6-Day Guilin Photography Tour
This 6-day photography-focused tour captures Guilin’s iconic landscapes and cultural gems. Highlights include sunrise/sunset shoots at Cat Mountain’s peaks, the ethereal terraced fields of Longji (Ping’an Village and Jinkengzhai), and panoramic views from Xianggong Mountain. Capture the magic of Xingping’s Li River (20 RMB backdrop), traditional cormorant fishing scenes, and the rustic charm of Tianxin Village’s ancient bridges and rice paddies. Drift on the serene Yulong River by bamboo raft and explore Yangshuo’s vibrant West Street. Designed for shutterbugs, it blends nature’s grandeur with ethnic culture and timeless rural beauty.
Included with every escorted tour
Day 1: Guilin Arrival
Guilin Arrival – Transfer to Hotel
4+stars Hotel
None
Welcome to Guilin! Upon arrival, pick up your luggage and proceed to the exit. After exiting, a guide will be waiting with a sign displaying your name to greet you. After
verifying your details, you will be transferred to your hotel in the city (approximately 60 minutes). There are no scheduled activities today. If you arrive early, you can enjoy
free time to explore Guilin on your own.
Recommended Free Activities in Guilin:
During your free time (no car or guide service), you can explore the city’s popular cuisine and experience the lifestyle of the locals. Guilin also offers a vibrant nightlife, and
you can stroll around the Rongshui and Shanhu Lake areas to visit attractions like the Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas, the ancient South Gate, the Thousand-Year-Old Banyan
Tree, and the Crystal Glass Bridge.
Day 2: Guilin
Mount Mao’er
4+stars Hotel
Breakfast
First Photography Location—The Highest Peak in South China
Mao’er Mountain is the highest peak in South China, located in the northwest of Xing’an County, 55 kilometers from Xing’an and 81 kilometers from Guilin. The peak rises
to 2,142 meters and is known for its stunning sunrise and sunset views. The mountain is famous for its “cat-shaped” peak, and in 1990, renowned scholar Lu Dingyi praised
the mountain for its grandeur, danger, tranquility, and beauty, comparing it to the peaks of Tai Mountain, Mount Hua, Mount Lu, and Emei Mountain.
In the evening, we will capture the most beautiful sunset and, if lucky, a sea of clouds or Buddha’s light at the summit.
Photography Highlights:
Capture the breathtaking natural scenery of South China’s highest peak
Day 3: Guilin
Longji Ping’an Zhuang Village
4+stars Hotel
Breakfast
In the early morning, we will rise early and hike for 30 minutes to the mountain top to capture the most beautiful sunrise.
Second Photography Location—Longji Rice Terraces
Longji Rice Terraces (approximately 120 minutes) is a vast terraced field in Guilin, known for its beautiful curves. This area is home to several ethnic minority villages,
including the Zhuang and Yao peoples. The rice terraces change dramatically with the seasons: in spring, they resemble silver ribbons; in summer, green waves; in autumn,
golden towers; and in winter, icy steps. You can also visit local villages to experience the traditional customs and skilled craftsmanship of stilt houses.
Ping’an Zhuang Village is part of the Longji Rice Terraces, known for two famous scenic spots: “Seven Stars Accompanying the Moon” and “Nine Dragons and Five Tigers.”
The village offers picturesque views that change with the seasons.
Photography Highlights:
Capture the culture and style of local ethnic costumes, architecture, headwear, and food.
Day 4: Guilin
Longji Jinkeng Village – Xianggong Mountain
4+stars Hotel
Breakfast
For those who love photography, we can rise early to capture the sunrise from the observation platform, followed by a relaxing walk through the fields, breathing in the
fresh air and enjoying the beauty of nature.
Third Photography Location—Longji Jinkeng Village
We will visit the Longji Jinkeng Village, famous for its unique terraced fields. You can take the Longji cable car (20 minutes) to reach the viewing platform or hike for 1.5
hours. The views of the terraces here are among the best for capturing the scenery.
