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5-Day Guilin Off-the-Beaten-Path Tour

Written by LancyUpdated Apr. 8, 2024

Find the Hidden Paintings in "God's Gallery"

Opened up to the outside world in 1973, Guilin was one of the first tourist cities in China to be reopened to foreign visitors. Its painting-perfect landscape brings it enduring popularity. Guilin's classic scenery is always attractive, but if you don't want to tell the same story as other visitors, this 5-day Guilin tour will take you to find the hidden beauty of Guilin and enjoy its classic appeal in new ways.

Tour 'Wow' Points

Catch Exclusive Views of the Li River at Secret Places

Hike and go hill climbing to discover hidden beauties unknown to over 90% of tourists. Enjoy God's-eye views.

a man standing on the mountain
the mountain view from a guesthouse

Explore a Wild Limestone Cave Instead of a Developed One

Visit a cave that has never been touched by ordinary tourists. Study the stalactites and stalagmites like a geologist, take a fast-rope down the "abyss" like an explorer, and play spooky shadow games like a caveman.

a man in red in the cave
activities in the cave

Discover a Beautiful Valley That Is Unknown Even to the Locals (optional)

Have a day tour to a non-karst area in the east of Guilin. The bamboo forest, the waterfall, the beautiful valley, and the beautiful valley scenery are hidden gems that have not been spoiled by tourism.

sijiang valley
the waterfall

Enjoy a Refreshing Sidecar Ride in the Idyllic Countryside

Try a popular new offbeat way to explore Yangshuo. Sit back and take in more of the views. Let your cheerful shouts join the purr of the engine and the whoosh of the wind.

cross the river by sidecars
sidecar by the rice paddies

Enjoy the Breeze on the Rice Terrace Fields

Witness the incredible terraced fields in the north of Guilin. Get off the paved path, walk into the fields and sit down on the centuries-old levees to enjoy a peaceful moment.

a family on the top of the hill
children on the bank of the river

"Taste" Guilin City at Night

Have a relaxing city walk at night. Unlock the stories of this small city while strolling in the alleys and tasting the local delicacies.

snail noodles
local snacks in Guilin

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Itinerary Quick Look

Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.

Day 1 Guilin Arrival and Terraced Fields

Meet your personal guide and driver at the airpoort. Drive to the Longji Terraced Fields (about 1.5 hours). Explore the minority villages on the mountainsides. Enjoy magnificent views of the rice terraces and understand how local people make their living on the mountains.

Transfer to your hotel after the tour. Enjoy a city walk in the evening. Enjoy the pretty night views of Guilin and its tasty snacks.

Day 2 Guilin to Xingping | Wild Cave Adventure or Sijiang Valley

Explore a wild cave in the suburbs of Guilin. Your personal guide and caving coach will show you the beautiful rocks and explain how they came into being. You can play a shadow game and turn off your flashlight to experience the pure darkness. Try the exciting 'fast rope' under the supervision and protection of your coach.

Another option: If you would prefer something other than caving, exploring Sijiang Valley in the east of Guilin is another recommendation. Climb a mountain blanketed in a bamboo forest to enjoy a waterfall and magnificent valley views.

Stay overnight in a peaceful village facing Xingping Town across the Li River. Prepare for the most beautiful Li River scenery on day 3.

Day 3Xingping to Yangshuo | Exclusive Views of the Li River

Enjoy a short hike half way up a hill for a beautiful view of the Li River and the peaks on its banks. The nunnery on the way is also interesting to visit.

Have lunch in a guesthouse hidden in the mountains.

Take a ferry boat across the river to Xingping Town. Walk along the old street and then climb a hill behind the town to witness the famous view of the Li River that is on the 20-yuan banknote from an exclusive angle.

We'll drive you to Yangshuo at the end of the day.

Day 4Yangshuo | Relax in the Idyllic Countryside

Enjoy a breakfast on the bank of the Yulong River. And then drift along with a relaxing bamboo raft ride on the Yulong River.

Explore the countryside by a sidecar or a bike. Find a secret tunnel cave for an exclusive view of the Yulong River.

Enjoy a beautiful sunset at your hotel.

Day 5 Yangshuo to Guilin and Departure

Your personal guide and driver will escort you back to Guilin airport for your departure.

Hotel Selection

—the Icing on the Cake

Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.

Xiping Island Resort
the balcony of the hotel
FromCNY5910/USD940p/p Based on a private tour for 2 people. Price varies depending on the program, travel date, number of people, and chosen hotel

Price Includes:

  • Private 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-8

Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.

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