guilin photography tour

Mercier Zeng Photography Tours

Mercier Zeng has been running Guilin photography tours since 2014. He specializes in designing and leading photography tours in Guilin, the Longji terraced fields, and the Yangshuo region. Our services include private photo tours with one-on-one guidance.

Moreover, we arrange photography workshops and photo tours at other popular photography destinations in China such as Zhangjiajie, Huangshan, Xiapu, Guizhou, Yunnan , and other locations. We offer fully customized private tours tailored to your preferences and guided by knowledgeable local English-speaking photographers.

Prior to starting the tour, Mercier was very detailed in outlining itinerary options, and patient along the way as we finalized the specifications of the tour.

My guide Gao is very creative as a photographer and was keen to work 'off-script' and try out new locations, subjects and compositions- this was the most valuable aspect of working with him.

We were guides of...

Mercier Zeng has been designed photo tours for 100+ photographers from all over the world annually, and he was the guide of many renowned photographers.

• Austin Mann — a photography master who has worked for companies like Apple and National Geographic Traveler
• Sarah Wouters — a highly-regarded photographer in Thailand who has won prizes in competitions like the Dubai HIPA photo contest
• Doron Horowitz — the top photographer in Israel,
• Stephen Hermida — the president of the Photographic Society of Gibraltar
• Kimatrai — from 20th Century Fox Film Corporation
• Timothy H. Joyce — the author of four Amazon bestsellers that feature his own photographs. Joyce has also won awards such as the Triton Award and the National Geographic Award for "Most Romantic Destinations," and his work has been featured in Outdoor Photographer's "Best Photo" and "Push to the Swimming Hole."

Upcoming Photo Workshops 2024

We Mainly Run 1-1 Guiding Tours

Start tailor-making your ideal trip!

Do you have a general concept in mind for your Guilin photography tour? Regardless of whether you're new to photography or an expert, simply submit an inquiry and Mercier Zeng will create a tailored photo tour that meets your specific needs.

6-Day Guilin Photography Tour

Catch the exclusive beauties of guilin.

This Guilin photography tour is designed for shutterbugs, catching scenery only otherwise found on postcards or magazines. Climb to the top of a mountain to photograph the great bend on the Li River, take a ferry to the most beautiful section of the river in the early hours of morning to shoot the picturesque scenery, capture an old fisherman and his ospreys, and take candid photos of minority people living near the Longji rice terraces.

Tour Highlights

• Specialized English-speaking guide with professional photography experience
• Professional guiding to Guilin's photography locations
• Attractions around Guilin that only serious travelers and shutterbugs can find
• The beautiful nature and idyllic life around the Li River

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Suggested Itinerary

Recommended Hotel in Guilin: Guilin Park Hotel (3-star, central location and by the lakeside)

Upon arrival, you will be met by your local tour guide displaying your name at the arrivals hall of the airport. If you arrive by train, your guide will meet you at the exit of the train station.

Your guide will escort you by private vehicle to your hotel. Have a good rest and be ready for the next day's adventure!

Evening Ideas: The night scenery in Guilin is beautiful and provides a great way to unwind after a flight. The 'Two Rivers and Four Lakes' in the downtown area offer pleasant lakeside walks and night cruises.

Meal: breakfast & lunch

Recommended Hotel in Longji : Longji Panorama House Hotel (3-star,the best hotel in the village)

Longji rice terraces are a sight not to be missed when visiting Guilin. They are one of the most impressive man-made wonders in China, built into steep mountainsides. When viewed from the mountaintops, they look like a dragon's ribs; hence the name 'Dragon's Backbone' ( Longji ).

Longji is about 2½ hours' drive from Guilin. The terraces cover an area of 66 square kilometers (25 square miles). They were built 600 years ago by local minority people. There are various villages in Longji; the three most famous are Ping'an Zhuang village, Longji Ancient Zhuang village, and Dazhai Yao village.

Today you will head to Dazhai Yao village, one of the most beautiful areas around Guilin. Upon your arrival, first have lunch in a local farmer's restaurant. You will have an opportunity to taste the local food, such as rice cooked in a bamboo tube - a typical dish for local minority people - and some local fresh vegetables. After lunch, have a taste of photographing the fields, as you hike along for about 2 or 3 hours to reach your hotel. You'll snap the marvelous terraced fields from all angles, with local minority houses dotted around; especially spectacular in autumn when the harvest is ripe and golden.

Good to know:

• Longji Panorama House Hotel is at the top of a mountain and it takes about 2 or 3 hours to walk there from the parking lot. If you are not able to walk that far, please ask your advisor to substitute another hotel, nearer the cable car station.
• We tentatively arrange the overnight stay in Dazhai because from July to October the scenery there is more attractive. From November to March, however, the scenery at Ping'an is more attractive. If your trip is any time between November and June, please ask your travel advisor to arrange the overnight stay at Ping'an Zhuang village.

Recommended Hotel in Yangshuo : Yangshuo Changfeng Green Water Resort

Your hotel is the best hotel in the vicinity, with the best location for photographing the sunrise less than 10 minutes' walk away. Get up early (if the weather is good) to shoot the stunning sunrise over the spectacular terraced rice fields. Walk down through the fields after breakfast, and you can continue to take photos from different angles. In September and October, locals hang lots of red peppers and golden corncobs under their roofs. The nearby Yao and Zhuang minority villages, with traditional wooden houses, should not be missed.

On the way, visit a local minority family and taste a local snack of minority origin, particularly popular with the Yao and Zhuang people: oil tea. This can quench thirst and cure rheumatism in humid mountain areas. You'll see how to make it and will interact with local people who have lived there for generations.

After lunch, you will go down the mountain and leave Longji for Yangshuo (about 4 hours' drive), visiting Cuiping on the way. Cuiping Five Fingers Mountain, 22 km north of Yangshuo, near the town of Putao, is a nice place for taking sunset photos. It takes around 20 minutes to climb the mountain and from there you'll photograph the karst mountain peaks, with some villages, many paddies and a river flowing by. It's a wonderful view, not to be missed, even in bad weather.

Recommended Hotel in Xingping : Yangshuo Xingping Island Resort (a boutique hotel on a beautiful location beside the Li River)

You will rise early and transfer to Xianggong Hill, the best place for photos of the breathtaking sunrise over the bend in the Li River. After you reach the top, you'll have about 20 minutes to watch the Li River running round a right-angled bend as the sun rises in the background (the top photo of this tour).

After Xianggong Hill, you'll visit Fuli Bridge, which has a history of over 600 years. It's a special spot not so well known to travelers, located at the upper reaches of the Yulong (Meeting a Dragon) River. You can take some photos of the bridge stretching across the river, surrounded by Guilin's unique karst hills.

Later relax and take a ride on a bamboo raft. The raft drifts along for about 1.5 to 2 hours from Jinglong Bridge to Jiuxian village. The raft journey on the Yulong River is idyllic and therapeutic; watching the rice fields and water buffaloes glide by, listening to the birds and enjoying the cool gentle breeze makes everything seem worthwhile.

Lunch will be served in one of the local restaurants in Yangshuo.

In the afternoon, you will be driven to Xingping Ancient Town to photograph another highlight of the Guilin area: a Li River fisherman, on his bamboo boat and with a unique gas lamp, resplendent in the rose sunset (pray for cooperative weather). You will love the fisherman, who poses in many different yet natural ways. Your guide will make sure you get the best possible photos of the fisherman and the river.

Good to know: 1. Upon arrival in Xingping, you will take a ferry to a small, beautiful and peaceful island, where you hotel is located. Your luggage will be transferred to Xingping in advance, by private car. 2. As Yangshuo is extremely touristy and crowded, especially during festivals, we arrange for an overnight stay in Xingping, to save you all the hustle and bustle. Besides, Xingping is the best place for photographing the beautiful Li River sunrise and sunset.

Continue to collect sunrise photos or misty-morning photos around the Li River. You'll be taken to the dock in Xingping. Enjoy the beautiful, peaceful river, as you take a ferry to sunrise spots nearby, for some fantastic photos of the sunrise. This stretch is one of the most spectacular on the river, incorporating the 20-yuan banknote view.

The next destination is Xiping Ancient Town, a time-honored town which grew from a small fishing village. The village still preserves buildings built in styles from the Ming (1368–1644 AD) and Qing (1644–1911 AD) dynasties.

