5 Days Guilin Yangshuo Summer Tour: Water Fun, Karst Scenery, Outdoor Adventure

Ni Hao! Welcome to Guilin, the most picturesque paradise in China! Upon your arrival at Guilin airport/train station, the tour guide and driver will meet you at the exit, greet you, and escort you directly to the downtown area, where they will help you check in at your hotel.

Arrival Options: Travelers can reach Guilin by taking a flight or a train. Guilin Lijiang Airport has flights connecting to major cities such as Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Hangzhou, among others. Guilin has three main train stations in the downtown area: Guilin Railway Station, Guilin North, and Guilin West. Travelers can take high-speed trains to Guilin from Hong Kong (4 hours), Guangzhou (3 hours), Chongqing (4.5-5 hours), Chengdu (5.5-6 hours), Changsha (2.5-3 hours), Zhangjiajie (7 hours), and other cities.

Free Time Suggestions:

If you happen to arrive early, you can explore on your own to some of the easily accessible nearby sites. We highly recommend visiting:

1. Elephant Trunk Hill: It is one of the most recognizable and iconic attractions in the region, known for its resemblance to an elephant drinking water from the Li River, hence the name "Elephant Trunk Hill." The hill is made of water-soluble limestone rocks that have been gradually eroded by acidic rainwater over millions of years, creating a unique and breathtaking landscape.

2. East West Alley: Step back in time and explore the charming East West Alley, which merges with three ancient streets, offering a glimpse into the rich history of Guilin. Established during the Tang Dynasty, the alley has borne witness to nearly 1400 years of the city's rise and fall. Take a leisurely stroll along the streets and indulge in some local delicacies, such as the famous Guilin Rice Noodles. Immerse yourself in the traditional culture by trying your hand at fan-making, Lijiang River sand and stone painting or even donning a Hanfu, an ancient Chinese costume.

3. Two Rivers and Four Lakes Cruise: When night falls, take a relaxing cruise to sail through the Two Rivers and Four Lakes scenic area. It takes about 1-1.5 hours depending on the route you choose. Sit back, relax and take in the stunning views of the tranquil waters and illuminated landmarks, including ancient bridges, pagodas, and lush gardens.

Beat the summer heat with a refreshing day out at Longhuaxia Canyon, an untapped oasis of serenity waiting to be explored!

In the morning, you will meet your guide early at the appointed time in your hotel lobby. A 1.5-hour drive transports you to Xingan County. Longhuaxia Canyon, with its cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear streams, and dramatic rock formations, provides the perfect backdrop for stream-tracing. As the sun's rays filter through the canopy above, the water beneath your feet reflects myriad shades of blue and green, beckoning you to step in and begin your journey.

Start with a gentle wade through shallow waters, feeling the coolness envelop your feet, a stark and pleasant contrast to the summer heat. As you progress deeper into the canyon, the challenge increases. Navigate through deeper pools, scramble over smooth boulders, and hoist yourself up natural rock slides. Every step, every leap, every grip brings you closer to nature, letting you feel its pulse, its rhythm, its cool serenity.

After tracing the stream to its wider expanse, it’s time to transition from walking to gliding. Grab your paddleboard, and following a brief introduction by expert instructors, launch yourself onto the placid waters. The SUP experience in Longhuaxia Canyon is unlike any other. Here, surrounded by the towering canyon walls, every paddle stroke propels you over water so clear it resembles glass, reflecting the sky above and the world around. Feel the gentle sway of the board, find your balance, and let the world melt away as you glide through this natural paradise.

And guess what? If you're a water enthusiast, there's more in store. Dive into the inviting waters, go for a swim, or even take a thrilling leap from one of the natural diving platforms. Dive, swim, splash – the choice is yours!

Finally, as the day winds down, head back to Guilin, carrying memories of a watery wonderland, the feel of cool splashes, and the thrill of nature's playground.

Tips:
1. Water shoes or sports sandals that provide grip on wet surfaces. Specialized aquatic shoes or non-slip water shoes are best.
2. Wear quick-drying clothes. Bringing a dry set of clothing to change into after your adventure is a smart choice.
3. Wear a helmet in areas prone to falling rocks
4. Even if you're a strong swimmer, always wear a flotation device
5. The stream bed can be slippery. Move slowly and ensure a firm footing with every step.
6. Avoid rapid currents. Especially after rain, streams can have stronger currents. Stay safe by avoiding such areas.
7. Stay with a Group. Always trace with at least one other person.
8. Don’t venture into areas that may be too difficult for your skill level.

“East or west, Guilin landscape is the best”. After breakfast, you will go to explore the most stunning natural scenery along the Li River, which is renowned as one of the “the world’s top 10 watery wonders” by National Geographic. After a 1-hour drive from your hotel to pier, embark on a 4-hour relaxing sightseeing Li River cruise to Yangshuo. Throughout the 83-kilometer scenic cruise, you'll be entranced by countless Chinese paintings come to life, with winding rivers and towering Karst peaks in every direction. Marvel at the famous sights along the banks, such as the Immortal Pushing the Mill, Nine-Horse Fresco, Yellow Cloth Shoal reflection, etc. You'll also encounter idyllic villages like Xingping Town nestled along the river. (Kindly Note: 1. Lunch is served on the cruise, featuring simple local Chinese cuisine. 2. If you prefer a 4-star Li River cruise, please tell your travel consultant.)

The Li River, calm and stunning, meanders its way from Guilin, turns a corner at the Yangshuo, and finally reaches the charming town of Yangshuo. Upon arrival, the driver will pick you up from the dock and drive to your hotel in Yangshuo town for a short rest. Once you're ready, step out and let the captivating scenery of Yangshuo's countryside wash over you. Vibrant, green fields stretch out like a sea of emeralds, nestled under a clear, blue sky. The misty karst mountains rise in the distance, their vast and rolling shapes protecting the serene landscape below. The Yulong River, a small offshoot of the Li River, meanders through the scene, its tranquil waters reflecting the stunning surroundings like a living mirror.

