Custom 4-Day Guilin Hiking Tour To Yangshuo: An Unforgettable Experience In Karst Mountains and Villages

Day1 Guilin Arrival

Upon your arrival in Guilin, your journey begins with a warm welcome from your guide, who will be holding a sign with "Your Way Holiday" to meet you at the airport or train station. You will be transferred to your hotel where you can check in, freshen up, and relax after your travels. The rest of the day is free for you to unwind at your leisure. Your guide will provide suggestions on local attractions you may want to explore, or if you prefer, you can enjoy the nearby shops and cafes. It’s a good opportunity to acclimatize to the atmosphere of this charming city. In the evening, you can take a leisurely walk along the riverfront or explore a nearby night market for a taste of local culture. The first day will be all about settling into the beautiful surroundings of Guilin, preparing for the adventure ahead.

Day2 Guilin

On your second day in Guilin, you will start with a visit to Caoping Guan Stone, a scenic spot known for its striking limestone karst formations. After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel and lead you to this remarkable site. The hike around the area will allow you to witness the incredible natural beauty of Guilin’s unique landscape. You’ll explore caves, riverside paths, and lush green hills as you stroll through this serene environment. The guide will provide fascinating insights into the geological history of the area, explaining how the region’s famous karst peaks formed over millions of years. The walk will be peaceful, offering plenty of opportunities to take photos and immerse yourself in nature before continuing on to your next adventure. This portion of the tour offers a perfect mix of tranquility and the wonder of Guilin’s natural beauty.

Afterward, you’ll head toward the Li River for a 9-kilometer Trek, a beautiful walk through one of the most iconic landscapes in China. Your guide will lead you along the riverbanks, with views of towering peaks, lush green fields, and tranquil waters surrounding you. The walk is relatively easy and suitable for most fitness levels, allowing you to take in the serenity of the Li River as you make your way to Yangdi Wharf. Along the way, you’ll encounter local villagers going about their daily lives, often seen working the fields or traveling by traditional bamboo rafts. As you walk, your guide will share stories about the region’s cultural significance, from its role in ancient trade routes to its depiction in classic Chinese art and literature. The journey will be peaceful yet inspiring, offering an intimate experience of the countryside that you won’t soon forget.

Once you arrive at Yangdi Wharf, you will have time to take a break and soak in the beauty of the area. The riverside spot is an ideal place for photos, with the emerald water and dramatic limestone peaks serving as the perfect backdrop. Your guide will point out landmarks along the river, such as Yellow Cloth Shoal, and explain the history behind the area. After a brief rest, you’ll enjoy a delicious, local lunch before proceeding to Yangshuo’s West Street. This famous pedestrian street is the perfect place to explore after a long day of hiking. Your guide will lead you through the lively area, where you’ll encounter shops selling local handicrafts, street food stalls, and cafes offering refreshing drinks. Be sure to try some of the regional snacks, like Guilin rice noodles, osmanthus cakes, and fresh fruit smoothies, all of which are popular choices among locals and visitors alike. As you wander through West Street, your guide will introduce you to some of the best spots for shopping and offer recommendations for souvenirs to take home.

As the day draws to a close, you’ll have time to explore Yangshuo’s West Street, a lively blend of traditional architecture and modern shops. The charming street is full of cafes, souvenir shops, and food stalls, creating a perfect environment for a leisurely evening stroll. The guide will ensure that you don’t miss the hidden gems of the area, pointing out locally owned shops and advising on the best places to sample local specialties. As the evening unfolds, you may find yourself mesmerized by the lively atmosphere of the street, with local performers occasionally adding to the vibrant energy. After a relaxing time in Yangshuo, you will be taken back to your accommodation. You will return to your hotel to rest, reflecting on the stunning landscapes and the experiences of the day, and perhaps even look forward to the following day’s adventures.

Day3 Yangshuo

Your day will begin in Yangshuo, where you will set out for one of the most picturesque hikes in the region. You will be transferred to Daqiaotou Village, the starting point of your 15-kilometer journey. The trail from here will take you through a fascinating variety of landscapes—stone-paved paths, forested hillsides, quiet farmlands, and tranquil riverside tracks. Your guide will accompany you closely, ensuring you follow the best routes while also sharing local stories and introducing native plants and birds that you might encounter along the way. This hike isn’t just a workout; it will be a chance to slow down and absorb the peaceful rhythm of rural Guangxi. As you leave Daqiaotou behind, you’ll feel the bustle of modern life gradually fade, replaced by the sound of birdsong, the rustling of leaves, and the gentle flow of the Li River beside you.

Continuing on, you will pass through Xianei Village and Quanjiazhou, two traditional villages nestled quietly along the river. These settlements are less frequented by tourists, giving you a more authentic glimpse into local life. You’ll see villagers tending their fields, children playing near the water, and elderly folks chatting under shaded trees. Your guide will act as a cultural bridge, pointing out architectural features of the old homes and perhaps introducing you to locals if the opportunity arises. Along the way, the scenery will be constantly changing—mist-covered peaks in the distance, water buffalos grazing by the riverside, and stretches of riverbank lined with bamboo groves. It’s the kind of journey where every step brings a new photo opportunity. As you walk through these quiet hamlets, you'll be able to feel the deep connection between the people and their land, something that remains beautifully intact in this part of China.

By midday, you will arrive at a riverside rest area where a local lunch will be served. After a long hike, this meal will be a welcome reward. Your guide will help you order some regional specialties, such as beer fish, stir-fried seasonal vegetables, and steamed river shrimp, depending on availability. If you follow any dietary restrictions, your guide will ensure the meal is adjusted accordingly. You’ll dine with a view of the river, surrounded by karst peaks that rise dramatically from the water’s edge. The setting is peaceful, and the flavors of the food are fresh and comforting. As you rest and refuel, you’ll also have time to chat with your fellow travelers or simply enjoy the quiet charm of the landscape. It will be a perfect moment to reflect on the morning’s journey and gear up for the next leg of the hike.

