Guilin Cultural & Scenic Trekking Tour
Trip overview
On this 8-day tour, you will not only admire Guilin's breathtaking natural scenery, but also visit peaceful rural villages that have preserved their unique local cultures through generations.
Here you can explore traditional architecture, savour authentic local delicacies, and even take part in lively village festivals. As you trek across rolling rice terraces from one hamlet to another, you will get to meet friendly locals and experience their genuine way of life. Hiking is a major highlight of this journey. Towering mountains shrouded in mist create a dreamlike landscape that will captivate you completely. You will also walk alongside the Li River and follow the ancient trade route to discover more secluded villages hidden away from the crowds. Immerse yourself in the unspoiled nature and rich folk culture of this authentic corner of China.
Services
Included:
- Entrance fees to scenic spots listed in itinerary
- Meals specified in itinerary
- Assistance on arrival/departure & airport/hotel/station/ferry transfers as specified in itinerary
- Flights/trains specified in itinerary, with flight, airport tax and fuel fees included
- Sightseeing & activities as listed in itinerary
- Accommodation with daily breakfast
- Private transfers between airports, hotels and scenic spots in each city or area in private, air-conditioned vehicle as listed in itinerary
- One bottle of drinking water per person per day
- Service charges
Excluded:
- Flights/sightseeing/meals/other items not listed in itinerary
- Visa application & visa fee
- Gratuities or tips
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (e.g. room service, internet charges, laundry, drinks, telephone calls, optional activities)
- Excess baggage charge
- Optional activities
Optional:
- On request
Itinerary at a Glance
- Day 1: Guilin, China — Welcome to Guilin!
- Day 2: Guilin - Zhaoxing — Take the Train to Zhaoxing Dong Village
- Day 3: Zhaoxing - Longsheng — Hike Across China's Most Breathtaking Rice Terraces
- Day 4: Longsheng - Jinkeng Red Yao Terraced Fields — Head Deeper into Terraced Farmlands
- Day 5: Longsheng - Xingping Town - Yangshuo — Hike Along the Breathtaking Li River
- Day 6: Yangshuo — Follow the Path of Ancient Traders
- Day 7: Yangshuo — Ride a Raft and Cook Like a Local
- Day 8: Yangshuo — Say Goodbye to this Spectacular Region
Destinations on this trip
Day 1: Welcome to Guilin!
You will arrive in Guilin today, a city renowned for breathtaking natural scenery. Our guide will greet you at the airport exit and drive you to a four-star hotel located in the city center. After checking in and freshening up, join a leisurely afternoon city tour. We will visit Reed Flute Cave, the most well-known limestone cave in the area. Boasting typical local karst landscapes, the cave is adorned with stunning stalactites. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy at your own pace.
Day 2: Take the High-speed Train to Zhaoxing Dong Village
After breakfast, you will board the high-speed train for the one-hour trip to Zhaoxing Dong Village. Nestled among lofty mountains, Zhaoxing is one of the largest Dong villages in the area, home to around 4,000 residents. The Dong people have distinctive traditional costumes: local men wear head turbans while women dress in pleated skirts. The village is famous for its unique architecture, particularly drum towers and wind-and-rain bridges. These covered bridges offer shelter for travellers on rainy or windy days. Take a leisurely walk around the village and pay a visit to a local household. Afterwards, join villagers at a tie-dye workshop to learn this traditional folk craft. Following a late lunch, set off on a 3-hour hike to a nearby hamlet. In the evening, enjoy a wonderful performance of the Dong Grand Song, a treasured traditional folk art of the Dong people.
Day 3: Hike Through China's Breathtaking Rice Terraces
This morning, we will travel back to Guilin before heading to the renowned Longji Terraces, home to some of China's most spectacular rice terraces. Our first stop is Longji Ancient Zhuang Village. From here, you will hike onward to Pingan Zhuang Village, where your accommodation is located. The scenic trail lets you experience tranquil rural life and admire the rice terraces from diverse perspectives along the way. You may also see local farmers working in the fields. This 4-kilometer hike serves as a gentle warm-up for the three-day hiking tour starting tomorrow. After checking in at the hotel in Pingan Village, join the local community for a traditional tea ceremony and a communal dinner.
Day 4: Head Deeper into the Terraced Farmlands
Start your day amid serene countryside air and watch the beautiful sunrise over the terraced fields of Ping'an Village. After breakfast, set off on a 4 to 5-hour hike to Dazhai Village. Follow winding flagstone trails along the mountain slopes, where you will pass local ethnic farmers and water buffaloes. As you trek through the land and stop at scattered villages en route, you will gain a deeper understanding of local ethnic groups and their traditional way of life. When rows of stilt houses come into view, you will know you have reached Dazhai Village. This area features the Jinkeng Red Yao Terraced Fields, farmed by the Red Yao people. In the village, you can see long-haired Red Yao women wearing distinctive embroidered costumes.
Day 5: Hike Along the Magnificent Li River
After enjoying a hearty breakfast, refuel for your 5-hour hike along the Li River. Leaving the scenic rice terraces behind, you will descend the misty mountain slopes to the parking lot, where our driver will meet you and transfer you to the foot of Mount Hebao. This marks the start of your riverside walk heading for Xingping. The stretch of the Li River between Yangdi and Xingping is celebrated for its extraordinary scenery. Farmlands line both river banks, alongside thriving orchards. Observe water buffaloes grazing in the fields and admire the striking karst peaks in the distance. You will then board a ferry to Xingping Town, a well-preserved ancient fishing village. Afterwards, we will drive to your hotel in Yangshuo.
Day 6: Follow the Ancient Trade Route
Rise early today for a full day of rewarding hiking. We will first transfer to Fuli Pier, a 30-minute ride from the hotel, to start our trek. Walk along the ancient trade route through quiet, secluded villages. As you climb the old stone steps, listen to the sounds of nature and pass two hills standing 100 meters tall. After a rest, you may choose to take a leisurely 1.5-hour bike ride across the countryside. Immerse yourself in the idyllic rural scenery. Admire stretches of paddy fields nestled at the foot of green hills and beside glassy rivers, where local farmers work the land with water buffaloes. You may take a casual stroll during this period. Later, you have two route options: walk along the dirt road, or cross two small hills to reach Suoshi Village. From here, you can either take a vehicle back to Yangshuo, or continue hiking for another hour to explore a stunning natural scenic area. Our driver will meet you here in the late afternoon and transfer you back to your hotel.
Day 7: Bamboo Rafting & Local Cooking Experience
After breakfast, we will drive to the Yulong River for a relaxing bamboo raft tour. During this 1.5-hour ride, you will get a wonderful glimpse of authentic rural life in China. Later, join a traditional Chinese cooking class. We will first visit a local market to buy fresh ingredients. Under the guidance of an English-speaking instructor, you will learn to cook two to three popular Chinese dishes. After the lesson, you can taste the dishes you have prepared and enjoy a hearty homemade meal. Following lunch, you may try rock climbing on natural cliff faces.
Day 8: Farewell to This Stunning Region
Your wonderful tour draws to a close today. After breakfast, you will have free time at your own pace. Afterwards, you will be transferred to the airport to take your connecting flight. We sincerely hope you have enjoyed this memorable journey in this breathtaking part of China. Wishing you a smooth and pleasant trip ahead.
Good to know
- International flights are not included unless stated in your quote.
- Visa requirements depend on your nationality; we can advise.
- Moderate walking; some steps at heritage sites.
- Itinerary may adjust slightly for weather or local holidays.
