I did a 2-week tour in China, in Dec24/Jan25 and I was very pleased with Asia Odyssey. They handled everything very professionally, from the good accommodations to the great tour guides we had. I totally recommend this company for China tours.
Take Guilin Tours at Best Prices with a Trusted Local-Based Agency in Guilin over 10 Years
Discover Guilin with Asia Odyssey Travel, our team of proud locals who have been crafting unforgettable Guilin tours for over a decade. With our deep-rooted knowledge and passion, we offer Guilin private tours and Guilin small group tours designed to provide the best experience at competitive budget prices.
Guilin, a dazzling jewel of China, entices travelers with its stunning karst landscapes, peaceful countryside, the famous Li River, and the awe-inspiring Longji Rice Terraces. A highlight of any China tour, Guilin promises moments of beauty and wonder that will leave you enchanted.
Plan Your Perfect Guilin Tours with Asia Odyssey Travel
Guilin’s charm lies in four main areas. Spend 3 to 5 days exploring these iconic areas, or mix and match based on your interests.
Tailored Guilin Tours Based on Your Interests at Local Prices
We know Guilin better than anyone! To cater to different travelers' preferences, you can opt for classic sightseeing or themed adventures, such as hiking, photography, family vacations, or summer trips. Choose from our thoughtfully designed Guilin tour packages and enjoy stunning scenery, rich culture, and exciting activities. Join us for an authentic Guilin experience that you'll cherish forever!
"Excellent Tour, best experience"
"A unique experience despite a difficult context thanks
to an experience team of organisers"
Uncover the enchanting beauty of Guilin with our Classic Private Tours! Stroll through vibrant downtown streets, cruise the serene Li River, explore the idyllic Yangshuo countryside, or admire the breathtaking Longji Rice Terraces - all offering unforgettable moments.
Craving more adventure? Our Themed Tours provide thrilling activities like hiking, biking, bamboo rafting, and kayaking. Try something unique such as SUP or rock climbing, or enjoy family-friendly packages perfect for a summer getaway. Select your way and go in your style!
For a fulfilling week-long vacation, consider embarking on a captivating short tour that combines the beauty of Guilin with its surrounding destinations. Indulge in the vibrant allure of Hong Kong, immerse yourself in the panda's hometown of Chengdu, marvel at the Avatar mountains of Zhangjiajie, and experience the majesty of the Yangtze River. Prepare yourself for a week filled with unforgettable experiences and cherished memories.
How about taking a comprehensive China tour that includes Guilin? Indulge in an incredible journey that expands beyond the enchanting landscapes of Guilin and Yangshuo, allowing you to explore other captivating destinations as well. Below, we present 6 highly recommended China tour packages, meticulously curated to be all-inclusive and offered at the most competitive prices. Rest assured, these packages are designed to provide you with a seamless and unforgettable travel experience, ensuring that every aspect of your trip is taken care of.
Wondering how to plan your Guilin tour? Whether you prefer classic routes or hidden gems, 3 to 6 days is ideal for exploring the stunning sights in and around Guilin.
Check out our up-to-date Guilin Travel Guide featuring articles on "How to Plan a Guilin Tour," "Top Attractions," "Must-Do Activities," "Best Time to Visit," and more. These resources will help you craft a seamless itinerary, ensuring a memorable journey through Guilin’s breathtaking karst landscapes. Start planning today and get ready for an unforgettable experience in this natural paradise!
The top attractions to visit in Guilin downtown are:
It is recommended to travel to Guilin from April to October during which there are many sunny days, greener hills and clearer river water.
The summer temperature in Guilin can be as high as 37ºC. It is best to bring something convenient for summer, such as sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, mosquito repellent, etc.r.
The number of days you need in Guilin depends on your travel preferences and the depth of exploration you desire. Usually, it is suggested to spend at least 2 days in Guilin and Yangshuo to experience the main highlights. It allows you to visit popular attractions such as the Li River, Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave, and explore the picturesque Yangshuo countryside.
However, if you wish to delve deeper into the region and immerse yourself in its natural beauty, culture, and activities, it is recommended to allocate 3 to 6 days or more. You can have in-depth exploration of attractions like the Longji Rice Terraces, Yangshuo's karst landscape, Xingping Town on the bank of the Li River, ethnic minority villages, cycling or hiking adventures, and leisurely river cruises.
