7 Days Chongqing Guilin Highlights Tour with Wulong
Where Mountains Meet Rivers
Where Mountains Meet Rivers
Seeking an extraordinary journey through China's most breathtaking landscapes? Embark on our 7-day adventure using Chongqing as your perfect gateway to the natural wonders of Wulong and Guilin! As Southwest China's major transportation hub, Chongqing offers excellent connectivity with its extensive network of flights, high-speed trains, and highways making your journey seamless and efficient.
Begin in the spectacular "Mountain City" of Chongqing, where skyscrapers dramatically rise from steep riverbanks at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers. Just a scenic 3-hour drive from downtown Chongqing, discover UNESCO-listed Wulong Karst National Geology Park, home to colossal natural bridges, cathedral-like caves, and vertiginous gorges that showcase nature's most impressive limestone sculptures. From Chongqing, easily connect to Guilin via a convenient direct high-speed train. Here, you'll cruise along the picturesque Li River surrounded by karst peaks, wander through the enchanting Reed Flute Cave, and explore the charming countryside of Yangshuo.
This private tour offers flexibility and personalized service, with expert local guides and comfortable transportation throughout your journey. The perfect balance of natural wonders, cultural experiences, and culinary delights ensures an unforgettable exploration of some of China's most remarkable destinations.
Day 1 Chongqing Arrival
Chongqing Airport or Train Station Pick-up
Welcome to Chongqing, the Mountain City of China! Upon your arrival, our local tour guide will meet you with a sign which says your name at the arrival hall at the airport or train station. Then, our guide and driver will transfer you directly to your hotel in Chongqing downtown by our comfortable private car (non-smoking), and the guide will help you check in. The rest of today is on your own to explore this fabulous city in China.
Arrival Ideas: Chongqing Jiangbei Airport, about 20 kilometers from the city downtown, serves flights between major domestic cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Huangshan, Guangzhou, Guiyang, Kunming, Lhasa, etc., and some international cities like New York, Singapore, London, Sydney, etc. Besides, you can also take a normal train to the 4 railway stations in Chongqing from many destinations, like Chengdu (1-2 hours), Xian (5.5 hours around), Guiyang (2 hours around), Guilin (4-5 hours), Shanghai (11.5 hours around), Beijing (12 hours around), Guangzhou (7.5 hours around), and so on.
Chongqing Nightlife | Places to Visit & Travel Inspirations: 1. Hongya Cave: Visit the historic Hongya Cave for a dazzling night view of the Yangtze River. Explore its traditional architecture and enjoy the area's bright lights and cultural atmosphere. 2. Nanbin Road: Take an evening walk along Nanbin Road to see Chongqing's cityscape lit up. This scenic route offers great views of the river and the city's vibrant nightlife. 3. Night Cruise: Experience Chongqing's beauty from the water on a night cruise. Sail past famous landmarks, enjoy live performances, and soak in the city's sparkling nightscape.
Hongya Cave Night View
Day 2 Chongqing City Tour & Drive to Wulong (B, L)
Three Gorges Museum - People‘s Assembly Hall - Liziba Metro Station - E’ling Park - Drive to Wulong
After breakfast, your local guide and driver will meet you at your hotel. On this day, you’ll have the chance to fully experience the uniqueness of the Mountain City and the culture of the Yangtze River. First, be escorted to the Three Gorges Museum in the city downtown. The vast collection of more than 280 thousand pieces of precious historical relics will let you have an amazing understanding of the great Yangtze River and the formation of the magnificent Three Gorges, and tell you the gradual thriving of Chongqing from 3,000 years ago, to its war defense in 20s century, and developmental path to be one of the 4 prosperous municipalities in China. Stepping out from the museum, have a nice look at the People’s Assembly Hall that is popular with fancy classical exterior design and was listed into the History of Architecture compiled in London in 1987.
Later, be transferred to take Chongqing Rail Transit Line 2 from Huanghuayuan Metro Station to Liziba Metro Station to look at the city’s prototype from a different angle. Then, get off to have the never-seen magic of the train going through an 11-storey block of flats, existing only in the fantastically structured Chongqing built against mountains. After that, travel up to E’ling Park and embrace the impressive panorama of Chongqing City, which has been highly praised as “Little Hong Kong” with its well-arranged row upon row of modern skyscrapers and two winding rivers surrounding.
After the tour, be transferred to your hotel in Xiannv Town, Wulong (about 3 hours). Have a nice sleep!
