6 Days Guilin & Yangtze River Cruise Relaxing Scenic Tour

Ni Hao! Welcome to Guilin, the most picturesque paradise in China! Upon your arrival at Guilin airport/train station, the tour guide and driver will meet you at the exit, greet you, and escort you directly to the downtown area, where they will help you check in at your hotel.

Arrival Options: Travelers can reach Guilin by taking a flight or a train. Guilin Lijiang Airport has flights connecting to major cities such as Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Hangzhou, among others. Guilin has three main train stations in the downtown area: Guilin Railway Station, Guilin North, and Guilin West. Travelers can take high-speed trains to Guilin from Hong Kong (4 hours), Guangzhou (3 hours), Chongqing (4.5-5 hours), Chengdu (5.5-6 hours), Changsha (2.5-3 hours), Zhangjiajie (7 hours), and other cities.

Free Time Suggestions:

If you happen to arrive early, you can explore on your own to some of the easily accessible nearby sites. We highly recommend visiting:
1. Jingjiang Prince’s City: It boasts a rich history dating back to the late 14th century, making it older than Beijing’s Forbidden City. Once the official residence of Zhu Shouqian, a great-nephew of the first Ming Dynasty emperor, it served as a haven for scholars who achieved the highest rank in the imperial examinations. Immerse yourself in the fascinating stories of its past by exploring the historical buildings, or ascend to the top of Solitary Beauty Peak for a breathtaking panoramic view of Guilin.
2. East West Alley: Step back in time and explore the charming East West Alley, which merges with three ancient streets, offering a glimpse into the rich history of Guilin. Established during the Tang Dynasty, the alley has borne witness to nearly 1400 years of the city’s rise and fall. Take a leisurely stroll along the streets and indulge in some local delicacies, such as the famous Guilin Rice Noodles. Immerse yourself in the traditional culture by trying your hand at fan-making, Lijiang River sand and stone painting or even donning a Hanfu, an ancient Chinese costume.
3. Two Rivers and Four Lakes Cruise: When night falls, take a relaxing cruise to sail through the Two Rivers and Four Lakes scenic area. It takes about 1-1.5 hours depending on the route you choose. Sit back, relax and take in the stunning views of the tranquil waters and illuminated landmarks, including ancient bridges, pagodas, and lush gardens.

“East or west, Guilin landscape is the best”. After breakfast, you will go to explore the most stunning natural scenery along the Li River, which is renowned as one of the “the world’s top 10 watery wonders” by National Geographic. After a 1-hour drive from your hotel to the Mopanshan Pier, embark on a 4-hour relaxing sightseeing Li River cruise to Yangshuo. Throughout the 83-kilometer scenic cruise, you’ll be entranced by countless Chinese paintings come to life, with winding rivers and towering Karst peaks in every direction. Marvel at the famous sights along the banks, such as the Immortal Pushing the Mill, Nine-Horse Fresco, Yellow Cloth Shoal reflection, and the picture on the back of the 20 RMB note. You’ll also encounter idyllic villages like Xingping Town nestled along the river. (Kindly Note: 1. Lunch is served on the cruise, featuring simple local Chinese cuisine. 2. If you prefer a 4-star Li River cruise, please tell your travel consultant.)

After arriving in Yangshuo, the driver will pick you up from the dock and drive to your hotel in Yangshuo town for a short rest. Once you’re ready, step out and let the captivating scenery of Yangshuo’s countryside wash over you. Vibrant, green fields stretch out like a sea of emeralds, nestled under a clear, blue sky. The misty karst mountains rise in the distance, their vast and rolling shapes protecting the serene landscape below. The Yulong River, a small offshoot of the Li River, meanders through the scene, its tranquil waters reflecting the stunning surroundings like a living mirror.

Then, it’s time to get up close to this rural paradise. You can either hop on a bike or rent a sidecar (optional) to explore the postcard-like karst hills and rice paddies and pass by some tranquil villages. Let all the picturesque scenes please your eyes and your souls to the maximum for total relaxation. At various points, you might also spot locals engaging in their daily chores, farmers tending to their fields, or even children playing along the riverbanks. Dotting the riverbanks are quaint stone houses, their grey slate roofs offering a delightful contrast against the verdant surroundings. There’s a solitary water buffalo languidly grazing in the fields, a sight that adds an endearing touch of rural life to the panoramic display.

Next, board a hand-cranked bamboo raft for a journey down the Yulong River. As you ease into the gentle rhythm of the water, you become one with the serene surroundings. The clear water sparkles as it captures the sun’s rays, vibrant green river grass dances with the water’s flow underneath the surface, lush bamboos and verdant rice paddies dot the riverbanks, the karst mountains are shrouded in soft mist, creating a picturesque scenery that feels like gliding through a beautiful landscape painting. As you float downstream, you’ll drift past the ancient bridges, and glide through a variety of dams that interrupt the river flow, creating gentle rapids that splash cool water around, enhancing the joy of the journey.

Then, you will stroll along West Street, which is the most prosperous area in Yangshuo. Restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops along the street are always full of guests. It is a fusion of Western culture and Chinese culture and it is the best place to spend your nightlife here. Whether you want to enjoy a cup of coffee, taste some local food or just throw yourself into the vivid atmosphere… all you can get.

Optional Evening Activity: If you are interested, you can enjoy the amazing evening performance called Impression Liu Sanjie directed by the famous director Zhang Yimou. The show uses the natural landscape as its stage, with the karst mountains and river serving as a unique backdrop. It combines traditional folk music, vibrant costumes, and modern theatrical techniques for a fantastic spectacle of light, sound, and color.

