Jan.18th-24th Guilin | 7 Days Best In-Depth Highlights Tour

# Deep Tour to Explore China #

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Guilin | 7 Days Best Highlights In-Depth Tour

(Li River, Yangshuo & Longji Terrace) 

In looking at the history of Guilin, the limestone protrusions (Karsts) give evidence of the fact that a large part of the area was completely submerged under the ocean, gradually rising over thousands of years to form what is today known as the prefectural region of Guilin.

As far as the history of man in Guilin goes, settlements go as far back as 310 to 314 BC, with these early settlers drawn to the Li River banks. Formal documentation of the city goes on to a period of about 200 years later than this first settlement, during the Han Dynasty, which saw the establishment of the Shi An County. The city then went through a period of identity redefinition, renamed Guizhou around 507 AD, after which it became Guilin in 1940.(From China History, Guilin)

With such an extensive history, encompassing politics, land formations and human development, together with the sheer beauty of the city, make Guilin what it is today, one of the world's preferred tourist destinations, simply because of the sightseeing alone. It's breathtaking scenery has attracted many famous poets and artists for thousands of years. Artists are able to find inspiration from the Karst mountains and the unsurpassed beauty of the Li River. Naturally, this spills over into other surrounding driving factors of the tourism sector. 

Today Yangshuo's nightlife has sprung up to keep pace with contemporary China. You can still catch a glimpse of Guilin's yesteryears in the countryside where it has been and continues to be home to many ethnic minority groups. Every corner you look is picture postcard perfect! It is truly impossible to take a bad photo.

There is an ancient saying here : "East or west, Guilin scenery is the best". As the most amazing terrace in China, Longji Terraced Fields offer some of the most fantastic scenery in China or indeed the world. In spring, the water is irrigated into the fields and the terraces look like great chains or ribbons hung on the hillsides. When the onset of summer, green waves rush continuously down the mountainside from the heaven. The theme of autumn is the harvest, with the mountainside decorated with the gold of ripened millet. Coming into winter, the whole mountain will be covered with white snow, just like dragons playing with water. The linked together rice terraces vary from season to season, just a beautiful natural picture, it is really a feast for the eyes.

As well as its amazing scenery, Longji is also the area to visit to experience China’s ethnic minorities' culture. Visiting Huangluo Yao village where lives Red Yao people, you will find that all the women in the village enjoy wearing red clothes, and will see the long-haired ladies washing their 4-foot long hair along the riverbanks. According to local tradition, women cut their hair only once in their lives ― at about 16 to 18 years old when they are considered ready for adulthood and marriage. The extremely important characteristic of the village is that it's known as the Long-hair Village. 

Yao people are good at singing and dancing, they like sing folksongs to spread their centuries-old splendid history and reflect their happy life. Red Yao is a open mind ethnic group, they are wise in looking for love and express their love. You can appreciate the wonderful songs and dances performed by those Red Yao girls with their long hair. Being well-known as "the First Village of Long Hair in the World". The amazing landscapes with long hair girls will give you deeply impression. 

This 7 Days Highlights Tour is the in-depth way to travel Guilin. Li River, Yangshuo Town and Longji Terrace, the three most popular tourist destinations boasting the best highlights of Guilin are covered and arranged to the point. During this tour, you will start your vacation from Guilin to the charming Longji Rice Terraces in Longsheng County to enjoy the nature created lines and colors. After the close-up with mountains and fresh wheat, continue your natural discovery by the relaxing bamboo rafting experience in Li River, then feast your eyes and heart with the verdant countryside landscape of XiangGong Mount, Ten-mile Gallery, Peach Blossom land and Yansuo jubilant West Street.  Go ahead, immerse yourself!

Highlights of this Tour

The Chinese primary school textbook says: "Guilin’s landscape is the best under heaven". You will find that's exactly true after taking this trip to Li River, Yangshuo and Longsheng, the three most classic and popular places in Guilin. Encounter with your own Guilin landscape in this 7-day vacation!

• Have a chance to stay a night locally at Ping'an Ethnic Village so that you have more time to enjoy the beauty of Longji Rice Terrace on the next day;

• Hike among the thousands of layers of terraced fields at Longji Ping’an and Jinkeng Dazhai villages to marvel at the fabulous and bright picturesque sceneries from nature.