Day 3 Wulong Karst Geology Park & Back to Chongqing (B, L)
Three Natural Bridges - Longshuixia Gap - Drive to Chongqing - Hongya Cave
Today, you will explore Wulong Karst National Geological Park. Wulong Karst is well known for its giant dolines (sinkholes), natural bridges and caves, which were inscribed as a part of South China Karst UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. Besides, it is the shooting location of the globally famous movie “Transformers IV”.
After arrival at Wulong Tourist Center, hop on a sightseeing bus to the largest natural bridge cluster in Asia - Three Natural Bridges , where you can appreciate exceptionally high natural bridges with long stretches of deep unroofed caves. Take the sightseeing elevator down to the valley bottom to marvel at the magnificent Karst Mountains, miraculous caves, and beautiful waterfalls. Enjoy your hiking by passing Tianlong Bridge, Tianfu Post House (shooting location of Zhang Yimou’s movie “The City of Golden Armor”), Qinglong Bridge and Heilong Bridge.
Then, take a sightseeing bus to Longshuixia Gap, a gap-style gorge and the important part of Wulong Karst. In this natural oxygen bar, enjoy 2 kilometers of fun walking by One Line Sky, Dragon Pool Minoring the Moon, etc. and witness the cliffs on both sides, verdant original forests in the valley and mysterious waterfalls.
After the visit, your guide and driver will escort you back to Chongqing city. Then, go down to Hongya Cave to catch the symbolic view of Chongqing. The featured Ba & Shu regional wooden structures are tiered up to 11 floors on a hillside, creating a stunning sight with neon lights at night. Enjoy your leisure walk there and take some beautiful photos!
After the tour, be transferred to your hotel. Have a nice sleep! (You can decide whether to enjoy dinner and nightview at Hongya Cave or be escorted directly to your hotel. Please discuss with your tour guide.)
Day 4 Chongqing - Guilin - Longsheng (B)
Transfer from Chongqing to Guilin by High-Speed Train - Longji Rice Terrace
After breakfast, be driven to take a high speed train from Chongqing to Guilin (about 4 hours). Upon your arrival, our local guide and driver will pick you up and then transfer you to Ping'an Village at Longji Rice Terrace (about 2 hours). Check in your hotel. The rest of today is free for you to explore beautiful surroundings.
Good to Know:
1. Accommodating idea: The driving from Guilin to Ping'an is about 1.5 hours. If your flight or train arrives at Guilin after 5pm, we suggest you spend a night at Guilin, then transfer to Ping'an on the next day.
2. Walking: When arriving at Ping’an Village, you can only be dropped at Ping’an Village Tourist Center parking lot from where you need to walk about 900 steps to your hotel. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended;
3. Luggage carrying: For the aged or travelers who are lack of physical strength, you’d better hire a local porter to help carry your heavy luggage to the hotel (pay extra expense on your own).
Day 5 Longsheng - Guilin (B)
Sunrise - Longji Rice Terrace
When you wake up in the fresh air of peaceful morning, you may forget where you are. Try to watch the magnificent sunrise from a great location on the terraces if you don't mind getting up very early. After breakfast, your guide will take you to explore the breathtaking views of Longji Rice Terrace leisurely. The rice terrace is layer upon layer, like the changing ladder created by nature leading to the blue sky, forming a majestic painting between heaven and earth. From Pingan, you can hike on the cobbled paths built among terraces to catch the best landscape. Climb up to the great lookouts at Seven Stars with Moon and Nine Dragons and Five Tigers from which you can get superlative views of terraces and villages.
Different seasons will show you the different views. From mid-April to Mid-June, local people will release water into the terraced fields. Patches of patches watery terraced fields will reflect its beauty in the sun shine. While during mid-June to mid-September, the glossy and green rice terraces wave with summer breeze, and you can also see the curves of the terraced fields. The months from late September to early October are the mature time of the rice when the whole terraced fields will become golden and local farmers will start to harvest.
Hike half day around, then back to Pingan. Then transfer back to Guilin City. Check in at your hotel. The rest time is free on your own to have fun in Guilin - strolling, hunting food...
Good to Know:
1. Weather: The temperatures of Longsheng are normally lower 2℃ to 3℃ than Guilin City (28.3℃ in July and 7.9℃ in January), while the mountain tops temperature is lower than the mountain foot, so please take some warm clothes with you.
2. Walking: When arriving at Pingan Village, you can only be dropped at Pingan Village Tourist Center parking lot that you need to walk about 900 steps to your hotel. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended!
