Daxu Ancient Town & Li River Bamboo boat &Xianggong Hill & Yangshuo Private tour

An Authentic Day Exploring Guilin’s Iconic Sights

This private tour in Guilin costs around $141.37 per person and lasts roughly 8 hours, offering a well-rounded glimpse into some of the most beautiful and culturally significant spots in China’s Guilin Province. Your day begins with a hotel pickup, making it a hassle-free way to see a mix of history, natural beauty, and local life.

During the trip, you’ll visit the ancient streets of Daxu, cruise the Li River on a bamboo boat, hike Xianggong Hill for panoramic views, and stroll along Yangshuo’s vibrant West Street. The flexibility of a private guide means your experience can adapt to your interests, whether that’s wandering historic alleyways or soaking in stunning river vistas.

Two things we love are the opportunity to enjoy peaceful, scenic boat rides amid limestone peaks and the chance to explore small, authentic towns rarely crowded with travelers. The guide’s flexibility to accommodate your specific requests makes this tour feel personalized and relaxed.

One thing to keep in mind is that entrance fees for Xianggong Mountain and Li River are not included in the price. Also, the timing may be affected by traffic or your physical fitness level, so some travelers might find the day a bit demanding.

This tour is ideal for history buffs, landscape lovers, and travelers seeking a taste of local Guilin life away from large groups. If you appreciate scenic beauty combined with cultural charm, you’ll likely find this experience rewarding.

Key Points

• Cultural richness: Explore well-preserved ancient architecture in Daxu.
• Stunning scenery: Enjoy boat rides and hilltop views of limestone peaks.
• Flexibility: Private guide accommodates your interests.
• Authentic experience: Visit small towns and local markets.
• Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off save time and effort.
• Cost consideration: Entrance fees are separate; plan accordingly.

Discovering Guilin: A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

Visiting Daxu Ancient Town: Stepping Back in Time

Your day begins around 9:30 am with a hotel pickup. Within about 30 minutes, you’ll arrive at Daxu Ancient Town, located on the bank of the Lijiang River. This town, with its worn bluestone streets and well-preserved buildings, offers a picture of traditional life.

Daxu’s significance stretches back centuries, and its Ming Dynasty market still thrives today, providing a glimpse into regional commerce with stalls selling handicrafts and local goods. Walking through its quiet alleys, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a living museum. A review noted, “We had an amazing day on this tour. The places and sights are great. We particularly liked the ancient town.”

While an hour isn’t long, it’s enough to stroll its historic streets, browse local shops, and soak up the atmosphere. This part of the tour appeals especially to those interested in traditional Chinese architecture and local customs.

Cruising the Li River on a Bamboo Boat

Next, you’ll transfer to Caoping, where a private bamboo boat awaits. The boat, with just four seats, offers a peaceful ride along the Li River, renowned for its stunning limestone karst formations.

During this hour-long cruise, expect to see bamboo groves, rice paddies, farmers, and water buffalo, which lend an authentic rural charm. It’s a chance to enjoy calm waters and spectacular scenery, making it perfect for photography and quiet reflection.

One guest expressed appreciation for this part, noting, “The views are great, and we loved the peaceful boat ride.” Although the admission fee is not included, the experience offers excellent value for the chance to see the iconic landscape from a different perspective.

Climbing Xianggong Hill for Panoramic Views

After the boat, a transfer takes you to Putao, where the highlight is Xiang Gong Mountain. Known as one of the most beautiful hills along the Li River, hiking to the summit provides breathtaking bird’s-eye views of the river winding through limestone cliffs.

The walk to the top, approximately 40 minutes, is manageable for most with moderate fitness. The views from the summit are well worth the effort — perfect for those who love landscape photography or simply want to absorb the grandeur of Guilin’s natural scenery.

Note, the entrance fee to Xianggong Mountain is not included, so consider this when planning your day.

Exploring Yangshuo’s West Street

The final stop is Yangshuo, a lively town famous for its West Street, a bustling pedestrian area filled with cafes, shops, and street performers. We enjoyed strolling along the cobbled street, soaking in the lively atmosphere, and enjoying some local snacks or small souvenirs.

The review mentions that visiting West Street allows for a relaxed exploration of local life, with plenty of opportunities for photos and people-watching. The tour ends here, with a return transfer to your hotel or nearby accommodations around 6:00 pm.

Practical Details and Tips

The cost includes a private vehicle and an English-speaking guide, which makes the experience smooth and personalized. However, food and drinks are not included, so bringing snacks or planning for meals is advised.

Since entrance fees for Xianggong Mountain and Li River are separate, budget accordingly. The tour is designed for travelers with moderate physical fitness, as some walking and hiking are involved.

Real Traveler Insights

A reviewer shared, “Our guide was very flexible and accommodating, which made the day even better.” It’s evident that a personalized guide can make all the difference, especially in these scenic and cultural stops.

Another comment highlights the stunning views as a major highlight, with travelers noting that the scenery on the river cruise and from the hilltop truly captures Guilin’s beauty.

The tour’s price-to-value ratio depends on your interest in combining scenic landscapes with cultural exploration. While the admission fees are extra, most agree that the overall experience offers a good mix of relaxation, sightseeing, and authentic local flavor.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour for You?

This private Guilin tour offers a well-balanced day of history, natural beauty, and local culture. The hotel pickup and private guide make it efficient and flexible, perfect for those who want a curated experience without the crowds.

It’s especially suitable if you appreciate scenic boat rides, hiking for panoramic views, and discovering small towns that feel genuine and unspoiled. The tour’s highlights—Daxu’s historic streets, the peaceful bamboo boat, and the views from Xianggong Hill—are what set it apart for landscape lovers.

However, keep in mind the additional entrance fees and the physical activity involved. If you’re after a more leisurely or less physically demanding day, this tour might require some adjustments.

All in all, it’s a solid choice for those who want a personalized, scenic tour that encapsulates the essence of Guilin’s countryside and cultural charm.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early should I book this tour?
Most travelers book around 9 days in advance, which ensures availability and time to prepare.

What is included in the price?
The price covers private transportation, an English-speaking guide, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Are entrance fees included?
No, fees for Xianggong Mountain and Li River are separate and not included in the ticket price.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the physical demands suggest it’s best for those with moderate fitness.

How long is the boat cruise?
The bamboo boat cruise lasts about 1 hour, offering a relaxing way to see the limestone scenery.

Can I customize the tour?
Yes, with a private guide, you can request to see specific sights or spend more time in certain spots.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, water, possibly snacks, and your camera to capture the beautiful views.

Is this tour available for solo travelers?
Yes, it’s designed as a private experience, perfect for solo travelers wanting an intimate day out.

What are the best times to enjoy the views from Xianggong Hill?
While not specified, clear days typically provide the best panoramic vistas, so check the weather forecast before planning your hike.

This tour balances scenic beauty with cultural authenticity, making it a great option for travelers wanting an in-depth look at Guilin’s landscape and history in a single day.