7-Day Private Guided Sightseeing Tour from Guilin with Lunch

Setting out on a seven-day journey from Guilin to Beijing offers an incredible glimpse into China’s diverse landscapes, cultural riches, and historical marvels. This private guided tour promises a seamless blend of natural beauty — think limestone karst formations and rice terraces — with bustling city sights, all wrapped up with local insights from knowledgeable guides.

What we particularly love about this experience is how it balances authentic, off-the-beaten-path visits like Ping’an Village and Sanjiang’s Dong Village, with iconic landmarks such as the Forbidden City and Mutianyu Great Wall. Plus, including flights and private transportation makes it feel well-organized, letting you focus on enjoying each moment.

A potential consideration is the packed schedule, which means early mornings and full days of sightseeing. This tour suits travelers who crave a comprehensive but manageable way to see China’s highlights with personalized attention. Perfect for first-timers and those eager to explore both natural landscapes and cultural treasures, this package offers excellent value for a week-long adventure.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering Guilin’s natural wonders and Beijing’s historic sites.
• Private guides and vehicles ensure personalized attention and flexibility.
• Balanced mix of outdoor scenery and cultural experiences like rice terraces, villages, and palaces.
• Includes flight arrangements from Guilin to Beijing, saving time and hassle.
• Authentic local encounters in minority villages and hutongs.
• Cost of $2,000 per person reflects a premium guided experience with many inclusions.

An In-Depth Look at the 7-Day China Tour from Guilin

This tour is designed for those wanting a thorough, guided experience of some of China’s most visually stunning and culturally rich locations. It combines natural wonders, minority cultures, and imperial history, all wrapped up in a private, comfortable setting.

Day 1: From Guilin’s Caves to Rice Terraces

The adventure kicks off with a pickup from your Guilin hotel at around 8:30 am. From there, a 30-minute drive takes you to the famous Reed Flute Cave, a highlight for many visitors. Inside, you’ll be wowed by countless stalagmites and stalactites, which resemble everything from bamboo shoots to miniature forests. The lighting enhances the formations, turning the cavern into what feels like a stone fantasy land. The guide’s storytelling adds layers of intrigue, and you’ll spend about 40 minutes exploring this underground spectacle.

Next, you’ll head to the Longji Rice Terraces, often called the “Dragon’s Backbone” because of their intricate, layered appearance. The drive takes about two hours, and upon arrival, you’ll purchase your entrance tickets for Ping’an Village. This is arguably the highlight for those who love scenic landscapes, offering a panoramic view of terraced fields stretching across mountains. Here, you’ll get a chance to walk through the village, admire traditional wooden stilt houses, and enjoy a local lunch.

Post-lunch, the real treat is trekking to the No.2 Viewing Platform, where you can gaze at a sweeping vista of the rice terraces, and then to the No.1 Viewing Platform — the perfect photo spot. The walk involves some steps, but the scenery and fresh mountain air make it worthwhile. You’ll then check into your Ping’an accommodation for some free time.

Day 2: Hidden Villages and Scenic Bridges

Day two begins with a visit to Sanjiang’s Dong Village, a quiet, riverside community known for its traditional houses and natural beauty. Here, the Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge stands out as a feat of architecture and a symbol of Dong culture. It’s a wooden marvel that serves as both a covered bridge and social hub, with stories of villagers sheltering from seasonal storms. The Drum Tower in the center is also a cultural focal point, with the village’s chief beating the drum to gather residents.

After exploring the village and its landmarks, you’ll enjoy a roughly three-hour drive to Yangshuo for some rest and relaxation. The scenic drive itself is an experience, with views of the countryside rolling past your window.

Day 3: Yangshuo’s Countryside and River Views

Morning starts with a walk around Yangshuo’s rural landscape, followed by a Yulong River bicycle or e-bike ride that takes you through farmland, wildflowers, and grazing livestock. This part of the tour is beloved for how it lets you feel the countryside rather than just see it — slow, peaceful, and picture-perfect.

In the afternoon, you’ll take a boat trip on the Li River from Xingping, passing iconic scenery like Yellow Cloth Shoal, famous for its appearance on Chinese currency. Riding a traditional raft offers an intimate way to enjoy the landscape, with views of limestone peaks and lush cliffs. The boat ride lasts about an hour, and many reviewers mention how it’s the quintessential Yangshuo experience.

Post-boat, a stroll around Xingping Old Street offers charming shops and local snacks, with the option to catch the Impression Sanjie Liu night show — a spectacular performance set against the natural backdrop of the Li River.

