Guilin’s landscape is famous for its dramatic karst peaks, winding rivers, and lush rice paddies. It’s a place where cycling and boat trips aren’t just activities—they’re the way to truly see the region’s natural beauty. Whether you prefer drifting along the Li River on a comfortable cruise, cycling through rice fields and riverside villages, or climbing viewpoints for panoramic vistas, Guilin offers options that suit different tastes and fitness levels. One standout experience we love is the Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, which combines a relaxing 4-hour boat ride with free time to explore Yangshuo’s quaint streets, including West Street.
What makes Guilin special for bike tours? The region’s flat river valleys, scenic trails, and small villages make cycling not only accessible but deeply rewarding. Plus, many tours include insights into local culture and lifestyle, making your day more than just pretty views. If you want a mix of river relaxation and countryside exploring, Guilin’s tours deliver that in spades.
Quick Overview
Our list includes full-day private tours, group experiences, and specialized cycling trips. They range from a river cruise combined with biking in Yangshuo to more immersive rural village cycling and cooking classes. Some tours feature electric boats, bamboo rafting, and panoramic hill climbs, providing diverse ways to experience Guilin’s stunning scenery. For example, the Li River Electric Boat, Xianggong Hill, Yulong River Biking Tour offers a blend of boat and bike with breathtaking views, perfect for those seeking variety.
Below, we’ve broken down each top-rated tour, highlighting what sets them apart and helping you choose the best match for your interests.
1. 1 Day Private Tour: Li River Cruise from Guilin & Yangshuo Biking
At number 1, this full-day private tour combines a luxury cruise along the Li River with guided cycling in Yangshuo. The cruise itself is the highlight—sailing past karst peaks, bamboo groves, and rice paddies—and is rated a perfect 5.0 based on 31 reviews. The deluxe boat provides comfort and a buffet lunch, making the journey as enjoyable as the scenery. After arriving in Yangshuo, you’ll have free time to stroll through West Street, explore local shops, or grab a bite.
This tour stands out for its flexibility and personal touch. Your guide, such as Frank or Lily, can customize the experience, whether that means skipping cycling or visiting old villages by car. The private transfer ensures a relaxed pace, and the entire day is well-organized with hotel pickup and drop-off included. Reviewers consistently praise the professional guides and stunning scenery, with one calling it “one of the most beautiful days of my life.”
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers wanting a personalized, comfortable experience that combines scenic river cruising with countryside biking.
2. Guilin: Li River Cruise, Yangshuo Biking & Flexible Pricing
For around $152, this group-friendly experience offers a 4-hour Li River cruise and biking through rice fields and villages. It’s a great option if you prefer a less private, more social atmosphere. The cruise features the famous Nine-Horse Fresco and scenic 20 RMB landscapes, showcasing Guilin’s iconic limestone scenery.
The biking component includes Yulong River trails and water buffalo paths, giving you a taste of rural life. The tour also includes time in Yangshuo’s lively West Street, known for silk crafts and cafes. While the prices are group-based (up to two people for $152), the focus on nature and culture makes it excellent value. One reviewer describes it as “a perfect day—nature meets culture,” highlighting the smooth balance of boat and bike activity.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers seeking a flexible, moderately priced day with a mix of river and countryside exploration.
3. 1-day Guilin classical LiRiver tour & Cycling in rural village
At number 3, this budget-friendly tour at only $50 offers a 4-hour Li River cruise followed by cycling in a rural village. Starting early from your Guilin hotel, you’ll cruise on a luxury 3-star boat along a 60-kilometer route famous for its Chinese landscape paintings.
The highlight is the cruise’s panoramic views of karst pinnacles, bamboo groves, and farmland, capturing the essence of classic Chinese scenery. Afterward, you’ll cycle through villages and countryside, observing farmers and buffalo grazing. The tour is praised for its organized logistics and beautiful scenery, making it especially suitable for budget travelers or those short on time.
Bottom line: Best for those wanting an affordable, straightforward combo of boat and rural biking with no fuss.
4. Yangshuo: Highlights Karst landscapes & Village Cycling
This full-day tour at $75 offers a cruise from Yangshuo to Xingping on a traditional boat, where you’ll feel the mist and enjoy views of towering peaks. Afterward, you’ll climb Xianggong Hill for sweeping panoramic views of the river and mountains.
The cycling segment takes you through Yangshuo’s countryside, passing rice paddies and quaint villages. It’s an ideal tour for those who want a combination of boat, hike, and bike. The private guide, along with air-conditioned transport, ensures a comfortable experience. Reviewers mention the breathtaking vistas from Xianggong Hill and the peaceful bike rides through rural landscapes.