Your guide will take you to the side of Xiaomian Mountain (Small Face Mountain) to capture the sunset, along with the 20-yuan banknote view. Standing there, you will see the whole banknote mountain from a different angle than usual.

Meal: breakfast

As your tour concludes, your guide will take you to the airport and assist you with check-in to ensure that there is no stress for your departure. We trust that that you have enjoyed you time in Guilin and we look forward to serving you again.

1. The Best Time to Photograph Guilin

The prime time for photography in Guilin is from May to October. During these months, the daytime is longer and the light is good, and temperatures are hot or warm. November to February is the low-water season.

2. Guilin's Best Sunset Locations

Guilin: Pierced Hill (Chuanshan) Yangshuo: Cuiping Wuzhishan, Wulong Spring village, Gongnong Bridge Xinping: Small Face Mountain and Big Face Mountain

3. Guilin's Best Sunrise Locations

Yangshuo: Xianggong Hill Xingping: Laozhai Mountain, Yellow Cloth Shoal, Xialong Bay

4. About Xianggong Hill

Xianggong Hill is great for sunrises and sunsets. It takes 1.5 hours to drive there from Guilin city center, and 40 minutes from Yangshuo. The sunrise is at about 05:30 hrs from June to August, 06:00 hrs from September to October, and 06:30 hrs in December. You must climb many steps to reach the viewpoint. Our guide will prepare flashlights for you.

5. Small Face Mountain

It is a great place for sunset photography at any season in Xingping. Sunset is around 17:30 in summer and 16:30 in winter. The path to the shooting area is difficut to walk in rainy days.

6. Fuli Bridge

Suitable for shooting at any time. Rarely interrupted by tourists, you can take photos of this ancient bridge with its reflection in the water. There are more chances to come across water buffalos or ducks in this fantastic karst landscape between 16:00 and17:00.

7.Sunrise comparison between Reflection of Yellow Cloth Shoal and Xialong

The Yellow Cloth Shoal is one of the highlights of the Li River and one of the best places for Guilin's karst landscape sunrise. The sunrise is much better at the Yellow Cloth Shoal than at Xialong. The morning clouds in Xialong, however, are fantastic. So we will first take you to photograph the sunrise at the Yellow Cloth Shoal, and then to enjoy the colorful morning clouds at Xialong. Reach the Yellow Cloth Shoal via a 30-minute ride on a motorized bamboo raft. Sunrise starts at 05:00 hrs in summer and 06:30 hrs in winter. September is the best time for the sunrise.

Reach Reflection of Yellow Cloth by a motorized bamboo raft for 30min. Sunrise starts at 05:00 in summer and 06:30 in winter. September is the best time for the sunrise.

8. Longji Rice Terraced Fields Photography Tips

Jinkeng (Dazhai) Terraced Fields is better preserved with more capacious views and has much less tourists and is less commercial than Ping'an Village. The golden rice is cut later than Ping'an Village during China's National Day holiday.

In spring The end of March is the best time to shoot the many cole flowers in the terraced fields. From the end of April to the beginning of May, the fields turn a beautiful red, because of the fertilizer the farmers use.

In summer At the beginning of June, the watered fields are like mirrors, yielding impressive photos. June 8-10 is the annual Spring Plow Festival of the local Zhuang and Yao minorities. If you are fortunate to be there for the festival, you will see many celebrations, but relatively few visitors.

July to August is the best time for viewing the terraced fields. They turn a verdant green, with some clouds in the otherwise clear blue sky.

In autumn Golden terraced fields are fabulous during China's National Day holiday. Although we don't recommend visiting China during this period, it's the best time to photograph the countless yellow rice terraces. The rice stalks don't turn golden before National Day and are quickly harvested after the holiday. Rice in Dazhai village is harvested later than in the Ping'an village area. In October, morning and dusk are better periods for photos.

In winter Snow sometimes covers the fields during China's Spring Festival holiday. It's the best chance to obtain photos of snowy terraced fields and at the same time to experience local minority culture.

Price includes:

• Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
• English speaking local guide
• Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
• 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling

Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.

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6 Days Guilin Photography Tour with Longji, Xingping & Yangshuo

China Landscape Photo Tour to Guilin, Longji, Xingping & Yangshuo

• Accommodation

Do you like Chinese ink paintings ? Want to explore a typical Chinese painting-like landscape ? Come to Guilin . Have you captured the artistry of the land up close? Interested in learning about China's agriculture & Rice Planting ? Come to Longji Rice Terraces . Do you think the mountainous backgrounds in Chinese landscape paintings are real? Come to Xingping . Want to experience the beauty of the Chinese countryside ? Come to Yangshuo .

Join our 6 Days Guilin Photography Tour with Longji, Xingping & Yangshuo and immerse yourself in the magnificent landscape of Chinese ink paintings. In our tour, you can have the chance to capture the Guilin karst landforms, the sunrise at Longji Rice Terraces, the villages of the Yao ethnic minority, the sunset at Cuiping Mountain, the sunrise at the first bend of Li River, the Xingping Li River Fishing Fires, the Yangshuo countryside scenery, the Yu Long River sunset, and more.

Guilin has been acclaimed by National Geographic as a must-visit destination for photographers . We will venture deep into the Longji Rice Terraces to capture sunrises and sunsets from various angles, encountering the mist-shrouded terraces and documenting the labor scenes of the indigenous Red Yao people . In Xingping, you won't miss the evening glow of Cuiping Mountain and the sunrise at Xianggong Hill . Explore the ancient town of Xingping, take photos at the 20 yuan banknote background , immerse yourself in the charm of the town, capture the sunrise at Huangbutan , witness fishermen casting nets, lighting fishing fires, paddling bamboo rafts, training cormorants, and repairing fishing nets on the Li River. In Yangshuo , you can experience a bamboo raft ride on the Yulong River , wander around the riverside capturing water buffaloes in the rice fields, and enjoy the leisurely Yangshuo countryside scenery .

Join our China Landscape Photo Tour to Guilin, Longji, Xingping & Yangshuo to appreciate the essence of Guilin's world-renowned landscape, capturing your own elements of sunrise clouds, sunset hues, green mountains, village streams, and more, combining them into beautiful landscape painting. Contact us to realize your photography journey in Guilin, creating your own magnificent photographic masterpieces.

Itinerary at a Glance

Guilin (1 Day)

Tianxincun Village. Free Time Suggestions: Elephant Trunk Hill, Two Rivers and Four Lakes Cruise, the charming night view of the Sun & Moon Pagodas

Longsheng Longji Rice Terrace (2 Days)

Longji Rice Terraces Hiking, Dazhai Village (Yao Minority), Jinkeng Rice Terraced Fields

Xingping (1 Day)

Xingping Town, Xianggong Hill Sunrise, Xingping Ancient Town, Li River Fish Fire, Photograph Li River Fisherman, Huangbutan Sunrise, Morning Cormorant Fishing

Yangshuo (2 Days)

Yulong River Bamboo Raft, Yangshuo Countryside, West Street, Yangshuo Sunrise

Itinerary Day by Day

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 Photography Suggestions:

If you happen to arrive early, you can explore on your own to some of the easily accessible nearby sites. We highly recommend photographing:

1. Elephant Trunk Hill: The stunning Elephant Trunk Hill 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.

2. 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. Nice spot for taking photos of the charming night view of the Sun & Moon Pagodas.

This morning, drive about 77km (2 hours) from Guilin (altitude of 100m) to the Longji Terraces Scenic Area (altitude of 300-1,100m). Inside the scenic area, the winding mountain roads will lead you to the incredible Longji Rice Terraces (Longsheng Rice Terraces) that were created by the ancient Zhuang and Yao minority peoples 2,300 years ago. You will make a stop at Huangluo Yao Village (Long Hair Village) to learn more about the culture of the Yao minority through a performance by long-haired Yao women . After a unique lunch featuring bamboo rice , you will begin hiking in the brilliant Longji Rice Terraces around Dazhai Village.

