst cave atop Moon Hill seems to change shape from different angles. Then, sneak a glance at lazy roaming dogs as you push your bike along the unpaved dirt roads to see local farmers harvesting tangerines. No worries if you prefer not to cycle, and we can arrange a private car transfer instead. To maximize your authentic experience, your guide will accompany you to visit a local farmer’s home midway, which showcases traditional residence with blue tiles, white walls, and wooden doors and windows.

Late in the afternoon, pedal again, or get in our car, to return to your hotel in downtown Yangshuo.

► How to Spend a Night in Yangshuo? (at your own expense)
Catching the outdoor live performance ‘Impression Sanjie Liu’ is worthy on the to-do list. Inspired by the local legend of ‘Singing Fairy’, the Li River and 12 karst peaks serve as a natural echo chamber, carrying the folk songs that show ethnic minority groups’ reverence for nature and their yearning for a better life to all corners. If it piques your interest, ask your guide or your hotel’s front desk to help you book tickets.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch box

After breakfast, we’ll drive back to Guilin, stopping at Xianggong Mountain along the way. A 15-to-20-minute gentle ascent leads to its top for drone-like views of the Li River’s panorama. The best time to visit is between May and October, when karst peaks, whether shrouded in a sea of clouds or clearly unveiled, are quite photogenic. Photography buffs can bring a 16-35 mm wide-angle lens to frame the grand bend of the Li River and a 70-200 mm telephoto lens to capture light and shadow details on the cliffs. Of course, your mobile phone’s pro mode can also work wonders if the weather cuts us some slack. To tell stories of the riverbank life through images, try to snap gliding fishing boats or farmers toiling in the fields below!

At the end of your 3-day luxury Guilin tour packages, your private guide and driver will escort you to Guilin airport or train station for your return or onward journey. If you wish to extend your tour to Zhangjiajie to see different karst beauty or other destinations in China, feel free to contact our travel consultants to tailor your itinerary.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast