3 Days Guilin Tour with Li River Cruise & Longji Terrace

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Guilin City
   Highlights in Downtown Area from Cave to Hill

   After hotel pick-up at around 08:30 am, you will hop on a day to discover the main sights in downtown Guilin.

   Reed Flute Cave got its name from the reeds at the entrance, which people once used to make flutes. Inside, it's like a magical underground world, which feasts your eyes with impressive rock formations. It took thousands of years for these stalactites and stalagmites to form. Fubo Hill is famous for both its natural scenery and historical value. You can walk up the steps for a wide view of the Li River and Guilin’s cityscape.

   A trip to Guilin wouldn’t be complete without visiting Elephant Trunk Hill, the city's famous symbol. This hill looks like an elephant drinking water from the river, and it has an arch called the “Water Moon Cave.” Be sure to take some photos there. The last stop is Seven Star Park, the biggest park in Guilin, often called the city’s “green lung.” Take a walk and enjoy the karst hills, small lakes, and old cultural sites. There’s also a small zoo inside, which kids usually love.

   Meal: Lunch

   Accommodation: Hotel booked by your own

   

2. Day 2: Guilin Longji Terrace Field
   Take a Light Hike along the 2,000 Years Old Terraces

   Today, you’ll take a 1.5-hour drive to the Longji Terrace Field. They look like a dragon's scales stretching along the mountain slopes, which is why they're called the “Dragon’s Backbone.” These terraces were created over 2,000 years ago by the Zhuang and Yao ethnic groups.

   You’ll hike through Ping’an village, where you can see farmers using traditional ways to plow the land with water buffalo. Then, at Huangluo, also known as the "Long Hair Village," you’ll see Yao women perform a special hair dance—some have hair as long as 2 meters!

   If you visit in spring, the terraces look like shining mirrors because they’re filled with water. It looks like a green sea in summer. In autumn, the fields turn golden during harvest time. Don’t miss the "Seven Stars Around the Moon" viewpoint, especially at sunrise—it offers stunning views.

   Next, sample a taste of Bamboo Tube Rice. Sticky rice is placed inside fresh bamboo, then cooked over a pinewood fire. You can watch how locals prepare it and enjoy the delicious smoky flavor. Finally, return to your hotel in downtown Guilin.

   Meal: Lunch

   Accommodation: Hotel booked by your own

   

3. Day 3: Li River Cruise, Back to Guilin
   Hop on a Relaxing Cruise through Beautiful Karst Scenery

   After breakfast, you’ll be guided to take a three-star cruise on the Li River. Spend about 4 hours sailing through China’s most breathtaking karst scenery. You can relax on the open-air deck and enjoy views of famous spots like Nine Horses Fresco Hill and the mountains near Xingping, which appear on the 20 Yuan bill. Light snacks and a simple lunch are served on the boat. If you'd like a more comfortable experience on a 4- or 5-star cruise, you can let your travel agent know before booking.

   Around 1:30 p.m., the ship arrives in Yangshuo Town. From there, your private driver will transfer you to West Street, the most popular place in Yangshuo. Combining Chinese and Western styles, it shows old Qing Dynasty buildings and small cafes as well as bars. You can also try local foods or shop for handmade crafts at lovely souvenir stores. After that, drive you back to your hotel in Guilin downtown.

   Meal: Lunch

   Accommodation: Hotel booked by your own