Bottom line: Suitable for travelers wanting a balanced day of boat, scenic hill climb, and countryside cycling.
5. Yangshuo Highlights Li River Cruise and Biking Along Yulong River
Rated 5.0, this tour at $79 combines a Li River cruise with biking in the Yulong River valley. The cruise includes sights like the Nine Horses Hill and lush landscapes. After disembarking, you’ll cycle through quaint riverside villages and rice paddies, experiencing the region’s calm pace of life.
The emphasis on both river and bicycle makes it perfect for those who want a comprehensive view of Guilin’s scenery. The Yulong River is often called the “Little Li River” because of its beautiful, tranquil waters. Reviewers appreciate how the tour offers a relaxed, scenic day that’s ideal for nature lovers.
Bottom line: Great for travelers who want a full immersion in Guilin’s rural beauty with a seamless combination of boat and bike.
$79.00 per person
6. 1 Day Yangshuo Countryside Cycling and Yulong bamboo boat Private Tour
At $94.25, this private tour offers an all-day experience exploring Yangshuo’s scenic countryside on bikes and bamboo boats. The highlight is the Yulong River bamboo raft ride—a tranquil way to see the landscape—plus cycling past rice paddies and mountains.
The tour is praised for its personalized service and insider knowledge. The bamboo rafting, though optional and at an extra cost, adds a unique touch. The guided cycling routes include historical bridges and lush farmland, perfect for those wanting an authentic rural experience. The tour’s flexibility allows for tailored stops and pacing.
Bottom line: Excellent for travelers who enjoy personalized, immersive experiences in nature and local culture.
7. Guilin: Countryside Cycling 1-day Tour with Cooking Class
This more comprehensive experience at $306 combines cycling through the countryside, a rural culture museum, and a local cooking class. You’ll learn to prepare Guilin rice noodles and other regional dishes, adding a delicious cultural twist to your day.
The tour is perfect for food lovers and those interested in learning about local traditions. The cycling routes take you to scenic peaks and quiet villages, providing a well-rounded culture. The high price reflects the inclusion of the cooking class and museum visits, making it a good value for those wanting a full cultural experience.
Bottom line: Best suited for foodies and culture seekers willing to invest in a more comprehensive day.
$306 per person
8. Li River Electric Boat, Xianggong Hill, Yulong River Biking Tour
This versatile tour at $89 offers electric boat rides along the Li River, visits to Xianggong Hill, and biking along Yulong River. Its flexible itinerary includes scenic boat sections and climbable hills with panoramic views.
While it currently has no reviews, the itinerary emphasizes diverse ways to explore Guilin’s scenery, perfect for travelers who enjoy variety without overly long days. The electric boat provides a peaceful cruise option, and the hill climb adds a spectacular vantage point.
Bottom line: Suitable for those who want multiple scenic experiences in one day with moderate activity levels.
$89.00 per person
9. 1 Day Li River Cruise and Yangshuo Biking Adventure
This relatively new offering at $80 combines a private Li River cruise with Yangshuo countryside biking. The trip starts with a scenic cruise lasting about 4 hours, followed by free time in Yangshuo to explore or relax.
It’s ideal for travelers wanting a full day of scenic boat rides and relaxed cycling. The flexibility to explore Yangshuo’s streets after the cruise makes it appealing for those who want to soak up local life at their own pace.
Bottom line: Perfect for those seeking a combination of calm river cruising and leisurely biking without extra fuss.
$80.00 per person
How to Choose Your Guilin Bike Tour
When selecting your ideal bike or river tour in Guilin, consider your budget, fitness level, and what kind of experience you seek. If you want luxury and personalized service, the full-day private cruise and biking tour might suit you best. For a more budget-friendly, group experience, the classical Li River cruise with village cycling offers fantastic scenery at a lower price.
If culture with culinary experiences appeals to you, then the Guilin countryside cycling with cooking is a wonderful choice. For those wanting variety and scenic hill views, the electric boat and hill climb offers a multi-activity day.
Finally, if you’re short on time or prefer shorter, focused trips, consider the Yangshuo highlights tour, which blends boat, hill, and bike in a manageable package.
Guilin’s landscape is a natural masterpiece—best explored from the water or saddle. Whether you choose a luxury private cruise, a budget-friendly boat and bike combo, or an immersive cultural experience, you’ll find opportunities to see some of China’s most iconic scenery. Book early, especially in peak seasons, to ensure you get your preferred date and experience. No matter your choice, Guilin’s scenery won’t disappoint.