Wake up from the tranquility of Yangshuo to start your journey towards Guilin. As you enjoy a refreshing breakfast, you can take in the natural beauty of the verdant Yangshuo countryside one last time with a leisurely stroll.

After driving back to Guilin, take the time to visit the stunning Elephant Trunk Hill, which is widely regarded as the symbol of Guilin. This natural wonder sits at the confluence of the Li River and Peach Blossom River, resembling a giant elephant drinking water from the river. The hill is made of water-soluble limestone rocks that have been gradually eroded by acidic rainwater over millions of years, creating a unique and breathtaking landscape. Its beauty is so awe-inspiring that it has contributed to the popular saying “桂林山水甲天下”, which means that Guilin’s scenery is the best under heaven. Next, take a walk to Water-Moon Cave, a semicircular opening in the rock that represents the space between the elephant’s trunk and legs. This cave stands 12 meters high and features several classical Song and Tang dynasty poems inscribed on its walls in Chinese characters.

Afterwards, you will pay a visit to the Reed Flute Cave, also known as the Palace of Nature’s Art. Inside the cave, you’ll find a stunning array of uniquely shaped and exquisitely transparent stalactites, stalagmites, columns, curtains, and flowers that are truly a sight to behold. These formations create a variety of stunning landscapes, including Lion Peak at Dawn, the Primitive Forest, the Pinnacle of Dragon and Elephant, and the Mountain of Fruits and Flowers, leaving visitors in awe. When illuminated with colorful neon lights, it feels like walking through a magical underground palace that will leave you spellbound. Don’t miss the Crystal Palace, where the water surface reflects off the rock walls, creating a dreamlike scene of dazzling display of light and color. Experience the Water Curtain Movie here, which allows you to observe geological changes such as the growth of stalactites and stalagmites, adding an extra layer of magic to this incredible natural wonder.

After the tour, it will be time to say goodbye to this beautiful city. You will be transferred to the train station for a high speed train to Chongqing (about 5 hours).

Welcome to Chongqing, the Mountain City of China! Upon your arrival in Chongqing, your guide will meet you at the exit of the train station and escort you to Chongqing Chaotianmen Port to board your Yangtze cruise. You will have free time after the cruise ship check-in and you can go around the area of Chaotianmen Port. Your memorable relaxing cruise journey starts at 21:00!

Remarks:
1. Please call the ship one day ahead or at least in the morning on the boarding day to have clear idea about which pier you are going to use;
2. All the times on the schedule are estimated ones which are subject to change due to weather and navigation conditions.
3. The boarding time and departure piers may change based on the ship line, water level, season, weather and other factors.

On this day, your cruise will sail peacefully along the Yangtze River. Wake up leisurely and enjoy the fascinating river view with misty or gentle sunshine shining over the river. Have your buffet breakfast and start your beautiful day. There are some activities well designed by the cruise that you can do shore excursions to visit traditional Chinese cultural sites or stay onboard to relax and learn some Chinese culture.

In this afternoon, you will follow a local English-speaking tour guide and make a shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City in this morning. This ghost city is one large collection of temples, memorials and monasteries and you can know many legendary stories about underworld and different kinds of devils and Chinese demons. Or, you can take optional excursion to Shibaozhai Pagoda with extra fee , one of the eight extraordinary architectures in the world located in Zhongxian County. Climb up the 12-story red wooden pagoda and you can have a panoramic view of the Yangtze River.

Note: The itinerary above is provided for your reference. Attractions and shore excursions may vary slightly depending on the cruise company. We will help you choose the most suitable cruise based on your preferences.

Today, you will have a full day to view the beautiful Three Gorges. First, you will sail through Qutang Gorge which is celebrated for its magnificent, peculiar and precipitous scenery in the world. Marvel at the incredible Kui Gate. Next, go through Wuxia Gorge which is serene and secluded and presents a panorama of lovely scenery and then pass through Xiling Gorge well known for its rugged shoals and turbulent waters. Follow the guide’s live interpretation and appreciate the breathtaking scenery onboard.

In this afternoon, make a leisure shore excursion to Shennv Stream (Goddess Stream) in Wushan County. Switch to a smaller boat to sail down the primitive stream for a close look at the steep mountains and hanging coffins high on the cliffs. If you are interested, you can join local Tujia ethnic guide for singing and dancing performance. In this evening, enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Party with all your mates onboard and have a pleasant dinner together.

Note: The itinerary above is provided for your reference. Attractions and shore excursions may vary slightly depending on the cruise company. We will help you choose the most suitable cruise based on your preferences.

After breakfast, it is time to go through the check-out procedure and you’ll disembark at Maoping Port. The highlighted attraction today is the largest hydropower project in China – Three Gorges Dam. Catch the chance to view the dam and the system of locks. The body of the dam is immense with a height of 181 meters and spanning 2335 meters across the Yangtze River and 115 meters in width. (Optional experience: you can choose to sail through the world’s largest ship lift – Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift to very closely marvel at the huge dam which is a totally fresh and exciting experience for travelers.)

After the dam visiting, you’ll take the tourist bus arranged by the cruise company transferring you to Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal around 12:30~13:30. After the tour, you will be transferred to the airport or train station for your flight/train to your next destination.

Trip Extension Ideas: If you’re interested in exploring other destinations in China and Asia instead of returning home right away, we would be more than happy to assist you with planning an extension trip. Don’t hesitate to share your ideas with us! Thank you for choosing HelloChinaTrip for your China tour. We are always here to work for you and hope to welcome you back for your next trip to China or Asia.