Exploring Guilin’s Countryside: Village Visits, Waterfalls, and Local Flavors

If you’re looking to escape the bustling city of Guilin and step into the peaceful rhythms of rural China, this 1-day Guilin tour offers a wonderful balance of scenery, culture, and hands-on experiences. For around $230 per person, you’ll visit Jiangtou Village, hike to a stunning waterfall, learn to make traditional Guilin-style rice cakes, and end your day enjoying a hearty farm dinner with local villagers. It’s a full immersion into the countryside that’s well-suited for travelers craving authenticity and natural beauty.

What we love most about this experience? First, the chance to walk through ancient village streets and see traditional architecture, which offers a tangible connection to local history. Second, the hike to the waterfall rewards you with breathtaking views and a refreshing mist—perfect for nature lovers. A possible consideration is that the tour involves walking on uneven terrain, so comfortable shoes are a must. This tour is ideal for curious travelers who enjoy outdoor activity, cultural exchange, and authentic rural scenery—if that sounds like your kind of day, it might just be perfect.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Authentic Village Experience: Walk through Jiangtou Village’s traditional buildings and learn about local architecture.
Cultural Hands-On Activity: Make your own Guilin-style rice cakes with a local villager.
Scenic Hike and Waterfall: Enjoy a 1.5-hour trek through lush forest to a waterfall with panoramic mountain views.
Wild Ingredient Foraging: Search for bamboo shoots and wild mushrooms—safety is assured by guides.
Farm-Style Dinner: Feast on mountain ingredients, cooked at a traditional earthen stove, and hear local stories.
Flexible Booking: Reserve now, pay later, and cancel with 24 hours’ notice if plans change.

While in Guilin, here are other experiences we've covered

A Closer Look at the Day’s Journey

Starting Out — From Guilin to the Countryside

The tour begins early with a hotel pickup in Guilin, whisking you away on a comfortable bus through the scenic northern Guangxi countryside. We loved the way the landscape unfolds — green hills, patchwork farmland, and small villages, all giving you a glimpse of rural life less touched by tourism. The ride itself sets the tone for a day of relaxing exploration away from crowds.

Jiangtou Village — Stepping Back in Time

Your first stop is Jiangtou Village, a place where traditional architecture tells stories of the Han nationality and the village’s historical prominence. Walking through its narrow lanes lined with blue bricks and black-tiled roofs, you’ll see how time has preserved these structures. The guide, who shares stories of local history, helps you appreciate how the village’s achievements in history are still visible today.

Travelers who have visited describe the village as “authentic and beautifully preserved,” with one noting how the architecture offers a “window into China’s rural past.” If you enjoy seeing well-preserved historical sites that aren’t overly commercialized, this stop hits the mark.

More Great Tours Nearby

Making Rice Cakes — A Taste of Local Life

Next, we head to Xiling Village, where a local villager invites us into their home for a hands-on rice cake making session. It’s the kind of activity that makes you feel like a guest in someone’s kitchen rather than just a tourist. You’ll knead glutinous rice dough, learn how to wrap it around fillings, and experience the tactile joy of creating something traditional.

People who’ve tried this mention how fun it is to “get their hands dirty” and make a snack that’s typical of Guilin cuisine. It’s also a great way to connect with local life, seeing how these rice cakes are part of everyday celebrations.

Love the outdoors? Here are other hiking experiences we've covered in Guilin

Yangshuo: Full-Day Private Countryside Hiking Tour

The Trek to the Waterfall — A Feast for the Eyes

After the rice cake adventure, it’s time to lace up your walking shoes for a 1.5-hour hike through evergreen forests along a mountain trail. The path winds through lush vegetation, with the sounds of chirping birds accompanying your steps. The highlight is reaching a 15-50 meter high waterfall, where water cascades down in a white silk ribbon. The mist from the falls creates a slight rainbow effect in the sunlight—truly a sight to behold.

The panoramic views of the “thousands of mountains” overlapping beyond the waterfall make this a visual feast. Many reviews praise the “stunning scenery” and remark that the hike is well worth the effort. Just a heads up: the terrain can be uneven, so sturdy shoes are recommended.

