7 Days Xian Guilin In-depth Tour by Flight

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Xian Arrival (No Meal)

   Upon your arrival at Xian airport/train station, our local driver will pick you up from the exit gate, holding a welcome board with your name, and transfer you to the downtown hotel for checking in. The rest of the day is free and easy on your arrangement.

   Accommodation: Hotel in Xian

2. Day 2: Xi'an's History & Culture (B, L)
   Admire Those Life-sized Clay Sculptures

   Your Xian exploration will start with a visit to the famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” this incredible discovery was made by local farmers digging a well in 1974. Today, it is one of the most popular and important historical sites in China, especially in Xi’an.

   The museum includes several sections - Pit 1 (the biggest), Pit 2, Pit 3, and a special hall showing the chariots and horses. You’ll spend about 2 to 3 hours here. With the knowledgeable guide, you’ll hear the fascinating story behind these life-sized statues and learn about their creator, China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang (秦始皇).

   

   After having lunch at a local restaurant, you will return to the center of Xi’an to visit another famous historical site - the Ancient City Wall. This is the best-preserved and largest city wall in all of China. It was originally built to protect the city in ancient times. Since the wall surrounds the old city, visitors also have the option to ride a bike along the top of the wall for a fun experience.

   Next, you’ll visit Yongxingfang Food & Culture Quarter to explore more of Xi’an’s local flavors. Known as the second Muslim Street, this lively area is designed in the style of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. You can find many traditional homemade snacks here that are hard to find in modern cities. The food is often prepared right in front of you, so you can watch how it’s made. Finally, stop by Shuyuanmen Gate for a bit more sightseeing before heading back to your hotel.

   Accommodation: Hotel in Xian

   

3. Day 3: Xian to Mt. Huashan by Car (B)
   Hike One of China’s “Five Great Mountains”

   Mount Huashan is one of China’s “Five Great Mountains” and is well-known for being steep and thrilling. It draws many visitors from around the world. Today, you’ll explore this famous mountain by taking a round-trip cable car to and from the North Peak.

   After 2 hours of driving, you will arrive at the Huashan Mountain. First, take the cable car up the North Peak, where you will start your own hiking. The guide will leave you to freely explore the mountain. On top of the mountain, there are several spots such as Taoist temples, sculptures, and engravings. You will enjoy yourself so much on the 4 peaks. After you reach the Golden Lock Pass, you can buy a golden lock and lock it on the iron chains. Visitors usually do this to pray for safety and health. It must be marvelous scenery with thousands of golden locks on the iron chains.

   At the Middle Peak, also called Jade Maiden Peak, immerse yourself in its supernatural atmosphere, seeing the sea of clouds roaring before your eyes and imagining if there are immortals living there. Then you will move on to the East Peak, the South Peak, and the West Peak. You can breathe the fresh air on Mount Huashan!

   Warm Tips:

   • It's a good idea to bring your own lunch or snacks, as there are no restaurants available on the mountain.
   • Comfortable shoes would be necessary.

   Once you finish exploring, head back to the North Peak to take the cable car down to the base of the mountain, where your tour guide will be waiting for you.

   Around 5:00 PM, meet up with your driver and return to your hotel.

   Accommodation: Hotel in Xian

   

4. Day 4: Xian to Guilin by Flight (B, L)
   Visit the Highlights in City Center from Museum to Food Street

   As one of the most famous historical cities, Xian has lots of interesting places to go! Today you will explore the must-see sights in Xian downtown area.

   You will first visit the Xi'an Museum (closed every Tuesday). Located within the ruins of Jianfu Temple in the Tang Dynasty, it forms a historical and cultural scenic area together with the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. Here, you can see 130,000 relics from prehistoric times to the Ming and Qing dynasties, among which Tang Dynasty tri colored horses and Han Dynasty jade artifacts are particularly precious.

   

   Next, you'll head to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. It was first built in 652 A.D. during the Tang Dynasty to store Buddhist scriptures and statues that the monk Xuanzang brought back from India. Today, the pagoda is surrounded by a large square, which is split into North and South sections. The buildings and sculptures around it reflect the Tang Dynasty’s unique style, giving visitors a sense of the glory of that era.

