5-Days Private Guilin and Longji Tour from Yangshuo Hotel

Introduction

Getting a taste of China’s famed karst landscapes and charming towns is what this 5-day private Guilin, Longji, and Yangshuo tour promises—and mostly delivers. Designed for travelers who want a customized experience, this itinerary combines scenic river cruises, mountain viewpoints, ancient towns, and rice terraces, all with private transport and a dedicated guide. The flexibility and convenience make this a compelling choice for those seeking an authentic, stress-free adventure.

One thing we really appreciate about this tour is how it balances iconic sights like Elephant Trunk Hill and Longji Rice Terraces with lesser-known gems like Fuli Ancient Town and the Silver Cave. However, a consideration is that meals and accommodation are not included, so you’ll want to plan some extra budget and time for local dining and hotel stays. Perfect for curious travelers eager to explore at their own pace, this trip offers a rich variety of sights and cultural insights.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Itinerary: Covers Guilin, Yangshuo, Longji, and nearby attractions with a focus on natural beauty and local culture.
• Private Transportation: Ensures comfort and flexibility, with a dedicated driver and air-conditioned vehicle.
• Expert Guides & Logistics: Guides handle all the planning, freeing you from worries over tickets, directions, and timing.
• Authentic Experiences: Bamboo rafting, mountain hikes, ancient towns, and cultural sites provide genuine contact with local life.
• Value for Money: Although meals and hotels aren’t included, the entrance tickets and shows are, offering a well-rounded experience.
• Flexible and Private: Only your group participates, making it a personalized journey suited for families, couples, or solo travelers.

A Deep Dive into the 5-Day Adventure

Day 1: Arrival and Orientation in Guilin

Your journey begins with a seamless pickup at Guilin airport, where a driver will be waiting with a sign bearing your name—no guide escort on this first leg, just a comfortable transfer to your Yangshuo hotel. This sets the tone for the trip’s focus on flexibility and ease. Once you arrive, the rest of the day is free, which is a considerate touch giving you time to settle in or explore Yangshuo at your own pace.

What’s notable: The transfer is solely driver-based, so you’re not tied to a schedule initially. It’s a great way to start without feeling rushed.

Day 2: River, Mountain, and West Street

Morning: The day kicks off with a meet-and-greet at 9:00 am, where your guide and driver will collect you from your Yangshuo hotel. First stop? The Yulong River for bamboo rafting. This 60-minute bamboo boat ride—shared with just one other person per boat—provides a gentle, scenic cruise through karst formations, ancient bridges, and silky water. Reviewers highlight how the river is often called “the Little Li River” and mention that the views are truly special.

Pro tip: The bamboo boat ride is free of charge, making it an excellent value for such a peaceful experience.

Next: You’ll head to Xianggong Mountain, a highlight for panoramic bird’s-eye views of the Li River. The walk up involves roughly 15 minutes, or 400 steps, which some travelers found a manageable climb, offering stunning vistas at the top.

Afterward: A visit to West Street offers a lively atmosphere with shops selling local crafts, antiques, and souvenirs. It’s a great spot to soak in Yangshuo’s vibrant street life, grab a bite, or just people-watch.

Evening: The day’s grand finale is the Impression Sanjie Liu show, set on the Li River itself. Using water and hill scenery as a stage, this outdoor water show has become a cultural icon in Yangshuo. Reviewers praise its spectacular visuals and immersive experience, with some noting it as a “night you’ll never forget.” The show lasts around 70 minutes, and the guide arranges your transport back to the hotel around 10:30 pm.

Takeaway: This day encapsulates the charm of Yangshuo—nature, culture, and entertainment woven seamlessly.

Day 3: Exploring Caves, Hills, and Towns

Morning: After a relaxed breakfast, your guide will meet you again at 9:00 am. First stop: Silver Cave, an impressive karst cave filled with crystal stalactites and stalagmites, illuminated with colorful lights. The English headset included enhances the experience, meaning you won’t miss out on the cave’s natural beauty or the geological stories.

Next: Moon Hill, famous for its iconic round opening, is a must-see. Visitors can hike to the top (roughly 15 minutes, 400 steps) for sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. Reviewers mention that Moon Hill is also a popular spot for rock climbing and that the hike is manageable for most, offering a great photo opportunity.

Afternoon: Lunch in Xingping Town, once a bustling port and now a peaceful river village. Visitors can stroll old streets, visit the 20 RMB viewpoint, and optionally take a small boat ride on the Li River. The views here are described as “enthralling,” and some mention that the town’s atmosphere is much calmer than Yangshuo.

Later: Fuli Ancient Town offers a window into traditional life, with painted fans, water buffalo, and old streets. It’s a quiet, artsy stop appreciated for its local craftsmanship.

Insights from reviews: Many travelers noted the guides’ knowledge, with one mentioning their guide’s detailed explanations about the local traditions and landscape creation.

