Guilin Highlights Tour Li River to Yangshuo and Xianggong Hill
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8h - 9h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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About this experience
Embark on this Li River cruise and feast your eyes on the stunning scenery of bamboo groves, towering karst peaks, water buffaloes wading in the river, and quaint villages—views that often inspire traditional Chinese paintings. After the cruise, take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant West Street. A delicious lunch will be served on board, making this a truly memorable experience.
Available options
Li River Cruise Tour
Li River Cruise from Guilin : One Day Li River Cruise Tour with Xianggong Hill<br/>Pickup included
What's included
English-speaking driver guide
Hotel/port pickup and drop-off
Detailed itinerary
1
Your driver guide will pick you up from your hotel lobby at around 8:00 am. After a approximately 50-minute drive, you will arrive at the pier. The driver guide will assist you in collecting your boat tickets at the pier.
Note: During the summer holiday (July to August), please book your tour with us as early as possible, as boat tickets are difficult to secure. If regular boat tickets are unavailable, we will arrange an electric boat for you from Yangdi to Nine Horses Hill or Xingping Town.
We hope you can understand our situation.
2
Stop 2
The Li River cruise lasts about 4 hours, arriving in Yangshuo at approximately 1:30 PM. Along the journey from the pier to Yangshuo, you’ll pass by countless grotesque peaks, creating a picturesque landscape. The river winds like a green ribbon, while the peaks rise like bamboo shoots, forming a breathtaking natural gallery.
As you cruise down the river, you’ll be captivated by the inverted reflections of the fantastically shaped peaks, the crystal-clear water, the lush green hills, and the bamboo groves. You’ll also have the chance to see the iconic scenery featured on the 20 Yuan note in Xingping Town.
You will enjoy a relaxing 3 to 4-hour cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, passing countless karst hills along the way - a truly unforgettable experience.
Note: You will be on the boat independently during the cruise. Your driver/guide will not accompany you on the boat but will meet you at Yangshuo Dock upon arrival.
Please send us your info, we will book boat tickets for your group.
3
Take some time to visit the renowned West Street at your leisure on your own. Here, you’ll find charming old-style buildings made of gray bricks and tiles, which have been transformed into a variety of souvenir shops, bars, coffee shops, and more.
4
We will then head to Xianggong Hill, where visitors can experience the stunning karst landscape in a unique way by climbing one of the karst mountains. Xianggong Hill is the perfect choice for this adventure.
The climb to the top takes about 20 minutes, and once there, you’ll be rewarded with a bird’s-eye view of the Li River valley, surrounded by towering peaks. This breathtaking sight is one of the most spectacular views in China and an absolute must-see during your tour.
5
After a wonderful day exploring Xianggong Hill, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Guilin. The journey takes about 1 and half hour, giving you time to relax or take a nap. You will arrive at your Guilin hotel around 6:00 pm, concluding your memorable day trip.
What's not included
Boat tickets: 3 star boat 245 Yuan per person with lunch box, 4 star boat 360 yuan with buffet lunch
Xianggong Hill, 60 Yuan per person
If pickup from Yangshuo or Xingping, extra USD 40 for the private transfer.
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.9
13 reviews
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Tripadvisor
4.9
36 reviews
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
A minimum of 1 people per booking is required.
A maximum of 15 people per booking
Children must be accompanied by an adult
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