Then, it's time to get up close to this rural paradise. You can either hop on a bike or rent a sidecar (optional) to explore the postcard-like karst hills and rice paddies and pass by some tranquil villages. Let all the picturesque scenes please your eyes and your souls to the maximum for total relaxation. During your ride, the scenery keeps changing, yet it remains consistently mesmerizing. The karst mountains rise and fall in an endless series, each peak unique in its shape and size.bAt various points, you might also spot locals engaging in their daily chores, farmers tending to their fields, or even children playing along the riverbanks. Dotting the riverbanks are quaint stone houses, their grey slate roofs offering a delightful contrast against the verdant surroundings. There's a solitary water buffalo languidly grazing in the fields, a sight that adds an endearing touch of rural life to the panoramic display.

Next, board a hand-cranked bamboo raft for a journey down the Yulong River. As you ease into the gentle rhythm of the water, you become one with the serene surroundings. The Yulong River resembles green jade, its clear water sparkles as it captures the sun's rays, vibrant green river grass dances with the water's flow underneath the surface, lush bamboo, and verdant rice paddies dot the riverbanks, and the karst mountains are shrouded in soft mist, creating a picturesque scenery that feels like gliding through a beautiful landscape painting. As you float downstream, you'll drift past the ancient bridges, a testament to the architectural marvels of yore, and glide through a variety of dams that interrupt the river flow, creating gentle rapids that splash cool water around, enhancing the joy of the journey.

Then, you will stroll along West Street, which is the most prosperous area in Yangshuo. Restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops along the street are always full of guests. It is a fusion of Western culture and Chinese culture and it is the best place to spend your nightlife here. Whether you want to enjoy a cup of coffee, taste some local food or just throw yourself into the vivid atmosphere... all you can get.

Optional Evening Activity: If you are interested, you can enjoy the amazing evening performance called Impression Liu Sanjie with the Li River directed by the famous director Zhang Yimou. The show uses the natural landscape as its stage, with the karst mountains and river serving as a unique backdrop. It combines traditional folk music, vibrant costumes, and modern theatrical techniques for a fantastic spectacle of light, sound, and color. It is regarded as one of the must-see performances for anyone visiting Yangshuo.

In the morning, take an exciting adventure by trying the thrilling "FERRATA" in the beautiful Yangshuo. The unique Karst topography in this region has created a rock climbing paradise, offering a diverse range of aerial crossings such as a high-altitude monkey bridge, cable bridge, ladder, zip line, and a circular observation bridge. The route spans about 650-700 meters, featuring a maximum drop of 60 meters, and the total experience lasts about 1.5-2 hours. It is highly suitable for visitors aged 6-60, regardless of prior experience in outdoor sports. Be sure not to miss the suspended 40-meter-long wooden bridge erected on the cliff face and the semi-circular observation platform with a diameter of 8 meters, providing a perfect spot to take in the picturesque scenery. And for the ultimate adrenaline rush, try the two zip lines measuring 400 meters long and 50 meters high, allowing you to truly soar above Yangshuo.

The towering limestone peaks do not just carve the skyline; they guard a secret world of caverns below, inviting you to unlock mysteries beneath the Karst’s surface. In the afternoon, you will participate in another cool activity in Yangshuo - cave exploration!

As the afternoon sun casts long shadows on the karst peaks, it's time to venture. Walking towards the cave, the air feels cooler. The entrance to the cave looks like a doorway to a hidden world. As we go inside, the sunlight fades away. But no worries! Our helmets light up our path. Shadows dance on the walls as we move deeper into the cave. Everywhere we look, we see nature's artwork. There are pointy rocks hanging down and others reaching up. There are also smooth, curtain-like shapes and clear water pools. It's like being in a magical kingdom! And, it's so quiet in there. The only sounds are the drip-drip of water, subterranean water streams, and our voices echoing back to us. It's like the cave is talking with us! Our guide not only makes sure we're safe but also shares cool stories about the caves and the shapes we see. As our underground adventure wraps up and we head towards the exit, the shift from the dim, subterranean world to the brightness of day momentarily transforms the world into a luminous wonderland, making the karst peaks appear even more magical.

Cave Exploration Tips:
1. Wear Comfortable Clothing. Opt for clothes that you don’t mind getting wet or dirty, especially if you're visiting water caves.
2. Wear sturdy shoes with good grip, as the cave floors can be slippery.
3. Always stay close and listen to your guide, ensuring a safe and enriching experience.

After breakfast, you will be escorted to a breathtaking mountain in Xingping for a 360-degree panoramic view of Li River.This mountain is renowned as a paradise for photographers. The meandering Li River gracefully embraces rolling hills on both banks, forming a magnificent 180-degree bend at this location. Take a short 15-minute hike up the hill to reach the viewing platform. From there, you will overlook the sinuous Li River, which creates an idyllic painting where land and water harmoniously converge beneath the vast and open sky. The river, resembling a silver ribbon, meanders around the lush green peaks, carving a path through the vibrant landscape.

Later, your guide and driver will drive you to the airport or train station in Guilin, from where you will take your flight or high-speed train to your next destination.

Trip Extension Ideas: If you're interested in exploring other destinations in China and Asia instead of returning home right away, we would be more than happy to assist you with planning an extension trip. Don't hesitate to share your ideas with us! Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your China tour. We are always here to work for you and hope to welcome you back for your next trip to China or Asia.