7-Day Shanghai to Guilin Tour: Skyscrapers, Rice Terraces & Karst Landscapes
Tour Overview
Discover the fascinating contrasts of China in this 7-day Shanghai and Guilin tour.
Begin your journey in Shanghai, China’s largest metropolis, where the futuristic skyline seamlessly meets the historic charm of the Bund. Here, you’ll experience China’s rapid modern development.
Head south to Guilin and Yangshuo, where every day reveals a different view. Cruise the emerald Li River, hike across cascading rice terraces, step into ethnic villages and explore unique karst landscapes.
This journey combines urban discovery, light outdoor adventure and cultural experience, offering you a diverse taste of China.
Travel destinations: Shanghai, Guilin, Yangshuo
Suitable for: First-time visitors, nature & outdoor enthusiasts, cultural lovers, photographers
Tour type: Private
Tour at A Glance
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Day
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Destination
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What to See & Do
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1 – 2
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Shanghai
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Shanghai Tower skyline views, art treasures in Shanghai Museum, classical Yuyuan Garden, historic architecture and Lujiazui skyscrapers at the Bund
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3
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Shanghai – Guilin
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Scenic high-speed rail journey from Shanghai to Guilin
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4 – 5
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Longsheng
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Longji Rice Terraces and Jinkeng Rice Terraces hiking, cultural exploration at Huangluo Yao Village and Ping’an Zhuang Village
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6
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Yangshuo
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Li River cruise, countryside scenery along Yulong River, West Street local flavors
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7
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Guilin
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Reed Flute Cave and karst wonders at Elephant Trunk Hill
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Highlights of this tour
Witness Shanghai’s striking contrast: the futuristic cloud-piercing skyscrapers, heritage colonial-era architecture of the Bund, and tranquility in classical Ming-dynasty gardens.
Hike through cascading Longji Rice Terraces and walk inside ethnic villages to gain an insight into the daily lives of the Yao and Zhuang people.
Drift down the Li River on a scenic cruise, passing through dramatic karst peaks, emerald bamboo groves, and little riverside villages, as well as capturing the scenery of RMB 20.
Slow down your pace in Yangshuo to cycle or raft along the Yulong River, explore peaceful rural villages, and sample local flavors on lively West Street.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Shanghai Arrival
After arrival in Shanghai, meet your local guide who holds a welcome sign with "China Xian Tour" at the exit. Then board the private car to the well-selected hotel in the downtown area for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to rest or begin exploring the city at your own pace.
If you land at Pudong Airport, you can choose to experience the Shanghai Maglev Train, famous for its extremely fast speed. In just about 8 minutes, thisĀ trainĀ covers the 30-kilometer distanceĀ from the airport to Longyang Road. Itās a thrilling introduction to Chinaās modern infrastructure.
Optional Night Activity: The "ERA Time and Space Journey 2" in Shanghai Circus City (usually starting at 19:30) will offer you a visual feast. The breathtaking acrobatic shows, such as Big ball racing, dancing in the sky, and colorful clouds chasing the moon, combine with 3D multimedia projection, creating an immersive experience.
ERA Time and Space Journey 2 in Shanghai Circus City - Day 2: Shanghai Downtown HighlightsExperience Shanghaiās Dynamic Blend of Futuristic Skyline and Cultural Treasures
Today's Shanghai exploration starts with an adventure to China's highest building -Ā Shanghai Tower in Lujiazui.
The super high speed elevator will take you to the 118-floor observation deck in just 55 seconds. Standing at a height of 546 meters, enjoy a panoramic city skyline like the Jinmao Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center, the other two tallest buildings in Shanghai.
Move on toĀ Shanghai Museum East, a world-class museum of ancient Chinese art. You can discover world-class ancient Chinese artĀ including bronzes, sculptures, ceramics,Ā jades and paintings, etc. Don't miss the interactive digital exhibition hall on the 2nd floor, which brings history to life.
Please note that the museum is closed on Mondays.
Yuyuan Garden is the best-preserved classic Jiangnan-style garden in Shanghai. Wander through the winding corridors, pavilions, rockeries and ponds to feel its elegant beauty and exquisite design of Chinese garden. Spot the exquisite Jade Rock, one of the three famous rocks in south China.
Classic buildings in Yuyuan Garden in autumn Adjacent to the garden lies the Yuyuan Bazaar, a bustling commercial street integrating classical architecture and Shanghai-style folk culture.
Head to āThe No. 1 Commercial Street of ChinaāĀ - Nanjing Road. Browse trendy stores like POP MART or sample local pastries from time-honored brands like Shen Da Cheng.
Continue strolling along the way eastward to the BundĀ and witnessĀ both the grandeur of the past and the towering skyline. On one side are 52 classical buildings of various styles, including Gothic and Baroque ones, and on the other is the ultra-modern skyscrapersĀ of Lujiazui across the river.
Optional Evening Activity:Ā Take the Huangpu River Cruise for a 360-degree unobstructed night view from the water.
- Day 3: Shanghai to Guilin by High-speed Train
Board the 7-hour high-speed train from Shanghai to Guilin today. Suggested Train: G263/11:00 - 18:18. Upon arrival, the local driver will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel.
Optional Night Activity: Take a night cruise and sail through the landscapes in the Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area, where Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas cast their golden and silver glow onto the lake, 3D light show is performed, and karst peaks and ancient bridges are illuminated.
Enjoy a Night Cruise on the Two Rivers and Four Lakes - Day 4: Guilin to Longsheng by Private VehicleWander along Layered Rice Terraces, Experience the Life of Yao and Zhuang Ethnic Minorities
Set out forĀ Longji Rice Terraces, a 2.5-hour drive away. The terraced fields, carved into the mountainsides, extend layer upon layer like giant natural stairways that blanket the slopes. As the season changes, it presents different landscapes.