In the morning, you will arrive at the Huangluo Yao Village (population of over 400) which is famous as “ the World's Longest Hair Village ”. You will marvel at the dramatically long and pitch-black hairs worn by its women of the Yao ethnic group . The village has over 70 Yao women with hairs over 1 meter (the longest hair of 2.72 meters) which has been listed by Guinness World Record as the “longest hair group”. By watching the performances of villagers (45min, optional), such as folk songs, drum dances, Red Yao wedding customs , sunning red clothes, and combing long hair , you will learn about the history, traditions and way of life of the Red Yao people , such as customs like spinning and weaving. You can even ask Red Yao women to share their secrets on how to take care of their long hair and how to make their Rice Water Shampoo .

Next, visit a local villager's restaurant for lunch where you can try some local Rice Wine and learn to cook some popular local dishes, such as Bamboo Rice (rice cooked in bamboo tubes) Bamboo Tube Chicken (bamboo stuffed chicken), and Chinese Smoked Pork (smoked Chinese bacon).

In the afternoon, enjoy hiking in the Longji Rice Terraces (Longsheng Rice Terrace) around Dazhai Village . The Longji Rice Terraces are one of the top ten most beautiful terraced fields in the world and the closest terraced fields to a major city (only a 2-hour drive from the city center of Guilin). With a history of at least 2,300 years, Longji Rice Terraces are hailed as the " Birthplace of Terraced Fields Worldwide " and a " Globally Significant Agricultural Cultural Heritage ". It has not only been included in the list of National Wetland Park s but also represents an important heritage of ancient Chinese water management wisdom and agricultural civilization that has been passed down to this day by ancient Zhuang and Yao peoples.

The scenery of Jinkeng Rice Terraced Fields has the largest scale, highest altitude, deepest valley, and the most magnificent scenery. In Chinese, “Jin” means “ Gold ”, “Keng” means “ Sinkhole ”. The Jinkeng Terraced Fields are named after the production of gold and are surrounded by mountains on all sides, resembling a natural sinkhole. The Jinkeng Rice Terraced Fields feature three best viewpoints: West Hill Music (西山韶乐; 1,180m, the highest spot for sunrises and sunsets), Thousand Layers to the Heavens (千层天梯; a sunset spot & photographer’s first choice), and Golden Buddha Peak (金佛顶; a sunrises spot with a panoramic terraces view). You can watch farmers working in the fields or rent a set of Yao ethnic group costumes and take pictures. It is also optional for you to take a 20-minute cable car ride from the Dazhai parking lot to Golden Buddha Peak instead of a 1-hour walk.

In Jinkeng Terraced Fields, you will gain a great understanding of the strength and wisdom of humanity that are fully present on this land. After a half-day Longji Rice Terraces Photograph Tour , go back to overnight in Dazhai Village , which is home to the Yao people.

1. Huangluo Yao Village & Long Hair Festival

The tradition of Red Yao women keeping long hair here could date back to 1,000 years ago (Song Dynasty, 960-1276). Besides considering long hair as a precious treasure and a symbol of good luck, Yao women also like to wear red clothes, and the Red Yao ethnic group is named after this.

If you happen to visit during the third day of the third month of the Chinese lunar calendar, you can participate in the Long Hair Festival (三月三长发节) and witness the ancient and mysterious Red Yao young women's coming-of-age ceremony (at 17 years old). You will find that unmarried Yao girls cover their long hair with a headscarf and do not easily show it, while married Yao women wear their hair in a bun on top of their heads. The bun is made up of three parts: the hair that falls down from daily grooming (collected and saved over time), the hair that is cut during the coming-of-age ceremony (the only time in their life that they cut their hair), and the long hair that grows on their head (which can hang down to the ground).

2. Why Longji Rice Terrace & Jinkeng Rice Terraced Fields of Dazhai

The Longji Rice Terraces , also known as Guilin Longsheng Longji Rice Terraces Wetland Park . During this trek, you will gain a deeper understanding of the marvel of agricultural art that the Longji Rice Terraces represent, including its sustainable development model known as " Upper forest, Lower field, and Dynamic Balance ". Currently, the forest coverage of Dazhai Village is about 82% , which plays a role in conserving water sources while protecting the terraced landscape. This model is acclaimed as a living fossil and an engineering exemplar of soil and water conservation systems. You will see that terracing the fields like this not only reduces the chances of erosion but also helps to retain water as rice requires a lot of water to grow.

In fact, Longji Rice Terrace is a group of rice terraces , there are mainly four parts include Ping'an Rice Terraced Fields, Jinkeng Rice Terraced Fields , Longji Ancient Zhuang Village Rice Terraced Fields, and Xiaozhai Rice Terraced Fields. Among them, Jinkeng Rice Terraces are must-visit terraced fields known for their stunning landscapes and convenient transportation. Located in Dazhai Village, Jinkeng Rice Terraces Fields are the largest of the four terraces fields of Longji and the only terraced facility with cable car . Jingken Rice Terraced Fields are the first choice for photographers.

3. Dazhai Village & Clothes Drying Festival

If you come to Dazhai Village during the Clothes Drying Festival (the sixth day of the sixth lunar month,六月六), you will have the opportunity to admire the long-haired Yao women hanging their traditional hand-made red clothes on the balconies. It takes 3 years to complete a set of Yao clothes . Yao costumes have been listed as a national-level intangible cultural heritage due to their exquisite embroidery skills and gorgeous embroidery patterns. Yao women do not need to draw sketches but rely on their experience to embroider flowers, trees, birds, and animals, which represent the Yao people 's understanding of nature while expressing their yearning for a good harvest, a prosperous population, and a happy life. During the festival, there are Traditional Wedding Ceremonies, Long Hair Performances, Panhu Worship Activities (Panhu is the deified dog & Yao people's benefactor), Glutinous Rice Cake Making, Torch Night Show, and Bonfire Party for you to learn more about Yao ethnic group and their culture .

4. Longji Jinkeng Rice Terraced Fields Hiking Tips:(vice versa) 1).From Dazhai Parking Lot to Golden Buddha Peak (cable car is available, 20min), it takes about 1.5 hour's hike. 2).From Dazhai Parking Lot to West Hill Music, it takes about 2 hour's hike. 3).Hiking difficulty: It is moderate and with cable car to save energy. Avoid hiking on rainy days as the paths will be muddy. 5).Late May and late September are the most popular times to go hiking and take photos.

5.Longji Rice Terraces Photograph Tips: 1). From mid-April to early June, during the irrigation period, the mirror-like terraced fields shimmer with reflections of mountains and clouds. It is a perfect time for capturing breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. The area is also known for its enchanting misty landscapes resembling a fairyland. 2).In May and June, during the rice planting season, you can experience the joy of rice transplanting and witness the ancestral farming labor. If you're lucky, you may encounter the Shuyang Festival, where you can immerse yourself in the customs of ethnic minorities. 3).From July to early September, during the lush green period, the rice fields are filled with vibrant green colors, as if stepping into a world of oil paintings. 4).From mid-September to mid-October, during the golden harvest period, the rice fields turn golden, and the waves of rice create a sense of joyous abundance. 5).From November to March, during the field maintenance period, if it snows in January, you can witness the terraced fields covered in a silver-white blanket, symbolizing the anticipation of a bountiful year. 6).From March to April, during the rapeseed flower season, some specific areas of the terraced fields are planted with rapeseed flowers. People wearing traditional ethnic costumes can be seen welcoming spring in the flower fields.

This morning, you can wake up early to reach the highest spot of the Longji Rice Terraces at the West Hill Music (西山韶乐; 1,180m), to capture the sunrise , weather permitting. It is the only spot in Jinkeng Rice Terraced Fields where you can take photos of the surface of the rice fields . Additionally, it is optional for you to wear the traditional clothing rented from the local Yao people and walk into the fields for beautiful photos. You can also choose to visit the Golden Buddha Peak (金佛顶) for a sunrise shoot while enjoying a panoramic view of the terraced fields. Take your time to find the best viewpoints to capture the beauty of these incredible terrace fields that have existed since ancient times.

After the photography tour in the rice fields, you will arrive at the Dazhai parking lot. Here, your driver will meet you and transport you to Xingping Town (150km, 3 hours) via Cuiping , an ideal location for photographing the karst mountain peaks .

