Full-Day Private Li River Hiking Tour Including Xingping and Xianggong Hill

Guilin , China

Full-Day Private Li River Hiking Tour Including Xingping and Xianggong Hill

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About this experience

The beauty of the Li River cannot be fully appreciated on a boat. Instead, hike slowly along the river, and immerse your feet in the water. Follow the trail through bamboo groves, treading between golden rice fields (in early autumn), and climbing the Xianggong Hill to have a panoramic view of Li River, which is highly recommended by photography enthusiasts, and even enjoy the countryside sunset on the return way. This is how to fully appreciate the beauty of the Li River and Yangshuo.

Available options

Guilin Departure

You'll me picked up from your hotel in Guilin by private tour guide and comfortable car. <br/>Pickup included

Yangshuo Departure

You'll me picked up from Yangshuo and meet the tour guide at the starting point. <br/>Pickup included

What's included

Ferry boat and tuktuk fee.

English-speaking professional tour guide service.

Bottled water.

Admission ticket to Li River Scenic Area and Xianggong Hill.

Comfortable vehicle with A/C.

Detailed itinerary

The Quanjiazhou–Lengshui riverside trail is now reopend. There is a 11-km (6½-mile) or around 3½-hour hike from Quanjiazhou to Xingping:

From Guilin, it’s about 1½ hours by road to Quanjiazhou village. From there, hike about 2 hours (7 km or 4 miles) on a winding road/track between hills and the river to the Lengshui village pier opposite Jiumahua Shan (九马画山 ‘Nine Horse Painting Hill’). Then take a bamboo/pipe raft ferry across the Li River.

Continue on the riverside walk downriver for about 1½ hours (5 km or 3 miles) to reach Xingping Ancient Town. You can also take a tuktuk (10 minutes) to Xingping from Jiumahua Shan. Tuktuk fee is included.

Stop 2

Once, in ancient times, Xingping was the largest town along the Li River, and is 63 km (39 miles) from Guilin and 25 km (15.5 miles) from Yangshuo, on the east bank of the river. The historic sites here can be found in Xingping Old Street. The old street is a one-kilometer long stone street lined with old brick buildings and assembly halls like those of many different provinces. Xingping is one of the best photographic locations in Guilin. Photographers go there to take photos of the best-known attractions on the Li River, the sunset and sunrise over the Li River and cormorant fishing. The ironic image of Guilin – an old fisherman in his coir raincoat on a bamboo raft with his cormorants – is taken in Xingping.

Locate nearby the Putao Town, 28km north of Yangshuo, Xianggong Hill is one of the best place for photos of the breathtaking views especially the sunrise over the bend in the Li River. It takes approximately 15-20 minutes to peak. You’ll have opportunity to watch the Li River running round a right-angled bend and the fantastic Karst scenery.

What's not included

Lunch

Gratuities (recommended).

Personal expenses.

Airport transfer.

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

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

Xianggong Hill could be temporarily closed due to government activities, which we can NOT be informed in advance. We may visit Cuiping Five Fingers Mountain instead, which is Located nearby the Putao Town, 22km north of Yangshuo. Cuiping Wuzhishan (Wuzhi Hill) is a nice place to take sunset photos. It takes around 20 minutes to climb up and you will photograph numerous karst mountain peaks and some villages with many paddies surrounded by a river. A wonderful place not to be missed in Yangshuo. The tour guide may adjust the itinerary according to the current situation.

In Guilin, the hotel collection and drop-off areas will be within the urban areas. For further distances, you need to hire a taxi to the appointed hotel which your tour guide will tell you the day before the trip.

In Yangshuo, the hotel collection and drop-off area should be within the urban area. For further distances, you need to hire a taxi to the Green Lotus Hotel (碧莲江景酒店). Banyan Tree Yangshuo and Alila Yangshuo are outside of free pickup area.

A moderate amount of walking is involved. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Ferry Crossings could be closed due to bad weather. You could do is take a local bus or private transport and do a section of the hike without the ferry crossing.

Lunch is not included. The tour guide can recommend you some good restaurants in Xingping Ancient Town.

Important notes

1. Hotel collection and drop-off areas will be within the urban areas of Guilin and Yangshuo. Please enter the name and address of your hotel/airbnb/accommodation information in the blank of pickup location.
2. If your hotel is outside of pickup and drop-off area, you may book the additional transfer with us or go to the meeting points by yourself.
3. The tour guide will contact you via hotel or leave a message for you about the exact pickup time the night before tour.
4. You also can contact customer service number for more assistance.
• WeChat ID: trippest666 (Highly recommended! WeChat is widely used in China.)
• iMessage: +86 181 7870 8175 (Apple Users ONLY)
• 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