A 2-Day Guilin Adventure: Rice Terraces, Li River, and Yangshuo’s Charms

This 2-day private tour in Guilin offers a well-balanced mix of natural beauty and local culture. For $250 per group (up to 6 people), you’ll explore the iconic Longji rice terraces, cruise along the Li River, and soak in the lively atmosphere of Yangshuo. The guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and focus on making your experience seamless, worry-free, and memorable.

What we love most is how effortlessly the tour packs in diverse highlights — from the terraced fields to scenic mountain viewpoints, topped with a vibrant street scene in Yangshuo. Also, the flexible cruise options—whether electric bamboo raft or luxury ship—allow you to tailor your experience.

A potential consideration is that entrance fees are not included, so you’ll need to budget for tickets like the rice terraces, Xianggong Hill, and bamboo raft.

This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive look at Guilin’s stunning landscapes and authentic villages without the hassle of organizing transportation and guides themselves. It’s perfect for those who appreciate engaging local insights and beautiful scenery in a relaxed, private setting.

Key Points

Convenient private tour with pickup and air-conditioned vehicle included
Stunning views of rice terraces, karst mountains, and river landscapes
Flexible cruise options on the Li River, with an upgrade to luxury ships available
Authentic cultural experience at Longji minority villages
Friendly guides who are helpful and knowledgeable, ensuring smooth travel
Includes transportation but additional entrance fees apply

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Exploring the Longji Rice Terraces: A Full Day of Natural Wonder

Your adventure begins early in Guilin, with a pickup at 8:30 am from your hotel. The drive to the Longji rice terraces takes around two hours, giving you time to settle in and enjoy the scenery unfolding outside the window.

The highlight here is the Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces, a masterpiece of terraced farming carved into the mountainside. These terraces are often called the ‘eighth wonder of the world’ in local circles, and for good reason. We loved the way the terraces shimmer in different lights, especially during harvest season, but even in quieter times, the patterns of rice paddies zigzag up the hills are breathtaking.

Your first stop at Huang Luo Yao minority village offers an authentic glimpse into local life. As one reviewer noted, guides like Jacky and Mike kept the experience engaging and friendly, helping you understand traditional customs. Keep in mind that admission tickets are not included, so plan accordingly.

Expect to spend roughly four hours here, walking along narrow paths, admiring the craftsmanship, and taking plenty of photos. The terraces’ scale and intricate layout make it a photographer’s dream, and the relative tranquility allows for genuine moments of awe.

Day 2: From River Cruises to Mountain Vistas in Yangshuo

The second day begins at 9:30 am with a meeting at your hotel, followed by a short drive (about an hour) to Yangdi pier. Here, you have the option to take an electric bamboo boat downstream along the Yulong River for about an hour, enjoying the gentle sway as you pass through lush countryside and rustic villages. Many travelers find this boat ride relaxing and scenic, though it’s worth noting that tickets cost CN¥140 per person.

Alternatively, if you prefer a more luxurious experience, the tour can be switched to a 4-hour cruise ship on the Li River, which offers a more comfortable, extensive view of the stunning karst mountains and tranquil waters. This flexibility is appreciated by travelers who want a little more comfort or time to soak in the scenery.

After the cruise, it’s a short drive (around 20 minutes) to Xianggong Mountain, a famous vantage point where you’ll get panoramic views of the Li River’s signature limestone peaks. It’s a favorite spot for photos, with many visitors quoting the breathtaking vistas—truly a highlight of the tour.

Next, you’ll visit the Yulong River, another picturesque spot perfect for photos and a taste of rural Guilin life. Hotspots like Fuli ancient bridge and Chaoyang Dam showcase the rice fields, old bridges, and peaceful rural scenes that make this area so charming. Best of all, access is free, making this a value-added experience.

Practical Details and What to Expect

Transportation is smooth and comfortable, with an air-conditioned vehicle and a friendly driver guiding the way. The group size is small, ensuring personalized attention, and guides are praised for their helpfulness and local knowledge.

The tour’s price of $250 includes guide and driver service, as well as transportation, but excludes the entrance fees for the rice terraces, Xianggong Hill, and the bamboo raft. These are CN¥80, CN¥60, and CN¥140 respectively, so budgeting around CN¥280 (~$40) per person for tickets is wise.

While the tour is flexible regarding the Li River cruise, some travelers might prefer the electric bamboo raft for a closer feel of the river’s serenity. The upgrade to a luxury cruise ship is a nice alternative if comfort is a priority.

Reviews consistently praise the guides, with one noting that Molly was “kind and sweet,” attentive to their needs. The flexibility and the stunning scenery also get high marks, with travelers remarking on the “breathtaking panoramic views” and “helpful, friendly guides” that make the trip memorable.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour appeals most to travelers who want a well-organized, scenic experience without the stress of planning logistics. If you’re eager to see classic Guilin landscapes—like rice terraces and karst mountains—this tour delivers. It’s especially good for those who value local insights and want the comfort of a private vehicle and guided commentary.

It’s perfect for a first-time visitor wanting a comprehensive snapshot of Guilin’s natural and cultural highlights, or for those with limited time who want to maximize their visit without sacrificing depth or authenticity.

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The Sum Up: Why This Tour is a Solid Choice

This 2-day Guilin tour provides a good balance of nature, cultural insights, and scenic beauty. The combination of rice terraces, river cruises, and mountain vistas offers a varied experience that captures the essence of this region. The guides’ friendly approach and the flexible cruise options let you tailor your experience without feeling rushed.

While you’ll need to budget for entrance fees separately, the overall value is clear in the way it combines transport, guides, and authentic sights in a well-paced itinerary. The small group size and personalized service mean you’ll get attention and insights you might miss on larger tours.

If you’re after a memorable, scenic immersion with knowledgeable guides and an authentic local flavor, this tour is a great pick. It’s suited for travelers who enjoy natural beauty, cultural encounters, and hassle-free logistics.

FAQ

Are pickup and transportation included?
Yes, the tour provides pickup from your hotel and an air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers, making the day smooth and comfortable.

Can I switch from bamboo raft to a luxury cruise ship?
Absolutely. The tour offers the option to upgrade to a 4-hour luxury cruise on the Li River if you prefer a more relaxed, scenic journey.

Are entrance fees included?
No, the listed prices do not include entrance fees for the rice terraces, Xianggong Hill, or the bamboo raft. You’ll need to budget for these separately.

How long is each sightseeing stop?
The rice terraces visit lasts about four hours, including walking and exploring the minority village. The second day’s activities are flexible but include around an hour for the boat and about 40 minutes at Xianggong Hill.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but be prepared for some walking and scenic viewpoints. It’s a relaxed pace, suitable for families and seniors in good health.

What’s the best time of year to visit?
While not specified, the terraces are most photogenic during harvest times. However, the views are beautiful year-round, and the weather is generally mild.

How many people will be in my group?
Up to 6 people, making it intimate and personalized, ideal for families or small groups.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, only your group participates, allowing for a flexible and tailored experience.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The tour is scheduled as described, but guides are usually flexible within the day’s plan. Confirm any specific requests when booking.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of stunning landscapes, friendly guides, and the ease of logistics makes it a popular choice among travelers wanting an authentic Guilin experience.

Exploring Guilin with this 2-day tour promises a blend of scenic grandeur and cultural richness. Whether you’re capturing stunning photos, learning about local minority cultures, or simply soaking in the mountain views, it’s a trip designed to leave you with lasting memories of China’s beautiful southern landscapes.