Foraging for Wild Ingredients — From Nature to Plate

A unique part of this tour is the foraging experience. Led by villagers, you search for bamboo shoots hidden under fallen leaves and identify edible wild mushrooms (with safety checked by guides). If seasonal conditions aren’t favorable for foraging, the guides will substitute with other wild ingredients, keeping the experience flexible.

This part of the day highlights the ecological diet concept, where food is sourced directly from the land. Travelers find this engaging, as noted by one who said it was “not just a meal but a kind of ecological adventure.”

A Farm-Style Dinner — Authentic and Communal

Back at the villager’s home, it’s time to cook and enjoy dinner. You’ll help burn firewood and cook mountain ingredients on an earthen stove alongside your hosts. The meal features self-grown vegetables, cured meats, and the ingredients gathered earlier—giving you a true farm-to-table experience.

During dinner, storytellers share tales about local folk legends, traditions, and taboos, creating a warm, communal atmosphere. Many guests comment on how “heartwarming” it felt to dine with locals and hear their stories firsthand.

Returning to Guilin — The End of a Memorable Day

After a full day of learning, hiking, and tasting, it’s time to head back to Guilin, arriving around 9 PM. The comfortable bus ride offers a chance to reflect on the day’s adventures, with plenty of photos taken and memories made.

Practical Tips for Travelers

Wear comfortable shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
Bring a camera to capture the waterfalls and village scenes.
Pack water and insect repellent, especially for the forest hike.
Dress in comfortable clothes that can get dirty during cooking and foraging.
The tour is conducted in English and Spanish, so language is accessible for many travelers.
Not suitable for those with mobility impairments due to walking on uneven paths.
Remember, the cancellation policy allows you to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best for travelers who want more than just sightseeing—they crave authentic cultural exchanges, natural beauty, and hands-on activities. If you’re curious about rural Chinese life, enjoy outdoor walks, and love discovering scenic waterfalls, this tour will satisfy those interests. It’s also perfect if you’re after a full-day escape that combines history, nature, and local flavor in a manageable format.

Those seeking luxurious comfort or minimal physical activity might find this tour a bit demanding. But if you’re prepared for some walking and open to genuine encounters with local villagers, you’ll find it rewarding.

Final Thoughts

This Guilin tour offers a thoughtfully curated glimpse into rural life—from the architecture of Jiangtou Village to the refreshing spray of a mountain waterfall. The mix of cultural activities, nature hikes, and local cuisine creates a well-rounded experience that feels authentic and deeply satisfying. While the terrain requires some physical effort, the stunning scenery and genuine interactions make it worthwhile.

It’s an excellent choice for travelers who want to see the countryside beyond the usual tourist spots and enjoy a day of outdoor adventure and cultural learning. The value is solid, given the included activities and the chance to taste truly local food prepared with your own hands.

If you’re looking for a meaningful day that combines scenic beauty, cultural authenticity, and outdoor activity, this Guilin tour should be on your list.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, from hotel pickup in the morning to return in the evening around 9 PM.

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transportation from Guilin is included, making the day hassle-free.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking, a camera, water, insect repellent, and comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activity.

Is the hike difficult?
The hike involves uneven terrain, so sturdy shoes are recommended. It’s roughly 1.5 hours to reach the waterfall, suitable for most healthy travelers.

Can I participate if I don’t speak Spanish or English?
The guide speaks both languages, so language barriers are minimized.

What if I don’t like wild mushrooms or bamboo shoots?
The guides will ensure safety and can substitute ingredients if they aren’t in season or if you prefer.

Is the dinner vegetarian?
The dinner includes mountain ingredients, cured meat, and vegetables; you should specify dietary preferences in advance.

What if I have mobility issues?
The tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments due to uneven walking paths.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

How many people usually join the tour?
The group size varies but typically remains manageable, ensuring a comfortable experience.

This tour offers a wonderful, authentic look into China’s rural life, paired with spectacular scenery and meaningful cultural exchanges. Perfect for those wanting a genuine, active day out of Guilin—one that’s as memorable as it is scenic.