4 Day: Yangshuo and Guilin Private Tour from Yangshuo (with Hotel Pickup)

Experience the Best of Yangshuo and Guilin in Four Days

If you’re dreaming of soaring karst peaks, serene rivers, and ancient towns, this 4-day private tour from Yangshuo offers an ideal way to soak up the best sights. For $480 per person, you’ll enjoy a mix of scenic landscapes, cultural shows, and charming old towns, all with the convenience of hotel pickup and private transportation. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll explore Xianggong Hill, Yulong Bamboo Boat, Silver Cave, Xingping Old Town, and more—each spot packed with natural beauty and history.

What we love most are the stunning panoramic views from Xianggong Mountain and the personalized experience that private guiding offers, ensuring you get the most out of every moment. The impression Sanjie Liu show is another highlight, bringing the Li River’s scenery to life in a spectacular outdoor water and hill stage. A potential drawback? With so many stops packed into four days, some travelers might find the schedule a bit full and prefer a more relaxed pace.

This tour is perfect for travelers who appreciate authentic scenery and cultural insights without the hassle of planning every detail. If you want a structured, comprehensive experience with expert guides who blend humor and knowledge, this package is likely to satisfy.

Key Points

• Stunning Landscapes: Enjoy panoramic views from Xianggong Hill and the scenic Yulong River bamboo boat ride.
• Cultural Highlights: Experience the Impression Sanjie Liu show and visit ancient towns like Xingping and Daxu.
• Convenient Logistics: Private transfers and hotel pickup make the experience seamless.
• Diverse Activities: From boat rides and hilltop walks to cave explorations and old town strolls.
• Authentic Experiences: Visit traditional towns, see local craftsmanship, and learn about regional history.
• Value for Money: Included entrance tickets, guides, and transport make for a well-rounded experience.

Exploring Guilin and Yangshuo in Depth

Why This Tour Works for Travelers

This four-day itinerary strikes a good balance for those wanting a broad taste of Guilin and Yangshuo’s highlights. It’s especially suited for visitors who prefer a private, guided experience that reduces the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads and language barriers. With all transportation, entrance fees, and hotel pickups included, you can focus on soaking in the scenery instead of worrying about logistics.

Based on reviews, guides like Andy make all the difference. One traveler described him as “the best guide I know in China,” emphasizing the importance of having a knowledgeable, flexible guide who can adapt the schedule and answer questions about local culture and geography. The guides’ fluency in English and sense of humor are often highlighted, making the experience lively and informative.

Day 1 – Arrival and Free Time

Your adventure begins with airport or Yangshuo hotel pickup. The driver will meet you with a welcome board, and after a quick transfer, you’re free to explore or relax at your hotel. No included activities mean you can settle in and prepare for the days ahead.

Day 2 – A Day of River and Mountain Views

The second day captures the essence of Guangxi’s landscape. The morning starts at Yangshuo’s Yulong River, where bamboo rafting offers a peaceful journey through the dramatic limestone scenery. This bamboo boat ride, lasting about an hour, is often praised as “a great way to see the karst landscape up close,” and the fact that it’s limited to two people per boat ensures a personal touch.

Next, a 40-minute drive takes you to Xianggong Hill, the most beautiful mountain along the Li River. Climbing 400 steps (about 15 minutes) rewards you with a bird’s-eye view of the river winding through peaks and lush greenery. We loved the way this spot offers a perfect photo opportunity, capturing the dramatic landscape in one shot.

Afterward, a leisurely stroll along West Street for lunch and shopping gives you a taste of local life. The street is packed with shops selling local crafts, antiques, and souvenirs—great for picking up a unique keepsake.

The highlight of the evening is the Impression Sanjie Liu show, a spectacular outdoor performance that uses the Li River as a stage, with 12 hills in the background. The show’s use of water, light, and hill scenery creates a mesmerizing experience. Viewers rave about it—one reviewer called it “a night show you’ve never seen before,” emphasizing its virtual scenery and outdoor setting.

Day 3 – Exploring Caves and Old Towns

Day three begins with a visit to the Silver Cave, a large karst formation filled with glittering stalactites and stalagmites. The guided tour includes an English headset, making it easy to learn about the formations while marveling at the cave’s natural beauty. Many reviews praise the Silver Cave as “the largest in Guilin,” with stunning crystal formations that shimmer under colorful lights.

Next, you visit Moon Hill, a distinctive limestone formation with a large circular hole in the middle. The hike to the top takes about 15 minutes, and the view from the summit is well worth the effort. The hill is a favorite among visitors, partly because of its unique shape and partly because of its historical significance—former U.S. President Richard Nixon even climbed it in 1972.

