7-Day Private Tour from Chongqing to Guilin,Longji Terraces,Sanjiang & Yangshuo

This 7-day private tour offers a comprehensive look at some of China’s most captivating landscapes and cultural sites. From the bustling cityscape of Chongqing to the serene rice terraces of Longji and the picturesque karst formations of Guilin, this itinerary is packed with authentic experiences and stunning scenery. The tour’s highlight is its balance of nature, history, and local culture, all curated with the comfort of private transportation and expert guides.

What really makes this experience shine is the opportunity to visit iconic spots like the Wulong Karst area, the Dazu Rock Carvings, and the bamboo-lined Yulong River. Plus, the inclusion of authentic local cuisines and opportunities to explore minority villages adds a meaningful touch. One possible drawback? The trip is quite packed, with long drives and a busy schedule, so it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a full, active itinerary. If you love discovering diverse landscapes and cultural treasures, this tour offers an excellent value for money considering the variety and depth of experiences.

Who will love this tour? It’s perfect for travelers eager to see multiple facets of China—nature lovers, history buffs, and those wanting a hassle-free, guided experience. It’s also a good pick if you want a set itinerary that covers key sights without the stress of planning each step yourself.

Key Points

• Diverse landscapes: From urban Chongqing to mountain villages and river karst formations.
• Expert guides & private transport: Ensures comfort and tailored insights.
• Cultural immersion: Visits to minority villages and historical sites.
• Authentic experiences: Tasting local cuisines and exploring traditional architectures.
• Long travel days: Be prepared for some lengthy drives, especially toward Guilin and Yangshuo.
• Value for money: Includes entrance tickets, transportation, and guided commentary.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Day 1: From Chongqing to Wulong & the Three Natural Bridges

The adventure kicks off early, with a pick-up from your Chongqing hotel around 8:30 AM. The drive to Wulong County takes roughly three hours, but the scenery makes the time fly by. The first stop is the Wulong Karst geological park, famous for its bizarre limestone formations and majestic stone bridges. If you’ve seen Michael Bay’s Transformers: Age of Extinction, you’ll recognize the Three Natural Bridges — enormous, naturally sculpted arches that are nearly impossible to describe without using words like “majestic” or “jaw-dropping.”

What’s truly wonderful here is the variety of landforms: caves, sinkholes, and gorges, all sitting side by side. Visitors often comment on how the wild beauty is awe-inspiring. Expect a good amount of walking along narrow paths at the bottom of valleys, providing excellent photo spots and moments of quiet awe. The fee for the park is included, so you don’t need to worry about additional costs, and guides tend to be very knowledgeable about the geology and history of the area.

Post-lunch, the tour visits Wulong Tiankeng Three Bridges, a must-see for architecture and nature lovers alike. These enormous stone arches are an engineering marvel, and wandering beneath them along the valley floor offers a real sense of scale and wonder. The site also includes a well-preserved Tang Dynasty staging post, adding a touch of historical intrigue.

The day wraps up with return transport to Chongqing, leaving you with plenty of stories to tell about the day’s mountainous marvels.

Day 2: Chongqing City Highlights

This day is perfect for those wanting a taste of urban China’s history and architecture. Starting at 9:00 AM, your guide will take you through Chongqing’s most iconic sites. The People’s Assembly Hall, with its striking mid-century architecture, is a peaceful starting point that also offers insight into the city’s political history. The Stilwell Museum adds a WWII twist, showcasing the story of General Stilwell and the Flying Tigers, which many find fascinating.

Lunchtime offers a real highlight: Chongqing Hot Pot, famed for its fiery, spicy broth. The experience of boldly challenging your palate with this dish is authentic and memorable, often mentioned as a must-do. In the afternoon, exploring Ciqikou old town allows you to wander through narrow streets filled with local folk art, chinaware shops, and lively street food stalls.

The scenic E’ling Park provides sweeping views over the city and is a favorite for those wanting a panoramic shot of Chongqing’s sprawling skyline. The day’s conclusion sees you back at your hotel, reflecting on a city full of contrasts—modern skyscrapers and traditional alleyways coexisting peacefully.

Day 3 & 4: From Dazu Rock Carvings to Guilin’s Limestone Wonders

Dazu County’s rock carvings are a highlight for history and art lovers. You’ll find yourself marveling at thousands of Buddhist and Taoist statues carved into cliff faces, dating from the late Tang to early Song dynasties. The Baodingshan carvings are especially impressive, with intricate sculptures covering the 500-meter cliff face—an open-air art gallery that’s best appreciated at your own pace.

After a day exploring these carvings, you’ll travel by train from Chongqing to Guilin, a journey of about 5 hours. The train ride itself is a relaxed way to see more of China’s landscape shift from urban to rural.

Once in Guilin, the famous Reed Flute Cave awaits. Inside, stalagmites and stalactites resembling everything from bamboo to mythical creatures make for an enchanting visit. The cave’s lighting and formations provide plenty of photo opportunities, and the guide’s storytelling adds depth to the experience. Expect about an hour exploring this underground wonder.

