3-Day Private Tour from Chengdu by Air:Guilin, Longji Rice Terrace and Yangshuo

Uncover the Beauty of Guilin in Just Three Days: A Detailed Review of the Private Air Tour from Chengdu

Traveling from Chengdu to Guilin for a quick 3-day adventure offers a fantastic opportunity to see some of China’s most iconic landscapes without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. This private tour, priced at around $869.75 per person, promises a flexible, personalized experience with an expert guide, private transportation, and all major sights included. It’s perfect for those who want a comprehensive yet relaxed exploration of Guilin’s famous karst peaks, rice terraces, and rivers, all wrapped up in a manageable itinerary.

What really stands out about this tour is the combination of scenic cruising, walking tours, and options for culture—like visiting Longji Rice Terraces or walking along West Street in Yangshuo. We love the way it balances natural beauty with cultural highlights, making sure you get a true taste of the region beyond just taking selfies. One thing to consider is the pace—there’s quite a bit packed into each day, so if you prefer slow, leisurely days, some parts might feel a bit rushed.

This experience is best suited for travelers who crave a well-organized, all-inclusive trip that covers major highlights with the flexibility to customize certain stops. If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to see Guilin’s top attractions, enjoy scenic boat rides, and relax in comfortable accommodations, this tour ticks all those boxes.

Key Points

Personalized Guided Experience: You get a private, English-speaking guide who can help tailor the visit to your interests, helping you see what matters most.

Stunning Landscapes: From the famous Elephant Trunk Hill to the Li River cruise and Longji Rice Terraces, this tour offers some of the most photogenic spots in China.

All-Inclusive Convenience: Entrance fees, cruise tickets, cable cars, and even lunch are included—making it easier to focus on the sights rather than budgeting on the go.

Flexible Endings: You can choose to finish your tour in Guilin, Longsheng, or return directly to Chengdu, giving you flexibility based on your travel plans.

Authentic Cultural Touches: Visiting temples, villages, and scenic spots like Huangluo Long Hair Village adds a layer of cultural insight that enriches the visual experience.

Value for Money: For approximately $870, this tour packs in a lot—transport, guides, entrance fees, cruises, and accommodations if you choose the hotel package—making it a worthwhile investment for a well-rounded trip.

Exploring the Details: What To Expect Each Day

Day 1: Guilin Highlights

The trip kicks off with a pickup from Chengdu’s Shuangliu International Airport, followed by a smooth three-hour flight to Guilin. We appreciate how the tour operator handles logistics with a driver waiting at your hotel, easing the transition. Upon arrival, your own guide will meet you with a sign, ready to customize your sightseeing based on your interests—whether that’s taking in the famous Elephant Trunk Hill or exploring historic temples.

You’ll start at Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin’s mascot, which looks like an elephant drinking from the river. The walk up the hill offers panoramic views of the city, Li River, and surrounding mountains—perfect for your first photo opp. Next, a visit to Yunfeng Temple introduces you to Guilin’s spiritual side, with its Tang Dynasty roots and the story of Monk Jianzhen crossing to Japan.

The natural beauty continues at Fubo Hill, where ancient Buddha etchings and legendary stories bring the landscape alive. Then, you’ll explore Reed Flute Cave, famous for stalactites and stalagmites that resemble towers, palaces, and mythical creatures, with the added charm of Tang Dynasty poems inscribed on the walls.

Lunchtime offers a chance to sample local cuisine, followed by a walk through Seven Star Park, with its ancient bridges, lush gardens, and peaceful ponds. The day ends with a visit to Putuo Mountain, home to caves and pavilions dedicated to Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva—if you’re feeling energetic, you can hike further; otherwise, a leisurely stroll suffices.

Day 2: The Iconic Li River & Yangshuo

The highlight of Day 2 is the Li River cruise, starting at Zhujiang Pier. We loved the way the boat ride showcases Guilin’s signature landscape: towering karst peaks, crystal-clear water, and peaceful countryside. The guide’s stories about the mythical peaks add depth to the views, making it more than just scenery.

Arriving in Yangshuo, you’ll explore West Street, a lively hub filled with shops, cafes, and art stores—ideal for souvenir shopping or just people-watching. The afternoon’s adventure takes you along the Ten-Mile Gallery, a picturesque country road lined with rolling hills, rice paddies, and traditional villages. It’s truly like stepping into a Chinese scroll painting, perfect for photography.

