Guilin to Yangshuo Day Tour Li River Cruise and Reed Flute Cave

Guilin , China

Guilin to Yangshuo Day Tour Li River Cruise and Reed Flute Cave

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10h

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

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About this experience

During your hasty tour schedule in Guilin China, we select carefully this tour to meet your requirement. Enjoy this full day tour with us and you will have lifetime experience.
Explore the most picturesque places in Guilin, include Li River Cruise
from Guilin to Yangshuo, and the Reed Flute Cave reputed as one of the most beautiful caves in China.

Private driver guide escort you for the day tour.

Relax with private door-to-door transportation to the port and from Yangshuo

Available options

River Cruise reed flute cave

Pickup included

What's included

Air-conditioned vehicle

Private transportation with English-speaking driver guide

Entry fees of Reed Flute Cave or Silver Cave

Li river boat tickets 3 star boat

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Li River
At 8:00 AM, the driver guide picks you up at the lobby of Guilin hotel and drive to the dock where you will embark, the driver guide will collect boat tickets for you.

9:30am - 1:20pm
The cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo for about 4 hours, Visitors are amazed at the seemingly never-ending unique karst hills and rivers that stretch for as far as the eye can see.
You can walk up to the top deck and see dreamy scenery of winding Li River for about 3.5 hours. If you prefer, you may stay at your seat and enjoy the relaxing journey.

Your journey ends in Yangshuo at about 1:30 pm and then enjoy your free time to explore Yangshuo center, the west street for about 1 hour.

Note: You will be on the boat independently during the cruise. Your driver guide will meet you at the Yangshuo dock upon arrival.

West Street is located the center in Yangshuo, one of the oldest and beautiful town along the Li River. Built in 590 during the Sui Dynasty, this street became well-know since 1980’s due to many tourists took cruise and disembark there and found this very nice and tranquil place and it is regarded as the backpacker’s mecca, more and more young tourists come even stay for a while there. You still can see the old style building with various of shops, restaurants, coffee shops, bars, etc

After the tour in Yangshuo West Street, we will drive to Guilin Reed Flute Cave or Yangshuo Silver Cave

Notes: We only visit one cave, not two caves.

Stop 3

Reed Flute Cave is situated in the hillside of the Bright Hill of Northwest Guilin and near the Peach Blossom River, about 7 km to downtown. The cave gets its name from a kind of reed growing near the entrance to the cave makes fine flutes.
It is 800 meters long and takes you about fifty minutes for exploring. The cave opened to public in 1962, it is most tourists' visit-cave in China even in the world and is described as "Art Palace of Nature" .
Inside the cave are a large number of stalactites, stalagmites, stone pillars, stone curtains, and stone flowers, all glistening in colorful lights which create breathtaking splendor which are really feast of your eyes, they are given names according to what they look like. The Crystal Palace where illuminated stalagmites reflect in the caves natural lake is the most impressive sights of the cave.

Or you can visit Silver Cave to replace to Reed Flute Cave.

After exploring this beautiful cave, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Guilin or Yangshuo.

What's not included

Gratuities

Personal expenses and optional tours

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

the driver guide will have a sign of the traveller's name

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