Essence Of Guilin & Longsheng Hiking Tour

Day 1

Place & Transport: Arrive in Guilin, Flight not included
Today's Activities: Airport Transfer (Guilin)

Day 2

Place & Transport: Guilin to Longsheng
Today's Activities: Reed Flute Cave, Elephant Trunk Hill, Our guide and driver will escort you from Guilin to Longsheng, Minority village and Longsheng Terraced Field
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch at McFound Restaurant, Chinese Dinner at Longji Ping'an Restaurant

- Reed Flute Cave (1 hour): Located 5 kilometers northwest of Guilin city, the Reed Flute Cave gets the name from the reeds used for making flutes and pipes that grow at its entrance. The cave is regarded as the largest and most impressive cave in Guilin. It is 240 meters long, and the length of the tour is about 550 meters offering a magic land of stalactites, stalagmites, stone pillars, stone curtains, birds, plants and animals in fantastic shapes and colors. The visit lasts for 40 minutes and there are a lot of steps. Watch your step as the lights are dim. You guide will show you by electric torch.
- Elephant Trunk Hill (40 minutes): Elephant Trunk Hill is located at the junction of Li River and Peach Blossom River. It is the symbol of Guilin with 55 meters high and got its name because its shape resembles an elephant with its trunk drinking from the Li River. The hill is pierced with many caves and topped with a small pagoda.
- McFound Restaurant: A restaurant which decorated in traditional northern style, with wheaten food of full aroma and household atmosphere of authentic culture, is warmly welcome for customers.
- Minority village and Longsheng Terraced Field: The Longji Terraces are built into the steep mountain range named "The Dragon's Backbone" about 2.5 hours from Guilin. The terraces look like ribbons as they wind from the foot to the top of the mountain. This ingenious construction makes best use of the scarce arable land and water resources in the mountainous area. There are about 66 square kilometers of terraced fields in the district. The Terraces were first built in the Yuan dynasty and completed in the Qing dynasty by the Zhuang people. Zhuang and Yao minority villages dot the area and feature traditional unique architecture where no nails are used in construction. The different minority customs and dressing styles are especially interesting. Sedan chairs are available from the parking lot to the top of the mountain for customers who would like to see the great views but do not wish to climb all the way up to the top; it takes about CNY350 per person for the round trip.
- Longji Ping'an Restaurant: Ping'an restaurant is one of the popular restaurants in Longji terrace, which is located half way up of the terrace field and will take some steps to get there. The restaurant mainly serves Guilin local dishes and is especially famous for roasted Bamboo Rice and fresh vegetables.

Day 3

- Longsheng Short Hiking : Hiking along the large pieces of Terraced Field is a nice experience. The scene of farming and the beautiful village scenery will feast your eyes with a pure country life style. It takes around 5 hours to finish this short hiking. Hiking Tips: 1. Wear walking shoes and clothes which are suitable for outdoor activities. 2. Don't forget to bring water, sunscreen, sun-glasses, and cap etc. 3. June and November are the recommended times. June is the time when crop are irrigated and November is harvest time. Spring and autumn are also recommended because the temperatures and humidity are lower.

Day 4

Place & Transport: Guilin to Yangshuo
Today's Activities: Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo.
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

- Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo. (4 hours): A cruise along the Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo is an unforgettable experience. As you take in the stunning scenery, there's something interesting to see at almost every bend in the river. Between spectacular limestone peaks you'll see graceful bamboo groves, farmers tending rice paddies, and lumbering water buffaloes pulling carts or cooling off in the river. You may see fishermen gliding along on their narrow bamboo rafts, and if you're very lucky you might see one of the famous fishing cormorants. Boats depart from various wharves, according to the height of the river at different times of the year.The Li river cruise is by a medium size boat which can accommodate about 140 passengers.

Day 5

Place & Transport: Yangshuo to Guilin to Departure City, Flight not included
Today's Activities: Yangshuo Countryside Cycling, Our guide and driver will escort you from Yangshuo to Guilin, Airport Transfer (Guilin)
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch at cafe Del Moon

- Yangshuo Countryside Cycling: Experience the hustle & bustle of the Yangshuo traffic for 10 minutes before you escape onto the country roads, lanes and tracks of the distinctive and beautiful Yangshuo countryside. Biking alongside the paddy field and orchards that surround the famous mountains will give a fascinating insight into life in rural China. You will have a family visit on the half way. It is an opportunity to see a real country life and talk to the local farmers.
- cafe Del Moon: Cafe Del Moon is one of the most popular restaurants in Yangshuo West Street, it serve western cuisine especially for firewood pizza, as well as variety of ground coffee are provided in the restaurants, people can choose to take the upstairs seat to enjoy the surrounding mountain scenery.