3-Day The Essence of Guilin

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.

Li River cruise
Li River cruise

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

Xianggong hill
Xianggong hill

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.

colorful rocks in Reed Flute Cave
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Suggested Itinerary

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

Day 1 Arrival and Classic Guilin

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)
Day 2 Li River Cruise and Xianggong Hill

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.

Day 3 Guilin Departure

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.

Waterfall hotel

Tour Price

FromUS$389p/p Based on a private tour for 2 people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people and chosen hotel

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

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Maximize Your Flexibility

Maximize Your Flexibility

  • Your own personal guide and ride.
  • Explore at your own pace.
  • Unparalleled flexibility, impossible on a group tour.
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Ensure Your Satisfaction

  • The Top 20% nationwide guides at your service.
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Address: Building 6, Chuangyi Business Park, 70 Qilidian Road, Guilin, Guangxi, 541004, China