Photography Highlights:
Photograph the terraced fields and the unique architecture of the Yao people.
Fourth Photography Location—Xianggong Mountain
Xianggong Mountain (approximately 70 minutes) offers a panoramic view of the stunning Li River, with towering peaks and winding waters. The landscape here is a favorite
among photographers, with its light, shadow, and mist creating a perfect scene for capturing the essence of Guilin.
Photography Highlights:
Capture the iconic view of the Li River and the surrounding mountains from a renowned international photography base.
Day 5: Guilin
Xingping Li River – Li River Fisherman’s Lights – Yangshuo West Street
4+stars Hotel
Breakfast
In the early morning, we will capture the most beautiful morning scenes from Xianggong Mountain, including the sunrise and sunset, at this famous photography hotspot.
Fifth Photography Location—Xingping Li River
We will visit the ancient town of Xingping, known for its traditional architecture. From here, we will capture the scenic beauty of the Li River, which is depicted on the
20 RMB note. Afterward, we can take a self-paid electric car ride to Jiuma Huashan (Nine Horses Painted Hill), which is famous for the image that Premier Zhou Enlai viewed.
We will capture this iconic landscape and the reflection of the Yellow Waterfall.
Photography Highlights:
Capture the beautiful scenery that appears on the 20 RMB note.
Sixth Photography Location—Li River Fisherman’s Lights
In the evening, we will photograph the Li River Fisherman’s Lights, a traditional and ancient fishing technique using cormorants. This unique method of fishing has been
practiced for centuries, and we will capture the scene of the elderly fisherman and his cormorants, evoking the history and charm of the river.
Photography Highlights:
Photograph the ancient, primitive fishing method on the Li River.
Seventh Photography Location—Yangshuo West Street
In the evening, we will visit the famous Yangshuo West Street, known for its bar culture, beer fish, and lively atmosphere. It is a popular place for both locals and tourists,
and it is a great spot to relax with a drink after the day’s adventures.
Photography Highlights:
Capture the vibrant atmosphere of Yangshuo’s bustling West Street.
Day 6: Guilin Departure
Yulong River Bamboo Rafting – Tianxin Village – Return Journey
None
Breakfast
Eighth Photography Spot – Yulong River
Yulong River Bamboo Rafting (approximately 40 minutes) offers a breathtaking, picturesque landscape with green mountains, clear waters, and ancient bridges, creating
an idyllic setting. The gentle breeze, birds singing, the rhythmic sound of waterwheels, mountain songs, the croaking of frogs in the fields, and the distant crowing of
roosters from surrounding villages all add to the poetic charm, making this an enchanting and refreshing experience.
Photography Highlights:
Capture the beauty of one of China’s most scenic rivers.
Tips:
1. Pregnant women, disabled individuals, those aged 70 and above, and children under 1 meter in height are not permitted to take the bamboo raft ride. Children over 1
meter in height must purchase an adult ticket and ride with an adult. Please verify with the site if you can board the raft.
2. The Yulong River bamboo raft is for two people. If there is an odd number of passengers, an empty seat fee will apply. The fee for any empty seat will be at the site’s
discretion.
Ninth Photography Spot – Guilin Countryside, Tianxin Village
Visit the traditional ancient village of Tianxin Village, where you can explore Zhuangyuan Bridge and Zhuangyuan Road, and capture the beautiful rural scenery. This area
holds rich cultural heritage, with the village being known for its “Hengshan Mansion, Chi Tou County, Tianxin Village Hanlin Academy” and the famous cultural legacy of
“Nine Scholars from One Family.” The countryside here is picturesque, especially after April when rice seedlings are planted, making it an ideal spot for photography. This
hidden gem is not included in typical tour itineraries, offering a unique and authentic experience.
End of the Journey:
Based on your flight or train schedule, you will depart from Guilin Airport or Guilin Railway Station to return home, concluding this wonderful trip.