Several ethnic villages are scattered throughout the scenic area. Huangluo Yao VillageĀ is known as the First Village of Long Hair in the World. When wandering along the lanes, you will encounter women in traditional red ethnic clothes, their extraordinarily long hair, offering a glimpse into their daily lives.
Watch Yao women swing their floor-length hair in Huangluo Yao Village Continue driving to Pingāan Zhuang Village. Take a leisurely walkĀ along the stone-paved path into the village, passing through traditional wooden houses, terraced fields and forests.
Then hike up to the viewing platform for magnificent views of iconicĀ landscapes ā the Seven Stars with MoonĀ andĀ Nine Dragons and Five Tigers.
Travel Tips:
- Comfortable shoes are essential, as exploring the terraces involves walking on uneven stone paths.
- The scenery of the terraced fields changes significantly with the seasons: mirror-like water fields in spring, lush emerald greens in summer, and golden waves in autumn. Choose the travel season based on what you'd most like to see.
- Day 5: Longsheng to Guilin by Private VehicleGo Deep into the Rice Terraces through Scenic Hiking and Authentic Village Life Experience
Refresh yourself with the tranquil scenery in the early morning. If you're interested, head to the viewing platform on your own to appreciate the spectacular sunrise over rice terraces.
Follow theĀ classic hiking route from Pingāan to Zhongliu VillageĀ after breakfast. Along the way, see the local villagers working in the fields and the wooden houses dotting the slopes. When you get tired, stop at the viewpoint to rest and overlook the surrounding landscapes.
Continue hiking toĀ Dazhai VillageĀ in the Jinkeng Rice Terraces.Ā If Ping'an is defined by gentle elegance, Jinkeng stuns with epic grandeur, featuring vast bowl-shaped terraces that stretch down the mountain.
Golden wheat in Jinkeng Rice Terraces in Longsheng After the tour, drive back to Guilin.
Hike Preparation: The total hiking distance is quite long, taking about 4 - 5 hours. So it is advised to wear non-slip hiking shoes and bring drinking water, sun protection products and some snacks.
- Day 6: Guilin to Yangshuo by CruiseCruise through Karst Landscapes along Li River and Immerse Yourself in Yangshuoās Tranquil Countryside
Board the Li River cruiseĀ ship at the pier and set off on a 4-hour scenic journey to Yangshuo. As the boat glides slowly forward, the dramatic karst peaks, riverside villages, and shimmering water blend into a living landscape painting.
The cruise also passesĀ classic sights like Nine-Horse Fresco Hill andĀ Yellow Cloth Shoal.
Yangshuo West Street waterscape view Boat Upgrade Option: We usually arrange a 3-star cruise ship. If you prefer a more comfortable space and a more abundant lunch, please ask your travel consultant to upgrade you to a 4-star boat.
After arrival at Yangshuo, check in at the hotel and take a short break. Then, move to Yulong River. Compared with the magnificent Li River, the Yulong RiverĀ is more serene and beautiful.
Along both banks are rollingĀ green mountains, bamboo groves, fields and villages, presenting the most classic rural scenery of Yangshuo. Biking, bamboo rafting and hiking are all popular ways to explore the area.
Safety Tip: Children under 1 meter in height and seniors over 70 years oldĀ are not allowedĀ to ride the bamboo rafts.
Afterwards, head to West Street, a historic old street that now blends traditional architecture with modern commerce, featuring characteristic restaurants, cafes, bars, handicraft shops and local snack stalls. When night falls, the street truly comes alive.
Taste local delicacies such as beer fish and Guilin rice noodles, or enjoy a drink to relax yourself.
Optional Night Activity:
Watch the Impression Liu Sanjie, a large-scale live performanc set against the natural backdrop of the Li River and its surrounding peaks, integrating together the cultures of the Zhuang, Yao and other ethnic groups.
- Day 7: Guilin DepartureExplore the Iconic Karst Hill and Karst Cave
Transfer back to Guilin by a private vehicle this morning. Then, begin the last day with the city landmark - Elephant Trunk Hill. It gets its nameĀ from the mountain resemblance to a huge elephant stretching its trunk into the river to drink.
Capture a panorama at the viewing platform and walk to the Shuiyue Cave to see the stone carvings. You can take a bamboo raft to get a close look at Elephant Trunk Hill (optional, at your own expense).
Next, immerse yourself in the dazzling underworld of Reed Flute Cave.Ā The cave is filled with stalactites, stalagmites, stone pillars and stone curtains that have formed over hundreds of millions of years.
As you walk along the path into the cave, a variety of fantastical landscapes unfoldĀ before your eyes under colorful lights.
Guilin Reed Flute Cave illuminated karst cavern with stalactites Your tour concludes here and then a private transfer will be arranged to the airport or train station for your departure.
Tour Price Per Person
The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel. Please contact us for a specific price.
Accommodation For This 7-Day Shanghai and Guilin Tour
For your China private tour, the choice is in your hands: you can selectĀ luxury 5-star hotelsĀ for unparalleled comfort,Ā cozy 4-starĀ accommodations, orĀ value-for-money 3-starĀ options.
All our partner hotels are handpicked forĀ their prime locations, conveniently situated near bustling commercial areas. Every room is equipped withĀ standard amenitiesĀ like air conditioning, hot water, 24-hour showers, reliable Wi-Fi, and windows for natural light.
InĀ some hotels, there are English-speaking staffĀ who are committed to providing attentive service. Should you have any special requests, feel free to ask - they are always ready to assist.