In the afternoon, you will hike to the top of Cuiping Five Fingers Mountain  (Cui Hill or Cui Peak, better arrive before 17:00), which is about a 20-minute walk and has an altitude of 248 meters above sea level. In 2017, the mountain gained international fame when Spanish photographer Jesus M Garcia secured a spot in the top ten of The Epson International Pano Awards (Open Landscape category) with a photo taken on Cuiping Mountain . This recognition has since bolstered its popularity both domestically and internationally, making it an essential destination for landscape photography enthusiasts , particularly those keen to capture pastoral sunsets. Even if the weather is bad, you can still enjoy the breathtaking view of overlapping mountain peaks and the convergence of the waters of the Wugui River (Tortoise River) at the mountain’s base. This river flows southward into the Yulong River , meandering through villages and fields . In a small bay of the river, villagers work in the fields, burning dry grass and sending smoke wafting over the village. The scenery is so picturesque that it feels as if you've stepped into a painting. This is one of the representative works of Guilin's pastoral scener y.

After photographing Cuiping Mountain, head to Xingping for an overnight stay. Rest well in Xingping Town to prepare for another sunrise shoot the following morning.

Today, you will get up early to visit Xianggong Mountain (Xianggong Hill) with a stunning 360-degree panoramic view, which is the best photography spot for the sunrise over Guilin's landscape . The sunrise here is at about 05:30 from June to August, 06:00 from September to October, and 06:30 in December. After that, you will head to enjoy Yulong River Bamboo Raft via a quick shot of the 500 years old Fuli Bridge on the way (25km, about 1hour drive). You will have fun on the Yulong River by a bamboo raft from Jinlong Bridge to Jiuxian Village (about 1.5 hours). After lunch in Yangshuo, you will reach Xingping Ancient Town (1.5 hour drive) to photograph the Li River Fisherman, a traditional fishing activity on the Li River.

In the early morning, you will climb up Xianggong Mountain, which has an altitude of 216 meters and a full-length cement staircase that takes just over 10 minutes to reach the top. Xianggong Mountain is the source of inspiration for landscape photography in China and a place where photographers often win awards. It is located on the west bank of the Li River, between Huangbutan (黄布滩20-yuan Banknote View Spot) and Jiuma Huashan Mountain (九马画山), where the Li River makes a sharp turn. From the mountaintop, you can overlook the beautiful karst mountains, pastoral homes, and picturesque landscapes, making it a breathtaking sight. Xianggong Mountain is known as the best spot to capture the " First Bend of the Li River ", a holy site for photography enthusiasts to capture the sunrise, light and shadow, clouds, and colorful skies. It attracts photographers from both China and abroad to compete for the best shot.

After breakfast, you will visit Fuli Bridge (富里桥), located at the upper reaches of the Yulong River (Little Li River) , to take some photos of the ancient bridge stretching across the river, surrounded by Guilin's unique karst hills. Then, it is time to experience the classic Yulong River Bamboo Raft Trip, which is the essence of Yangshuo’s Landscape ( Little Li River Landscape) . Sit back and relax on bamboo raft while watching the green mountains and rice fields glide by. Take some nice photos at Yulong Bridge, o​ne of the three famous bridges in Guangxi, and enjoy the cool, gentle breeze over the clear water while observing the daily life of the local people in the village.

In the afternoon, head to Xingping Ancient Town, which is over 1,700 years old and is the number one town of the picturesque Li River. This town owns well-preserved ancient architecture . Walking through the old streets paved with slate, you can capture the cultural and humanistic themes of the ancient streets while relaxing your body and mind. Then, move to the 20-yuan Banknote View Spot for the most famous thing about Xingping Ancient Town - the traditional "Li River Fishing Fire" (漓江渔火 Highlight of Guilin) . When night falls, Li River Fishermen's bamboo rafts go deep into the Li River. The dim oil lamps on the bow of the raft flicker continuously, while the fishermen in raincoats shout a few times and the cormorants dive into the water to catch fish. The Li River Fishing Fire and the Huangbutan Reflection (黄布倒影) at night are a perfect combination of light and shadow, which is a subject that photographers never tire of capturing. Stay overnight in Xingping Ancient Town .

Today, you can wake up early to catch a ferry from Xingping Wharf (兴坪码头) to admire the Jiuma Huashan Mountain (Nine Horses Fresco Hill九马画山), photograph the sunrise over the Huangbutan Reflection and witness cormorants fishing on the Li River. Afterwards, enjoy yourself in the Yangshuo Countryside by hiking along the Yulong River while waiting for the sunset, and take a leisurely stroll along West Street in the evening light.

In the morning, you can enjoy a view of the Nine Horses Fresco Hill from the Li River ferry. It resembles an unmissable spectacle of an ink painting. The mountain vividly portrays nine horses , each depicted in different postures such as standing, lying, drinking, neighing, running, and jumping, with lifelike expressions. It is also a great opportunity to capture the sunrise at Huangbutan , which is not far south of Jiuma Huashan. Huangbutan Reflection (Huangbu Reflection 黄布倒影) is one of the most renowned locations on the Li River and is even featured on the 20-yuan banknote . The beauty of the Li River's landscape lies in its reflections, with the reflection of Huangbutan being the most captivating. The river here is clear and translucent, displaying a deep emerald green color. From the water's surface, you can observe a large sandy-yellow stone slab at the river's bottom, extending several yards in length and width. It resembles a piece of yellow cloth spread out on the riverbed, thus earning the name "Huangbutan" which means “Yellow Cloth Shoal 黄布滩” in Chinese. Also, you can continue your journey by capturing misty-morning photos of Li River Fishermen on bamboo rafts and their cormorants fishing in the morning light (optional) .

In the afternoon, visit Yangshuo town, you can 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. Then, it's time to immerse yourself in this rural paradise up close. 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. You might also photograph a solitary water buffalo leisurely grazing in the fields, adding a heartwarming touch of rural life to the panoramic vista. Take your time to find the best spot to photograph the sunset of Yulong River.

Then, you will stroll along West Street in the evening , 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.

Today, it is nice to wake up from the tranquility of Yangshuo to start your journey towards Guilin via a quick stop at Tianxincun Village .

In the early morning, you can head to Yangshuo Bridge to capture the famous sunrise scenery of Zhuobi Peak (卓笔峰). This location is also one of the best spots for photography enthusiasts to capture the beauty of sunrise . Witness the gradual rise of the sun over the Li River , with the fiery red sun, the hazy river surface, and the silhouette of fishermen on their bamboo rafts. These elements blend together on the calm mirror-like surface, creating the most classic Chinese-style landscape painting. From Yangshuo Bridge, as you look towards the east, Zhuobi Peak (Upright Pen Peak) stands out among the surrounding mountains. Its shape is distinctive, with a round base and a pointed top, resembling a calligraphy brush pointing towards the sky, hence its name.

On the way back to Guilin, pay a visit to the Zhuangyuan Bridge (Number One Scholar Bridge, 状元桥) in Tianxincun Village to photograph farmers and water buffaloes. The stone bridge is entirely constructed from slate sourced from the local mountain, without the use of any other binding materials. It has stood there for one to two hundred years, enduring the wind and sun. Tianxincun Village is an ancient cultural village that has produced 4 " Hanlin " (翰林, members of the Imperial Academy), 9 " Jinshi " (进士, high-ranking scholars in the imperial examination), and many other successful candidates in the Chinese imperial examination. Zhuangyuan Bridge was built by the local elders to encourage young people to study hard and aim for official positions. The village still maintains traditional agricultural practices, such as buffalo plowing, transplanting rice seedlings, and harvesting crops. Today, an increasing number of tourists come here to "check-in," leaving behind beautiful works of art and carrying with them the hope of achieving top ranking in the examination.

After the tour, it is time to end your 6 Days Guilin Photography Tour with Longji, Xingping & Yangshuo. Your guide will escort you to the airport/train station for your flight or high-speed 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 Asia Odyssey Travel 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.

Other Photograph Tips for this tour: 1. During photography activities, please pay attention to personal safety and keep your personal documents and belongings secure. 2. We reserve the right to make reasonable adjustments to the itinerary and attractions during the actual photography process due to road conditions or weather conditions. 3. There is a significant temperature difference in the mountainous areas during the morning and evening, so please bring warm jackets. Also, remember to bring rain protection equipment and rain gear for your camera. 4. To photograph the fishing fires on the Li River, it is necessary to make a paid reservation in advance with the fishermen. The photography fees may vary slightly for sunset and sunrise sessions. 5. Depending on the photography locations and hotel arrangements, luggage transportation will be arranged separately by car or with the assistance of porters.

