Grandest China Rivers
If you would like to enjoy the natural beauty of China in a relaxing way, this tour would be a great choice. You will see the two grandest rivers in China, which have different styles of scenery: If the magnificent Yangtze River were a handsome and powerful man, the Li River would be a beautiful and charming girl.
Marvel at nature's hilly harmony and rustic charm when cruising the Li River, and admire the force of nature and Chinese endeavor when cruising the Yangtze.
Make this private, customizable 6-day Guilin and Yangtze River cruise tour your own to enjoy the most celebrated river-wrought magnificence in China.
Tour 'Wow' Points
Enjoy the Epitome of Chinese Landscape Paintings
Experience the world-famous karst formations of Guilin — Chinese painters' classic muse. Cruising along the Li River is just like sailing in a painting gallery.


Explore the Most Beautiful Countryside in China
Enjoy a bike ride in the idyllic Yangshuo countryside with the peaceful rivers, rice paddies, and limestone hills.


Witness the Magnificent Gorges and Super Projects of China
Tour the once-treacherous-and-taxing-but-now-tamed-and-tranquil middle reaches of the Yangtze River. Admire the multi-record-breaking Three Gorges Dam.


Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

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Our China Highlights Beijing experience exceeded our expectations
![]() What an amazing experience. Jiang our guide blew us away with his passion for and knowledge of his country. He made our Beijing visit a memorable experience. He ensured that our daily activities were personalised and seamless. He was very pro-active and flexible, and applied a personal touch, often sharing personal stories and finer details. more
Mar 2025, Jacques
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Eye opening and amazing China
![]() In Beijing for 3 days. Laura is our private tour guide. She is amazing and very detailed oriented. She is also knowledgeable and always able to answers all our questions. Everything is taken care of by her from the moment we step into Beijing. Totally worry free. This is a amazing trip . She had also arranged a surprise for us once we know we came to China for our honeymoon, she arranged my wife to have traditional costume fitted so that we can have a memorable time at summer palace and greatwall. The pictures turned out amazing, and she helped us take so many great shots. At the end of the trip, she even surprised us with a small token gift, which was unexpected and very touching and sweet. Thank you for your warmth and sincerity, it's clear that she loves her job. Highly recommended to book with China Highlights. The entire process was great, and the staff is very responsive, very warm, very kind and helpful. more
Mar 2025, POWER W @powerw.369
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special time in Beijing
![]() great time in Beijing ! Our guide Ethan was amazing . Our flight arrived late at night and as soon as we got our bags we saw his smiling face . He always had great ideas of places to go and extra things to do at night. He even organized a celibration for our wedding aniversary on the great wall of China, imagine coming to the top of the wall and finding flowers,wine & and a banner saying ``Happy Aniversary`` truely a once in a lifetime event . thank you Ethan & China highlights more
Mar 2025, Barbara J
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Itinerary Quick Look
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.
On your arrival in Guilin, your personal guide and driver will meet you at the airport.
Explore an amazing limestone cave in the afternoon. Enjoy the amazing stalactite and stalagmite shapes dissolved by water for millions of years.
Take a picture of the landmark of Guilin, Elephant Trunk Hill before checking into your hotel on the shore of a pretty lake with two pagodas on it.
Enjoy a 4-hour cruise on the Li to Yangshuo. The limestone hills, bamboo trees, water buffalos, and fishermen on their rafts will make you feel like you are sailing in a traditional Chinese painting.
Check in to your hotel in the peaceful countryside of Yangshuo after the cruise. Your guide will show you around by bike to enjoy the beautiful Yulong River and the rice paddies with backed by the charming limestone hills.
Drive back to Guilin. On the way, you will visit Xianggong Hill for amazing views of the Li River and the incredible sea of dragon-tooth peaks around it.
Catch the bullet train to Chongqing in the afternoon (about 5 hours). Your local guide in Chongqing will pick you up at the train station and then transfer you to the pier and help with boarding.
Take a shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City in the morning. There are many buildings built according to traditional Chinese geomancy and statues and artwork reflecting Chinese people's imaginations of the netherworld.
Enjoy the cultural activities on the ship in the afternoon and a night show — War Fires of the Three Kingdoms (optional) after dinner.
If you are interested in Chinese calligraphy and history, the optional excursion to White Emperor City is a nice choice. There you can see the scenery that is printed on the back of a 10-yuan banknote and appreciate stones with calligraphy inscriptions dating back centuries.
Cruise through the spectacular Qutang Gorge and the magnificent Wu Gorge at noon time
Enjoy a shore excursion to Shennv Stream in the afternoon, where you will take a boat to discover this tributary of the Yangtze River, with its clear water that runs southwards through deep and narrow gorges.
Enjoy the Crew Cabaret and Talent Show after dinner on the ship.
Disembark in the morning, and then join the shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam. Getting access to a platform by the dam, you will enjoy the magnificent scenery of this super project and the Yangtze River.
You will be transferred to the Yichang Cruise Terminal in Yichang city. Your private guide and driver will wait for you there and will transfer you to the airport or railway station in plenty of time for your onward journey.
Note: The shore excursions in the itinerary are arranged by Century Cruises. They could vary depending on the cruise you choose.
Hotel Selection
—the Icing on the Cake
Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.


Price Includes: