Private Guilin Illuminated Night Tour with Two Rivers and Four Lakes Cruise
Active
3h - 4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Get a comprehensive tour of Guilin from the water on this private illuminated night tour with Two Rivers and Four Lakes Cruise. After a convenient hotel pickup, start your adventure from the Elephant Trunk Hill before set off on a nighttime river cruise. Travel along Two Rivers and Four Lakes which offers visual feast of more than 10 prestigious hills, many famed scenic spots, three main landscape areas and four expo parks. Catch picturesque views of landmarks and be sure to bring your camera for photo ops from waterborne vantage points. Learn about the city's history and culture from your personal tour guide. Suitable for families and groups with small children, this tour is an easy option for those who want to see Guilin's sights without extensive walking. This private tour including English speaking tour guide, travel by private vehicle, entrance fee, cruise ticket and door to door transfer.
Available options
Private Night Tour
Your English speaking guide will pick you up in your hotel's lobby by holding your name sign<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Ticket for river cruise
Local guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Bottled water
Private tour
Travel by private vehicle
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Begin your tour by meeting your guide in the lobby of your central Guilin hotel. From there, you will head to 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.
2
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.
3
Then, move on to Wenchang Bridge Pier, get ready to board the popular sightseeing boat. During this 80-minutes relaxing night cruise, immense yourself in the breath-taking view along the Li River when it’s illuminated at night which include the city’s most splendid old and new architecture.
4
As one of Guilin's calling cards, the Two Rivers and Four Lakes project, connects the city's Taohua and Lijiang Rivers in the east to four inland lakes - Ronghu and Shanhu Lakes in the south, Guihu Lake in the east and Mulonghu Lake in the north.
The water tour of Guilin started from the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and flourished in Song Dynasty (960-1279). At which time, the city had an advanced water system of lakes and ponds where one could make a full view of Guilin's scenic spots by taking a boat.
5
Stop 5
Pass by
The cruise will bypass both east and west wide of the Li River, allow you to fully appreciate some of the most fantastic visual feast of more than 10 prestigious hills such as the Elephant Trunk Hill, Fubo Hill, Folded Brocade Hill, Seven Star Mountain and Yaoshan Mountain. The journey also contains famed scenic spots including the Sun and Moon pagodas at Shanhu Lake, Hongqiao Dam, Zhuzi Archway and Single Foot Pavilion. You could also see the three main landscape areas—the Chinese Classical Garden in Ronghu and Shanhu Lakes, the ecological park of Guihu Lake and the cultural and historical park in Song Dynasty in Mulonghu Lake. There are four expo parks on the world's famous bridges, renowned flowers and trees, pavilions and sculptures.
6
Get your camera ready for great shots. Your tour guide will help in get a great overview of the sites, life and sounds the city has to offer.
After the tour finished, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Guilin
What's not included
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
CMN
EN
Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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
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.
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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