Day 4 & 5: Longji Rice Terraces & Sanjiang’s Dong Culture

The Longji Rice Terraces are a real highlight of this trip, offering breathtaking terraced fields carved into the mountainsides for over 650 years. The views from the Ping’an Village viewing platforms are postcard-perfect, with winding fields that seem to stretch endlessly. Visiting the Zhuang minority village offers a glimpse into traditional rural life—helping in the fields, chatting with locals, and trying on colorful costumes.

On Day 5, you’ll head to Sanjiang, a quiet town where the Dong Village preserves traditional architecture and customs. The iconic Chengyang Bridge is a marvel of wooden craftsmanship, spanning rivers and connecting the community. The Drum Tower, with its upturned eaves, is a lively hub where villagers gather, and you can see local life in action.

Days 6 & 7: Yangshuo’s Scenic Countryside & Li River Cruises

Yangshuo is often called China’s most photogenic spot, and it’s easy to see why. The day begins with a cycle or e-bike ride along the Yulong River, where terraced hills and farmland create a bucolic landscape. You’ll pass log cabins, rural farmers, and fields bursting with wildflowers—an authentic slice of countryside life.

The Li River boat cruise from Xingping to Yangshuo is simply magical. As the boat glides past limestone peaks and lush scenery, you’ll understand why this stretch is so celebrated. Along the way, a quick stop at Fuli Town offers a chance to see traditional painted fans.

Climbing Xianggong Hill provides one of the most iconic views of the Li River—an endless curve of water, framed by dramatic karst formations. This shot is a favorite among photographers and nature lovers alike.

On the final day, the Yulong River bamboo boat ride is the perfect relaxing conclusion, offering calm waters and scenic views. The tour wraps up with a visit to the Xianggong Mountain, another great vantage point for panoramic photos of the Li River bend.

What We Loved About the Tour

The guides really stand out—knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to share interesting insights about each site. They’re fluent in Chinese history and culture, which adds richness to every stop. The private transport makes the long drives comfortable, and you won’t feel rushed or crowded, a common complaint with group tours.

The diversity of landscapes and cultural sites is impressive. You get a mix of urban, rural, and natural environments, giving a well-rounded experience of China’s scenery and traditions. Plus, the inclusion of local cuisines and visits to minority villages deepen the culture.

Many reviewers appreciated the authenticity of experiences, such as helping out in terraced fields or wandering historic towns. The stunning views from key points like Xianggong Hill and the Longji terraces are truly unforgettable, leaving lasting memories.

Considerations

The schedule is quite packed, with some days featuring long travel times—particularly the train to Guilin and the drive to Yangshuo. If you prefer slow-paced exploration, this might feel a bit rushed. Also, since the tour is full-on, it’s better suited for active travelers who enjoy a busy itinerary.

The cost of around $1,683 per person is reasonable given the inclusions like private guides, transport, entrance fees, and first-class train tickets. It offers good value for travelers who want a comprehensive, guided experience without the hassle of planning logistics on their own.

Final Thoughts

This 7-day private tour offers an excellent way to see some of China’s most iconic sights with expert guidance and comfort. The mix of natural beauty—like the Wulong Three Natural Bridges, Longji Rice Terraces, and Li River—and cultural treasures—such as the Dazu carvings and Dong villages—make it a well-rounded journey.

It’s particularly suited for travelers who value organized, immersive experiences and are comfortable with busy days and travel times. If you’re after a trip that combines scenic landscapes, cultural depth, and local flavor, this itinerary delivers on all fronts.

This tour provides a memorable, well-curated introduction to the diverse wonders of southern China, making it a worthy choice for those wanting a full, authentic experience.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. Since it’s a private tour, solo travelers will enjoy exclusive attention from guides and comfortable private transport, making it very convenient.

Are entrance tickets included?
Yes, all key entrance fees are covered, including Wulong Park, Dazu carvings, Reed Flute Cave, and Longji Terraces.

What meals are included?
Lunch is included on some days, often featuring local specialties like Chongqing hot pot. Dinner and hotel stays are not included, so you can explore local restaurants on your own.

How long are the travel days?
Expect some long drives, particularly from Chongqing to Guilin and between Guilin and Yangshuo—up to 5 hours in some cases. The train ride from Chongqing to Guilin is about 5 hours as well.

Is the tour flexible?
It’s a set, guided itinerary, but the private nature allows for some customization if booked directly with the provider.

What’s the best time of year to do this trip?
While not explicitly stated, the best times are typically spring and autumn when weather conditions are milder and landscapes are at their most lush.

Is luggage storage a concern during train travel?
The tour involves train travel for about 5 hours, so pack light or carry a manageable bag, as luggage storage options may be limited on the train.

Can I extend the tour or add more days?
Yes, the itinerary can be customized or extended, especially if you want to include additional sites or more relaxed pacing.

In summary, if you’re after a carefully curated, comprehensive introduction to some of China’s most stunning scenery and culturally rich sites, this private 7-day tour checks all the boxes. It balances guided insights with authentic local experiences and offers good value considering the range of sights covered. It’s best suited for active travelers who want a hassle-free journey filled with memorable views and meaningful encounters.