Day 6 Guilin - Li River Cruise - Yangshuo (B)
Li River Cruise - Yangshuo Yulong River - West Street
As the declaration in Chinese textbook "Guilin's landscape is the best under heaven", today you will explore this best landscape starting with a relaxing sightseeing cruise along the Li River from Mopanshan Pier to Yangshuo Town. Along the 84-kilometer cruise, dazzling scenery overwhelms your eyes like a vast endless Chinese painting of winding river, green limestone karst mountains, fascinating countryside views, amazing scene of A Painting of Nine Horses, and notable view printed on the back of the 20 RMB note. (Please note: Lunch is served by the cruise with simple local Chinese cuisine. And you can take some snacks when getting on board.)
After about 4 hours' cruise, disembark in Yangshuo Town, and check into your hotel.
After a short break, start your impressive exploration of the best charming sightseeing and ideal countryside ease at Yulong River. Let all the refreshing scenes please your eyes and souls to the utmost. Just enjoy every moment with the Karst hills dotted around, chatting stream, rippling mountain reflection, swaying floras, patches of vivid crops, comfortable breeze... There are diverse kinds of ways for your enjoyment of the fun and beauty, including biking, hiking, bamboo rafting and driving. You can easily choose and combine your ideal way(s) and part of Yulong River. (Please tell your likes to your travel consultants before booking the tour, as the final prices will differ by activities you choose).
Biking (some physically demanding & sightseeing by the river) - Ride to enjoy the river view and the real fields (route: Yangshuo - Jima - Shuiedi Dock - Gongnong Bridge - West Street; for 1.5-2 hours).
Bamboo Rafting (relaxing and interesting & sightseeing on the river) - have fun with the classic bamboo rafting (Route A: Shuiedi Dock - Gongnong Bridge for 40-50 minutes; Route B: Jima Dock - Gongnong Bridge for 1.5 hours) to see the more serene view like pieces of traditional Chinese landscape ink paintings.
Driving (most leisurable and comfortable & sightseeing on the road) - drive and travel from Jima to Gongnong Bridge to appreciate the lovely countryside view (about 0.5 hour). You can get off and on anywhere on the middle way to explore more about your interested place.
After that, walk leisurely on the ancient West Street to witness how the western culture and Chinese culture perfectly and peacefully coexist here. Whether you want to enjoy a cup of drink in bar, taste some local food, or just experience the relaxing atmosphere, you get it here.
Note: according to the regulations of Yulong River Tourism, children less than 1 meter high and elders over 70 years old are not allowed to take the bamboo rafting.
Optional evening activity:
Watch the splendid evening performance of Impression Liu Sanjie with the Li River itself as the stage, which was directed by famous director - Zhang Yimou (usually performs for an hour between around 19:45 and 22:20).
Day 7 Yangshuo - Guilin Departure (B)
Elephant Trunk Hill - Reed Flute Cave - Flight or Train off Guilin
After breakfast, transfer back to Guilin in a comfortable vehicle (1.5~2 hours). Then make a visit to the symbol of Guilin landscape - Elephant Trunk Hill – a giant rock hill vividly shapes like an elephant which is drinking water. Besides, if time allows, there are many historical sites here for you to explore, such as stone carving, Buddhist temple, relic exhibition, etc. Then, drive about 7 kilometers (about 20 minutes' drive) to the next attraction - Reed Flute Cave, a majestic underground palace with sparkling different colors. The magical Mother Nature condenses millions years of natural efforts to form the incredible stalactite, stalagmite, stone shield and stone waterfall of different sizes and shapes.
Lastly, your tour guide will take you to catch your flight or train to your next destination. Tour ends!
1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one standard double-bed room in a 4-star hotel and traveling with our private tour in low seasons. It will drop greatly if your group has 4 or more members.
2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, month and date. There may be huge price increasing during public Chinese holidays, school summer vacations, tourism peak seasons or some special dates. (China Public Holiday 2025 Schedule Released)
3. Other factors that may change the final tour price include group size, hotel class, tour activities, fluctuation of currency exchange rate, etc.
4. This price is based on exchange rate USD 1=RMB 7.00. The final price will be based on the exchange rate in effect at the time of agreement with our quotation.
5. This price is only valid to March 31, 2026.
6. This price is not the final price until the Confirmation Letter is sent.
7. The items included and excluded in this price are for reference only. The final services included, please refer to the confirmation letter sent to you by the travel consultant.
Hi Shirley,
I will appreciate your assistance. Your services and assistance was excellent. The cruise itself for my opinion it needs improvement for foreigners customers. Thanks.
Winner
Hi Shirley,
Firstly, I would like to thank you because the planning and preparation from your side was wonderful.