Price: What’s Included & What’s Excluded

What’s Included?

What’s Excluded?

Important Trip Notes for Booking a Private China Tour

Accommodation & hotel condition for your china tour.

Photo Gallery for This Itinerary

Latest Guilin Tours Reviews from Our Customers

Chiara Ballarini

Destination(s): Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Guilin/Yangshuo, Zhangjiajie

Date of Experience: Jan 18, 2024

Tour Customized by: Isaac

You May be Interested in This Tour: 13 Days Incredible China Tour with Zhangjiajie Mountains & Guilin Landscape

Very good experience since 1st contact with agency, supported with great attention and helpful response by Rex until the last tour in Shanghai. All the city tours were conducted by well informed guides with fluent english.

In Beijing guided by Maggie Pan manage all tours with smart way and great attention. Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Heaven Temple, Summer Palace and Olympics games places. In Xi’an guided by Timo with great explanation and flexibility. Visited Muslim, Terracotta, Pagoda and Ancient Wall. In Guilin and Yangshuo guided by Chanel with very friendly and kindly way. Visitng Reed Flute Cave, Elephant Trunck Hill and Li River Cruise. In Shanghai guided by Qián with great attention and explanation and giving us time for shopping. Hotels selected were very good and confortable with delicious breakfast. Holiday Inn Express and Lisa’s Hotel (in Yangshuo).

Restaurants were local style with reasonable cost. As the price focus is in low cost travel pack with nices places to visit, consider also to wakeup early for fligths and trains. Suggestion for Improvement to Travel Agency: more detailed timing schedule.

Destination(s): Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Guilin/Yangshuo

Date of Experience: Nov 17, 2023

Tour Customized by: Rex

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Scott Wilkinson

Date of Experience: Feb 13, 2024

Tour Customized by: Vincent

You May be Interested in This Tour: Customized Tour

Price: Request

(Based on a private tour for two people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people.)

Free Enquiry! You don’t need to pay for the reservation.

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5-Day Guilin Highlights Photo Tour

This one-day photography tour offers an opportunity to capture stunning images of cormorant fishermen at sunrise, observe locals cross an ancient stone bridge with buffaloes, and witness breathtaking landscapes at sunset. Whether you're a novice, enthusiast, or professional photographer, this tour is ideal for you.

Our photography tour is a private experience, consisting of only you, your guide, and driver. Beginning at the early hour of 3:30am, the tour lasts until 9pm, spanning over 15 hours in a single day, which is equivalent to the two-day itinerary of most tour companies. You'll return home with a collection of satisfying photographs.

Aprox. photos

more than 500

Why you need a photography guide?

A photography guide can take you to unique locations, suggest different angles for sh ots, assist with camera settings and composition, and facilitate interactions with local minority groups. With the help of a photographer guide, you will be able to capture portfolio-worthy shots that you can proudly showcase.

Photo Tour Itinerary

Longji rice terraces & minority tribe.

At 8 am, our photography tour begins with a scenic drive to Ping'an village , the second-largest minority village in the Longji area, famous for its rice terraces. We'll capture stunning views of the terraces and the local minority women dressed in traditional attire as they tend to the fields.

Later in the day, we'll head to Dazhai village to visit a local minority family and photograph an elderly couple in their charming wooden house. This is a photogenic spot that could yield some great competition-worthy shots.

We'll then embark on a 2-hour hike uphill to a village hotel where we'll spend the night, taking in the captivating scenery along the way.

Longji Rice Terraces & Ancient Town

Our photography tour begins with a sunrise shoot just a short walk from the village hotel. We'll capture stunning views of the rice terraces and the village from different perspectives.

We'll then return to Guilin to explore an ancient town , photographing locals' daily life and capturing portraits of elderly residents inside an old wooden house. By the end of the day, we'll have created a diverse portfolio of stunning images that capture the essence of Guilin's landscapes, culture, and people.

Landscape Sunrise & Cormorant Fisherman at Dusk

We'll begin our day early with a 4 am departure for Xianggong Hill , a 1.5-hour drive away. Here, we'll capture stunning images of the sunrise and the Li River Bend from one of the best spots in the Guilin area for classic landscapes.

Afterwards, will head to Yulong River for more countryside scenery photography.

Our day will end with a memorable encounter with an old cormorant fisherman on a small island in the Li River, the same spot featured on the Chinese 20-yuan note. Against the backdrop of a golden sunset, we'll photograph him as he lights his gas lamp and casts his net.

Fishermen at Sunrise & Landscape at Sunset

Our day begins with an early morning drive to a hidden spot beside the Li River. We'll have the chance to capture stunning mountain reflections in the river. With one or two cormorant fishermen in the water, we'll photograph the tranquil scene of fishing at dawn and the sunrise above the fishing nets.

Take a short break in the hotel and edit photos.

In the afternoon, we'll embark on a 1-hour drive to a mountain, where we'll capture breathtaking images of the sunset over the classic karst mountains and rivers from a high vantage point.

Real Countryside Life Capture & Departure

We'll start our day with an early morning drive to a village capture the stunning 'mirror fields' at sunrise. These hundreds of fishponds create a beautiful broken glass effect, and we'll photograph the reflections of farmers working on rice paddies during the sunrise.

Afterward, we'll head to the countryside to capture an image of a buffalo farmer on an ancient stone bridge with magnificent mountains in the distance.

Our tour will end after lunch, at which point we'll drop you off at the airport or railway station.

Camera gears suggestions for this photo tour

DSLR or mirrorless cameras with tripod

A wide angle lens. For example, Nikkor 14-24 or Canon 16-35

A middle-zoom lens such as a 24-70mm for most of shots

A telephoto zoom lens, such as a 70-200mm, good to shoot some subjects in a distance.

A primary lens such as 50mm f/1.8 or 85mm f/1.4 for portraits shooting

GND filters would be good for sunrise and sunset photography

Inquiry Now

" We have no office staff - Mercier Zeng will answer you directly! "

5-Day Guilin Photography Tour

Join our 5-day private photography tour of Guilin to capture its breathtaking landscapes, meet the photogenic cormorant fishermen, and take stunning shots of the rice terraces.

Take breathtaking photos of mountains and rivers during sunrise and sunset

Capture the cormorant fishermen from dawn until dusk

Take landscape panorama shots on mountain tops

Photograph the beautiful countryside scenery with the locals

Capture the stunning rice terraces and the unique cultures of the minority tribes

Take indoor portraits of people

Destinations

Guilin - longji - yangshuo, 5 days, 4 nights, fitness level, drone friendly, may to october.

A photo escape like no other

The itinerary has been crafted by a photography specialist to inspire your next escape. You have the flexibility to personalize it according to your preferences and style, allowing you to capture the scenery and locals on your own conditions and departing at your convenience.

Photo Tour Itinerary

Day 1: guilin arrival & sunset.

Upon your arrival at Guilin, you will be greeted at the airport or train station and transported directly to Yangshuo.

Later in the day, we will drive for an hour to a mountain location, where you will have an opportunity to capture stunning photographs of the sunset over the traditional karst mountains and rivers from an elevated perspective.

Stay overnight in Yangshuo.

Day 2: Yangshuo

Our day begins with an early morning drive to a hidden spot beside the Li River. We'll have the chance to capture stunning mountain reflections in the river. With one or two cormorant fishermen in the water, we'll photograph the tranquil scene of fishing at dawn and the sunrise above the fishing nets.

Explore the local market to capture street photography and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Afterward, take a break at the hotel to edit your photos during the day.

Finally, we will end our day with a sunset photography session featuring rice fields and karst mountains as the backdrop.

Day 3: Yangshuo

We'll begin our day early with a 4 am departure for Xianggong Hill , a 1.5-hour drive away. Here, we'll capture stunning images of the sunrise and the Li River Bend from one of the best spots in the Guilin area for classic landscapes.

We'll then return to Guilin to explore an ancient town , photographing locals' daily life and capturing portraits of elderly residents inside an old wooden house. 

We drive to a village and capture the stunning 'mirror fields' at sunset. These hundreds of fishponds create a beautiful broken glass effect.

Stay overnight in Guilin.

Day 4: Longji Rice Terraces

We'll head to the countryside in the early morning to capture an image of a buffalo farmer on an ancient stone bridge with magnificent mountains in the distance.