• Discover the traditional houses and architecture at Dazhai Yao Ethnic Minority Village, and discover the culture and customs of the First Village of Long Hair in the World. 

• See in person the fever Yangshuo countryside view, enjoying every minute with diverse wonderful activities, including photographing, biking, bamboo rafting, etc. 

• Have a bird view of the sceneries along Li River on the best spot: Xianggong Mount! Lay back lightheartedly to appreciate the amazing subtle mountains-and-waters painting on the Mount.

• Take Boat to visit the harmonious paradise of Guilin Shangri-La, explore the ethnic theme park and tremendous highlight of the region that displays impressive landscapes and natural sceneries of great beauty. 

The former US president-Bill Clintonvisited Guilin in 1998, he said, "I heard of the name of Lijiang River long ago. Today I visit Lijiang River. It is more vivid and genuine than what I thought before. Nowhere is like Guilin. It makes me think of the traditional Chinese paintings."

CETtrip to Guilin from Xianggong Mount

Trip Overview

We arrange most visitors’ top recommendation and every must-visit highlight to the point to ensure you get all the essential sightseeing, culture, history, and fun with nice rest time. Encounter with your own Guilin landscape in this 7-day vacation!

• Day1 Beijing-Guilin, Leave from Beijing by train Overnight on the train

• Day2 Beijing-Guilin, Arrive at Guilin, Live in Guilin Hotel

• Day3 Guilin-Huangluo Yao village-Jinkeng Dazhai villages-Ping'an Ethnic Village, Live in Ping'an Village

• Day4 Longji-Ping'an Ethnic Village-Guilin-Elephent Hill-Two Rivers and Four Lakes, Live in Guilin

• Day5 Guilin-Xiangong Mount-Xingpin Li River-Yangshuo West Street, Live in Yansuo Town

• Day6 Yansuo-Ten-mile Gallery-Guilin Shangri-La-Take the train back to Beijing, Overnight on the train.

• Day7 Arrive Beijing Around 17:00

Famous as "the finest scenery under heaven", Guilin offers you a chance to get up closer with the glamorous world of hills, rivers, countryside and various adventures, this tour takes you to explore all of these features in just one go!

Upgraded Schedule from CET Guilin Tour 2018

• The First Difference: we changed living place in Longji Rice Terrace, didnt live in Mahai Village anymore. Ping'an Ethnic Village is on the top of the mount and you can have a much better view than Mahai Village.

• The 2nd Difference: we spare more time for you to explore the Rice Terrace, visiting Jinken Rice Terrace on Day3 and visit Pingan Village on Day4.

• The 3rd Difference: we give up Sliver Cave, dure to everytime there were some travellers told us it was boring, that makes us bored as well, even it is famous but it has less fun.

• The 4th Difference: we add one new spot: Xianggong Mount, we found it by our private tour, recommended by our tourist,  it is really a holy sopt for photograph lovers to view the whole Li River!

• The 5th Difference: We enjoy Li River by bamboo rafting instead of cruise ship. We can see more sceneries by bamboo rafting than the cruise ship. There are only two stops for you to take photos when you take the cruise ship, and you can only sit (no walking around) on your seat for 1.5 hours inside of the cruise when the ship is moving. Around 4 ppl share one bamboo, rather than 30ppl in one ship and no need wait in line to take photos until the ship stops.

It has been 3 years that CET has been adjusting our Guilin tour to satisfy most of our travellers and make your evey coin and minute meaningful. Our Schedule is always copied, but it never stoped us to upgrade! Enjoy your trip!

CETtrip to Guilin 2018

(More than 10 times CET has guided trips to Guilin)

Basic Tour Information

Activity Place: Guilin Guangxi Province

Activity Date:  Private Tour provided if you want to go with your family or friends!

