2 Days in Longsheng & Yangshuo : A Guided Tour from Guilin through China’s Hidden Gems

Day1 Guilin-Longsheng-Guilin

Your day begins with a warm welcome from your guide, who will meet you in the lobby of your Guilin hotel with a sign "Your Way Holiday". As you settle into the private car, your guide shares stories of the region’s ethnic diversity and the ancient customs that still shape daily life here. The drive winds through lush countryside and misty mountains, offering glimpses of rice paddies, bamboo groves, and traditional wooden houses perched on hillsides. Upon arrival at Huangluo Yao Village, known as the “Long Hair Village,” your guide introduces you to the Yao women—famous for their floor-length hair—and explains the symbolism behind this unique tradition. As you walk through the stilted homes and observe locals weaving and singing, your guide bridges the language gap, translating conversations and helping you understand the rhythms of village life.

Next, your journey continues to Ping’an Village, nestled among the rolling peaks of Longsheng County. As your vehicle ascends the winding mountain roads, the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic, with terraced rice fields clinging to steep slopes like green ribbons. Your guide provides insight into the Zhuang people's history and architecture, pointing out how the houses are cleverly designed to suit the terrain. Upon arrival, your guide leads you through the narrow stone pathways of Ping’an, where smoke curls from chimneys and elders rest on wooden benches. You’ll visit traditional homes and hear fascinating legends about the origins of the terraces, all brought to life by your guide’s vivid storytelling. Their presence ensures you connect not just with the sights, but with the spirit of the community itself.

By midday, it's time to pause and savor a traditional meal prepared by local villagers. Your guide selects a cozy family-run eatery where you’re treated to dishes like bamboo rice, stir-fried wild vegetables, and local chicken cooked over open flame. As you dine, your guide shares the origins of each dish and ensures dietary preferences are respected. Seated on a balcony overlooking the terraces, the view is unforgettable—layers of green stepping up toward the sky, shaped by centuries of care. Your guide uses this moment to explain how the terrace system works in harmony with seasonal farming cycles, blending human ingenuity with nature’s grace. It’s more than just a meal—it’s an immersion into local life, made richer by the guide’s thoughtful commentary and easy camaraderie with the villagers.

After lunch, you’ll set off on a guided hike through the breathtaking Longji Rice Terraces (Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces). With your guide leading the way, you’ll ascend winding stone paths, pass through shady forests and terraced ledges, and reach panoramic viewpoints that offer sweeping vistas of the valley below. Your guide adjusts the pace to match your comfort and shares stories of how these terraces, some dating back 600 years, were carved by hand by local farmers. Along the way, they point out native plants, explain farming practices, and help you interact with any villagers you might encounter. Whether it’s a sudden shift in light over the landscape or the quiet sound of wind passing through the rice shoots, your guide ensures you don’t miss the beauty in the details—and helps you photograph it from the best angles.

As the afternoon sun casts golden hues over the terraces, you’ll begin your descent and return to the car. Your guide remains attentive, offering you bottled water and a relaxed pace as you retrace the scenic route. During the drive back to Guilin, your guide reflects with you on the day’s highlights, answering any lingering questions and sharing suggestions for what to explore next in the region. Outside your window, the sky fades from blue to amber, silhouetting distant peaks and rivers as the countryside slips into evening calm. By the time you’re dropped off at your hotel, you’ll feel not only enriched by the landscape and culture you’ve experienced, but also grateful for the company of a knowledgeable and caring guide who brought it all to life.

Day2 Guilin-Yangshuo-Guilin

Your journey begins as your friendly guide greets you at your Guilin hotel and escorts you to the pier for the Li River Cruise. As you travel by private car, your guide offers fascinating insights into the region’s karst landscape and the cultural significance of the Li River. At the dock, they help you board the cruise boat and secure a good spot for photos. Once the cruise begins, you’ll find yourself drifting through a landscape straight out of a Chinese ink painting—towering limestone peaks, crystal-clear waters, grazing buffalo, and fishermen on bamboo rafts. Your guide points out iconic landmarks along the way, like Nine Horse Fresco Hill and Yellow Cloth Shoal, bringing them to life with legends and local stories. Whether you're capturing photos or simply taking in the beauty, your guide ensures you don’t miss any hidden details.

During the cruise, a simple Chinese-style lunch is served on board—typically including rice, vegetables, and a protein dish. If you prefer, your guide will have reminded you that you’re welcome to bring your own packed meal. As the boat nears Yangshuo, your guide highlights the change in scenery, with the karst peaks becoming even more dramatic and clustered, rising like stone guardians from the riverbanks. Upon docking, your guide helps you disembark smoothly and gives you options: enjoy a relaxed lunch at one of the charming cafes in West Street, or head straight into exploring this vibrant part of town. If you choose to eat after the cruise, your guide will recommend trusted local restaurants—whether you're in the mood for local specialties like beer fish or international fare.

After lunch, your guide leads you on a walking tour of Yangshuo’s famous West Street, a blend of traditional Chinese architecture and lively modern culture. Cobblestone paths wind between Qing-era houses now hosting cafés, artisan shops, and boutique galleries. Your guide explains how this once-sleepy village became a cultural melting pot and a backpacker haven, while pointing out details like ancient stone carvings on doorways or calligraphy signs still preserved above shop entrances. You’ll have free time to browse for souvenirs, enjoy a local dessert, or sip coffee while watching street performers. Throughout the visit, your guide remains nearby to offer historical context or help you interact with shopkeepers and locals—making sure you enjoy both the sights and the spirit of the place.

In the afternoon, your adventure continues with a relaxing Bicycle Ride through the peaceful Yangshuo countryside. Your guide helps you choose a comfortable bike and leads you along scenic paths lined with rice paddies, ancient stone bridges, and traditional farming villages. As you cycle beneath the shadow of soaring karst peaks and alongside the tranquil Yulong River, the beauty is both surreal and soothing. Your guide shares stories about rural life, explains how the local farming system works, and helps you pause at the best photo spots. Depending on the season, you might see water buffalo grazing, farmers planting rice, or children playing by the roadside. After the ride, your guide ensures a comfortable return drive to your Guilin hotel, wrapping up a day filled with nature, culture, and heartfelt connection.

Price Per Person in US Dollars