Afterward, continue with a scenic drive to Ping'an village , the second-largest minority village in the Longji Rice Terraces. We'll capture stunning views of the terraces and the local minority women dressed in traditional attire as they tend to the fields.

Overnight in the village and capture the nightlife.

Day 5: Longji Rice Terraces & Departure

We will begin our day with a sunrise photography session at a viewpoint near your hotel, where you will capture the flooded rice terraces (March to June) or yellow rice fields (September to October) during sunrise.

Later in the day, we will travel to Dazhai village to visit a local minority family and capture photographs of an elderly couple in their delightful wooden house. This picturesque location offers the potential for some exceptional competition-worthy shots.

In the afternoon, we will return to Guilin and transfer you to the airport or railway station for your next adventure.

01. The best time for photography  

The best time to visit Guilin is from May to October as there is less rainfall and better opportunities to experience stunning sunrises and sunsets.

Although May to June may experience rainstorms, it provides an opportunity to capture the mist and sea of clouds in the karst mountain areas.

For Longji Rice Terraces, the best time to capture the flooded terraced fields is from March to June. The end of September to the middle of October is the peak season and the most photogenic time to capture the yellow rice terraces.

02. How to get to Guilin ?  

Guilin, a popular tourist destination in china, is easily accessible from both major and minor cities across the country, including gateway cities such as guangzhou, beijing, shanghai, hong kong, and smaller tourist destinations like huangshan and zhangjiajie., additionally, international flights from bangkok, kl, singapore, and other locations are available to reach guilin., 03. camera and lens suggestions, my recommendation to customers is to carry two cameras while photographing, as it saves time in changing lenses, espe cially during sunrise and sunset when the scenery changes rapidly. this ensures that you don't miss any beautiful moments., for landscape photography, it's best to bring a wide-angle and zoom lens, such as 24-70mm and 70-200mm., additionally, a tripod is essential in low-light conditions, such as at dawn and dusk., 04. drone photography, drone photography in yangshuo and longji rice terraces is a must-try experience as the stunning mountain views are best captured from above. a drone can capture breathtaking aerial shots that are otherwise impossible to reach., moreover, there are no special restrictions for drone flying in guilin and its surrounding areas., what's included.

Photography guiding

All transportation in the itinerary

Entrance fees

Expenses of people photography involved

Accomordation ( local best boutique hotels) for 4 nights

Personal processing instructions

Fresh Coffee if outdoor in early morning

Airport/train station pick up and transfer in Guilin or Yangshuo

24/7 in-destination support from our local office

Photography Begins Here

All you need to do is provide us with your requirements, and we will connect you with an experienced local photography guide.

• China Tour Packages

Guilin Photography Tour

• Duration 7 Days
• Tour Type Private & Bespoke
• Tour Style Photography
• ITINERARY SUMMARY
• DETAILED ITINERARY

About This Trip

This 7-day Guilin photography includes the most beautiful scenery of Longsheng and Yangshuo. Just take your camera to shoot the stunning sunset & sunrise views in the Longsheng Terraced Fields and capture the locals in traditional costumes in the ethnic villages here. When reaching Yangshuo County, pay a visit to Xingping to create some splendid pictures on Xianggong Hill and record the famous views of the Reflection of Yellow Cloth, head to Shazi and get photos of the street views of the ancient town, and film the picturesque Yulong River.

Itinerary Summary

• DAY PLACE HIGHLIGHTS
• 1 Guilin Arrival
• 2 - 3 Longsheng Terrace Field, Ping'an Zhuang Village, Guzhuang Village
• 4 - 6 Yangshuo Yellow Cloth Reflection, Bird's View of the Li River, Shazi Ancient Town, Yulong River Hiking Tour, Fuli Bridge
• 7 Guilin Departure

Day 1: Arrival, Guilin

Since ancient times, the natural landscape of Guilin has been a common theme in Chinese painting and poem. Today's Guilin with traditions and vogue walking side by side is even more charming.

On arrival, your guide will take you to your hotel and help you check-in. After settle down, you can walk around the Cedar Lake and Banyan Lake to picture the night view of the downtown easily.

Day 2: Guilin - Longsheng

One of the best times to photo the Terrace Field in Longsheng is from late May to early June when the watering fields seem like mirrors in all sizes reflecting the blue sky and white clouds. The other best time is from the end of September to the end of October when the yellowing rice covering the rolling mountains like an endless quilt.

You will spend overnight in the Ping'an Zhuang village that lies on the slope of the mountain. On the way to the village, you may encounter some Yao women in traditional costumes and with very long hair coiled on top of the head.

Your guide will accompany you to find the best viewing platform to enjoy the sunset as well as help you communicate with the Yao women if you would like to photograph them and their long hair.

• Longsheng Town

Day 3: Longsheng - Xingping

Get up early to shoot the sunrise over the terrace field and enjoy the tranquility of the village in the early morning. After breakfast, hike along the winding path down to Guzhuang Village, another Zhuang ethnic village that keeps its original features much better.

Afterward, get on your car and proceed to a small village on the west bank of the Li River for the night. En route, you can stop at Cuiping and climb up a hill to spot the sunset over the Li River and the surrounding countryside.

Day 4: Xingping

The Li River comes from north to south and makes a big turn at the foot of the Xianggong Hill. The river together with the towering peaks and scattered villages on both banks form the most spectacular natural landscape of Guilin. In the early morning, the changing sunshine and floating fog add more charms and make it an otherworldly land.

This morning, you need to get up very early and hike about 30 minutes up to the hilltop to capture the splendid picture. Later on, move on to the old town of Xingping, check into your hotel, and relax.

At the sunset, you will be ready to photograph the most classic picture on the Li River: fisherman, cormorants, and bamboo raft, still or moving in the twilight with the Yellow Cloth Reflection as the background. The Yellow Cloth Reflection is the picture you can see on the 20 Yuan banknote.

Day 5: Xingping - Yangshuo

Shazi is a town with a thousand years of history. The stone-paved street, historic pawnshop, temple, wharf, stone bridge, and even the gnarled banyan trees, are telling its past prosperity as an important commercial hub in the northern and central Guangxi.

Today, you will spend the morning catching the light and shade in the old town and the afternoon to enjoy the idyllic countryside along the Yulong River. While rambling on the stone path along the river, surrounded by peaceful mountains, paddy fields, and villages, you could enjoy the fragrance of the flowers or fruits; shot the water buffalos working in the field or the ducks swimming in the river, or watch the bamboo raft floating down the river.

Day 6: Yangshuo

On the upper reach of the Yulong River, there is a quaint stone bridge that has a history of more than 500 years. Its single arch on the water and the reflection under the water combine perfectly, just like a full moon. Standing on it, you will get a panoramic view of the surrounding farmland, hills, waters, and villages.

In the morning, the guide and driver will take you to photo it and explore the nearby area. The afternoon is free for your own exploration with the guide and driver at your disposal.

Day 7: Yangshuo - Guilin - Departure

Time to say goodbye!

Before heading to the airport for your flight to your next destination, you may have some free time to discover more beautiful sceneries around your hotel.

What Our Clients Say

How it works.

Tailor-make your trip

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Quick question.

