Guilin Private Tour of Daxu Old Town and Yaoshan Tea Plantation

An Authentic Day in Guilin: Exploring Daxu Old Town and Yaoshan Tea Plantation

This private tour offers a well-balanced taste of Guilin’s traditional charm and local culture. With a focus on history, craftsmanship, and tea-making, it’s a great choice for travelers wanting a deeper look into the region’s heritage. The tour’s flexibility and private setup make it especially appealing for those who prefer a personalized experience without the rush of group tours.

One of the things we love about this day trip is how it combines two very different but equally fascinating aspects of Guilin: the ancient, nostalgic streets of Daxu Old Town and the lush, hands-on experience at the Yaoshan Tea Plantation. Both highlight the slow, beautiful pace of rural China and offer genuine insights into local life.

A possible consideration is the tour’s duration—around 8 hours—meaning it’s a full day, which might feel a bit long if you’re after a lighter or more relaxed schedule. Also, the tour doesn’t include lunch, so you’ll want to plan for a meal either on your own or by asking your guide for recommendations.

This trip is ideal for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and tea lovers who appreciate authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences. It’s perfect for those seeking a personalized journey that balances sightseeing with interactive activities.

Key Points

• Authentic Cultural Experience: Visit a 1,000-year-old town with traditional streets, antique houses, and local crafts.
• Hands-on Tea Experience: Pick tea leaves yourself and learn about the entire tea-making process.
• Private & Personalized: Fully customizable tour with a dedicated guide and round-trip transportation.
• Value for Money: Includes entrance fees, bottled water, and private transport, making it a straightforward day trip.
• Suitable for All Weather: Operates regardless of weather conditions, so dress accordingly.
• No Lunch Included: Be prepared to bring your own or seek local eateries during the day.

Exploring Daxu Old Town: A Step Back in Time

Our journey begins with a pickup from your hotel in Guilin around 8:30 am. The drive to Daxu Old Town is just about 30 to 40 minutes, comfortably scenic and set against the backdrop of Guilin’s lush landscape. Once there, you’ll step into a place that feels like a living museum, with streets paved in traditional flagstone and old wooden houses lining the alleys.

What truly makes Daxu notable is its long history—over a thousand years—and the vibrant atmosphere that hasn’t been lost to modern development. You’ll notice craftsmen’s workshops like bamboo weaving, straw sandals vendors, and antique restorers, which give a glimpse into traditional trades. The town is also a filming location for famous Chinese movies such as “Sanjie Liu,” adding a cinematic charm to the experience.

Many visitors mention the nostalgic feel of Daxu, and some even note how it’s less commercialized than other tourist spots. The local food, customs, and entertainment are part of what makes this visit special. Your guide will suggest local food sampling, which is a bonus for tasting authentic Guilin flavors.

Reviewers have appreciated the opportunity to walk along the ancient streets, observing how people still carry on traditional crafts. One noted, “It’s like stepping into a different era, with friendly vendors and beautiful scenery everywhere.” The town offers plenty of photo opportunities, especially around its historic bridges and old houses.

The downside? Some may find that the charm of Daxu is best appreciated at a leisurely pace, but the 5-hour visit means you’ll need to prioritize your interests.

The Tea Journey at Yaoshan Tea Plantation

After soaking in the nostalgic atmosphere of Daxu, the tour continues to the lush green surroundings of the Yaoshan Tea Plantation. Just a short drive away, this scenic spot offers a different kind of quiet beauty—rows of tea bushes and the fresh scent of leaves in the air.

Here, the highlight is the interactive tea-picking activity. Instead of just observing, you get to actually pick tea leaves yourself—an experience that’s both fun and educational. Your guide will walk you through the entire process, from leaf plucking to the final steps of tea making. It’s a hands-on activity that appeals to both tea aficionados and curious travelers alike.

Most reviewers mention enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity to learn about traditional Chinese tea culture firsthand. One person commented, “It was incredible to see how much effort goes into making each cup of tea, and I loved trying my hand at picking leaves myself.”

The plantation offers the chance to ask questions about different types of tea, how they’re processed, and the significance of tea in Chinese culture. Best of all, admission is free, so you can focus on the learning and the landscape.

As the tour wraps up, your guide will transfer you back to your hotel, feeling like you’ve gained a deeper appreciation of Guilin’s rural traditions.

Practical Details and Tips

• Duration: Around 8 hours—be prepared for a full day of sightseeing and activities.
• Price: $225 per person, which covers private transportation, guide, entrance fees, and bottled water.
• Inclusions: The tour is all about convenience—round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off, private guide, and all entrance fees are taken care of.
• Exclusions: Lunch is not included, so consider packing snacks or asking your guide for local restaurant suggestions.
• Weather Considerations: The tour runs in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately—layers, sun protection, or rain gear depending on the forecast.
• Group Size: It’s a private tour, so you’ll have a dedicated guide without a crowd, allowing for more personalized attention.

What’s the Value?

When you look at the cost, $225 per person for a full-day private experience that includes everything from transportation to entry fees, the value is quite compelling. You’re not just paying for transportation but for a tailored journey through Guilin’s traditional sites, with plenty of room for questions and personal interest. The absence of lunch is a small trade-off, but it allows flexibility—you can choose to enjoy local specialties or bring a picnic.

The tour’s duration and private setup make it perfect for travelers who prefer a relaxed, in-depth experience without feeling rushed. Plus, the fact that it operates in all weather means you won’t miss out on the sights due to rain or shine.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for travelers interested in history, culture, and authentic local experiences. It’s perfect for those who want a more intimate look at Guilin’s traditional way of life, away from heavily commercialized tourist spots. Couples, small groups, or solo explorers will find it offers great value and flexibility.

If you’re a tea enthusiast or curious about traditional crafts, the hands-on tea picking will be a highlight. Meanwhile, history buffs will enjoy strolling the ancient streets of Daxu, imagining what life was like centuries ago.

However, if you prefer a shorter or more leisurely day, or if your focus is solely on natural scenery, you might want to consider other options. This tour provides a well-rounded glimpse into Guilin’s cultural heritage, rather than focusing solely on scenic landscapes like the Li River or rice terraces.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off from your Guilin hotel.

How long does the tour last? It runs approximately 8 hours, making it a full-day experience.

What is included in the price? The price covers private transportation, a guide, entrance fees, and bottled water.

Do I need to bring lunch? Lunch is not included, so travelers should plan to bring snacks or ask for restaurant suggestions during the day.

What should I wear? Dress appropriately for weather conditions, as the tour operates rain or shine. Comfortable shoes for walking are recommended.

Can I customize the experience? Since it’s a private tour, there’s room for personalized requests—just communicate your preferences with your guide.

Is it suitable for children or elderly travelers? Most travelers can participate, but consider mobility and the full-day commitment.

This Guilin private tour offers a genuine look into the region’s past and present, making it a worthwhile choice for travelers eager to connect with local traditions in a comfortable, personalized setting. Whether you’re wandering ancient streets or picking fresh tea leaves, you’ll come away with memories and insights that go beyond typical sightseeing.