• 12th Tour: Jan.18th-Jan.24th

• 13th Tour: Feb.5th-Feb.11th

• 14th Tour: Feb.12th-Feb.18th 

• 15th Tour: Mar.8th-Mar.14th

• 16th Tour: Mar.22th-Mar.28th

• 17th Tour: Apr.4th-Apr.10th

• 18th Tour: Apr.19th-Apr.25th

• Leave Beijing on Day1 and arrive at Beijing on Day7

Arriving Date: Day 6 leave at 21:10 from Guilin and will arrive at beijing around 17:05 on Day 7

Meeting point: Beijing Xi Train Station，at the Flag Tower of Beijing Train Xi Station (Find CET Green Flag)

Meeting time: 1 hours before the leaving time of your train tickets

Trip fee: Train tickets+Accommondation+Entrance Ticket Fee+Meals+Guide Fee

• Normal Price: 2845RMB/pax, pay the deposit 845RMB/pax when you book the trip.

• Group Discount: 2795RMB/pax if 3 or more than 3 seats booked together, pay the deposite 795RMB/pax when you book the trip.

• VIP Price: 2795RMB  ( Buy CET VIP on our wechat offical Menu ), pay the deposit fee 795RMB/pax when you book the trip.

• Kid Price: Children younger than 3 years old can free to join but need to be accompanied by an adult. Children are less than 1.2m and the kids doesnt need beds is 1695RMB, pay 695RMB as the deposite fee.

• Single Supplement: 380RMB for the Single room supplement if you want live alone.

• Note: The left 2000RMB trip fee will be collected when we start to buy the train tickets for you.  Trip fee of 13th Tour will be 200RMB more for the Chinese New Year Holiday.

Participants: If less than 8 participants, this trip fee will be different.

Travel Advisor:  Echo 18811533576 (English & Mandarin) if you have any question, please call us.

Please Note: If you are interested in our trip but not in beijing,  please feel free to contact our travel advisor!

Book Your Tickets Online

Press this QR Code and Extract it to book your seat.

If this booking link is available for you to book

it means Seats are available!

Notice about booking online

• If you pay by Alipay: after you finish the payment, then go back to wechat page, wait for a second, you will see our wechat group QR code.

• If you pay by wechat: after you finish the payment, then click "Done"or  完成，then you will see our wechat group QR code.

• If you failed to join in this trip wechat group, please scan the QR code again and you will see our trip leaders contacts, contact him/her to join our activity group.

CETtrip to Guilin 2017-10-1

Statement about the Trip Fee

What is includes in the cost?

• Round Train tickets for this trip, both are hard sleeping bed train tickets, worth 1000RMB plus the train ticket booking fee (We book the berth tickets from the other company to ensure we can get sleeping bed train ticket)

• 6 Days Local Traveling Bue fee and CET Guide fee in Guilin

• Meals during this trip: D3 Breakfast Lunch Dinner, Day4 Breakfast Lunch Dinner, D5 Breakfast Lunch Dinner, D6 Breakfast Lunch.

• Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel for 4 nights, 2 nightS in Guilin City, one nights in Longji Rice Terrace, one night in Yansuo town.

• Entrance ticket of Longji Rice Terrace 70RMB and Shuttle Bus Fare 40RMB

• Jinkeng Dazhai villages Cable Car Fee: 110RMB for Round way

• Entrance ticket of Elephent Hill 70RMB

• Entrance Ticket + Boating Fee of Guilin Shangri-La 90RMB

• Bamboo Rafting ticket of Xingpin Li River 120RMB

• 7 Days outdoor insurance

What is not included in the cost?

• Ten-mile Gallery Biking fee: Bike is around 10RMB/person, E-bike is around 40RMB/person, 2 ppl can share one. We leave the chooice to you so we didnt include it.

• Xianggong Mount Ticket Fee: 40RMB. Due to the complex relationship with the locals, traveling group is not allowed to visit this place. So when we visit it, our trip will become an independent travel, everyone buys the ticket on the spot by yourself and no guide service.

• Personal expenditures

• Please Note: We want to have a positive effect everywhere we go, we don’t take commissions or kickbacks, and we don’t take you on detours for shopping.

Statement about the Refund

• If you cancel this trip more than 7 days before depature, we will fully refund but we will deduct the train ticket booking fee: 65RMB/ticket.

• If you cancel this trip 3 days before depature, we will refund 50% deposit to you and we will deduct the train ticket booking fee: 65RMB/ticket.

• If you cancel this trip within 3 days before depature, no refund.

