Guilin is famous for its stunning karst landscapes, ancient rice terraces, and lively city vibe—all packed into a compact area perfect for a 2-day adventure. Whether you’re a nature lover, a culture seeker, or just looking to relax with some scenic views, Guilin offers a variety of tours that fit into a quick itinerary. We especially appreciate tours like the Li River cruise for its iconic scenery, and the Yangshuo highlights for their blend of countryside charm and local culture. These options let you experience Guilin’s essence without feeling rushed.
For travelers who want a more flexible, customized experience, private tours like the Guilin City Highlights and Li River cruise offer tailored itineraries that fit your interests. And if you prefer a straightforward, all-in-one package, the Amazing 2-Day Guilin Trip covers top sights efficiently. Below, we explore each tour in detail to help you pick the best fit for your Guilin adventure.
1. 2 Day Guilin Highlights Li River Cruise and Longji Terraces Tour
This private, hassle-free tour combines two of Guilin’s most iconic sights: the Longji Rice Terraces and the Li River cruise. Priced at $299 per group, this tour is perfect if you want to see scenic landscapes at your own pace, with the convenience of door-to-door pickups. Over two days, your driver and guide manage all logistics, allowing you to relax and enjoy.
The first day takes you to the Longji Rice Terraces, where you’ll learn about Chinese minority cultures and marvel at the terraced fields carved into the mountains. You’ll visit the Ping’an Village, famous for its intricate terraces and traditional houses. The 2-hour drive from Guilin is scenic itself, and while entry tickets are not included, your guide helps you plan and navigate the visit. In the evening, you return to Guilin for the night.
On the second day, the highlight is the Li River cruise, famous for its limestone peaks, bamboo groves, and tranquil waters. Your guide arranges pickup from your hotel at 8 am, ensuring a smooth start. The cruise offers some of the most photogenic views in China, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to snap pictures of the iconic karst scenery. You can tailor the pace of your day, making this tour ideal for travelers who want a flexible, personalized experience.
Key highlights include easy pickup points, a private vehicle, and a relaxed schedule. Reviews rave about guides like Leo and Liao, who go above and beyond with thoughtful touches like fresh fruit. The tour’s value lies in its flexibility and personalized approach, making it suitable for independent travelers who prefer a curated experience.
Bottom line: A perfect choice if you want a private, comprehensive tour that blends cultural insight with natural beauty—great for travelers who value comfort and flexibility.
2. 2 Days Guilin & Yangshuo Highlights Private Tour
This private tour, costing $285 per person, is designed for those who want a relaxed, family-friendly experience with flexibility. It covers major sites in Guilin, such as Elephant Trunk Hill and the Reed Flute Cave, and then takes you on a scenic cruise to Yangshuo. The highlight here is the chance to explore the countryside and mingle with locals, making it ideal for travelers wanting a more immersive experience.
Your day begins at Elephant Trunk Hill, where the famous limestone formation resembles an elephant drinking river water. The guide shares the legend behind the hill, adding a touch of local storytelling. Next, you visit the Reed Flute Cave, famous for its colorful stalactites and stalagmites illuminated by vibrant lights. The guide’s excellent English and patience make these visits enjoyable for families and first-time visitors.
The second day involves cruising down the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo, known for breathtaking views of the limestone peaks and pastoral scenes. The tour can include a bamboo boat ride or a visit to Xianggong Hill for panoramic views. You can tailor the itinerary, including options like staying longer in Yangshuo or exploring local markets.
Key highlights are the flexibility to customize your day, the focus on scenic and cultural highlights, and the opportunity to interact with local people. Reviews mention Sylvia’s excellent English and her engaging storytelling.
Bottom line: Best suited for families or travelers wanting a mix of scenic beauty and cultural stories, with the option to customize your experience.
3. 2-DAY Guilin Rice Terraces, Li River Cruise, Yangshuo Leisure Tour
This tour offers a balanced mix of natural beauty and relaxed exploration, costing $250 for up to six people. It features a day exploring the Longji Rice Terraces and a second day enjoying the Li River cruise and Yangshuo’s lively atmosphere. The guide simplifies travel logistics, making it an approachable option for small groups or families.
The first day is dedicated to the Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces, where you’ll see the remarkable terraced fields that have been cultivated for centuries. The guide points out minority village cultures and explains how these terraces are built and maintained. While the admission tickets aren’t included, your guide helps with planning and navigating the visit.
On the second day, you’ll take a bamboo raft along the Yulong River, enjoying pastoral scenery, followed by a visit to Xianggong Mountain for sweeping views of the Li River. The tour also includes strolling along West Street in Yangshuo, famous for its shops, cafes, and lively atmosphere.
Key highlights include scenic river trips, cultural insights, and a relaxed pace. This tour suits travelers who want a laid-back experience without doing too much planning.
