5-Day Guilin Landform and Folk Customs Exploration Tour
During the trip, tourists will walk into Huangluo Yao Village, feel the unique charm of the world’s long-haired village, enjoy the Yao singing and dancing performances and the spectacular Longji Terraces, and experience the changing beauty of the terraces in four seasons. On the third day, the “Journey to the Center of the Earth” cave exploration activity allows tourists to go deep into the undeveloped original ecological caves and experience the mysterious underground world. Afterwards, tourists will climb Xianggong Mountain, overlooking the landscape painting of the Li River, and walk along the Li River to enjoy classic landscapes such as the reflection of the yellow cloth and Yuanbao Mountain. They can also experience double bamboo rafting in Yulong River. On the last day, tourists can ride or hike freely in Yangshuo Shili Gallery, encounter pastoral scenery such as Moon Mountain and Big Banyan Tree, and feel the poetry and style of Yangshuo. The entire itinerary combines natural beauty, folk culture and outdoor adventure, showing the charm of Guilin’s landscape and humanistic style in all aspects.
Included with every escorted tour
Day 1: Guilin Arrival
Guilin Arrival
4+ Star Hotel
None
Welcome to Guilin! Upon arrival, please collect your luggage and proceed to the exit, where our station representative will be holding a sign with the name of the lead guest. After verifying your details, a private vehicle will be arranged to take you to your hotel in downtown Guilin (approximately a 60-minute drive). There are no scheduled activities today, so if you arrive early, feel free to explore the city on your own.
Recommendations for Free Time in Guilin:
During your free time, there will be no transportation or guide provided. You can explore the popular local cuisine and experience the lifestyle of old Guilin. The city also offers a vibrant nightlife. Feel free to wander through the Banyan and Cypress Lake Scenic Area, where you can visit the Sun and Moon Twin Towers, the Ancient South Gate, the Millennium Banyan Tree, and the Crystal Glass Bridge.
Day 2: Guilin
Huangluo Yao Village-Longji Terraces
4+ Star Hotel
Breakfast
Huangluo Yao Village: Known as the “World’s Longest Hair Village,” Huangluo Yao Village is the only Yao ethnic village among the 13 villages of Longji. It is home to the Red Yao people, who are famous for their tradition of growing and maintaining long hair. In this village of 60 households, over 60 women have hair longer than one meter, with some reaching up to 1.7 meters. Their long hair is often coiled on top of their heads. Visitors can enjoy the unique custom of long hair combing, traditional ethnic songs and dances, and taste local oil tea. The village has earned the title of “Guinness World Record for Longest Hair Village” and is renowned as a place where long hair is celebrated.
Longji Rice Terraces: This is a vast and spectacular terraced field complex in Guilin, known for its stunning layered curves that stretch across the mountains. Several ancient villages inhabited by ethnic minorities such as the Zhuang and Yao people are nestled within these terraces. Visitors often come here to hike, enjoy the breathtaking views, and take photos, while also sampling local farmhouse cuisine. The sunrise over the Longji Rice Terraces is particularly beautiful and worth experiencing. Renowned for its majestic presence, fluid lines, ever-changing charm, and unique ethnic customs, the terraces are hailed as a “scenic wonder hanging on the edge of the sky” and are unmatched among terraced fields worldwide. The terraces transform with the seasons: in spring, they resemble silver ribbons; in summer, they look like rolling green waves; in autumn, they become golden pagodas; and in winter, they appear as icy steps. Visitors can also delve into the local villages to experience the simple folk customs, the exquisite craftsmanship of stilted houses, and the unique ethnic traditions.
Day 3: Guilin
Cave Exploration
4+ Star Hotel
Breakfast
After breakfast, we’ll set off by vehicle to our destination for the Journey to the Center of the Earth. Upon arrival, our professional instructor will brief us on the cave exploration safety guidelines and help us gear up with helmets, headlamps, and other necessary equipment. We’ll then embark on our mysterious cave exploration adventure, led by experienced guides. These caves are pristine and untouched, offering a unique and authentic experience. Once inside, we’ll follow the instructor’s directions closely, ensuring we protect the environment by not littering or touching anything unnecessarily.