Quick Climate Info

• Warmest month: July- the average high is 33 °C (91 °F)

• Coolest month: January -the average high temperature is 8 °C (46 °F)

• Wet months: May–August

• Wettest month: June — with a moderate 210 mm (8 in) of rain

• Dry months: November–March

Winter Suggestions (December–March)

• Weather: average temperature range 3–10 °C (37–50 °F), sometimes rainy/snowy

• What to wear: warm and windproof clothes

• Good to know: It is cold in the Longji mountains, with slippery roads, so access may be restricted. There are also far fewer tourists in winter so the main sites are less crowded.

About the Local Food:  Guilin cuisine is influenced by Cantonese and Hunanese styles, but with more use of fish and spices and often prepared using stir-frying or steaming. 

CETtrip to Guilin 2018-10-1

Statement about the Train Ticket

• CET will buy hard sleeping bed train tickets for you, once we get your tickets, we will inform you in our group or text you.

• The train from Beijing to Guilin is Z285 leaving at 21:10 and arrive at 16:19 on the next day

• The train back to beijing is Z286 leaving at 21:30 and will arrive at beijing 17:03 on the next day.

• We will try to arrange all of the participants in the same train firstly, but if there is no tickets available, we have to take different train.

• All the train tickets are sold randomly, so it is a little difficult to get the sequential tickets during holiday, hope you can understand and book the trip in advance.

Full Itinerary Day by Day

Day1 Beijing-Guilin, Leave from Beijing by train Overnight on the train

Transfer: By train, berth train tickets.

Meals: None, prepare some snacks before you get on the train.

Accommodation: Overnight on the train.

Please Note: Dont forget to take your passport to get on the train, Pic doesnt work at sometimes, Cold-proof clothing is needed as well.

Leaving from Beijing to Guilin, Find our trip leader at the Flag Tower of BeijingXi Train Station (Find CET Green Flag)  to get your train ticket. and then get together to check inside and take the train. It will take 19 hours on the train. So remember to bring some food with you.

Transport ideas: Actually most of CETtrips are planed for foreign students, so in order to make our trips more affordable, most transports of our trips are by train. But in fact, there are many flights available for this trip,  and we provide 24hours Pick up service on the airport as well, it is convenient for this trip. So if you need, please feel free to consult our travel advisor.

CETtrip to Guilin 2017-10-1

Day2 Beijing-Guilin, Arrive at Guilin, Live in Guilin Hotel

Transfer: By train, berth train tickets.

Meals: None, take your time to taste Guilin Rice Noodles

Accommodation: Guilin City 3 Star Hotel

Please Note: Two Rivers and Four Lakes, Sun and Moon Towers are inside of Guilin city. Even though we will visit on the Day4, but it deserves twice visiting if you arrive early today.

Welcome to Guilin! Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our tour guide in the train station who is holding a sign on which CETtrip. A comfortable vehicle (non-smoking) with experienced driver will transfer you directly to your hotel in the Guilin City. Your guide will help you check in. The rest of today is on your own to explore this beautiful city. Have a good sleep tonight.

Rice Noodles (Mifen) is a local delicacy, also available as stir-fried (Chaofen), it is served everywhere,  dont miss it! 

CETtrip to Guilin 2018-5-1

Day3 Guilin-Longji-Jinkeng Dazhai villages-Ping'an Ethnic Village, Live in Ping'an Village

Transfer: By local traveling bus from Guilin to Longsheng Country, around 90km, 2.5h.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Accommodation: Overnight in Ping'an Ethnic Village, family hostel.

Please Note: For the aged travelers who are lack of physical strength, you’d better hire a local porter to help carry your heavy luggage to the hotel (pay extra expense on your own), take a big bag insead of suitcase. It is around 900 steps to arrive our hotel.

In this morning, you’ll be driven about 90km (about 2.5 hours) to witness one of the most beautiful rice terraces in China - Longji Rice Terrace, an amazing feat of farm engineering rising up to 1000m high in Longsheng County. There are several featured Zhuang and Yao minority villages along the road and you’ll take a visit to the special Huangluo Yao Village, the First Village of Long Hair in the World, where you can see women in red ethnic clothes with very long hairs (the longest can reach up to 1.7 meters).