Stops include the Guilin Butterfly Spring, where bubbling springs and unusual rock formations create a fairy-tale setting, and the Big Banyan Tree, over 1,400 years old, steeped in local love stories and wish-making traditions. A trek or photo stop at Moon Hill caps off the day—don’t forget your camera for the stunning arch-shaped hill.

Day 3: Longji Rice Terraces & Minority Villages

Day 3 is dedicated to exploring one of China’s most breathtaking landscapes—the Longji Rice Terraces. The drive from Yangshuo offers scenic views along the way, and the terraces themselves—built over centuries—are a marvel of engineering and persistence.

You’ll have the choice to visit Ping’an Village or Dazhai—both offer incredible views of terraced fields, but Ping’an is smaller and more intimate, with opportunities for hiking and exploring local Yao and Zhuang minority villages. Dazhai features a cable car ride to Golden Buddha Peak, providing panoramic vistas perfect for photography.

Huangluo Long Hair Village, home to women famous for their long hair, is another highlight. Here, you’ll learn about their traditions and see the long hair show—an experience that’s both striking and culturally enriching.

Flexibility is a big plus on Day 3. Depending on your interests, you and your guide can adjust the itinerary—whether that’s more time at Ping’an or Dazhai, or heading back earlier if you’re ready to conclude your trip.

Practical Insights & Tips

Transportation: The tour’s private vehicle ensures smooth transfers between airports, scenic spots, and villages. The flights from Chengdu to Guilin save time, giving you more quality sightseeing.

Guides: The reviews note that guides are well-informed and helpful, with some travelers mentioning specific guides by name. Their local knowledge makes a difference in understanding the significance of sites and navigating busy areas.

Weather & Packing: Expect variable weather depending on the season—bring layers, rain gear, and comfortable shoes for walking and hiking. If you want to hike around Ping’an or explore Dazhai, sturdy footwear is recommended.

Accommodation: The tour includes an option for 4-star hotel stays with breakfast, which adds to the comfort after long days of sightseeing.

Value: Given the inclusion of cruise tickets, entrance fees, cable cars, guides, meals, and flights, this tour offers strong value—especially for travelers who don’t want to worry about logistics or planning.

Timing & Pacing: Starting early each day (as early as 4:30 am) and packed schedules mean you’ll see a lot, but it also means some days might feel brisk. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, communicate this with your guide beforehand.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re after a comprehensive, all-in-one Guilin experience with flexible options and expert guides, this tour is hard to beat. It suits travelers who want to see the must-see sights without the hassle of organizing transport or tickets themselves. The private nature ensures personalized attention and the ability to tailor the experience, making it ideal for couples, families, or small groups.

For those who love stunning landscapes, cultural insights, and a mix of scenic cruises and outdoor activities, this trip offers plenty of memorable moments. It’s especially valuable for first-time visitors to Guilin eager to tick off the main attractions while enjoying the comfort and convenience of a well-organized package.

However, if you prefer slow mornings, spontaneous discoveries, or are traveling solo on a tight budget, you might want to consider other options or customize your experience.

FAQs

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, all transfers between airports, attractions, and hotels are included, with private air-conditioned vehicles providing comfort and privacy.

Can I customize my itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, you can discuss your interests with your guide, and they can help you tweak the schedule or focus on specific sites.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers flights from Chengdu to Guilin, entrance fees, cruise tickets, cable cars, lunch, and guides. Accommodation is optional and can be arranged for extra comfort.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Most stops involve walking or hiking, but you can choose how far to go at places like Putuo Mountain or Ping’an Village. Good shoes and some stamina are recommended.

How flexible is the end of the tour?
You can opt to finish in Guilin, Longsheng, or return straight to Chengdu, depending on your travel plans.

Are there any specific tips for packing?
Bring layers, comfortable walking shoes, rain gear if needed, and a camera. If hiking or exploring mountain areas, sturdy footwear is especially helpful.

This 3-day private tour from Chengdu offers a well-rounded, authentic experience of Guilin’s famous scenery, cultural treasures, and scenic cruises—all wrapped into a flexible, guided package that maximizes value and minimizes stress.