Guilin’s stunning karst landscapes, scenic river cruises, and historic sites make it a perfect destination for a well-planned 3-day tour. Whether you’re after a private, comprehensive experience or a guided highlight tour, Guilin offers options that suit different interests and budgets. For example, a private guide can enrich your journey through Reed Flute Cave and Elephant Trunk Hill, while a luxury cruise on the Li River provides unforgettable scenery. Many travelers love the chance to see iconic spots like Seven Star Park or explore the Longji Rice Terraces—both of which are included in some tours.
If you’re craving a personalized experience, 3-Day Private Guilin Tour with Li River Cruise and Yangshuo stands out. For a more structured, budget-friendly option, the 3 Days Classic Guilin Tour with 3-star seats for Li River Cruise offers well-organized highlights with excellent value. Finally, if you want a mix of culture and scenic beauty, the Guilin: 3-Day Highlights Tour with Li River Cruise covers key sites with a relaxed vibe. Keep reading to find the perfect fit for your Guilin adventure.
1. 3-Day Private Guilin Tour with Li River Cruise and Yangshuo
At number 1 on our list, this tour offers a personalized, private experience with a dedicated guide over 3 days. The highlight is the 4-hour Li River cruise ending in Yangshuo, renowned for its towering limestone peaks and lush scenery. The tour includes visits to Reed Flute Cave, where stalactites and stalagmites form natural sculptures, and Seven Star Park, home to lakes, caves, and temples—which are beautifully lit at night. You also ascend Fubo Hill for panoramic views, and of course, snap photos of the Elephant Trunk Hill, arguably Guilin’s most iconic symbol.
What makes this tour distinctive is the attention to detail. Your private guide enriches the experience with stories about the region, making these natural sights more meaningful. The itinerary is flexible, allowing you to customize your day—whether you want to spend more time exploring Reed Flute Cave or relaxing in Yangshuo. With a high 5.0 rating based on 34 reviews, travelers praise its seamless organization and knowledgeable guide.
Bottom line: If you prefer a flexible, intimate experience with a dedicated guide that covers all the essentials—plus extra time for personal interests—this is the top pick. The price of $629 per person reflects the quality, personalized service, and private transportation included.
2. 3 Days Classic Guilin Tour with 3-star seats for Li River Cruise
At number 2, this tour offers a well-rounded, organized 3-day sightseeing experience with a focus on major highlights. For around $510.74, you get hotel pickup, private vehicle transport, and admission tickets to key sites. Your first day begins with Elephant Trunk Hill—a natural formation that truly looks like an elephant drinking from the river—followed by Fubo Hill, known for its grotto art and lush surroundings. The next stop is Reed Flute Cave, famed for its stalactites and stalagmites, which are lit up in colorful displays.
This tour’s strength is its structured itinerary, allowing travelers to enjoy each site comfortably. The inclusion of lunches and transportation makes it a convenient way to see Guilin without the stress of planning logistics. The guide shares insightful commentary, and the vehicle ensures a smooth flow from one site to the next. Guests have noted the value and ease of this tour, especially for first-time visitors who want a rundown without sacrificing comfort.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers seeking a hassle-free, fully guided experience that hits the main attractions. Good for those on a budget but still wishing to enjoy Guilin’s natural beauty and key landmarks.
3. Guilin: 3-Day Highlights Tour with Li River Cruise
The third option, Guilin: 3-Day Highlights Tour, emphasizes scenic cruises and the exploration of Xingping and the Silver Cave. The tour includes a bamboo raft cruise along the Li River, offering intimate views of the landscape, and a visit to Nine Horses Hill with its famous fresco. The highlight for many is the Xingping town, which appears on China’s 20 yuan banknote, providing a unique photo opportunity. The Silver Cave dazzles with its stalactites and stalagmites, creating a mesmerizing underground world.
Adding cultural activities like a traditional banquet and a bonfire party with locals gives this tour a lively, authentic touch. The itinerary balances scenic cruises with culture, making it suitable for travelers wanting a mix of nature and local life. Reviewers mention that the tour is well-paced, with experienced guides sharing stories about Guilin’s countryside.
Bottom line: Perfect if your main interests are scenic boat rides and experiencing local culture in a relaxed setting. Slightly more expensive at $627, but the inclusion of unique activities makes it worth considering.
$627 per person
4. 3-Day Private Guilin Tour: City Highlights, Longji Rice Terrace, Cruise to Yangshuo
Finally, this customizable private tour caters to travelers who want to cover Guilin’s top sights and beyond. Starting with Elephant Trunk Hill, it includes a walk up Xiangbi Mountain’s Puxian Tower for panoramic city views, and a visit to Yunfeng Temple to explore ancient architecture. The highlight is the Longji Rice Terraces, where you can admire stunning terraced fields carved into mountainsides—a perfect photo stop and cultural experience. The tour concludes with the Li River cruise to Yangshuo, famous for its mellow scenery and the West Street shopping area.
This tour offers the most flexibility, allowing you to tailor your days. The use of private transportation and a guide means you can skip or extend certain stops based on your interests. While no reviews are listed, the price point at $563.36 suggests excellent value for a personalized experience that hits both scenic and cultural highlights.
Bottom line: Recommended for travelers who prefer a fully private, tailored itinerary and want to include Longji Rice Terraces along with the classic Guilin sights and Yangshuo cruise.
$563.36 per person
How to Choose the Best Guilin 3-Day Tour
When selecting your Guilin tour, consider your budget, interests, and fitness level. If you want a luxury, personalized experience, the Private Guilin Tour with Li River Cruise might be best. For a cost-effective, organized overview, the Classic Guilin Tour with 3-star seats offers great value. More culturally inclined travelers should look at the Guilin Highlights Tour, especially if they want scenic river cruising and underground caves.
If your goal is customization and including remote sights like the Longji Rice Terraces, the private, tailored Guilin tour is ideal. Remember to book early during peak seasons, particularly in spring and fall when Guilin’s scenery is at its best.
In summary, Guilin offers a range of 3-day tours suited for different tastes—whether you prefer private guides, organized group outings, or scenic cruises. For a compact yet rich experience, the private tour with Yangshuo stands out, while the classic and highlights tours are suited for those seeking convenience and broad coverage. Whichever you choose, Guilin’s breathtaking scenery and cultural sights make for an unforgettable trip. Start planning now, and book early to secure the best dates!