6-Day Guilin & Xi'an Cultural Journey
This 6-day itinerary blends ancient heritage and natural beauty. Start in Xi’an to see life-sized Terracotta Warriors, Ming Dynasty City Wall, and vibrant Muslim Quarter. Fly to Guilin, renowned for “best scenery under heaven,” cruise the Li River through karst peaks, then cycle in Yangshuo past rice paddies and villages. Experience China’s profound history and spectacular landscapes.
Book this Tour
5 nights (4+ stars hotel)
Included with every escorted tour
Day 1: Guilin Arrival
Guilin Arrival
4+stars Hotel
You will be transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in the city center (approximately a 60-minute drive). There are no scheduled activities for today. If you
arrive early, feel free to explore Guilin on your own.
Day 2: Guilin
Li River Four-Star Cruise (Zhenghang) – Ruyi Peak – Yangshuo West Street
4+stars Hotel
Breakfast
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. 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 3: Guilin
Hot Air Balloon – Yulong River Bamboo Rafting – Silver Cave – Impression Liu Sanjie Show
4+ stars hotel
Breakfast
Morning: 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.
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!
Afternoon: 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.
Evening: Enjoy the spectacular Impression Liu Sanjie show (approximately 70 minutes), which takes place in the world’s largest mountain-water outdoor theater.
Day 4: Xi'an Arrival
Transfer to Xi’an – Da Ci’en Temple – Giant Wild Goose Pagoda – Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City
4-Stars Hotel
Breakfast
Our driver will pick you up at the airport and take you to the hotel, take a rest!
Afternoon: Begin at Da Ci’en Temple, the Tang Dynasty Buddhist complex housing the famous Giant Wild Goose Pagoda(7 floors, climb for panoramic city views). Explore the temple’s tranquil gardens and learn about Xuanzang’s epic journey to India.
Visit Shaanxi History Museum (optional; requires advance booking) to see priceless Tang Dynasty artifacts
– Enjoy traditional Shaanxi cuisine for lunch (recommend: biangbiang noodles)
Evening: Experience Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City – a 1.5km pedestrian street with: Stunning light installations, free cultural performances, interactive digital art display, Tang-style architecture
Day 5: Xi'an
Terracotta Warriors Museum-City Wall-Muslim Quarter
4-Stars Hotel
Breakfast
Morning:
Begin your exploration at the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors Museum, where 8,000 life-sized clay soldiers stand in battle formation after 2,200 years underground. Marvel at the intricate details – each warrior’s unique facial features, the still-sharp bronze weapons, and the ongoing archaeological work in Pit No. 2. Walk the perimeter of the massive excavation site to appreciate the scale of Emperor Qin’s ambition, then study the exquisite bronze chariots in the museum’s treasure hall.
Afternoon:
Climb the 600-year-old Xi’an City Wall, the most complete surviving urban fortification in China. Rent a bicycle to ride along the 14-kilometer ramparts, stopping at watchtowers that offer panoramic views of the modern city rising beyond the crenelated battlements. Descend into the labyrinthine Muslim Quarter, where the scent of cumin-dusted lamb skewers and fresh-pulled noodles leads you past Qing Dynasty storefronts. Watch bakers pull flaming sesame cakes from clay ovens as call to prayer echoes from the 14th-century Great Mosque – its Chinese courtyard architecture hiding behind unassuming gates.
Day 6: Xi'an Departure
Transfer to Airport – Xi’an Departure
Breakfast
After the breakfast, Our driver will pick you up at the hotel and take you to the airport, enjoy the journey and safe trip!