3 Days Guilin & Yangshuo Classical Private Tour

• Entrance to scenic spots listed in the itinerary. Private car or MPV van transportation fee.
• English speaking tour guide Service charges & taxes .
• Entry/Admission - Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces
• Entry/Admission - Li River
• Entry/Admission - Xianggong Mountain
• Air tickets. Personal expenses.
• Accommodation and any meals. Others not mentioned above.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Infants must sit on laps
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces

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• GaikBoon H 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Huge paddy field with taste of ethnic tribe cultures Our tour guide Sundy took us on his EV car close to 3hour ride 1way including few stops. We went during low season, very minimal paddy sprouts are found, yet we could imagine how vast the paddy fields are coming May harvesting season. Overall trip is smooth. Sundy was good at explaining although we try avoid asking him questions when he drove us around through narrow street at the mountain side Read more Written April 12, 2024
• Go2theGlobe 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Jackie, the wonderful guide We had a lovely day at the Longji rice terraces with Jackie. He speaks wonderful English and has a great sense of humor that made the day more fun. Jackie gave us lots of interesting information while also accurately recognizing there were times we wanted quiet or space to ourselves, which is a rare and glorious gift in a tour guide. He was careful to ask questions so he could tailor our trip just for us, both by checking for our physical abilities and by slightly changing our itinerary on the spot to suit our special interests. Due to setting up thIs trip last minute, we worked with a few different guides from different companies over the days we were in Guilin, and Jackie was by far our favorite guide. We woukd definitely request to work with him and Charles Tours again on a future trip. Read more Written April 5, 2024
• McLai88 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Comfortable and safe road trip The tour was scheduled as described. The driver was professional and spoke good English. The car was new and clean that gave us the best comfort for a total of 5 hours return car ride. The walking trails at the rice terraces were pleasant and easy for young children. We enjoyed the scenery very much as well as the local famous dishes - bamboo rice and bamboo chicken. Safety is the highest priority to us. Both the driver and the vehicle allowed us to relax and enjoy the trip. Highly recommended Charles’ team! Read more Written March 30, 2024
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• Seanvargan 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles 6 Days tour Guilin to Fenghuan and zhangjiajie The place is simple amazing and i had one of the best experiences ever in my entire lifetime. I loved everything about this play and i would love to come back again the nature is so heartwarming and the people i met we so welcoming.I can’t wait t come back again and visit Read more Written February 3, 2024
• Go29710611537 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles 6 days tour from Guilin to Fenghuang ancient towns The trip was a success I really enjoyed my stay and tour in these cities.China is a great country with gray nature .This tour was an absolute dream come true! From the moment we set foot in Guilin, we were surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. The karst mountains and the LiRiver cruise were like something out of a painting. It felt like we were in a different world! Read more Written January 31, 2024
• Navigator05272353205 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Guizhou City a tourists place Guizhou is a hidden gem with its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history. From the breathtaking karst mountains to the picturesque rice terraces, every corner of Guizhou offers a feast for the eyes. The local cuisine is also a must-try, with its unique flavors and delicious dishes. Whether you're exploring the ancient towns, visiting the traditional villages, or hiking through the scenic nature reserves, Guizhou will leave you in awe. Don't forget to capture some amazing photos to cherish the memories. Enjoy your time in Guizhou and have a fantastic experience! I recommend everyone from any part of the world to visit this majestic place and i hope to visit again in the future 🫰🏼🫰🏼 Read more Written January 10, 2024
• elvint2024 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Tittle: Magical Minorities tour (Guizhou province) What an incredible tourist attraction it is I love Guizhou and hope to be back again..Will definitely recommend this place to my friends and coworkers Read more Written January 7, 2024
• kthernehill 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A good value experience of an amazing place Charles Guilin Tours We were on an Exoticca group tour and tried to book the Longji Rice Fields tour, but were told we were too late to book. So I decided to look at all the rice field trips on offer/advertised through TA. I looked at several trips, which were approximately the same price, then came across the trip organised by Charles Guilin Tours, which is considerably cheaper - about half the price of the other trips, with a similar itinerary - we paid about £70 per head (booked Oct 23). The great advantage of this trip is that Charles can accommodate just two people in a car - it really suited us to visit the rice fields on our own - we could survive exactly what we wanted to do, and where and when we wanted to pause. (I think 3/4 people could go in a car, although there were just two of us). The driver and guide, Sandy, picked us up as arranged at our hotel, and was able to tell us a lot about Chinese culture as well as the city of Guilin, and, of course, the rice fields. It was really interesting to hear about his descriptions of his childhood in a small village and his experience of growing up in a farming community, which was especially relevant to our visit to the rice fields. Sandy pointed out local crops along the way, and also places where there are old buildings which haven’t been knocked down. On arrival at the Longji Scenic Park area, Sandy bought our entrance tickets and drive up to the parking area. Because we were in a car, we could go to the car park near the top, but people in buses had to leave their buys and take a shuttle vehicle to go further up the slopes. After parking, we bought tickets for the buggy to go to the top (40RMB) - I really advise this as there is plenty of walking and the most interesting views are after arrival at the viewpoints at the top. This tour was taking the middle route (there are three to choose from), and the view at the top is astounding - something I will never forget. There are several different ways to walk down - you need to discuss with your guide what will be of most interest to you. We went in November and although the rice had been harvested in October, the terraces were still beautiful to see as they reflected the light so much. I had been really looking forward to this part of our China trip, and I really really enjoyed the amazing view of the ‘tiger’ at the top. NB here is a stall at the top that serves wonderful coffee (it has a neon sign) - don’t miss it!!!! So don’t miss this trip - the Longji Terraces are amazing - and I cannot recommend Sandy more highly. Charles Guilin Tours gave us everything they had promised and I would definitely travel with them again - this tour had the most competitive price and was really excellent The booking I made on TA was done by Viator, and as soon as I had booked I received what’s app messages from Charles - this is where you can say if you have any special requests. Read more Written December 5, 2023
• 775sasam 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best experience in Guilin We loved the Longji Rice terrace tour. It was the best experience in Guilin. It far exceeded our expectations. We learned a lot about the culture of the Chinese ethnic minorities. The nature was breathtaking. Our tour guide made the effort to find the woman with long hair (that this thnic group is known for) to do a private presentation for us. This is a must do tour in Guilin. Read more Written October 18, 2023
• ryanbR2471UQ 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great visit to beautiful rice terraces near Guilin, China! Helpful to have someone who speaks English take you around. Great visit to a phenomenon site! We really enjoyed the trip to the rice terraces and learning about the local people’s culture. Our driver Jerry spoke English and was a friendly and helpful tour guide. We also saw the Yao dance performance (note that it’s an added cost). You have a choice of riding a cable car up to the terraces or riding a golf cart up. (You can also hike up if you’ve got the energy) We then hiked down, walking through the river terraces and a small village. Read more Written October 1, 2023
• raduanm2023 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Not show up I woke up early to the tour and o receive the message that the tour has been canceled. Why dont he message me early, why he confirmed the tour before trough TripAdvisor?? Now i dont have time to get to know Guilin and i live in south América, so i'll not be here again Very soon. I recommend try another place to book a Guide. Read more Written July 3, 2023
• yorkshirelasss 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful! Wonderful experience from start to finish. We headed up straight to the top deck where we stayed for the whole duration. The scenery was just breathtaking! Guilin is a truly beautiful place and would recommend to everyone. The cruise was one of our many highlights on our China trip. Read more Written June 20, 2023
• Wander60680936773 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best experience in Guilin. It was a great trip with Mr. Qin. He is a nice person with good Englthe ish. He pickup on time and suggested visiting the best attractions in Guilin. On The second day, our schedule was tight and he managed it by picking us up early morning after visiting the rice terrace he dropped us at the railway station. It was really amazing Guilin trip because of Mr. Qin. A special thanks to him for the nice gifts he gifted us at the end of the trip. I strongly recommend Charles Guilin to tours to explore Guilin especially if you don’t speak Chinese. Read more Written June 17, 2023

More to explore in Guilin

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

3 Days Guilin & Yangshuo Classical Private Tour provided by Charles Guilin Tours

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Capture Guilin’s Beauty with Your Camera

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6 Days Guilin Photography Tour

Guilin is a paradise for photography lovers. The endless mountains along with the Li River constitute a wash painting; the wooden ancient architectures in Longsheng tell the ancient stories and the harvest field tells the hardworking of the farmers. All the above worth recording with your camera during this 6-day Guilin photography tour.

Trip Highlights

• Take pictures of the ancient stone road, ancient architectures and ancient stone bridge at Daxu Ancient Town
• Portrait photography for the minority people in Longsheng
• Shoot cormorant fishing in Xingping Town
• Hike along the Yulong River to grasp some more nice pictures
• Get up early to shoot the sunrise at Xianggong Hill

Customizable Tour Itinerary

Day 1 guilin arrival.

Welcome to Guilin, a city famous for Karst Mountains and Li River. After landing, you will meet our guide at the arrival hall with your name sign. Just relax after meeting the guide as he or she will take good care of you during your stay in Guilin. Check in at the hotel and rest.