After lunch, you’ll resume your walk, now headed toward the Nine-Horse Fresco Hill, one of the Li River’s most iconic landmarks. As the name suggests, this massive cliff face is famous for the natural patterns in the rock that resemble nine horses. Your guide will help you locate and count them—some are easy to spot, while others are hidden in abstract shapes. It’s a fun and interactive part of the day that brings some light-heartedness after the long walk. Not far from here, you’ll also pass Yellow Cloth Shoal, a clear, shallow stretch of the river that perfectly reflects the surrounding peaks when the water is calm. Your guide will explain the poetic origin of the name and why this spot has inspired artists and poets for centuries. The trail in this section remains fairly level, offering more time to pause for photos or simply admire the quiet majesty of nature. The combination of towering cliffs, flowing water, and rural stillness creates a timeless atmosphere that will leave a deep impression on you.

Your final destination will be the ancient town of Xingping, a charming riverside settlement with over 1,700 years of history. As you walk into the town, you’ll notice the shift in energy—cobblestone streets, traditional grey-brick houses, and red lanterns swaying gently in the breeze. Xingping offers a blend of rustic charm and historical depth, and your guide will lead you through its winding lanes, pointing out temples, ancient banyan trees, and the old opera stage. You’ll also get to see the iconic 20 Yuan note viewpoint, where the landscape printed on China’s 20 RMB bill comes to life right before your eyes. This is a great spot to end your day’s journey and capture a few memorable photos. As the sun begins to set behind the peaks, you’ll either rest in Xingping or be transferred back to Yangshuo, tired but fulfilled from a full day of discovery.

Day4 Yangshuo

Your final day in Yangshuo will begin with a peaceful Hike along the Yulong River, a 6-kilometer route that will showcase the serene beauty of the Guangxi countryside. You will set out after breakfast, walking along flat, well-trodden paths that wind through vibrant green fields, bamboo groves, and quiet farming villages. This trail is not physically demanding, which will allow you to fully enjoy the sights and sounds of rural life—water buffalo grazing in rice paddies, ducks paddling across narrow canals, and farmers tending to their crops. Your guide will join you on this journey, offering insight into the local farming practices, pointing out interesting flora along the way, and sharing legends about the river that locals still tell today. It will be a relaxing and immersive start to your day, where every step brings you closer to the tranquil rhythm of Yangshuo’s natural world.

After completing the hike, you will reach one of the most iconic sections of the Yulong River, where your next adventure begins—a traditional Bamboo Raft Ride. You’ll board a handcrafted raft guided by a local boatman, and slowly drift down the river, surrounded by dramatic karst peaks mirrored in the clear water. This isn’t a high-speed thrill ride, but rather a poetic float through one of China’s most beautiful landscapes. You’ll pass stone bridges, small waterfalls, and even locals washing clothes or vegetables by the riverbank. If you're traveling with someone, this will be an especially romantic and peaceful experience. Your guide will help organize the boarding process and ensure your safety throughout the ride. With the soft creaking of bamboo and the gentle splash of the water, you’ll find this experience to be a perfect reflection of Yangshuo’s unhurried charm. It’s a moment to sit back, breathe deeply, and simply enjoy being present in the moment.

By midday, you’ll disembark near Gongnong Bridge, where a countryside restaurant awaits to serve you a delicious local lunch. This meal will be another highlight of your journey—fresh, home-style dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. You might enjoy specialties such as braised tofu with vegetables, river fish, sautéed bamboo shoots, and Yangshuo’s signature taro cakes. Your guide will assist in ordering according to your preferences and dietary needs, ensuring that your experience is both enjoyable and comfortable. Dining beside the river or in a shaded garden, you’ll be able to reflect on your morning adventure while savoring the flavors unique to the region. It will be a satisfying and nourishing pause before you conclude your time in Yangshuo. The pace of the countryside dining experience will feel worlds apart from the bustle of the city, reinforcing the sense of relaxation you’ve enjoyed throughout this journey.

After lunch, you’ll have a little time to explore the surrounding area near Gongnong Bridge, a historic stone structure that spans the Yulong River. The bridge itself is a favorite among photographers due to its traditional architecture and picturesque setting against the backdrop of steep hills and slow-moving water. If you enjoy photography, this will be an ideal spot to capture a few final images of the landscape. You might also see locals riding bicycles across the bridge or fishermen casting lines from the riverbanks. Your guide will be available to explain the history of the bridge and offer suggestions for where to take the best photos. This unhurried time in the early afternoon will allow you to soak up the last bits of Yangshuo’s peaceful atmosphere before beginning the return journey to Guilin. It’s a perfect way to wind down from your active morning and appreciate the simplicity and beauty of rural China.

In the late afternoon, you will be transferred Back to Guilin, marking the end of your multi-day exploration through some of Guangxi’s most stunning landscapes. During the drive, you’ll have time to rest and reflect on all the places you've discovered—crystal-clear rivers, centuries-old towns, peaceful villages, and towering limestone hills. Your guide will remain with you until drop-off, answering any final questions, helping with your luggage, and ensuring a smooth check-in process if you’re heading to a hotel or preparing for your departure. This final leg of the trip will feel like a gentle farewell, not just from a destination, but from a slower and more peaceful way of life. The journey from Yangshuo to Guilin is scenic in itself, offering one last look at the countryside before the landscape transitions back into the city. By the time you arrive, you will carry with you a collection of unforgettable memories, vivid images, and perhaps a renewed appreciation for nature’s quiet beauty.

Price Per Person in US Dollars