Private Customized Tour: Guilin City Highlights in One Day

Guilin , China

Private Customized Tour: Guilin City Highlights in One Day

Active

6h - 8h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Have only a limited amount of time in Guilin? Enhance your sightseeing experience of Guilin by designing your own itinerary on this private, full-day tour. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, travel by private air-conditioned vehicle, customize your day according to your interests. Choose to visit some of the city’s highlights such as Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave, Fubu Hill and the Li River. And finish in the lovely Seven Star Parks. You can also choose to visit Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Spot, local markets, enjoy massage or go shopping. Just feel free to discuss with your tour guide. This private tour including English speaking tour guide, entrance fee, lunch and door to door transfer.

Available options

Private Customized Tour: Guilin City Highlights in One Day

Pickup included

What's included

Professional guide

Hotel pickup and drop-off(For hotels in Guilin City)

Lunch

Bottled water

Transport by private vehicle

Entrance Fee

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Meet your tour guide in the lobby of your Guilin hotel, hop on your private air-conditioned vehicle, embark upon your customized tour of the city's sights.
Discuss the historical highlights and attractions you wish to see with your knowledgeable guide who will help you plan an itinerary according to your interests. Then, set off and explore. Typically, you will start with the Elephant Trunk Hill.

Elephant Trunk Hill is the landmark of Guilin. It has been a famous tourism destination since the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907). The hill looks like a giant elephant drinking water from the river.

Enjoy a vigorous walk to the top, visit the the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644) Puxian Tower which was built to worship Samantabahdra. Get to learn its history from your tour guide, then enjoy the panoramic views of the city, Li River and surrounding scenery.

Stop 3

Continue to Guilin Fubo hill. Fubo Hill stands next to the Li River and rises abruptly out of the surrounding landscape, it is famous for both natural beauty and historic art.

Follow your tour guide to explore etchings of Buddha dating back to the Song and Tang Dynasties (618 - 1279) at Thousand-Buddha Cave and Pearl-Returning Cave. Admire the Sword-Testing Rock and get to know the legendary stories behind it.

Stop 4

Afterwards, heading to Reed Flute Cave. Over millions of years, dripping water has eroded the cave to create a special world of various stalactites, stone pillars and rock formations. Explore important spots in the attraction such as :Tower-shaped Pine,Crystal Palace etc. Despite the fantastic natural scenery inside Reed Flute Cave, there are many writings on the wall. There are 77 travelogues and poems left, which are derived from the Tang Dynasty (618-907).

Then, enjoy lunch in the local restaurant.

Stop 5

In the afternoon, you will stroll around the Seven Stars Park. The Seven Stars Park is endowed with elegant mountains, clear water, miraculous stone forest, deep and serene valleys, plentiful animals and plants and valued cultural relics. It has been popular since the Sui (581-618) and Tang (618-907) Dynasties.

Crosse the Flower Bridge which was built in the Song Dynasty (960-1279), and it is the oldest bridge in Guilin.

Explore the Putuo Mountain, where Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva is worshiped, it abounds with caves and pavilions. On the top of the mountain, there are Putuo Stone Forest, Xuanwu Pavilion and Zhaixing Pavilion. In addition, there are numerous valuable tablets on the mountain. You can choose how far you want to go.

If you have already visit some of those places above before, and want to do something different. Please feel free to discuss with your tour guide on where to go, you can choose these attractions or activities base on your interests:
Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Spot, Guilin Zoo, Dongxi Allay, Solitary Beauty Peak and Jingjiang Prince City, Zhengyang Pedestrian Street, Flower and birds market etc.

After the tour, your guide will take you back to your hotel in Guilin.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

CMN EN

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Guilin

Guilin is renowned for its stunning karst landscapes, with the Li River meandering through picturesque peaks and lush greenery. This city offers a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant local culture, making it a must-visit destination in southern China.

Top Attractions

Li River Cruise

A scenic cruise along the Li River, offering breathtaking views of karst peaks, lush greenery, and traditional villages. The cruise typically starts from Guilin and ends in Yangshuo, covering a distance of about 83 kilometers.

