1 Day Private Cruise Tour at Li River from Guilin with Biking
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8h
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About this experience
Admire the karst scenery of the Li River and visit Yangshuo on a full-day cruise trip from Guilin. Sail by karst peaks, rice paddies, and bamboo groves on a comfortable cruise boat, and watch for farmers in the fields and cormorant fishing rafts. Disembark at Yangshuo and enjoy free time to explore its quaint streets, including West Street, before your return trip. Hotel pickup and drop-off, plus simple onboard lunch included.
Full-day Li River cruise and Yangshuo trip from Guilin
4-hour river cruise through Guilin’s exquisite karst scenery
Pass karst pinnacles, bamboo groves, and pastures with buffalo grazing
Step ashore at Yangshuo and explore the historical town
Shop, stroll, and eat (own expense) around West Street
Follow the guide to explore the picturesque rural beauty of Yangshuo by bike.
Return boat travel, Guilin hotel transfers, and onboard Chinese lunch included
Opt to stay on in Yangshuo if you wish
Available options
1 Day Private Cruise Tour at Li River from Guilin with Biking
Pickup included
What's included
Hotel pickup and drop-off in Guilin
Li River Cruise Ticket (Deluxe/Standard boat)
Buffet Lunch on Deluxe Boat
Bicycle rental
Chinese-style simple set lunch on Standard Boat
Private air conditioned vehicle & professional tour guide
Detailed itinerary
1
At about 8am, We'll pick you up at your hotel lobby. It takes about 50 minutes drive to the Guilin Zhujiang Pier (for 4 star deluxe boat) or Mopanshan Pier (for 3 star standard boat) to start today's highlights, amazing Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo. To maximize your experience, we'd like to recommend a 4-star Deluxe Cruise (the highest level boat in Lijiang), with comfortable facilities and buffet lunch to ensure you have the best experience of the river's charm.
2
Stop 2
The whole Li river cruise takes about 4 hours and reaches Yangshuo at 13:20pm. With the soft breeze, you will encounter the marvelous scene of the Nine-Horse Fresco, famous lively image on back of the 20 RMB note at the Yellow Cloth Shoal, idyllic sightseeing of grassland, farmland, etc., and countless strange hills and stones in diverse interesting looks, such as Chinese brush, crown, figure, goat’s hoof, and so forth. Staggering limestone formations are scattered along the riverbanks and the scenery changes from a cityscape to rural tranquility as you approach Yangshuo.
3
Visiting West Street, travelers will be surrounded by an array of traditional folk and amazing international elements. Various shops, craftworks shops, painting and calligraphy stores, backpack shops, cafes, and Chinese Kung Fu academies jostle for attention; travelers will be amazed by a multitude of items, from embroidered silk cloth, wax-painted weaving, to embroidered shoes for women.
4
Your guide will prepare bike for you and take you to experiece the most classical biking route with ancient village visiting. It'll give you a close experience of the local life both in Yangshuo County and in the ancient villages along the Yulong River. You can also have a chance to admire the bucolic scenery, buffaloes, and marvelous karst hills and rivers.
If you prefer to stay in Yangshuo, simply let you guide know in advance and you will be provided with directions to your accommodation.
5
After a wonderful day in Yangshuo, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Guilin. It takes about 1.5 hours for transportation. Just take a nap and relax in your comfortable private vehicle.
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
Guide guide
EN
Written guide
EN
Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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
Instant confirmation
