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Guilin
Guilin · Guangxi, China

Guilin Tours - Li River, Yangshuo & Karst Mountains

Cruise the Li River through karst peaks, bike Yangshuo's rice paddies, and trek the Longji Rice Terraces — all on a private Guilin China tour with a local guide.

Why Visit Guilin

Guilin Travel at a Glance

Guilin's landscape has defined the Chinese imagination for over a thousand years — the same karst peaks that appear on the 20-yuan note, the same Li River that inspired classical poets, and the same rice terraces carved into mountainsides by Zhuang and Yao farmers over 700 years ago. A Guilin China tour centers on the 83-kilometer Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, widely considered one of the world's most scenic river journeys, where limestone pinnacles rise from emerald water past water buffalo, bamboo rafts, and fishing villages. Beyond the river, Yangshuo offers countryside cycling through rice paddies and karst caves, the Longji Rice Terraces deliver vertigo-inducing mountain scenery 2 hours north of the city, and the Reed Flute Cave reveals a kaleidoscope of stalactites and stalagmites just 5 kilometers from downtown Guilin. With over 300 days of sunshine per year, direct flights from Beijing and Shanghai, and high-speed rail from Guangzhou in under 3 hours, Guilin remains one of China's most accessible and rewarding natural destinations — and a signature chapter on any multi-city China tour package.

Map Focus

Guilin, China

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City basics

5 facts
Best Time to VisitMarch–May and Sept–Nov offer mild weather and clear skies. The Li River peaks in summer rainfall.
Getting ThereFlights to Guilin Liangjiang Airport. High-speed rail from Guangzhou (2.5h) and Kunming (5h).
Top AttractionsLi River cruise, Longji Rice Terraces at sunrise, cormorant fishing, and Reed Flute Cave (1,200 years old).
FoodGuilin rice noodles (桂林米粉) in pork-bone broth, Yangshuo beer fish, and stuffed river snails.
Ethnic CultureZhuang, Yao, and Miao villages in Longsheng — the Dragon's Backbone terraces were carved 700 years ago.

More planning guides

Each topic opens a short planning layer first, then links into detailed editorial or product-led guidance.

Private Guided Tours

Guilin Private Guided Tours - Li River, Yangshuo & Rice Terraces

Every Guilin private tour includes your own local expert guide, a dedicated vehicle, and instant confirmation. From the iconic Li River cruise to Yangshuo countryside cycling and Longji Rice Terrace treks — all routes adjustable on the spot.

2-Day Guilin Photography Tour & Local Experience: Capture Rivers, Villages and Hidden Gems
Private Tours
2 days / 1 nightFamily Tours
TRAVEL LIKE A LOCALInstant Confirmation

2-Day Guilin Photography Tour & Local Experience: Capture Rivers, Villages and Hidden Gems

Elephant Trunk Hill → Crown Cave → East Li Ancient Village → Daxu Ancient Town → Yulong River Bamboo Rafting → Fuli Bridge → Silver Cave

THE LOCAL DIFFERENCE

Admire the city’s legendary mountains and rivers, from the famous Elephant Trunk Hill to hidden karst wonders underground.

Experience the rhythms of rural Guilin through village encounters, traditional customs, and authentic local flavors.

Immersive Local ExperienceCultural ImmersionPicture-Perfect
From $130

Preset private route

Book Now
A Two-Day Guilin Private Tour from Longji Rice Terraces to Yangshuo’s Karst Country
Private Tours
2 days / 1 nightCulture Tours
TRAVEL LIKE A LOCALInstant Confirmation

A Two-Day Guilin Private Tour from Longji Rice Terraces to Yangshuo’s Karst Country

Longji Rice Terraces → Ping'an Village → Huangluo Red Yao Village → Li River Scenic Cruise → Yangshuo West Street → Ten-Mile Gallery Countryside Breeze Ride

THE LOCAL DIFFERENCE

See two of Guilin’s signature landscapes—layered rice terraces and towering karst peaks.

Discover Red Yao traditions, distinctive dress, and fascinating long-hair heritage.

Immersive Local ExperienceCultural ImmersionCruise
From $145

Preset private route

Book Now
Chase Karst Peaks, Follow the Li River | 2-Day Guilin Yangshuo Tour
Private Tours
2 days / 1 nightClassic Tours
TRAVEL LIKE A LOCALInstant Confirmation

Chase Karst Peaks, Follow the Li River | 2-Day Guilin Yangshuo Tour

Elephant Trunk Hill → Shangri-La Scenic Area → Ten-Mile Gallery Countryside Breeze Ride → Fuli Ancient Town → Xingping Ancient Town → Lunch → Li River Bamboo Rafting

THE LOCAL DIFFERENCE

Move from Guilin’s iconic Elephant Trunk Hill into Yangshuo’s karst peaks, green fields, and village roads.

Feel the countryside breeze on an electric scooter as the Ten-Mile Gallery unfolds around you.

Natural WondersEasy walkingCultural Immersion
From $107

Preset private route

Book Now
From Via Ferrata to Bamboo Rafts: The Ultimate Guilin to Yangshuo Adventure Day
Private Tours
1 dayAdventure
TRAVEL LIKE A LOCALInstant Confirmation

From Via Ferrata to Bamboo Rafts: The Ultimate Guilin to Yangshuo Adventure Day

Yangshuo Via Ferrata Adventure → Yulong River Bamboo Rafting

THE LOCAL DIFFERENCE

Feel the thrill of a 23-meter bungee jump and high-altitude Via Ferrata challenges above Yangshuo.