Day 4: Yulong River and Xianggong Hill

This day emphasizes local scenery and panoramic views. The Yulong Bamboo Boat Tour is a relaxing way to enjoy the river’s tranquil waters, gliding past villages and rice paddies. It’s a quiet, scenic experience that provides a different perspective compared to motorized tours.

Later, you’ll climb Xianggong Hill, a popular spot for photographers capturing the bend of the Li River. The 15-minute climb rewards you with one of the most famous vistas in the Guilin region, perfect for snapping shots of the river winding through mountains.

In the late afternoon, you’ll fly from Guilin to Beijing, with a flight included in the package, which helps simplify logistics. Upon arrival in Beijing, a driver takes you to your hotel.

Day 5: Beijing’s Imperial and Cultural Landmarks

The day kicks off with a visit to the Forbidden City, the sprawling palace complex that housed Chinese emperors for centuries. Expect to spend around two hours exploring its corridors, halls, and treasures, with your guide sharing fascinating stories about its history.

Afterward, the view from Jingshan Park offers a commanding perspective of the Forbidden City from above, while Tiananmen Square provides a sense of China’s modern history and monumental architecture.

The afternoon is dedicated to the Temple of Heaven, where emperors worshipped for good harvests. The site’s impressive architecture and peaceful grounds make it a must-see, and you’ll have ample time to appreciate its beauty.

Day 6: Mutianyu Great Wall and Ming Tombs

The highlight here is the Great Wall at Mutianyu, known for its restored, less crowded sections and stunning mountain views. The route up via chairlift, combined with the option to toboggan down, makes for a fun, memorable experience. Walking along the wall allows you to soak in history and incredible vistas.

Later, a visit to the Ming Tombs offers insight into China’s imperial past with a series of well-preserved mausoleum sites. The peaceful surroundings and interesting architecture add depth to your understanding of China’s dynastic history.

Day 7: Beijing’s Cultural Finish Line

Your final day includes visits to the Lama Temple, a beautiful monastery blending Han Chinese and Tibetan Buddhist styles, and the Summer Palace, a vast park with classical gardens and a huge lake. The leisurely walk through these sites provides a relaxed end to your busy trip.

Finally, a Hutong tour by rickshaw takes you through Beijing’s winding alleys, giving a glimpse of local life, and then Nanluoguxiang, a lively shopping street filled with cafes, quirky shops, and traditional architecture.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour For?

This seven-day China journey offers a well-rounded exploration of natural landscapes, minority cultures, and historical sites. The price reflects a high level of service, including private guides, transportation, and flights, making it a good deal for travelers who want convenience and depth.

If you’re someone who appreciates a mix of scenic beauty, cultural authenticity, and iconic landmarks, this tour hits all those notes. The itinerary is fairly full, so best suited for travelers comfortable with early mornings and active days.

While some may find the schedule quite packed, those who love a curated, guided experience with local insights will find this trip rewarding. It’s ideal for first-time visitors to China or those eager to see the highlights without the hassle of planning each detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is accommodation included in this tour?
No, the tour price covers guided sightseeing, transportation, and flights. You need to arrange your own hotel stays.

Are meals included?
Lunch is included on some days, but dinner is not. You’ll have time to explore local dining options independently.

How long are the flights from Guilin to Beijing?
The flight takes approximately 3 hours, with the specific flight included in the tour package.

Is this a group or private experience?
It’s a private tour, so only your group will participate, offering personalized attention and flexibility.

Can I extend the tour or customize it?
Yes, additional days can be added, and some aspects might be customized, depending on your preferences.

What should I wear for the outdoor activities?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, especially for hikes at Ping’an Village and Xianggong Hill. Dress for the weather, with layers for variable mountain conditions.

Are there any age restrictions?
People over 70 or children under 1 meter tall are not permitted on the Li River raft for safety reasons.

What currency should I bring?
It’s advisable to carry some Chinese Yuan, though many places accept mobile payments.

How much time is allocated at each site?
The itinerary is carefully timed, with most stops lasting between 30 minutes and a few hours, depending on the activity.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely, it’s a private experience designed for individual groups, making it ideal for solo adventurers who want personalized service.

To sum it up, this tour offers a fantastic window into China’s natural beauty, cultural diversity, and imperial history. With expert guides and a thoughtfully curated itinerary, it ensures you experience the best of Guilin, Yangshuo, and Beijing without the stress of planning. It’s perfect for travelers who want a deep, authentic look at China’s highlights in a comfortable, seamless package.