   Continue your visit to Bell and Drum Tower Square, which is located in the very center of the city and is considered the symbol of this old capital. Walking forward, you will come to the Muslim Quarter, where you will find many special local products and authentic local snacks. You can enjoy preserved meat, casserole, various noodles, and purchase some Terracotta Warriors imitations as souvenirs.

   Last, transfer to the airport for your evening flight to Guilin. Upon arrival, meet our local driver and transfer to Guilin downtown hotel for check-in. Have a good rest for tomorrow!

   Accommodation: Hotel in Guilin

   

5. Day 5: Guilin to Longji Rice Terraces (B, L)
   Enjoy Painting-like Rice Terraces and Glimpse Local Minority Culture

   After breakfast, drive to the painting-like Longji Rice Terraces, which have a history of thousands of years. It is hard to believe that the minority people were able to bring the remote mountains under cultivation by the slash-and-burn method over 2,000 years ago. Now the rice terraces not only feed the local people but also provide people around the world a retreat from everyday life.

   When you arrive at the scenic area, you’ll watch a special Long Hair Show put on by Yao Minority women in Huangluo Village. This village is known as the “World’s Longest Hair Village,” by Guinness World Records. The women here are famous for their long, glossy hair, which they only cut once in their lives - when they turn 18. During your visit, you’ll also have a glimpse of how the Zhuang and Yao ethnic groups live and learn about their local traditions.

   After enjoying the spectacular rice terraces, the fragrant bamboo-tube-cooked rice will be waiting for you. The soaked rice is put inside a fresh bamboo tube, and the mouth of the tube is plugged with fresh leaves. The rice will be ready after cooking over a fire for about half an hour. When you cut open the bamboo tube by a knife, the delicate fragrance will greet your nostrils.

   Last, drive you back to your hotel in Guilin downtown.

   Accommodation: Hotel in Guilin

   

6. Day 6: Li River Cruise to Yangshuo (B, L)
   Relax on a Leisurely Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo

   Today is a highlight as you will embark on a ship to cruise down the picturesque Li River!

   Taking the cruise on the Li River, admire the picturesque scenery of this land with a harmonious combination of green hills, rivers, lakes, and fields. But its beauty is not like a still painting, it’s alive when vivid – bamboo rafts leaving wrinkles on the water and cormorants hovering under the working fishermen… Our guide will uncover the hidden history and culture behind the natural screen before you during your cruise.

   

   Kind Reminder: The Li River Cruise lasts about 4 hours. Based on most travelers’ feedback, the included 3-star boat is comfortable enough for the trip. It’s a good idea to eat a full breakfast at your hotel and bring along some snacks, since only a basic boxed lunch will be served on the boat.

   After the 4-hour cruise, disembark at Yangshuo. Follow your guide to explore the famous West Street to admire the antique buildings and local crafts, hanging out in bars and coffee shops, and try some delicious local snacks.

   At the end, transfer you to Yangshuo local hotel for overnight.

   Evening option:‌ If you want a special night experience, don't miss the Impression Show of Liu Sanjie! The performance takes place right on the Li River, with about 600 local fishermen as performers. You'll discover the famous story of Liu Sanjie and get a glimpse into Zhuang culture.

   Accommodation: Hotel in Yanghsuo

   

7. Day 7: Yangshuo Back to Guilin, Departure (B, L)
   Be Amazed at the Light-lit Rock Formations

   After breakfast, take all your belongings and check out the hotel as you will be departing Guilin at the end of the tour.

   After a ‌1.5-hour drive‌ from Yangshuo to Guilin, begin your trip by visiting the famous ‌Reed Flute Cave‌. The cave is named after the reeds that once grew at its entrance - locals used them to make flutes. Inside, you'll see amazing rock formations like ‌stalactites, stalagmites, stone columns, and flowery shapes‌, all formed slowly over time by water and minerals.

   

   After that, move on to the Elephant Trunk Hill. The hill got its name from the shape of an elephant sipping water by the riverside. You will see a round opening between the elephant’s trunk and legs, and it has a beautiful name of Water Moon Cave. You can take beautiful pictures to record the pleasant time at this extraordinary place.

   Say goodbye to Guilin and then be transferred to Guilin airport/train station for your departure. Your 7-day Xian and Guilin tour comes to a perfect end here.