Our activities include:
Rappelling into the Cave: We’ll start with an exciting descent from the cave’s cliff entrance to the bottom.
Simple Meal Inside the Cave: A light meal will be taken inside the cave (at your own expense; you may purchase food beforehand or bring snacks).
Learning About the Cave’s Formation: Our instructor will share fascinating stories and insights into the geological processes that created these caves.
Cave Games and Relaxation: Finally, we’ll engage in some fun cave games to unwind and enjoy the unique atmosphere.
After our cave adventure, we’ll return to the cave entrance and travel to Xianggong Mountain, where we’ll check into our hotel.
Day 4: Yangshuo
Xianggong Mountain–Li River –Yulong River Cuise
4+ Star Hotel
Breakfast
Xianggong Mountain (Approximately 70 minutes of exploration)
Xianggong Mountain is located on the west bank of the Li River in Xingping Town, Yangshuo, about 28 kilometers from Yangshuo, between the attractions of Huangbu Beach and Jiuma Painted Hills. Climbing to the top of Xianggong Mountain offers breathtaking panoramic views of the orderly mountain peaks and the meandering Li River, embraced by the mountains. The interplay of light and shadow, sea of clouds, sunrises, and colorful sunsets here has attracted countless photographers and enthusiasts. Works captured by Guilin photographers at this spot have even won bronze awards at the 10th International Photography Exhibition.
Note: If Xianggong Mountain is inaccessible due to special circumstances, an alternative visit to the equally stunning Silver Cave Scenic Area will be arranged.
Hiking Along the Li River (Approximately 2 hours of hiking)
We’ll embark on a scenic hike starting at the foot of Xianggong Mountain, heading towards Jiuma Painted Hills and ending at Xingping Chaobanshan Dock. Along the way, you’ll enjoy iconic Li River views such as the Huangbu Reflection, Yuanbao Mountain, Chaobanshan, and the backdrop featured on the 20-yuan Chinese banknote. After the hike, we’ll explore the ancient town of Xingping. During the hike, you’ll pass through quaint fishing villages, marvel at the stunning scenery of the Li River, including the famous Huangbu Reflection, and see the original landscape depicted on the back of the 20-yuan banknote—be sure to take a comparison photo! Xingping, a picturesque ancient town nestled against the mountains and beside the water, offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere with its whitewashed walls, black tiles, and cobblestone alleys.
Encounter River Double Bamboo Raft Drift (Approximately 40 minutes, subject to actual conditions in the scenic area)
Described as “better than the Li River itself,” the Encounter River is acclaimed by CCTV as the most beautiful scenery in Yangshuo. This leisurely bamboo raft ride offers a serene and picturesque experience on the water.
Note: The activity is not recommended for pregnant women, people with disabilities, individuals over 70 years old, or children under 1 meter. Children over 1 meter must purchase an adult ticket and share the raft with an adult. If the combined weight of two people exceeds 320 pounds, separate rafts will be required.
In the evening, you are free to wander through the vibrant and international Yangshuo West Street (also known as “Foreigners’ Street”). This lively area is best explored after 21:00 without any vehicle or tour guide accompaniment.
Day 5: Guilin Departure
Ten Miles Gallery – Departure
4+ Star Hotel
Breakfast
Ten-Mile Gallery (Approximately 120 minutes of cycling)
Located along National Highway 321 in Yangshuo County, Guilin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the Ten-Mile Gallery is named for its picturesque scenery that unfolds like a continuous painting. On both sides of the road, continuous mountain ranges and uniquely shaped peaks—some resembling screens, castles, and even screws—stand majestically against the backdrop of blue skies and white clouds, creating a breathtaking panorama. In addition to the mountains, the Ten-Mile Gallery features vast pastoral landscapes, with fields, villages, streams, and bamboo groves interwoven to form beautiful rural scenes. Rivers like the Yulong River meander through the mountains like green ribbons, adding a touch of liveliness and vitality to the area.
End of the Journey: Depending on your flight or train schedule, you will depart from Guilin Airport or Guilin Railway Station to return home, concluding your delightful trip and arriving back at the warmth of your own home.
