6-Day Shanghai-Guilin In-depth Tour
Discover the perfect balance of modern city life and breathtaking nature on this 6-day journey. Begin in vibrant Shanghai, exploring the Bund and Nanjing Road. Then head to scenic Guilin to cruise along the Li River, wander through Yangshuo, and marvel at Elephant Trunk Hill. A seamless blend of culture, scenery, and relaxation.
Included with every escorted tour
Day 1: Shanghai Arrival
Arrive in Shanghai – Free Time
4-Star Hotel
None
Welcome to Shanghai, the city of prosperity. A metropolis that never sleeps, a city that has always been fascinating, nostalgic and modern, oriental and western at the same time. Our professional tour guide will meet you at the airport arrival and transfer you to your hotel for rest. The rest of the day is free time. If you want to wander around, you can find a tour guide and your guide will give you some good suggestions.
Day 2: Shanghai
Yu Garden – Shanghai Pearl Tower – Nanjing Road – The Bund
4-Star Hotels
Breakfast & Lunch
Morning: Visit the Yu Garden, a treasure of Chinese Jiangnan garden art, stroll along the pavilions, towers and nine-curve bridges, and feel the exquisiteness and tranquility of Ming and Qing gardens. Then go to the adjacent Yu Garden Old Street to taste a variety of local snacks and appreciate the fireworks of Shanghai’s old town.
Afternoon: Go to the Oriental Pearl Tower, climb up and overlook the Huangpu River, and take in the city skyline. Then stroll along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street to feel the modern rhythm of the bustling commercial district. In the evening, come to the Bund to enjoy the beautiful night scene of century-old international buildings and modern skyscrapers on the opposite bank.
Day 3: Shanghai-Guilin
Qibao Ancient Town – Jade Buddha Temple – Take a flight to Guilin
4-Star Hotels
Breakfast & Lunch
Morning: Begin your day with a stroll through Qibao Ancient Town, a charming water town with over a thousand years of history. Explore its stone bridges, narrow lanes, and traditional buildings, and enjoy local snacks like stinky tofu and Qibao rice cakes. Then, return to the city to visit the Jade Buddha Temple, famous for its serene ambiance and two magnificent jade Buddha statues brought from Myanmar.
Afternoon: After lunch, head to the airport and board your flight to Guilin, known for its spectacular karst mountains and picturesque landscapes. Enjoy a smooth transition from Shanghai’s cultural richness to Guilin’s natural beauty.
Day 4: Guilin
Li River Four-Star Cruise (Zhenghang) – Ruyi Peak – Yangshuo West Street
4+stars Hotel
Breakfast & Lunch
Board the Zhenghang 4-Star Cruise for a scenic journey on the Li River (Bamboo River to Longtou Mountain), cruising for approximately 240 minutes through the stunning 5A-rated Li River landscapes. This is currently the highest-grade operating cruise ship on the river, offering views of iconic sites like Xingping’s charming landscape, the Yellow Cloth Reflection, Nine Horses Painting Hill, Stone Waves in Mist, and Yangdi Waterfall. The cruise provides bilingual commentary in Mandarin and English, along with a buffet offering both Chinese and Western options. During the cruise, you will also pass Xingping Ancient Town, one of Yangshuo’s most distinctive towns, where you can admire the classic Yellow Cloth Reflection, often featured on the 20-yuan RMB note.
Note: If the four-star cruise is unavailable due to special circumstances, the itinerary will be adjusted to a three-star cruise from Mopan Mountain to Yangshuo, and a complimentary meal will be provided at no extra charge.
Afterward, take the cable car to the top of Ruyi Peak, offering a panoramic view of Yangshuo (tour duration approximately 120 minutes). Ruyi Peak features a 360-degree observation platform where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, such as Yulong River, Moon Mountain, and the Ten-Mile Gallery, which resemble a painting of paradise.
In the evening, enjoy some free time to explore Yangshuo West Street, known for its vibrant, international atmosphere. It’s best to visit after 9:00 PM for a lively experience (no transportation or guide provided during this free time).
Day 5: Guilin
Hot Air Balloon – Yulong River Bamboo Rafting – Silver Cave – Impression Liu Sanjie Show
4+ stars hotel
Breakfast & Lunch
Have you ever experienced a hot air balloon ride offering a bird’s-eye view of Yangshuo? Take a ride in a hot air balloon, rising 30-80 meters (depending on weather conditions), and enjoy panoramic views of the winding Yulong River, surrounded by majestic peaks, scenic villages, and rising mist. The landscape unfolds like an ink wash painting, offering a one-of-a-kind experience.
Not: If due to unforeseen circumstances, the hot air balloon experience cannot take place, the itinerary will automatically be adjusted to a visit to the idyllic Peach Blossom Spring, with no additional cost.
Explore the Silver Cave, a karst wonder located in Guilin (AAAA-rated scenic area, approximately 60 minutes of touring). Silver Cave is a typical example of karst topography, and even former U.S. President Bill Clinton was such a fan that he postponed a flight to Hong Kong in 1998 just to visit the cave!
Enjoy a bamboo raft ride on the Yulong River (approximately 40 minutes, depending on water conditions). Known for being “not just like the Li River, but even more beautiful,” the river has been praised by CCTV as one of the most scenic spots in Yangshuo.
Note: 1. Pregnant women, disabled individuals, elderly people aged 70 and above, and children under 1 meter in height are not permitted to ride the raft. Children over 1 meter must purchase an adult ticket and ride with an adult.
2. Visitors weighing over 200 pounds must book a private raft, and if the combined weight of two people exceeds 320 pounds, they will also need to have separate rafts.
3.The bamboo rafts are for two people, and if there is an odd number of passengers, an additional fee for an empty seat will apply, with the specific fee determined by the scenic area.
In the evening, enjoy the spectacular Impression Liu Sanjie show (approximately 70 minutes), which takes place in the world’s largest mountain-water outdoor theater.
This grand performance blends the culture of the Guangxi ethnic minorities with the talents of China’s elite artists and is the first-ever “mountain-water real-life show” of its kind.
Note: If the Impression Liu Sanjie performance is canceled due to uncontrollable circumstances, it will be replaced with the Eternal Love show, with no additional charges.
Day 6: Guilin Departure
Free Time – Departure
None
Breakfast
Depending on your flight or train schedule, you will be transferred to Guilin Airport or Guilin Railway Station for your return trip. Bid farewell to your beautiful journey and head back to your home.
