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3 Days Classic Guilin Tour - Guilin Brief Vacation

Guilin Brief Vacation

Guilin, one of the most scenic destinations in China, offers many spectacular landscapes and activities to all kinds of travelers here. During this 3 days brief but really classic Guilin vacation, you will never miss the landmarks of Guilin city, Elephant Trunk Hill, but surely catch enough inspiring hours to get relaxed by cruising down along the stunning Li River to Yangshuo Town, where you will meet more better surprises given by nature, while exploring the most beautiful countryside scenery, traditional custom, and harmonious life of people with natural lives, and expressing your laughter of the memorable experience of various outdoor activities!

  • Type : Private Tour
  • Tour Code : CD-GYT-03
  • Price : from $350
    1. 1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one double-bed room in 4-star hotel and traveling in low seasons;
    2. 2. This price is subject to change according your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate.
  • Trip Length : 3D/2N
  • Theme : Nature / Cruise

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TOUR

  • Specially designed compact 3-day itinerary by China Discovery for a satisfying enjoyment of the best highlights in the popular Guilin and stirring Yangshuo with comfort, excitement and low budget!
  • Cruise along the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo to achieve your must-do goal of Guilin and admire the hundred-mile long natural art gallery matching the traditional Chinese ink and wash.
  • Have a close-up of Yulong River with zero distance to be enthralled by its idyllic countryside scenery and simple life, figuring out why the landscape of Guilin is the best under heaven!
  • Free choice of activities and ways including interesting biking / scooter, free hiking and recreational bamboo rafting to savor the countryside scenery of Yangshuo Town.
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Itinerary Day by Day (Can Be Customized)
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Day 1 Guilin Arrival

Pick up in Guilin - Elephant Trunk Hill - Reed Flute Cave

Welcome to Guilin, the most scenic city in China! Upon your arrival, be met by your local guide and escorted to your hotel in Guilin downtown.

You will start your Guilin tour after a break. Firstly 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, 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.

After the tour, be transferred to your hotel.

Evening Ideas: In the evening, if you want, you can to take a leisure walk around the famous city water system - Two Rivers and Four Lakes for the amazing night views.

Arrival Ideals: At present, there are many international and domestic flights to Guilin. Besides, you can take a high speed train to Guilin from Guiyang (about 2.5 hours), Guangzhou (about 3 hours), Changsha (about 3.5 hours), etc.

  • Santos from Canada - Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin Santos from Canada Visited Elephant Trunk Hill in 2018
  • Two Rivers and Four Lakes, Guilin Guilin Two Rivers and Four Lakes, Photo by China Discovery in October, 2018
  • Delma from Ireland - Reed Flute Cave, Guilin Delma from Ireland visited Reed Flute Cave in July, 2021

Day 2 Li River Cruise to Yangshuo (B, L)

Li River Cruise - Yangshuo Ten-mile Gallery - 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's cruise, disembark in Yangshuo Town, and check in at your hotel.

After a short break, you will start your exploration of the ideal countryside view of Ten-mile Gallery. Throw yourself into the stunning countryside views and relaxed atmosphere. Be enthralled by the patches of paddy fields nestling under green Karst hills, with farmers cultivating. Record the peculiar hole of Moon Hill at Li Village with your simple shutter with a simple wander. Then, our driver will send you back to have a leisure walk 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 the bar, taste some local food, or just experience the relaxing atmosphere, you get it here.

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).

  • Josh's Group from USA -  Li River Cruise (A Painting of Nine Horses), Guilin Josh's Group from USA Enjoyed Li River Cruise (A Painting of Nine Horses) in Guilin in July, 2023
  • Elie's Group from Belgium - Moon Hill, Ten-mile Gallery, Yangshuo, Guilin Yangshuo Moon Hill, Photo by Elie's Group from Belgium in October, 2019
  • Elie's Group from Belgium - Impression Sanjie Liu, Yangshuo, Guilin Impression Sanjie Liu Show, Photo by Elie's Group from Belgium in October, 2019
  • Claire from UK - Li River, Guilin Claire from UK Enjoyed Li River Cruise in October 2021
  • Helen from Australia - West Street, Yangshuo, Guilin West Street in Yangshuo, Photo Taken by Our Customer Helen from Australia in August 2019

Day 3 Yangshuo - Guilin Departure (B, L)

Yulong River Sightseeing & Outdoor Activities - Flight / Train off Guilin

This morning, after breakfast, 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 to close up to the Karst hills dotted around, chatting stream, rippling mountain reflection, swaying floras, patches of vivid crops, old dwellings on the riverside, comfortable breeze, clear azure sky... There are diverse kinds of ways for your enjoyment of the fun and beauty, including biking, hiking, bamboo rafting and scooter. 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, the real fields, the antique houses and hundreds-year-old stone bridge (route: Yangshuo - Jima - Jiuxian Village - Shuiedi Dock - Gongnong Bridge - West Street; for 3 hours). During the tour, pay a visit of a local family near Chaoyang to have a short break and see their living environment and farming tools of local peasants.