Later, continue your drive to Jinkeng Rice Terraces, which is composed of five small villages of Red Yao People, with Dazhai Village on the mountain foot, Zhuangjie Village on the mountain side and Tiantou Village on the mountain top. The shape of Jinkeng Terraces is like a natural formed pit. With less commercial element but majestic scenery is the reason why Jinkeng Terraces is the most popular sites for hikers and photographers. Most of the gorgeous photos of Longsheng Rice Terraces published are shot from here. The spot has three viewpoints which form a triangle. 

Jinkeng Rice Terrace has three main sites: West Hill Music, Thousand-layer Terraces and Golden Buddha Peak and we will use cable car way up to Golden Buddha Peak for the magnificent and panoramic view of the terrace. 

You’ll indulge in the most invigorating walk offering the most spine-tingling views - sparkling layers of waterlogged terraced fields tenaciously climbing the hillsides, bubbling stream, local farmers working in the fields and primitive minority villages…It is surely worth your time and effort!

Then continue your drive to a beautiful 600-year-old Zhuang Village - Ping’an and check in your hotel located near the rice terraces.

Day4 Longji-Ping'an Ethnic Village-Guilin-Elephent Hill-Two Rivers and Four Lakes, Live in Guilin

Transfer: By local traveling bus from Longsheng Country to Guilin, around 90km 2.5h

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Overnight in Guilin City, 3 Star Hotel.

When walking up in the fresh air of peaceful morning, you may forget where you are. You can go to watch the magnificent sunrise over the beautiful rice terraces at a great location. Then get back to hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, you’ll enjoy an in-depth hiking tour led by your guide around Ping’an Village. The rice terrace is layer upon layer, like the changing ladder created by nature leading to the blue sky, forming a majestic painting between heaven and earth. From Ping’an, you can hike on the cobbled paths built among terraces to catch the best landscape. Climb up to the great lookouts at Seven Stars with Moon and Nine Dragons and Five Tigers from which you can get superlative views of terraces and villages. Hike half day around, then back to Ping’an and transfer back to Guilin.

After lunch, then we back to Guilin, you will make a visit to the symbol of Guilin landscape - Elephant Trunk Hill. A giant rock hill vividly shapes like an elephant which is drinking water. Besides, there are many historical sites here for you to explore, such as stone carving, Buddhist temple, relic exhibition, etc. 

Then, after dinner you will drive about about 20 minutes to next attraction: Two Rivers and Four Lakes, Sun and Moon Towers are together, You can take a leisure walk around the famous city water system for the amazing night views. Dont just have a glimpse there. Walk along the lakes you can see various nightlifes of Guilin people on the squre. Buskers, Singers, of course square dancing aunties for sure.

CETtrip to Guilin 2018-8-15

Day5 Guilin-Xiangong Mount-Xingpin Li River-Yansuo West Street, Live in Yansuo Town

Transfer: By local traveling bus from Guilin to Yansuo, around 70km, 2h

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Overnight in Yangshuo Town, 3 Star Hotel

Please Note: When we visit it, our trip will become an independent travel, everyone buys the ticket on the spot by yourself and no guide service. Trust me, this Mount deserves！

As the declaration in Chinese textbook” Guilin’s landscape is the best under heaven”, today you will explore this best landscape starting with Xianggong Mount, the best spot to have a bird view of the sceneries along Li River!  Just press the shutter and keep Yangshuo a life-long memory!

In the beginning, Xianggong Mountain was merely an obscure small karst hill on the west bank of Li River in Yangshuo County of Guilin. A few years ago, a local photographer took some pictures on the top of this mountain and won the bronze prize in an international photography contest, making Xianggong Mountain famous overnight. From then on, it became a popular tourist destination beloved by enthusiastic photographers.

At the entrance, there is a row of grey-tiled houses. A wood plaque hangs right above the middle gate, inscribed with four Chinese characters “Jin Shou Yan Di”, meaning providing a panoramic view. From these words, you may guess how Xianggong Mountain will entertain you. Passing through the entrance, you will start to climb stone steps. On the way, you may think that the scenery pales in comparison with so many beautiful scenic spots in Yangshuo. However, after about 15 minutes when you reach the top, you will marvel at the gorgeous view.

