Take to the sky, follow the river, and wander through the city as Guilin unfolds from open landscapes to lively old streets.
Browse Gallery
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$69.00
Soar Above Guilin
Take a hot air balloon ride over Guihai Qinglan’s meadows and karst peaks.
Classic Guilin Scenery
See Elephant Trunk Hill beside the Li River and capture the city’s iconic landscape.
Lakeside & Old Town
Enjoy the Twin Towers, then wander through the lively lanes of East-West Alley.
City from Above
Climb Xiaoyao Tower for sweeping views over Guilin, the Li River, and surrounding hills.
There is more than one way to meet Guilin. Start with the rush of a hot air balloon over Guihai Qinglan, then slow down beside the Li River and let the city unfold at street level. From the quiet reflections of Shan Lake to the buzz of East-West Alley, every stop brings a different mood. Guided by a private guilin tour guide, this guilin city day tour leaves room for scenery, wandering, local flavors, and those unexpected moments that make a day memorable.
Duration
1 day
Tour Type
Private Guided Tours
Theme
Family Tours
Group Size
Only Your Group
Start City
Guilin
Activity Level
MODERATE
Route Map
Map pins show the primary places guests will visit on this route.
A single-day route shown in the exact order configured by the travel team, with clear AM and PM time markers.
Guihai Qinglan (Hot Air Balloon Experience)
attractionBegin your journey at Guihai Qinglan, a scenic retreat often known as the “Little Switzerland of Guilin.” A vast green meadow stretches beneath dramatic karst peaks, while a black swan lake, the iconic “Lonely Tree,” panoramic viewpoints, and a playful petting area create plenty to explore. The hot air balloon ride adds an unforgettable touch, lifting you above the meadow and peaks for a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of Guilin.
Highlights
Elephant Trunk Hill
attractionFrom open countryside to Guilin’s city center, the scenery shifts to one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks: Elephant Trunk Hill. Rising beside the Li River, the karst formation resembles an elephant lowering its trunk to drink from the water. Follow the riverside paths and take in the classic combination of mountain, river, and city that defines Guilin’s landscape.
Highlights
Lunch (optional)
mealRecommended restaurants near the attractions
By lunchtime, take a break at a recommended restaurant near the attractions and enjoy a taste of Guilin’s everyday food culture. A bowl of Guilin rice noodles or a selection of local specialties makes for an easy and flavorful pause between sightseeing stops.
Sun and Moon Twin Towers
attractionA short distance away, Shan Lake offers a quieter change of pace. Standing gracefully above the water, the Sun & Moon Twin Towers form a striking lakeside scene, with their reflections adding another layer to the view. Take a leisurely walk around the lake and enjoy the elegant contrast between the towers, water, and surrounding city.
Highlights
East-West Alley
attractionThe calm of the lakeside gives way to the lively atmosphere of East-West Alley. Historic buildings line the narrow lanes alongside cafés, small shops, local snacks, and contemporary touches. Take your time wandering through the quarter, where Guilin’s older architectural character meets the rhythm of modern local life.
Highlights
Xiaoyao Tower
attractionAs the journey draws to a close, Xiaoyao Tower provides a final change of perspective. Rising above the historic cityscape near the Li River, the tower offers elevated views across Guilin’s rooftops, river, and surrounding hills. Pause at the upper levels and watch the city settle into the quieter rhythm of evening.
Highlights
Optional Experiences
Add upgrades while reviewing the itinerary. Availability is confirmed by the team before final payment.
Experience a traditional Guangxi hair-washing ritual using natural tea bran, ginger, and warm water. Known for its cleansing and refreshing qualities, tea bran leaves your scalp feeling fresh and your hair feeling smooth. Paired with a soothing scalp massage, this local ritual eases travel fatigue while offering a relaxing glimpse into everyday Guangxi traditions.
From $20.00
Adult $20.00 · Child $20.00 · Infant $0.00
Through the creative stone painting experience, create unique Guilin-themed souvenirs. You can participate in it and add exquisite stones and decorative details onto the pre-designed patterns, turning natural materials into a beautiful landscape painting. This is an interesting and meaningful way to connect Guilin's scenery with traditional craftsmanship.
From $15.00
Adult $15.00 · Child $15.00 · Infant $0.00
Comfortable, safe, and well-maintained vehicles throughout your journey.
Late-Model Vehicles (2022+)
All vehicles are 2022 or newer models — modern, safe, and meticulously maintained.
Daily Deep Cleaning
Every vehicle is sanitized and detailed before each use.
Professional Drivers
Licensed, uniformed drivers with 5+ years of tourist transport experience.