Bottom line: Excellent for small groups or families seeking a relaxed, scenic experience with some cultural highlights.
4. 2-Day Private Tour: Guilin City Highlights and Li River Cruise to Yangshuo
At number 4 on our list, this customizable private tour offers a flexible way to explore Guilin’s highlights and enjoy a leisurely cruise to Yangshuo. For around $354 per person, you design your own itinerary with your guide, who helps you prioritize what interests you most.
Day 1 begins with the Elephant Trunk Hill, the city’s iconic symbol, then moves on to sites like Fubo Hill and Seven Star Park—each offering unique views and cultural sites. Your guide discusses the history and significance of each spot, making the experience both educational and fun. The private vehicle and flexible timing mean you can spend more or less time at each location, depending on your interests.
The second day involves a Li River cruise to Yangshuo, where you can relax and enjoy the landscape. Post-cruise, your guide can take you to Xianggong Hill or other scenic spots, with options to stay longer in Yangshuo if desired.
Reviews highlight the personalized service and the ability to tailor the trip. It’s best suited for travelers who want control over their sightseeing and prefer private transportation.
Bottom line: Ideal for those wanting a customized, private experience that hits their personal must-sees in Guilin and Yangshuo.
$353.93 per person
5. Amazing 2-Day Guilin Trip
For $460 per person, this all-inclusive tour takes you to the top sights of Guilin, including a Li River cruise, Seven Sister Park, and the Reed Flute Cave. Rated 4.4/5, it’s a good choice if you want a comprehensive, guided experience with less planning on your part.
This tour emphasizes visiting Guilin’s main attractions, with a focus on sightseeing and culture. It includes walking through West Street in Yangshuo and exploring local architecture, giving travelers a taste of both natural beauty and urban charm. The itinerary offers a full day at each site, with an emphasis on convenience and expert guides.
Highlights include the scenic Li River cruise, the fascinating Reed Flute Cave, and the lively atmosphere of West Street. Perfect for travelers who prefer a guided tour with a set schedule, it offers good value considering all the included sites.
Bottom line: Well-suited for travelers who want an all-in-one experience with minimal hassle, especially if they prioritize guided commentary and comprehensive coverage.
$460 per person
6. 2 Days Guilin & Yangshuo Private Tour
This private tour, costing about $357 per person, combines the highlights of Guilin and Yangshuo, including Reed Flute Cave, Elephant Hill park, Longji Rice Terraces, and a bamboo boat ride on the Yulong River. It’s tailored for travelers who want a full, immersive experience with no shopping stops.
Your guide takes you to the Longji Rice Terraces first, explaining their construction and cultural significance. The next day features a scenic cruise and visits to Xianggong Hill and other viewpoints for panoramic shots of the limestone mountains and rivers. If you’re planning to stay longer in Yangshuo, this tour can drop you off there for additional exploration.
The tour’s value lies in its comprehensive coverage of Guilin’s main attractions, with the flexibility to skip shopping and focus on natural scenery and local culture. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer private, guided outings with a focus on authentic experiences.
Bottom line: A great choice for travelers wanting in-depth exploration of Guilin and Yangshuo with a private guide, especially for those avoiding commercial stops.
$357 per person
How to Choose the Right Guilin 2-Day Tour
When selecting your ideal tour, consider your budget, physical stamina, and interests. For example, if scenic river cruises and rice terraces are must-dos, the Li River Cruise and Longji Terraces offers a classic experience. If you prefer a flexible, personalized schedule, the Guilin City Highlights is ideal. Budget travelers might find the Guilin & Yangshuo Leisure Tour appealing, while those seeking a comprehensive guided experience can consider the Amazing Guilin Trip.
Think about logistics too. Private tours often allow you to customize destinations and pace, which is great for families and older travelers. Group tours might be quicker but less flexible.
Booking early is wise, especially in peak seasons like spring and autumn, to secure your preferred dates and guides. Also, consider the weather—rain can dampen river views, so plan accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Guilin’s landscape lends itself to a variety of memorable 2-day tours, whether you prefer cruising on tranquil waters, exploring rice terraces, or discovering city landmarks. For classic scenery, the Li River cruise remains a top choice. If culture and flexibility are your priorities, private tours like the Guilin City Highlights will suit you well.
Travelers with a bit of a budget and a desire for relaxed sightseeing might prefer the Guilin & Yangshuo Leisure Tour. For those wanting a full, guided experience with everything covered, the Amazing Guilin Trip offers peace of mind.
No matter which you choose, booking early and planning around your interests will ensure a smooth, enjoyable trip. Guilin’s landscapes are truly worth the effort—so pick the tour that fits your style, pack your camera, and get ready for a memorable two days.