The only small mix up was when we arrive in Shanghai, our guide was not aware of our changed air ticket and he waited for us at the wrong gate. But luckily it was in the same airport so he could come over quickly.
Everything else was smooth and great. Thank you.
For Zhangjiajie, we really enjoyed ourselves most over there. Especially we want to mention our Guide, Tim. He was the best guide we ever had from all our previous trips. He was very kind and patient with my elderly dad too. Very good service and always things even more comfortable by doing little things such as preparing tissues for our meals etc. Throughout our time in ZJJ, we felt like he was a family member. For the itinerary and journey, everything was well thought out too. *always make things even more comfortable.
Hotels in ZJJ are generally very good too.
But Tim really made a big difference in makingke the whole trip even better and enjoyable. He deserves all the praise.
For Shanghai, our Guide Mark was very knowledgeable with a lot of facts and history.
However, just want to point out that our hotel room has strong cigarette smell. But other than that everything else is fine.
Lastly, both drivers in ZJJ and SH drives smoothly and safely too.
No problem at all. We are very satisfied with your company's general service. Will definitely recommend to our friends. Thanks again Shirley, and wishing you all the best too.
All the best to you Shirley, have a wonderful day We hope to use your service again in the future.
Riastasia
Hi Rita.
We've concluded our trip. Now on the way to Guiyang airport.
Tq for organizing the trip for us. We had a wonderful time exploring Guizhou.
Mona
Hi Leo,
I am back in HKG yesterday after 1 night/day in Macau.
I am flying back to Bali tomorrow.
The Tour of SHANGHAI SUZHOU and HANGZHOU you arranged for me WAS ABSOLUTELY GREAT!
Everything was so PERFECT!
I particularly like the visits of 2 famous historical GARDENS OF SHANGHAI and SUZHOU. And TONGLI Watertown.
My tour guide SEVEN PING PING was BEST! very knowledgeable, friendly and just very lovely personality!
The hotel in Shanghai was very luxurious and comfortable.
However … I LOVE THE BOUTIQUE HOTEL CHINESE STYLE in HANGZHOU much better. Beautiful, classy, good Chinese architecture and peaceful.
The car and driver in Hangzhou were so special … a great style I appreciate!
OVERALL… it was a GREAT EXPERIENCE for me and I hope to return to China with my husband … next trip!
A million thanks for your very professional arrangement.
Best regards,
Monique
Hi Shirley,
Thank you for the new year wishes. The cruise you help arranged for me was very good.
Thanks
Josh
We are one of the few China travel agencies who have kept active and received lots of feedbacks and reviews during pandemic years!
"Highest Standards of Quality and Honesty" is the core value of each specialized team at China Discovery.
Eveyone in our company is working hard for only one goal, which is to ensure the highest level of service, luxury, and attention to detail from the minute you begin planning your trip, to the day you return home.
Our travel consultants are professional, experienced and responsible, helping you from the very beginning to the end of your China trip!
After sending us an inquiry, one of our travel consultants will get back to you within 0.5~23.5 hrs. In the next few days, he/she will be working closely with you to formulate a customized tour plan, as well as providing professional suggestions based on your travel interests, time, and budget.
Beside, he/she will keep in contact with you during your entire tour in China, continually checking if everything is going well as planned.
We're working at Chengdu Bamboo International Tours, local based in Chengdu.
Our local guide in every destination is not only very friendly, enthusiastic but also very informative and knowledgeable.
Once you arrive in the destination, the patient and punctual guides will pick you up and take you to get under skin of the city at your own pace. By in-depth discovery and explanation, they’ll show you more about the history, culture, customs and authentic local life. Throughout the journey, they're not only expert guides who take care of all the details but also fellow travelers who are dedicated to help you explore in comfort and style.
Our guides are passionate about what they do, and it shows all the way!
Using our private transfer service makes you comfortable, relaxed and worry free all the way!
Our private service includes licensed drivers with many years’ driving experience and air-conditioned, non-smoking, clean and well-maintained cars/vans. Drivers are local, polite, friendly and helpful, taking you to your tourist sites, hotels, airport/train stations in safety. All kinds of vehicle are offered, and yours depends on the size of your group. Usually, we offer sedan cars, SUVs, business vans (MPV) and different types of buses, all with extra space for your luggage.
Our private transfer service guarantees you the highest comfort!
In each destination, you’ll enjoy a comfortable stay in a great location!
The hotels we choose are based on star rating, great locations, well-equipped facilities, cozy bed, high quality service and guests’ feedbacks. Choices are a lot ranging from luxury 5 star, comfortable 4 star to budget 3 star. You could decide where to stay to best suit for your budget and likes. Generally, the hotels have both Western and Chinese breakfast with a wide choices.