Nature 4-5 hours for the full cruise Moderate (¥150-300 depending on the type of cruise)

Elephant Trunk Hill

A famous landmark in Guilin, shaped like an elephant drinking water from the Li River. The hill offers hiking trails, a scenic cave, and panoramic views of the city and river.

Nature 1-2 hours Budget (¥30-50)

Reed Flute Cave

A stunning limestone cave with a history of over 1,800 years. The cave is known for its intricate rock formations, colorful lighting, and ancient inscriptions.

Nature 1-2 hours Budget (¥80-100)

Longji Terraced Fields

A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring stunning terraced rice fields carved into the hillsides. The fields are a testament to the ingenuity of the local Zhuang and Yao ethnic minorities, who have cultivated the land for centuries.

Nature Full day trip Moderate (¥100-200 for transportation and entrance fees)

Yangshuo

A picturesque town along the Li River, known for its stunning karst landscapes, outdoor activities, and vibrant nightlife. Yangshuo is a popular destination for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation.

Nature Half day to full day trip Budget to Moderate (depending on activities)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Guilin Rice Noodles (Guilin Mifen)

A local specialty made from rice, served with various toppings and broths. The noodles are thin, chewy, and often served with ingredients like pickled vegetables, peanuts, and meat.

Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian options available

Beer Fish (Pijiu Yu)

A local delicacy featuring fish marinated in beer and deep-fried, served with a spicy sauce. The dish is known for its crispy texture and unique flavor.

Dinner Contains fish and gluten (beer)

Liangpi (Cold Noodles)

A refreshing and light dish made from rice flour, served cold with a variety of toppings and sauces. It is a popular street food and a great option for hot summer days.

Snack/Lunch Vegetarian options available

Osmanthus Cake (Guihua Bing)

A traditional sweet made from glutinous rice flour, osmanthus flowers, and sugar. The cake has a unique fragrance and a soft, chewy texture.

Dessert Vegetarian and vegan options available

Popular Activities

Rock climbing Rafting and kayaking Hiking Li River cruise Tea house visits Spa and wellness Visiting ethnic minority villages Attending local festivals

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to November

These months offer pleasant weather with moderate temperatures and lush greenery, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

20°C to 30°C 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Chinese (Mandarin)
Widely spoken: Cantonese, Zhuang (local dialect)
English: Limited

Currency

Chinese Yuan (CNY)

Time Zone

GMT+8

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Guilin is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's essential to take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps like Didi
• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas
• Bargain for souvenirs and street food, and be cautious of overpriced or fake goods

Getting there

By air

Guilin Liangjiang International Airport • 27 km from city center

By train

Guilin Railway Station, Guilin West Railway Station

By bus

Guilin Long-Distance Bus Station, Guilin South Long-Distance Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is affordable and convenient, with routes covering most of the city and connecting to popular tourist spots.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Zhengyang District Xiangshan District Qixing District

Day trips

Yangshuo

65 km from Guilin • Half day to full day trip

Yangshuo is a picturesque town along the Li River, known for its stunning karst landscapes, outdoor activities, and vibrant nightlife. The town offers a variety of adventures, from biking and rock climbing to rafting and kayaking.

Longji Terraced Fields

70 km from Guilin • Full day trip

Xingping Ancient Town

25 km from Guilin • Half day trip

A well-preserved ancient town along the Li River, known for its traditional architecture, historic sites, and scenic views. The town is famous for its appearance on the back of the 20 RMB note.

Festivals

Li River Festival • September Guilin Tea Culture Festival • March Zhuang Ethnic Minority Festival • Varies (usually in spring or autumn)

Pro tips

Take a Li River cruise at sunrise or sunset for the best lighting and fewer crowds
Hire a local guide for a more informative and immersive experience, especially when visiting ethnic minority villages or historic sites
Learn a few basic Chinese phrases to enhance your interactions with locals and show respect for their culture
Carry small denominations of cash for street vendors, tips, and small purchases
Use ride-hailing apps like Didi for convenient and affordable transportation, but ensure you have a local SIM card or eSIM