You can check more on: How to Plan a Guilin Tour | Ultimate Guilin Planning Guide >>
The best time to visit the Longji Rice Terraces is dependent on the season and the specific experience you are seeking. Here's a breakdown of the different seasons and what they offer:
1. Spring (April to May): Springtime brings lush greenery to the terraces as the rice paddies are filled with water. The terraces appear as silvery ribbons reflecting the sunlight. This period is ideal for photography and witnessing the terraces in their early stages of cultivation.
2. Summer (June to August): Summer sees the terraces covered in vibrant green as the rice plants grow taller. The weather is generally warm and humid. This season offers stunning views of fully grown rice terraces and the chance to observe daily farming activities.
3. Autumn (September to October): Autumn is considered the most picturesque season at the Longji Rice Terraces. The rice plants turn golden, creating a magnificent landscape resembling waves of gold. It is a popular time for photographers and nature lovers.
4. Winter (November to March): Winter transforms the terraces into a serene and tranquil wonderland. Although the rice plants are dormant, the terraces may be covered in a layer of frost or occasional snowfall, offering a unique and enchanting sight. Winter is a quieter time to visit with fewer tourists.
It's important to note that the weather can vary, and it's always a good idea to check the current conditions before planning your visit. Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends and holidays, so if possible, consider visiting during those times.
Ultimately, the best time to visit depends on your personal preferences, whether you want to witness the terraces at their greenest, golden, or quietest. Each season has its own charm and beauty at the Longji Rice Terraces.
Though Guilin is primarily known as a natural destination, it also offers a rich cultural experience that allows visitors to immerse themselves in local traditions, customs, and ethnic minority cultures.
(1) Ethnic Minority Villages: Explore the nearby ethnic minority villages, such as the Longji Terraced Fields area or the villages around Yangshuo. Interact with locals from the Zhuang and Yao ethnic groups, learn about their unique traditions, witness their traditional clothing and handicrafts, and even participate in cultural activities.
(2) Calligraphy & Traditional Fan Making: Engage in activities like calligraphy, Taichi, or cooking classes in Yangshuo, or try your hand at making a traditional fan in Fuli Town.
(3) Traditional Performances & Night Shows: Attend cultural performances that showcase the vibrant traditions of Guilin. Enjoy traditional music, dance, and singing performances that highlight the local culture and ethnic minority influences. The Liu Sanjie Light Show in Yangshuo, which combines music, dance, and stunning natural surroundings, is a particularly popular performance.
If you are interested in these cultural activities, we can include them in your Guilin tour to ensure a well-rounded and enriching experience.
The Li River is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and picturesque landscapes. Here are some of the highlights you can expect along the Li River of Guilin:
The most iconic feature of the Li River is its karst mountains. These limestone peaks rise majestically from the riverbanks, creating breathtaking and otherworldly scenery. Nine Horses Fresco Hill is a natural landscape that resembles nine galloping horses when viewed from a specific angle. Yellow Cloth Shoal is the typical scenery depicted on the 20 Yuan banknote.
Xingping Ancient Town on the banks: The town itself is an attraction, with well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture lining its narrow streets. During the cruise, you can enjoy an overlook of this beautiful small town.
Yangshuo: As you approach Yangshuo, the landscape transforms into a picturesque countryside dotted with rice paddies, bamboo groves, and traditional villages. This scenic beauty provides a peaceful and idyllic backdrop for your Guilin Li River journey.
Both Guilin and Yangshuo are famous destinations in China, each with its own unique appeal. If time allows, it's often recommended to experience both. Start in Guilin to take in the city's attractions and then travel down the Li River to Yangshuo to immerse yourself in the countryside and enjoy outdoor activities. If you have to choose just one and prefer a city atmosphere with natural landmarks, choose Guilin. However, if you're after rural landscapes, outdoor adventures, and a more relaxed vibe, Yangshuo might be your best bet. Here's a comparison to help you make an informed decision:
Guilin
Easy Access: Guilin has an airport and a train station, making it accessible from various parts of China.
Cityscape: Guilin is a moderately-sized city with a mix of urban conveniences and natural beauty. It offers shopping, dining, and a variety of accommodations.
