The Essence of Guilin
This 3 days Guilin and Yangshuo tour will allow you to relax in a world of tranquil natural beauty. Marvel at the beautiful timeless countryside on one of the best cruise boats on the Li River. Enjoy a bird's-eye view of the Li River meandering among hundreds of karst hills from Xianggong Hill. Our tours are private and customizable, which means only your requirements to meet, flexibility, and no hurrying.
Tour 'Wow' Points
Relax on a top-class guided Li River cruise, enjoying spectacular landscapes
As travelers leisurely cruise down the river, they can see stunning views of karst mountains, bamboo groves, and traditional fishing villages along the riverbanks.


Enjoy panoramic views of the Li River meandering among karst hills
Xianggong Hill is considered to be one of the best places to enjoy a bird's eye view of the Li River


Explore Guilin's best cave, with your guide's stories of its peculiar formations
Reed Flute Cave is known for its stunning underground gallery of stalactites, stalagmites, rock formations, and various multicolored lights illuminating the cave's interior, creating a magical and surreal atmosphere.


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Exciting trip in Guilin and Yangshuo
![]() Our trip to Guilin and Yangshuo was guided by Henry, a very knowledgeable and helpful local guide. We visited in scorching heat and we had to make some adjustments to the program in order to be able to cope with the heat. Henry was very flexible and resourceful. For instance, he took as to learn and play mahjong in the afternoon, an activity which was lots of fun, and even offered us as a gift a small mahjong set for travel, which we highly appreciated. We also changed the visit to a water cave with a trip to Ruyi Peak, which was fitting our group better. The water cave exploration can be quite tricky as we understand and we have in our group a person over 60, therefore it did not seem appropriate. Instead, we agreed with Henry to visit Ruyi Peak, which offers spectaculor views over the karst scenery. We visited Da'xu ancient town and Red Flute cave in the first day, which was not so exciting, but the Li river cruise and visiting Yangshuo is really worthwhile. Henry also arranged for us to see the Impressions by SanjuLiu show, which we highly recommend. more
Jul 2025, Mihaela2
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Mystisch und bestens umsorgt
![]() Wir wurdem am Bahnhof von Ling abgeholt und bis wir am Hotel ankamen, hatte Sie bereits Medikamente für den Husten meines Mannes und meine Magenverstimmung besorgt. Das Highlight in Guilin, war für uns die Schiffahrt auf dem Lin-Fluss, mystisch und atemberaubend. Die Reissterrassen erstreckten sich endlos. Unser Hotel hatte einen wundersch?nen Blick auf den Fluss und die dahinterliegende Karstlandschaft. Wir k?nnen die private Reiseleitung (Ling und Chauffeur) sowie Chinahighlights w?rmstens empfehlen. Alles hat wunderbar geklappt. more
Jul 2025, helvetia3325
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Beautiful Guilin and Yangshuo
![]() We had the best time in Guilin and Yangshuo with Michelle as our guide. The Li River cruise is not to be missed— truly stunning! We loved the quiet beauty of Yangshuo. My kids loved the Reed Flute Cave, and my husband, and I loved the bike ride along the river in Yangshuo. A cable car ride up the mountain and glass bridge was pretty amazing as well! Loved every moment! Michelle was so accommodating and kind and really did a great job with our four children! I highly recommend Michelle and China Highlights! They made our trip amazing and so easy! more
Jul 2025, Mindy J
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Suggested Itinerary
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.
Welcome to Guilin! No matter whether you're arriving by plane or bullet train, your private guide will be ready to meet you at the arrival hall. A comfortable private car with an experienced driver will be waiting to show you the most beautiful sights of Guilin.
Let's start with the symbol of Guilin, Elephant Trunk Hill. Take signature pictures, listen to the legend of how an elephant turned into a hill there, and find out the secrets hiding in the belly of this "elephant".
After lunch, spend a literally cool afternoon in the Reed Flute Cave. It's a pleasant temperature year-round and fun to see the amazing array of limestone formations highlighted in neon lights.
At the end of the day, your private guide and driver will transfer you to your hotel and assist you with check-in. Enjoy a relaxing evening.
Hotel options:- Lijiang Waterfall Hotel (5-star location and facilities, 4-star service)
- Shangri-La Hotel Guilin (best in Guilin)
Karst hills, graceful bamboo groves, and fishing cormorants - the charming views of the Li River are the essence of Guilin. While most tour groups have a 3-star cruise, we will arrange a 4-star cruise (the highest level, with better facilities and buffet lunch) to ensure you have the best experience of the river's charm.
Arriving at Yangshuo, it's time to explore a hidden gem of the Li River - Xianggong Hill. It is considered to be one of the best places to enjoy a bird's eye view of the Li River.
After the tour, sit back and relax, as our private transport returns you to your hotel in Guilin.
We will arrange with your guide to pick you up and see you off based on your schedule.
Tips to Tailor-Make Your Tour
If you only have two days for Guilin and Yangshuo, the arrangement above is the best solution for classic landscape lovers, however…
Of our customers who spend two nights in the Guilin area, 60% chose to spend at least one night in Yangshuo, and 20% opt for two nights. Yangshuo offers a relaxing country-resort atmosphere and various activities: photography, cooking classes, tai chi lessons, farming experiences, and even rock climbing.
If you would like to spend more time in Yangshuo, please feel free to let us know.
Hotel Selection
—the Icing on the Cake
Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.

Tour Price
Price includes:
- Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
- English speaking local guide
- Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
- 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling
Tour code: gl-1