Following this, Xingping Old Town offers a charming glimpse into traditional life along the river, with old streets, murals, and picturesque scenery. The optional boat ride on the Li River from Xingping provides a closer look at the landscape that inspired countless Chinese painters.

A stop at Fuli Ancient Town lets you see traditional crafts—painting fans and scrolls—being made, providing a taste of local artistry and history. One reviewer enjoyed browsing the small factories and watching artisans at work.

Day 4 – Guilin’s Highlights and Departure

On the final day, a drive from Yangshuo to Guilin takes you to Daxu Ancient Town, known for its well-preserved buildings and traditional markets. You can explore the old streets and shop for handicrafts—a peaceful way to experience local history.

Next, a chairlift ride at Yao Mountain offers panoramic views of Guilin’s karst landscape. The mountain’s vantage point makes it easy to appreciate the region’s geological beauty, and the nearby tea plantation adds an extra layer of cultural insight, as you learn about traditional tea-making techniques.

Finally, a visit to Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin’s iconic landmark, provides a scenic and cultural photo opportunity. The area around Sun and Moon Pagodas offers a lovely lakeside setting for a relaxed lunch before your transfer back to your hotel, train station, or airport.

What We Think: The Real Value of This Tour

This private four-day adventure offers excellent value for those interested in a comprehensive introduction to Guangxi’s scenic wonders, with the added bonus of knowledgeable guides. The inclusion of entrance tickets, transportation, and hotel pickup simplifies planning and ensures you won’t miss out on key sights.

The flexibility of a private guide means you can tailor the experience slightly—perhaps linger longer at Xianggong or skip a stop if you prefer. The guides’ warmth, humor, and deep regional knowledge turn a sightseeing trip into a memorable journey.

The main advantage is the variety: from boat rides and mountain hikes to cave explorations and cultural shows, you’ll experience both nature and tradition. The scenic views from the mountain tops and river panoramas are truly breathtaking, making this trip a visual feast.

However, the packed schedule may not suit travelers seeking a slower pace or more downtime. Some may prefer more time in each location to absorb the atmosphere or enjoy spontaneous discoveries. Also, the cost of $480 per person is reasonable considering all included activities, but the value increases if you appreciate guided insight and seamless logistics.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for those who want a well-organized, all-in-one experience of the Yangshuo and Guilin area. If you love stunning scenery combined with cultural insight and prefer having expert guides who can make the journey more engaging, this package suits you well.

It’s especially good for travelers new to China or those who want to maximize their time without the stress of planning individual activities. If you’re comfortable with a somewhat busy itinerary and want to see the core highlights in four days, this tour hits the sweet spot.

The Sum Up

For anyone seeking a comprehensive, guided look at some of China’s most photogenic landscapes, this 4-day private tour from Yangshuo offers a rewarding mix of nature, history, and culture. The expertly curated stops, stunning viewpoints, and cultural shows like the Sanjie Liu performance provide an immersive experience that’s both fun and educational.

The personalized guiding ensures you’re not just another face in the crowd, and the seamless transportation means more time enjoying the sights and less time worrying about logistics. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to explore deeper, this tour provides a solid foundation to appreciate the magic of Guangxi’s limestone karst scenery.

In short, if you value authentic scenery, knowledgeable guides, and well-organized logistics, this tour will serve you well. It’s a lively, engaging way to explore the highlights and hidden gems of Yangshuo and Guilin—perfect for travelers eager to see it all without the hassle.

FAQ

What’s included in the tour price?
The price covers private transportation, private guides, entrance tickets to scheduled attractions, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, so you can choose to explore local restaurants and try regional cuisine on your own.

How is the guide involved?
Your guide will meet you each day at your hotel, providing commentary, arranging logistics, and ensuring you get to each site comfortably.

Is the tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes, but be prepared for some walking, especially at Xianggong Hill and other scenic viewpoints. The tour notes that travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level.

What if I want to customize the schedule?
Since this is a private tour, you can discuss your preferences with your guide, and they may be able to adapt the itinerary within reason.

How long are some of the activities?
Most activities range from about 1 to 2 hours, including boat rides, cave visits, and town explorations, allowing for an engaging yet manageable pace.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, water, and possibly a light jacket for the caves or evening shows.

Is the show outdoor?
Yes, the Impression Sanjie Liu is an outdoor performance set along the Li River, so dress accordingly for weather.

Can I stay in Yangshuo instead of Guilin?
The tour offers hotel pickup from Yangshuo, so yes, you can base yourself there and enjoy the trip’s activities.

How far in advance should I book?
Booking at least a few weeks ahead is recommended, especially if you want specific dates or have special requests.

This 4-day Yangshuo and Guilin tour balances sightseeing, culture, and scenery with the comfort of private, guided travel—an excellent choice for travelers eager to experience China’s stunning limestone landscapes in style.