Full Insurance Coverage
Comprehensive commercial insurance for all vehicles and passengers.
Onboard Amenities
Complimentary water, Wi-Fi, phone chargers, and tissues on every ride.
Climate Comfort
Dual-zone climate control ensures perfect temperature year-round.
We usually arrange a 5-seater for 1–2 guests, a 7-seater for 3–5 guests, and a 12-seater for 6–9 guests, and so on. All vehicles have ample luggage space. Photos are for reference only. Vehicle brands and models may vary by destination.
Have a specific restaurant or dietary need in mind? Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, and other requests can be accommodated with advance notice.
Heritage Restaurants
Historic establishments with decades of culinary tradition — where locals celebrate.
Local Family Kitchens
Home-cooked meals with local families — authentic recipes passed down generations.
Street Food & Night Markets
Guided tastings through iconic food streets with a local foodie guide.
Farm-to-Table Fresh
Seasonal dishes with ingredients grown on-site, set against scenic backdrops.
Fine Dining & Michelin
Award-winning restaurants with tasting menus, wine pairings, and unforgettable culinary artistry.
Dining Preferences & Dietary Requirements
Share dietary needs, restaurant preferences, or food interests before travel so the advisor can confirm practical arrangements.
Your private guide oversees the day's logistics, including the visit order, pacing, walking routes, attraction entry arrangements, and coordination with the driver. By adjusting the schedule based on traffic, crowd conditions, and your interests, the guide ensures a seamless, flexible, and personalized sightseeing experience.
Licensed & Certified Guides
All guides hold national tourism licenses and have 5+ years of experience.
English Proficiency (IELTS 7+)
Fluent communication — guides can discuss history, culture, and current events with ease.
Multi-Language Available
English, French, German, Spanish, Japanese, and Korean-speaking guides available on request.
Wireless Audio Headsets
Every guest receives a headset so you never miss a word, even in crowded sites.
No Forced Shopping Guarantee
Zero pressure — we never force you into souvenir shops. Your time is yours.
Local Shopping Recommendations
Want authentic gifts? We'll recommend trusted local markets and artisan shops — no tourist traps.
Our “No Forced Shopping” Promise
We guarantee zero shopping stops unless you specifically request them. If you ever feel pressured, contact us immediately for a full refund of that day's service.
Request a Specialist Guide
Interested in a specific topic? We can arrange historian guides for cultural sites, photographer guides for scenic spots, or foodie guides for culinary tours. Just let us know when booking.
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Yes. The hot air balloon is only one part of the visit. You can also walk through the meadow, see the black swan lake and “Lonely Tree,” explore the petting area, and stop at viewpoints before moving on to the city attractions.
Guihai Qinglan is ideal for wide landscape and aerial photography, especially with the meadow, karst peaks, lake, and hot air balloon in the same setting. Elephant Trunk Hill offers classic Guilin scenery, while the Sun & Moon Twin Towers and Xiaoyao Tower provide distinctive architectural and cityscape views.
Rather than focusing only on Guilin’s famous landmarks, the journey combines a countryside escape, a hot air balloon experience, classic karst scenery, lakeside towers, historic streets, and elevated city views. It lets you experience Guilin from the sky, along the river, and through its everyday streets.
Yes. Lunch is optional, so you can use the midday break to try Guilin specialties such as Guilin rice noodles or other regional dishes. East-West Alley also offers opportunities to sample local snacks later in the day.
Yes. Guihai Qinglan is perfect for meadow, karst, and hot air balloon shots. Elephant Trunk Hill captures classic Guilin scenery, while the Twin Towers and Xiaoyao Tower offer beautiful city and riverside views.
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.
Preset private route
Longji Rice Terraces → Ping’an Village → Huangluo Red Yao Village
THE LOCAL DIFFERENCE
Marvel at Longji’s stunning rice terraces, where mountains meet generations of farming wisdom.
Step into Ping’an and Huangluo Yao Village to uncover traditions, customs, and authentic local life.
Preset private route
Elephant Trunk Hill → Sun and Moon Twin Towers → Ancient South Gate → East-West Alley → Jingjiang Princes’ City
THE LOCAL DIFFERENCE
Trace the city’s story through ancient landmarks, royal heritage, and traditions.
Experience the unique blend of Guilin’s landscapes, architecture, and traditions.
Preset private route
Hotel Pickup → Li River Cruise → Yangshuo West Street
THE LOCAL DIFFERENCE
Wander through legendary landscapes shaped by rivers, mountains, and centuries of culture.
Connect with local traditions and uncover the hidden charm of Yangshuo’s timeless culture.
Preset private route
