1 Day Li River Essence Hiking Tour
Li River Hike from Guilin or Yangshuo, with Private Guide & Driver
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Trip Highlights
- Immerse yourself in the Li River highlights: Nine Horses Mural Hill, Yellow Cloth Shoal, and Xingping Ancient Town.
- Enjoy the Li River’s stunning panoramic views at Xianggong Mountain.
- Take Instagrammable photos with the CNY 20 banknote’s beautiful background.
- No commission-based shopping stops! More time will be spent on attractions and you’ll enjoy a pure sightseeing tour.
- No optional tours, which are just tourist traps and will always cost you more with a high markup on price.
This trip can be customized to meet your individual needs!
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Itinerary Brief
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of the Li River on this classic 8-kilometer (5-mile) route. Led by an expert local guide, you’ll hike from Laocuntou Village to Xingping Ancient Town, taking in the river’s most essential views. Over the course of 3 hours, marvel at iconic sights like Yellow Cloth Shoal, Nine Horses Mural Hill, and the CNY 20 Note Viewpoint, while enjoying the refreshing rural scenery.
► Route: Guilin/Yangshuo - Xianggong Mountain - Laocuntou Village - Lengshui Ferry - Nine Horses Mural Hill - Yellow Cloth Shoal - Xingping Ancient Town - Guilin/Yangshuo
Insider Tips:
1. Best Time: Consider scheduling your hike during March-May or September-November for the perfect blend of pleasant weather and vibrant landscapes. Want to enjoy a peaceful, crowd-free escape? November to March is your second choice. However, it is best to avoid June-August, as ferry services may be spotty due to frequent rains.
2. Hiking Essentials: The hiking trails are mainly easy-going gravel paths along the riverbank and village roads. Some areas can get muddy, so wear your trusty non-slip hiking shoes. Meanwhile, travel light, as there are local stalls for energy supply along the way.
► Route: Guilin/Yangshuo - Xianggong Mountain - Laocuntou Village - Lengshui Ferry - Nine Horses Mural Hill - Yellow Cloth Shoal - Xingping Ancient Town - Guilin/Yangshuo
Insider Tips:1. Best Time: Consider scheduling your hike during March-May or September-November for the perfect blend of pleasant weather and vibrant landscapes. Want to enjoy a peaceful, crowd-free escape? November to March is your second choice. However, it is best to avoid June-August, as ferry services may be spotty due to frequent rains.
2. Hiking Essentials: The hiking trails are mainly easy-going gravel paths along the riverbank and village roads. Some areas can get muddy, so wear your trusty non-slip hiking shoes. Meanwhile, travel light, as there are local stalls for energy supply along the way.
Admire Li River's Bend from Xianggong Mountain
Our Guests Hiking along Li River
Guilin or Yangshuo Hotel Pick-up
In the morning, your private guide and driver will greet you at your hotel lobby in either Guilin or Yangshuo. Relax in comfort on a scenic private transfer to Xianggong Mountain, taking 1.5 hours from Guilin or 1 hour from Yangshuo.
Stop 1: Visit Xianggong Mountain for Panoramic Li River Views
Upon arrival, prepare to experience the ultimate vantage point overlooking the Li River and its idyllic surroundings. The 400-step ascent to its summit is a cinch for anyone with a moderate fitness level. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panorama: the Li River winding its way south in a U-shape through karst peaks, complemented by scattered villages and lush paddies. Remember to zoom in for panoramic photos to avoid capturing tourists in your shots.
Stop 2: Drive to Laocuntou Village and Hike to Lengshui Ferry
Then, we’ll drive to Laocuntou Village, where you’ll hike for 40 minutes with your guide to reach Lengshui Ferry. Traditional houses, fishnets by the riverside, and farmers looking after their vegetable fields will arouse your desire for exploration along the way. A stone tablet inscribed with ‘Guilin’s landscape tops all under heaven’ is just a short walk away, making it an ideal spot to commemorate your hiking adventure. Here, you may also meet a local legend who makes a living helping tourists create cinematic blockbusters amid the scenery with props like bamboo rafts and straw hats. Perhaps take a moment to watch how she directs tourists posing like swordsmen.
Our Guests Hiking through the Village
Traditional Houses in Yangshuo
Stop 3: Take the Ferry to the West Bank and View Nine Horses Mural Hill
From there, let’s cross the Li River to its west bank by a 5-minute ferry. As we glide alone, admire the Nine Horses Mural Hill, one of the Li River’s most celebrated attractions. With a little imagination, you’ll find layers of horse-shaped rock formations come alive – some drinking from the river, others dashing away. You’ll also catch a great distant view of Xianggong Mountain. We appreciate your patience if there is a short wait at the ferry dock during peak season.
Nine Horses Mural Hill, Yangshuo
Hike to the CNY 20 Banknote Viewpoint
Stop 4: Hike to Yellow Cloth Shoal & CNY 20 Banknote View
Upon disembarking, a 30-minute hike along the riverside paths will lead us to Yellow Cloth Shoal. It appears to be a piece of unpolished emerald glass, flawlessly mirroring the distant mountains and puffy clouds, sometimes with bamboo rafts carrying local fishermen who display the traditional cormorant fishing techniques. This harmonious scene, set against the backdrop of eternal karst peaks and crystal-clear water, is so breathtaking that it has been featured on the CNY 20 banknote. An additional 1-hour hike will lead to its observation deck, but it can be quite crowded. Fortunately, your experienced guide knows some off-the-beaten-path spots that promise equally stunning views of rolling peaks. Why not prepare one banknote in advance for the most Instagrammable pictures?
Stop 5: Hike 30 Minutes to Xingping Ancient Town
Later, continue your journey with a 30-minute hike to Xingping Ancient Town, where white walls and grey tiles showcase its primitive style as always. Please stay close to your guide, as there are many scooters along the way. After arriving, you may view local villagers demonstrating the age-old craft of bamboo basket weaving, and explore stalls selling handicrafts like ethnic silver jewelry. Local cuisine’s aroma also wafts through the air. Try Rice Noodles, Beer Fish, Fried Shrimp Cakes, or Glutinous Rice Cakes at your own expense if you’re enticed. Your guide will be on hand with excellent recommendations.
Xingping Ancient Town, Yangshuo
Local People and Their Slow-paced Life
Return to Downtown Guilin or Yangshuo
Finishing the visit, your guide and driver will escort you on a 1 to 1.5 hours’ private car ride back to your hotel in downtown Yangshuo or Guilin. Wish you enjoy the day with us!
If you’d like to admire karst peaks and the Li River shrouded in the mist during Xianggong Mountain sunrise, or extend your trip to the adjacent Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces or ethnic minorities’ villages, don’t hesitate to share your travel ideas with us for a customized itinerary.
If you’d like to admire karst peaks and the Li River shrouded in the mist during Xianggong Mountain sunrise, or extend your trip to the adjacent Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces or ethnic minorities’ villages, don’t hesitate to share your travel ideas with us for a customized itinerary.
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This trip can be customized to meet your individual needs!
Tour Prices 2026 & 2027
| 1 traveler | 2-3 travelers | 4-5 travelers |
|---|---|---|
USD379 | USD209 | USD119 |
- Above prices are per person.
Price Includes
- Entrance fees to tourist sites
- Ferry boat crossing the Li River
- Private English-speaking guide
- Private driver & air-conditioned vehicle
Price Excludes
- Hotels & meals
- Gratuities
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