Standing on the three-storey sightseeing stage, you can look over a panorama of Yangshuo landscape. The meandering Li River, embraced by rolling hills on both banks, makes a 180-degree bend here. The sea of clouds, sunrise and rosy sunglows will surely not disappoint you. Looking downwards, boats and bamboo rafts sail down the river. Fishermen work on the river side. White farming houses are scattered here and there on the vast fields. In the distance, hills rise one above the other, partly visible and partly hidden. In sunny days, the water surface is checkered with sunlight and shadows, making you believe that you have set foot on a wonderland.

Next, you will drive to Xinping Li River to take bamboo rafting to get a closer touch of Li River. Along  cruise, dazzling scenery will overwhelm your eyes like a vast endless Chinese painting of winding river, green limestone karst mountains, fascinating countryside views, amazing scene of A Painting of Nine Horses, and notable view printed on the back of the 20 RMB note. After around 90mins bamboo rafting,  you’ll enjoy an in-depth hiking tour led by your guide, walk around 50mins along Li River.

This evening is for you to walk leisurely on the ancient West Street to experience how the western culture and Chinese culture perfectly and peacefully coexist here. Whether you want to enjoy a cup of drink in bar, taste some local food, or just experience the relaxing atmosphere, you get it here.

CETtrip to Guilin 2018-8-15

Day6 Yansuo-Ten-mile Gallery-Guilin Shangri-La-Take the train back to Beijing, Overnight on the train.

Transfer: By local traveling bus from Yansuo to Guilin, around 70km, 2h

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch. 

Accommodation: Overnight on the train. Prepare some snacks before you get on the train.

Please Note: Ten-mile Gallery Biking fee: Bike is around 10RMB/person, E-bike is around 40RMB/person, 2 ppl can share one. It is on your own expense.

This morning, after breakfast, you will start your exploration of the ideal countryside view by biking along Ten-mile Gallery. Throw yourself into the stunning countryside views and relaxed atmosphere. Be enthralled by the patches of paddy fields nestling under green Karst hills, with farmers cultivating the soil. Sauntering down a country road makes you feel like you are travelling in a painting. This is true of the Ten-Mile Gallery in Yangshuo County, a fairyland on earth. As the name implies, Ten-Mile Gallery is a picturesque road stretching from the Yangshuo town area to Moon Hill, endowed with rolling hills, endless fields, idyllic villages and clear rivers on both sides. The peaks form natural sculptures in various shapes against the blue sky and beautiful flowers adorn the road. Birds chirping all the way make the atmosphere merry. As the road is not too long and in good condition, most visitors choose to travel by bike so that they can stop every now and then to enjoy the roadside landscape and take photos.

After lunch, start your impressive exploration of the charming Guilin Sahngri-La. Our tour will begin with some local Minority girls singing and playing traditional instruments. Their clothing and instruments are beautiful and unique to their ethnic group. Then we will take a boat ride through the countryside, past villages, rice fields, and the beautiful karst mountains that made Guilin famous. Disembark in a Dong Minority village where you can see the art and cultures of the Dong Minority Group. There are also music performances along the way. Visitors visit a reproduction of an ancient mansion showing the architecture and gardens of Guilin’s ancient elite. 

The site will give you a glimpse into one aspect of Guilin that makes it so special. The Ethnic Minority Groups of Guilin are very colorful with unique cultures that always fascinate visitors. After the tour, your guide and driver will escort you the airport or railway station to catch the train to your next destination. Service ends!

Day7 Arrive Beijing Around 17:00

CETtrip to Guilin 2018-5-1

Additional Information:

• Please be advised that there will be approximately 10-45 travelers per group

• The above itinerary is for reference only, and is subject to change due to the weather conditions

• Please inform us of any dietary restrictions and allergies if you booked our tour. Please remember to bring any medication that you need with you

• Pregnant women, guests with heart attacks, high blood pressure, respiratory diseases, severe colds, and those who are not suitable for outdoor hiking are advised to carefully decide whether or not to travel according to their own conditions or doctor's advice

• We will contact you between 8:00pm-10:00pm a day before you travel to reconfirm the pick up time and place. Please keep your contact lines or channels available. If you have not received any confirmation after 10:00pm, please contact customer service.

• In case of severe inclement weather or other environmental problems beyond control that causes the tour to be unable to proceed, participants can opt for a reschedule.

CETtrip to Guilin 2018