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) - sit leisurely in the car 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 the visiting, be transferred to Guilin to catch your flight / train to next destination. (Note: arrange your flight or train in late afternoon or early evening.)

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.

  • Alexia and Bruno - Bamboo Rafting at Yulong River, Yangshuo, Guilin Alexia and Bruno Visited Yulong River in 2016
  • Josh's Group from USA -  Yulong River Cycling, Yangshuo, Guilin Josh's Group from USA Enjoyed Cycling along Yangshuo Yulong River in July, 2023
  • Delma from Ireland - Yulong River, Yangshuo, Guilin Delma from Ireland visited Yulong River in July, 2021
  • Gerhard from Germany - Yangshuo, Guilin Gerhard's Group from Germany Visted Yangshuo Countryside in August, 2019
  • Jenn's Family from USA - Yulong River Scooting, Yangshuo, Guilin Jenn's family from USA Enjoyed Scooted along Yulong River in October, 2022

The quotation for this trip is from $350 Per Person

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 2024 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, 2025.
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.

What's included?

  • Professional licensed English-speaking guide;
  • Admission tickets for all attractions listed in the itinerary;
  • Accommodation as listed in the itinerary (4-star standard);
  • Necessary vehicle transfers as listed in the itinerary;
  • Airport (and train station) pick up and drop off;
  • Luggage Transfers: between airports (railway station) and hotels;
  • All meals as listed( “B” for Chinese and Western breakfast buffet in your hotel; “L” for Chinese Lunch in local restaurant; “D” for Chinese dinner in local restaurant.);
  • Our service charge, including tour planning, handling, operational and communication charges.

What's excluded?

  • China visa;
  • Personal expenses;
  • Accommodation not listed in the itinerary;
  • Tourist sites which are not listed in the itinerary;
  • Recommended optional activities;
  • Flights or trains not listed in the itinerary;
  • Excess Baggage Charges;
  • Optional tips to guides, drivers, etc.

Check What our delighted customers are saying about our services

Good morning, Tracy.

We have completed our travel in China. Thank you very much for arranging this wonderful tour for us.

You amended the itinerary 3 times according to our needs. One of the changes in the itinerary was your suggestion to add the Xingyi Fenglin Buyi Scenic Area which was an excellent recommendation. All of us enjoyed this beautiful environment, away from the hustle and bustle of the big city as well as away from the regular tourist crowds.

I understand that you wish me to provide our reviews and feedback. Here they are:

Tracy is efficient and very patient with us. Tour was very well arranged. Everything is good.

The following is what I intend to post on tripadvisor. My user name in tripadvisor is Hing2013:

“CHINA DISCOVERY - AMAZING 13-DAY PRIVATE TOUR Our group of 8 seniors have just finished a wonderful 13-day private tour to Guizhou and Guilin arranged by Tracy. From the first email, Tracy had shown her willingness to help. She had been courteous and efficient. All my requests were attended promptly. Sceneries in both Guizhou and Guilin are spectacular. Everything was well arranged. The guides and drivers in both Guizhou and Guilin were caring. Guilin guide Kenny was particularly knowledgeable. It was a wonderful and memorable trip and we all enjoyed the tour. We will book with China Discovery again and have no hesitation to recommend China Discovery to anyone who is interested in traveling in China.”

Have a good day!

Lena

Lena‚ China, November 13, 2024

Hi Jack,

We had a great time on our trip thanks.

The trip went very well (apart from a rainy day in Pingyao), with no hitches.

Guides were all excellent, and took us to some great restaurants! All drivers were good as well - all punctual and drove safely.

Hotels were excellent, with the Beijing and Pingyao hotels standing out.

We had a great time and are sorry that it's over so quickly!

Many thanks.

Steve

Steve‚ Britain, November 12, 2024

Dear Jack,

We would like to thank you for the trip arrangement. It was very good and we had a wonderful time. Jessica, our guide, was very helpful and knowledgeable, and she took great care of us.

Thanks.

Warmest regards.

Sok Yong

Yong‚ Singapore, November 10, 2024

Hi Jack,

The tour was excellent and so were the guides (Michelle and Cecilia) and driver (Mr Wei). Both Michelle and Cecilia were knowledgeable and helpful and made our trip a memorable one.

Regards,

Lawrence

Lawrence‚ Singapore, November 9, 2024

Hi Leo,

Thanks for everything. I really enjoyed the Yunnan trip. Highly appreciated your tourist guides’ professional services. I will recommend your company to my friends. I definitely will come back again.

Ka

Ka‚ China, November 8, 2024
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"Decided to choose China Discovery after reading great reviews on TripAdvisor and I was glad I chose them. Rita Jiang was my travel consultant and she was very patient with all my questions and changes..." read more »
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Reviewed on November 15, 2024
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How Our Teams Serve you at China Discovery

"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.

1-on-1 Travel Consultant

China Tour

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.

Local Tour Guides

China Tour

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!

Local Drivers & Vehicle

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!