Choose Sky Ladder, cliffside crossings, or treetop obstacles with an exhilarating 80-meter zipline.

Nature sceneryBreathtaking ViewsOutdoor Adventure
From $105

Preset private route

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A River-Filled Private Day Tour That Turns into an Unforgettable Guilin Night
Private Tours
1 dayPhotography
TRAVEL LIKE A LOCALInstant Confirmation

A River-Filled Private Day Tour That Turns into an Unforgettable Guilin Night

Silver Cave → Yulong River Bamboo Rafting → Impression Liu Sanjie

THE LOCAL DIFFERENCE

Step beneath Yangshuo’s peaks and uncover a hidden world where dazzling karst formations reveal nature’s quiet artistry.

Glide along Yulong River at an easy pace, surrounded by peaceful countryside and postcard-perfect mountain scenery.

Unforgettable LandscapesNight TourCultural Immersion
From $127

Preset private route

Book Now
Guilin & Yangshuo Outdoor Day Tour: Cave Exploration, Bamboo Rafting & Countryside Ride
Private Tours
1 dayAdventure
TRAVEL LIKE A LOCALInstant Confirmation

Guilin & Yangshuo Outdoor Day Tour: Cave Exploration, Bamboo Rafting & Countryside Ride

Yulong River Bamboo Rafting → Ten-Mile Gallery Countryside Breeze Ride → Longmen Water Cave Underground Adventure

THE LOCAL DIFFERENCE

Glide along the Yulong River, surrounded by tranquil waters, rice fields, villages, and iconic karst peaks.

Ride an electric scooter through the Ten-Mile Gallery, following winding roads past bamboo groves and peaceful villages.

Family friendlyOutdoor AdventureNature scenery
From $122

Preset private route

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Tailor-made Travel

Tailor-Made Guilin China Tour Packages: Custom Routes & Multi-City Itineraries

Work one-on-one with a Guilin travel advisor to design a trip around your pace — from a 3-day Li River escape to a multi-city China tour package linking Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, and Shanghai. All trips include WhatsApp support.

14-Day Best of China Tour with Yangtze River Cruise
TAILOR-MADE
14 days / 13 nightsClassic Tours
TRAVEL LIKE A LOCAL

14-Day Best of China Tour with Yangtze River Cruise

Shanghai → Guilin → Yangshuo → Chongqing → Yangtze River Cruise → Xi'an → Beijing

THE LOCAL DIFFERENCE

Balance Shanghai's skyline, Guilin's karst scenery, the Yangtze cruise and northern China classics.

Flights, trains, cruise boarding, luggage timing and hotel changes are coordinated by the advisor team.

Tailor-made TravelPrivate guide planningManual quotation
Price on request

Advisor-designed private journey

Tour Details
15-Day Ultimate China Experience Private Local Tour of Scenic & Cultural Wonders
TAILOR-MADE
15 days / 14 nightsAdventure
TRAVEL LIKE A LOCAL

15-Day Ultimate China Experience Private Local Tour of Scenic & Cultural Wonders

Shanghai → Huangshan → Hangzhou → Guilin → Xi'an → Beijing

THE LOCAL DIFFERENCE

Cover mountains, lakes, caves, terraces, water towns, ancient capitals & the Great Wall in one trip

Multi-transport including train, flight, private car & cruise; guides wait at terminals with local commentary service

Private guide planningManual quotationFlexible hotels and pace
Price on request

Advisor-designed private journey

Tour Details

Top Things to Do on a Guilin Tour

01

Li River cruise

Li River cruise anchors the Guilin experience for travelers planning karst rivers, rice terraces, countryside cycling, and family-friendly soft adventure.

02

Yangshuo countryside

Yangshuo countryside anchors the Guilin experience for travelers planning karst rivers, rice terraces, countryside cycling, and family-friendly soft adventure.

03

Longji Rice Terraces

Longji Rice Terraces anchors the Guilin experience for travelers planning karst rivers, rice terraces, countryside cycling, and family-friendly soft adventure.

04

Reed Flute Cave

Reed Flute Cave anchors the Guilin experience for travelers planning karst rivers, rice terraces, countryside cycling, and family-friendly soft adventure.

05

Cormorant fishing

Cormorant fishing anchors the Guilin experience for travelers planning karst rivers, rice terraces, countryside cycling, and family-friendly soft adventure.

06

Guilin neighborhoods

Guilin neighborhoods anchors the Guilin experience for travelers planning karst rivers, rice terraces, countryside cycling, and family-friendly soft adventure.

Traveler Companion

Guilin planning FAQs

Practical answers for planning Guilin, grouped by the fixed customer-approved FAQ categories.

What evening entertainment is available in Guilin?

Impression Liu Sanjie — an outdoor light show on the Li River directed by Zhang Yimou — is Yangshuo's highlight. Night cruises on Two Rivers & Four Lakes and cormorant fishing shows are also popular.

Is the Impression Liu Sanjie show worth seeing?

Yes. The outdoor stage uses the Li River and karst mountains as a backdrop, with hundreds of performers singing folk songs. Book in advance during peak season — shows sell out quickly.

Wider Horizons

Beyond Guilin

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