If you have already got an ideal hotel, please feel free to tell our travel consultants and they'll book the hotel for you.
Have good sleep in our well-selected hotels in all the destinations of China.
We can satisfy all the dietary requirements no matter you want Chinese local food, western food, vegetarian food or muslin food.
The restaurants we will take you for lunch or dinner are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. They have very good sanitary conditions and the food is prepared fresh and clean.
There will be some meals excluded in your itinerary as you like, and your private guide will be delighted to give you some suggestions and take you to the local restaurants to taste like Beijing Roast Duck, Xian Dumpling Dinner, Sichuan Hotpot, etc., if you are interested in local food tasting.
All the dining options will satisfy your stomach!
Hongya Cave Night View
Chongqing Night Cruise
Nanbin Road, Chongqing Night
Beautiful Appearance of People's Assembly Hall
Chongqing Light Rail Going Through a Building at Liziba Metro Station
E'ling Park - Chongqing City Panorama
Longshuixia Gap-202309-Wilson from Singapore
Three Natural Bridges-202407-Josh from USA
Hongya Cave Night View
Santos from Canada - Longji Rice Terraces, Guilin
Longji Rice Terraces (Pingan, Nice Dragons and Five Tigers, Autumn), Guilin
Longji Rice Terraces in Early September
Santos from Canada - Longji Rice Terraces (Pingan, Nine Dragons and Five Tigers), Guilin
Steven - Longji Rice Terraces (Pingan, Nice Dragons and Five Tigers, Spring), Guilin
20 RMB Note View, Li River, Guilin - Rose from India
Josh's Group from USA - Yulong River Cycling, Yangshuo, Guilin
Christina's Group from Denmark - Yulong River Bamboo Rafting, Yangshuo, Guilin
Santos from Canada - Li River Cruise, Guilin
Giorgia's Group from Italy - Yulong River, Yangshuo, Guilin
Chusi's Family from USA - West Street, Yangshuo, Guilin
Santos from Canada - Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin
Delma from Ireland - Reed Flute Cave, Guilin
Chongqing can be reached easily by flight or high speed train from many big cities of China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guilin, Guangzhou, Xian, Chengdu, etc. Besides, there are also frequent international flights from New York, Singapore, London, Sydney, etc.
It is suitable to visit Chongqing and Guilin at any time of the year. Still, the best travelling seasons are Spring (March ~ June) and Autumn (September ~ November) when the temperature is most mild and comfortable. Given Guilin's frequent rain, particularly during April to July, you are advised to prepare your rain gears.
For spring and autumn, light sweaters, long shirts and long pants are suggested for Chongqing and Guilin trips. In summer, shirts and shorts are enough. Besides, it is advised to prepare a raincoat and non-slip shoes for unexpected rains. In winter, it is a little cold, and down jackets, sweaters, warm pants and socks, scarves, gloves, etc. are better to keep warm. Remember to wear comfortable shoes or sneakers, because you will have a lot of steps to walk around those natural scenic spots. Besides, bring sunblock, sunglasses and a hat to protect your skin and eyes.
In Chongqing, there are lots of different kinds of hotels ranging from international brands to boutique styles that provide you with an easy stay. First-timers are strongly advised to stay in the downtown area, like Yuzhong District, which has the most convenient transportation, shopping malls, and great restaurants.
Both Guilin and Yangshuo offers various hotels and hostels of different standards and levels. As an international tourist hot spot, most accommodations provide great facilities and equipment for your comfortable stay in Guilin and Yangshuo.
For biking: we suggest you wear comfortable and quick-drying clothes and trainers to enjoy a better biking experience and protect yourself from catching a cold after sweating. During summer, it may be a little hot for biking for a long time, so you can tell how much time you want to bike along the Yulong River to your guide. Also, you are highly suggested to prepare your hat, sunglasses and sun cream for UV protection.
For bamboo rafting: bamboo rafting is a classic activity to enjoy the fun and beauty of Yulong River. However, one raft can only hold 2 people, and children more than 1 meter high are required to take the raft together with adults. Besides, as the raft is slippery, it is better to sit on your chair for the sightseeing and avoid standing or walking in case of falling into the river. Furthermore, it would arouse some waves when passing weirs, so remember to lift your feet and protect your belongings especially mobiles and cameras.
Chongqing / Wulong / Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie / Fenghuang / Guilin
Beijing / Xian / Guilin / Yangshuo / Yangtze Cruise / Shanghai
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