Comfortable & Homelike Hotels

China Tour

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.

Meals & Dining

China Tour

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!

Photo gallery of this trip

  • Santos from Canada - Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin Santos from Canada - Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin
  • Two Rivers and Four Lakes, Guilin Two Rivers and Four Lakes, Guilin
  • Delma from Ireland - Reed Flute Cave, Guilin Delma from Ireland - Reed Flute Cave, Guilin
  • Josh's Group from USA -  Li River Cruise (A Painting of Nine Horses), Guilin Josh's Group from USA - Li River Cruise (A Painting of Nine Horses), Guilin
  • Elie's Group from Belgium - Moon Hill, Ten-mile Gallery, Yangshuo, Guilin Elie's Group from Belgium - Moon Hill, Ten-mile Gallery, Yangshuo, Guilin
  • Elie's Group from Belgium - Impression Sanjie Liu, Yangshuo, Guilin Elie's Group from Belgium - Impression Sanjie Liu, Yangshuo, Guilin
  • Claire from UK - Li River, Guilin Claire from UK - Li River, Guilin
  • Helen from Australia - West Street, Yangshuo, Guilin Helen from Australia - West Street, Yangshuo, Guilin
  • Alexia and Bruno - Bamboo Rafting at Yulong River, Yangshuo, Guilin Alexia and Bruno - Bamboo Rafting at Yulong River, Yangshuo, Guilin
  • Josh's Group from USA -  Yulong River Cycling, Yangshuo, Guilin Josh's Group from USA - Yulong River Cycling, Yangshuo, Guilin
  • Delma from Ireland - Yulong River, Yangshuo, Guilin Delma from Ireland - Yulong River, Yangshuo, Guilin
  • Gerhard from Germany - Yangshuo, Guilin Gerhard from Germany - Yangshuo, Guilin
  • Jenn's Family from USA - Yulong River Scooting, Yangshuo, Guilin Jenn's Family from USA - Yulong River Scooting, Yangshuo, Guilin

Most Important Guilin Travel Notes

1. How to Get to Guilin

Guilin as one of the top tourist destinations in China is well linked with other gateway cities and tourist places with flights, bullet trains, distance buses, etc. So far, you can get to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport by flight from Hong Kong (1.5 hours), Beijing (3 hours), Shanghai (3 hours), Xian (2 hours), Chengdu (1 hour & 40 minutes), Chongqing (1.5 hours), etc. Besides, there are fast high speed trains from Hong Kong (3 hours & 20 minutes), Guangzhou (2.5 hours), Chongqing (5 hours), Chengdu (7-7.5 hours), Guiyang (2-3 hours), Kunming (4.5 hours), Shenzhen (3.5 hours), Changsha (3.5 hours), Wuhan (5 hours), etc.

2. Accommodation in Yangshuo

Yangshuo offers various hotels and hostels of different standards and levels. As an international tourist hot spot, almost accommodations provide great facilities and equipment for your comfortable stay in Yangshuo. You can find the international brand including Banyan Tree Yangshuo, and a series of top classed hotels like New West Street International Hotel, Grand Lotus Hotel, Elite Garden Hotel, etc. Also, there are some 4-star hotels like Yangshuo Jasper International Hotel, nice 3-star like New Century Hotel for your free choose. If you want to get closer to the peaceful natural countryside of Yangshuo, there are also some recommended boutique hotels and guesthouses such as Yangshuo Secret Garden Hotel, Yangshuo Tea Cozy, and so forth.

3. Best Time to Visit Guilin

Guilin situated in southern China is a hot destination to explore its special Karst landscape view. It is suitable to visit all year round due its ever green plants and its warm temperature. April to October is the best time to appreciate the sightseeing of Guilin and Yangshuo. Spring (April-June) is best to enjoy the cozy weather and the vigorous scene of multiple flowers and the crops cultivated by local farmers. Autumn is also very good to enjoy the clear river view and clear sky. However, as it often rains, particularly during April to July, when you can see the misty beauty of the hills and water, you are advised to prepare your rain gears.

4. Warm Tips for Visiting Yulong River

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 time, 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.

5. Tailor Make Your Yangshuo Activities

To explore the natural scenery and fun of Yangshuo, you will have many kinds of activities and ways to choose. We can take you to enjoy bamboo rafting at Yulong River, biking at any region in Yangshuo, hiking along Yulong River or other places, cultural experience of Chinese cooking, Taichi, and calligraphy classes, photographing, and so forth. Please feel free to tell us about your ideal activities, route, time, period, etc., to tailor make your special activity experience in Yangshuo.

6. To Customize Your Guilin Tour

We China Discovery have rich experience for providing Guilin tour arrangement and customization service for global visitors, and our professional travel expert will help sincerely to design your Guilin tour if you are interested to extend your Yangshuo tour with an exploration of Guilin City, or Longji Rice Terraces, Daxu Old Town, Huashan Rock Art, etc. We will show you the terrific sightseeing, culture, history and more highlights of Guilin and Guangxi.

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