Elephant Trunk Hill: An iconic natural landmark of Guilin, it looks like an elephant dipping its trunk into the Li River.
Reed Flute Cave: A stunning limestone cave adorned with a mesmerizing variety of stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations.
Yangshuo
Rural Beauty: Yangshuo offers stunning landscapes characterized by limestone karsts, picturesque rivers, and traditional villages.
Li River: A cruise down the Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo provides some of the most iconic and scenic vistas China has to offer.
Outdoor Activities: Yangshuo is perfect for those looking for outdoor adventures like rock climbing, caving, bamboo rafting, cycling, and hiking.
Close to Nature: The accommodations in Yangshuo often offer beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes and a more laid-back, close-to-nature feel compared to the urban hotels in Guilin.
Countryside Biking or Hiking : A journey through scenic rice paddies and traditional village, choosing the pace of either biking or hiking.
Yulong River: Ideal for tranquil bamboo rafting with picturesque views.
Moon Hill: A hikeable peak known for its moon-shaped arch and panoramic vistas.
West Street: Yangshuo's vibrant heart with a mix of Chinese and Western cultures, offering shopping and dining.
Rock Climbing: Yangshuo is considered one of the best rock climbing destinations in Asia, with numerous peaks suitable for all skill levels.
Caving: Yangshuo is home to several impressive karst caves, spelunkers can explore a labyrinth of tunnels, passages, and underground rivers, etc.
Impression Sanjie Liu: A nighttime riverside show highlighting local culture and music.
Cormorant Fishing: Experience a timeless tradition as skilled handlers command cormorants to fish in the dimming evening light.
Xingping Ancient Town: A historic town with charming streets and iconic river views.
Fuli Town: A gem steeped in tradition, famous for its preserved architecture, artisanal fan-making, and vibrant local markets.
George
Romania
I did a 2-week tour in China, in Dec24/Jan25 and I was very pleased with Asia Odyssey. They handled everything very professionally, from the good accommodations to the great tour guides we had. I totally recommend this company for China tours.
Destination(s): Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Chengdu/Sichuan, Guilin/Yangshuo, YangtzeRiver
Date of Experience: Jan 01, 2025
Tour Customized by: Catherine
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Julia
USA
Our family had a great 7-day customized China tour experience with Asia Odyssey Travel! Several months before our trip, I contacted the company and Thalia was our very responsive and helpful travel agent. She helped us plan an interesting itinerary with a variety of different activities that exposed us to the ancient history, vibrant culture, and beautiful outdoor landscapes of China. The English-speaking AOT guides in each city we visited had warm, friendly personalities and shared great insights with us about life in China. They guided us on memorable visits to the Suzhou and Xitang water towns surrounding Shanghai, and to Xian, Guilin, and the beautiful countryside of Yangshuo. AOT took care of all our travel arrangements including wonderful and well-situated hotels, private mini-van with driver, and train/airport transfers. These arrangements were very reassuring as this was our family's first trip to China. For all the activities, care, and excellent customer service we received from AOT, we felt the overall cost of our family's customized tour was reasonable and well worth it! We would not hestitate to use AOT again for a future trip to China!
Destination(s): Xian, Guilin/Yangshuo, Suzhou
Date of Experience: Dec 29, 2024
Tour Customized by: Thalia
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Susan
Australia
We just returned from an amazing tour in China for 12 days. Zeva organised our private family of 5 tour to the places we wanted to go to for 12 days. Zeva was very organised, efficient and accomodating.
Our tour guides all could speak English- Summer, Lizzie, Bree and Tom took us from seeing the cute baby pandas, to crusiing in Guilin, to riding bikes and river bamboo rafting in Yangshou, to the using the exhilirating zip line between the Zhangjiajie mountains and then sliding all the way down, to the viewing the top of Shanghai and wearing the Hanfu in Zhujiajiao watertown. The drivers were very safe using very confortable minivans. Food was exceptional, hotels were 5*. We were not sure what to expect as it was our first time booking from a travel agent based overseas. However, I would highly recommend them. We didn't need to worry about internal transfers as we were treated like VIP throughout the whole trip. We had a great time!
Destination(s): Shanghai, Guilin/Yangshuo, Zhangjiajie
Date of Experience: Feb 09, 2025
Tour Customized by: Zeva
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