Private Day Tour of Li River Rafting and Easy Hike to Xingping Fishing Village

Guilin , China

Private Day Tour of Li River Rafting and Easy Hike to Xingping Fishing Village

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About this experience

Get more chances to take part in this quintessential Li River experience: rafting down the best part of Li River features steep karst outcrops, climb up to mountain top to see panoramic views, and take a slow meander in the fishing village to learn whatever intrigues you about riverside rural life. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from Guilin or Yangshuo.

Available options

Full-Day Li River Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Motorized raft riding on Li River

Hotel pickup and drop-off from Guilin or Yangshuo

Xingping ferry fee

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Rather than bamboo raft on the Yulong River, you will take a motorized raft on the most essential part of Li River. it is a large raft of plastic piping in the shape of bamboo that easily seated 4 people. It is right to do the rafting in the morning, you would not see those big tour boats until an hour into your trip. The calm waters snake through giant karst formations rolling off into the distant mist. Around each bend a more enchanting sight came into view.

Stop 2

Stroll around this old fishing village where is hidden among the karst hills on a bend of the serene Li River that flows south from Guilin to Yangshuo. The famous view of the 20 YUAN Note was born here. Just ten minutes walk along the river from the town.

Near the Xingping Ferry Dock, this is a hidden place to make you WOW after a 30-miunte fast walk up. The incredible views from the top is the reward. The panorama view of the rolling hills and Li River are simply breathtaking! Free entrance so the hill is not well maintained, be warned tough climb the almost 90 degrees ladder.

Stop 4

With exploring the opposite side of the river, you need to take a 5-minute ferry from waterfront across the river. Hike along a paved riverside path through small farms, vegetable gardens, orchards and hamlets, it is pretty and agricultural. Keep walking, you will enter one of the top 10 Li River Hiking Routes - Osmanthus Ancient Trail. A 800-meter trail with 108 osmanthus trees. Get another panaramic view of Li River from a different angle. Trust me, you won't find this hidden gem by youself.

On the way to the Osmanthus Ancient Trail, take the left fork to one of Guilin's best-preserved temples, tucked under rocky overhang and sat on the river's edge, Tengjiao Nunnery is a Ming Dynasty temple. Behind the temple buildings there is a spacious cave, with an altar of figures.

What's not included

Gratuities

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Comfortable shoes are recommended

Important notes

1. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
2. Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
3. You also can contact customer service number for more assistance.
• WeChat ID: trippest666
• WhatsApp/Mobile: +86 188 0773 4970

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