Day 4: Guilin’s Cultural and Natural Highlights

Morning: Traveling from Yangshuo to Guilin city, your driver will take about 1.5 hours. First stop: Daxu Ancient Town, where well-preserved buildings and traditional markets remain lively. Visitors love wandering the worn bluestone streets, getting a sense of classic Chinese river town life.

Next: Yao Mountain offers a quick ascent via chairlift, with panoramic views of Guilin’s karst landscape. The mountain also features a tea plantation, where you can learn about Chinese tea culture, sample local brews, and enjoy a peaceful break.

Afternoon: The iconic Elephant Trunk Hill, right in the heart of Guilin, is a must-see. Its natural shape resembles an elephant drinking from the river—a favorite photo spot. Nearby, the Sun and Moon Pagodas add to Guilin’s scenic charm, with a lovely lakeside setting perfect for a casual stroll.

Note: You can enjoy lunch at Zhengyang Walking Street, a bustling area with street vendors and local eateries, before heading back to your hotel or onward travel plans.

Day 5: The Longji Rice Terraces & Minority Villages

Morning: The drive from Yangshuo to Longji is about two hours. First stop: Longji Ticket Office, where you’ll purchase your entry tickets before heading to Ping’an or Dazhai villages. The journey up the terraced mountains is scenic, with lush greenery and dramatic terraces carved into the hillside.

In Longji: Visitors get to walk the terraces, learn how they were built over centuries, and see Yao women with their famously long hair in Huangluo Village. The landscapes are breathtaking, with layers of rice paddies stretching to the horizon.

Cultural stop: Ping’an Village offers a glimpse into Zhuang and Yao minority lifestyles, with traditional wooden houses and local crafts. Many reviewers highlight how walking among these terraces feels like stepping back in time, with a chance to experience rural Chinese life firsthand.

Extra: You can enjoy a traditional lunch here (own expense), and the tour guides often share fascinating stories about the rice farming techniques and the communities’ history.

Additional Practicalities

Transport & Guides: The tour features private air-conditioned vehicles and attentive guides who handle all logistics, including entrance tickets. This level of organization ensures a smooth experience, especially when juggling multiple sites.

Cost & Value: At $688 per person, the price covers entrance tickets and the impressive Impression Sanjie Liu show, which alone can be costly if booked separately. However, meals and hotels are not included, so travelers should budget accordingly.

Physical Activity & Suitability: The tour involves some walking, hill climbs, and stairs, notably at Xianggong Mountain and Moon Hill. Reviewers suggest a moderate fitness level is advisable.

Flexibility & Personalization: Since it’s a private tour, it allows some flexibility—whether you want more time at certain sites or to skip an activity.

Why This Tour Is Worth It

For travelers who love a mix of natural scenery, cultural insights, and hassle-free logistics, this tour offers a solid balance. The variety of sites—from river cruises and mountain viewpoints to ancient towns and cultural shows—keeps the experience dynamic. The private transport and guides mean you won’t be stuck in crowded groups or fighting for tickets, which can often diminish the enjoyment of popular sights.

The inclusion of popular attractions like Elephant Trunk Hill and the Longji rice terraces ensures you see the best of the region’s landscapes. Meanwhile, the less touristy stops, such as Fuli Ancient Town and Xingping, add authentic touches that make the trip special.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers who value convenience and personalized attention but also crave authentic local encounters. It’s ideal for those with moderate physical fitness willing to walk and climb stairs but prefer to avoid the stress of planning logistics themselves. Photographers, culture lovers, and nature enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse highlights. Families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a comprehensive, well-organized journey through China’s iconic karst scenery will find this tour offers great value for its price.

FAQs

Are meals included in this tour?
No, meals are not included, so you’ll want to budget for meals during your stops.

Do I need to worry about tickets?
No, your guide handles all entrance tickets, and they include the show ticket too.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses private air-conditioned vehicles, making long drives more pleasant.

How physically demanding is the tour?
Moderate physical activity is required; some sites involve stairs or hill climbs, so good walking shoes are recommended.

Can I customize the schedule?
Since it’s a private tour, you can discuss your preferences with your guide, though logistics are pre-arranged.

Is the guide knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews mention guides being well-informed—they explain the sites and local culture clearly.

What’s the best way to prepare?
Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and some cash for optional extra purchases or local tips.

To sum it up, this 5-day private tour around Guilin, Yangshuo, and Longji offers a well-rounded and immersive experience. It combines the stunning scenery of karst mountains, rice terraces, and river landscapes with authentic cultural visits. The private nature of the tour ensures flexibility and comfort, making it ideal for those who want a curated adventure with minimal planning fuss. While you’ll need to handle your own accommodations and meals, the included tickets and seamless logistics make this a fantastic way to explore this breathtaking region without feeling overwhelmed. Perfect for curious, active travelers eager to see China’s most iconic sights with guidance and ease.