1 Day Guilin Sanjiang Tour to Dong Villages
Active
8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
With a private guide and driver, you will explore the most authentic Dong villages in Guiln. You Can witness unique Dong-style wooden architecture: Wind and Rain Bridges & Drum Towers, also experience old Dong customs like block-the-way greeting, Grand Song singing and Pipa playing. Get close to Dong People, art, and culture by visiting representative heritages with your knowledgable guide.
Available options
1 Day Guilin Sanjiang Tour to Dong Villages
Pickup included
What's included
Train fares of Guilin/Sanjiang/Guilin
Private driver & air-conditioned vehicle in Sanjiang
Entrance fees to tourist sites
Private English-speaking guide
Detailed itinerary
1
In the morning, your guide will wait for you at your hotel in Guilin at the appointed time. Then we will set out to the nearest railway station by taxi, next, we will board a high speed train to Sanjiang County with 30 minutes. After arrival, a local driver will pick us up at the Sanjiang train station exit.
2
Next, we will drive for about 40 minutes to reach the Chengyang Bazhai Scenic Area, composed of 8 local Dong villages. This is not only perfect for those looking to escape the cities, but also ideal for cranking up culture with old ethnic ceremonies and traditional Dong-style architecture.
We will visit the renowned Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge and the Drum Towers, admiring the exquisite architectural craftsmanship of the Dong people. Along the way, you’ll encounter vibrant folk activities and performances. Feel free to pause to watch, and even join in the festivities with the friendly locals.
3
You will be led to appreciate the featured Dong-style architecture, the wind and rain bridge. This kind of covered bridge is a special architectural complex form in the local Dong region, wholly made of wood and composed of the bridge corridor, pavilions, and pagodas.
4
Drum towers are another iconic architecture in Chengyang Dong villages, and nearly every village has at least one. We will visit some of the masterpieces like Ma’an Drum Tower, Ping Village Drum Tower, and Yan Village Drum Tower.
5
There is a popular saying among the Dong ethnic group, “Dong people cannot live without sour food”, it is available to taste some at the Yaluoye Food Street, which offers a variety of local food options. Oil Tea made of tea leaves, crisp soybeans, fried peanuts, scallions, glutinous rice and oil is the most popular local drink worth trying.
6
After spending a couple of hours roaming around the several Dong villages, the driver will send you to Sanjiang Train Station for a high speed train journey back to Guilin, taking about 30 minutes to 1 hour. After arrival, you will be escorted to your hotel by taxi.
What's not included
Hotel accommodation
Meals
Tips or gratuities for guide and driver
Not suitable for people over 80 years old
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
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