Meals: No meal, advice freely available

• Hotels: Guilin Shangri La Hotel, Jolie Vue Boutique Hotel Guilin, Aroma Tea House

Day 2 Folded Brocade Hill, Elephant Trunk Hill, Daxu Ancient Town with Portrait Photography

Let’s start with Folded Brocade Hill , which is considered to be a good place for a bird-eye view of Guilin city and Li River. Come down from the hill and go ahead to explore Elephant Trunk Hill , the symbol of Guilin. It got its name because it looks like an elephant drinking water.

Your last stop is Daxu Ancient Town , which is full of ancient buildings, ancient stone bridge and stone road. Record the long history of this ancient town with your camera. Also you will listen to the stories of the ancient village and also the ancestors told by a local farmer.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch at Mc Found Restaurant with a la carte menu

Feature Dinner option : Xiaonan Guo, Gold Dragon Village Restaurant, Yilu Restaurant, The Taste-Made Restaurant

Optional evening activity : Night cruise in Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area

• Wear antiskid shoe when climbing the hill and visit the cave as the ground can be slippery in the cave.
• Sedan chair is available at the entrance if there are senior having difficulty in moving in the cave with many steps.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,

Day 3 Day tour to Longsheng, Bamboo Rice making in a local family, Portrait Photography

2 hours’ drive away from Guilin, Longsheng is a county hosting both natural beauty and culture. With several minority villages and large rice terrace , it is suitable for travelling all year round, especially in autumn and early spring. During the spring, you will see water glittering in the sun while during the winter, the rice is ripe and you can see lays of golden yellow. Visit a local family and learn to make bamboo rice with the guidance of the host. The Chinese rice wine made by the host is unmissable.

After lunch, you will have the change to take more beautiful photos of the rice terrace as well as the local minority people .

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch in the local family

The winding mountain roads may be a little bumpy.

Day 4 One hour private transfer from Guilin to Yangdi Pier, 2 hours' Li River hiking and rafting combined, Xingping Ancient Town, Cormorant Fishing

Instead of the big boat cruise, the 2 hours' Li River hiking and rafting combined is arranged for you. It allows you to appreciate the scenery and take photos at your own pace. The peaks in different shapes, the clear water, the reflection of the bamboo, peaks and trees along the river are all good materials for your photography tour.

You will stop at Xingping Ancient Town for lunch and some sightseeing. It has a history of 1740 years is and surrounded by the unique landscape. Wander some times in the ancient town until the sunset, when it is the best time to take photo of the cormorant fishing . It is a traditional fishing method in which fishermen use trained cormorants to fish in rivers.

You will be transferred to Yangshuo for overnight after the tour (about 40 mins).

• Hotels: Yangshuo Banyan Tree Hotel, Yangshuo Mountain Retreat

Day 5 Chinese Cooking Class, Hiking tour Along Yulong River, Bike Riding in Yangshuo Countryside

In the morning, go with the guide to visit the local market to see how the local people trade with each other and to acquaint yourself with some ingredients for the cooking class . Then go to the cooking school to learn with the chief of some cooking skills. The chief will teach you cook some Guilin dishes, which will be served as your lunch later.

After lunch and some rest, hike along the Yulong River at a slow pace. It is a great chance to shoot the rice paddies, local villages and local life. The whole day tour will end with a relaxing bike riding in Yangshuo countryside for you to get rid of the bustling city life.

Day 6 Sunrise at Xianggong Hill, private transfer to the airport in Guilin, exit Guilin

Get up early, hike up to the top of Xianggong Hill and set up your camera for the sunrise . It is a good place to see the full view of Li River.

After the photographing, return to your hotel to enjoy breakfast. You will be transferred to the airport in Guilin later. The guide will help with the check-in.

• Meals: Breakfast,

Price Includes

• In-country transportationas noted in the itinerary.
• Admission fees and activity expenses as noted in the itinerary.
• Luxury or boutique hotels centrally located.
• Meals in local restaurants as noted in the itinerary with complimentary drinking water.
• Your own English-speaking guide service.
• Your own chauffeur and vehicle service.

Price Excludes

• International transportation.
• Chinese tourist visa. (which enquired for most foreign passport holders)
• Travel and medical insurance.
• Meals, snacks, alcohol, etc. apart from those included in the itinerary.
• Excess baggage charges.
• Personal expenses.
• Sights, excursions and activities not included in the itinerary.
• Gratuities to guide and driver.

ANY QUESTIONS?

This tour is tailor-made and we can tailor to meet your reqeusts. Your personal travel consultant will contact you within 24 working hours!

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• Day 1-3: Guilin
• Day 4-5: Yangshuo
• Day 6: Guilin

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CHINA OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2019 We researched several companies and studied reviews on Trip Adviser before contacting who did a very China Culture Tour with an initial query. Right from the outset Grace who owns the company was excellent. She emailed detailed with pictures information and a suggested… read more details

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Guilin Photography Tour

Gl-04: private 5-day guilin photography tour to the famous photography spots in guilin and its neighborhood.

This tour is designed for professional photographers or photography lovers to Guilin, Yangshuo and Longsheng. There are some hidden places for taking stunning photos of the karst landscape, ethnic minority tribes, terraced rice fields and a sharp contrast between Guilin urban style and Daxu ancient town. The illuminated Two Rivers and Four Lakes embellish Guilin city at night. Your guide knows exactly when and where to see the exquisite beauty of peaks, the Li River, fishermen with their cormorants, and local villages. Prepare yourself for climbing up to high mountains and rafting on the river. It is more a life experience than a tour.

• Trip Highlights
• Take a secret path up to Yao Mountain for the sunrise
• Get great shots of the fishing lights on the Li River at dusk
• Shoot the unique mountain reflection at vantage points
• Interact with the local photographers
• A professional photography tour guide leading your way
• Capture the images of the local people and their traditional housing in mountain area

No Shopping Traps

Photography, Landscape

Accommodation

Best Season

Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

Full itinerary for Guilin Photography Tour

Your guide and driver will pick you up from Guilin Liangjiang Airport (KWL) and transfer you to your hotel. Relax for the rest of the day and prepare for the upcoming trip.

Get up early at 04:30 and drive to the top of Yao Mountain for the sunrise. Standing on the tallest peak, you will be amazed by the hundreds of Karst hills at the foot.

Return to your hotel for breakfast before heading to Daxu Ancient Town which is about 20 km from downtown Guilin. As one of the 4 oldest and most important towns in old times, its old architecture and traditions carry the history and culture. Rice fields, vegetable gardens, old houses, fishermen, and small river compose a harmonious picture of it all. Record the paved stone paths, the local residents and their traditional life style with your camera. You will fall in love with this quiet, charming little town.

Go back to Guilin and have lunch at McFound Chain Restaurant to taste a mixture of northern and local cuisine. Get some rest at the hotel for a while afterwards. In the late afternoon, your guide and driver will take you to Chuanshan Park , which is the best place for a view of the sunset in the city. With a good location beside the Li River, Chuanshan provides a perfect platform to shoot the open wide city view of residential buildings coexisting with plenty of rolling karst hills.

Then continue to the Sun and Moon Pagodas on Shanhu Lake. It will be a rewarding experience of a chance to take photos at night. This long day ends at 20:30.

At 04:00 you will depart to Xianggongshan for the sunrise. It takes 1.5-hours to drive from Guilin and around 20 minutes to climb up to the top, from where you can have a panoramic view of the stalagmite-like towering hills. The winding and flowing Li River lies quietly in the arms of the hills and turns a U-shaped curve, forming the famous "The first Bay of Li River". The sun shows its face from the back of the hills. Take your time to appreciate the breathtaking karst landscape by mother nature.

After that, you will have 1 hour’s drive to Yangdi port. Taking a bamboo raft along Li River is the centerpiece of the trip to this region, recording the highlight part. This is just the paradise that you could imagine. It is applicable to spend more time on your preferred photo spots. The bamboo raft takes you to Nine Horses Painted Hill and you will change to an electric cart to Xingping Ancient Town , a time-honored town developed from a small fishing village.

After lunch, you will spend some time to explore this town, appreciating the ancient dwellings built in the Ming and Qing Dynasties' style. In the late afternoon, your guide will take you to Xiaomian Mountain ( Small Face Mountain ) to capture the magnificent sunset. Standing on the top, you will have a bird’s-eye view of the hills, which is the image on the back of the 20 RMB Chinese note.

The countryside is pleasantly quiet at night time. Your night will be a little different there by shooting some photos of the fishing lights on the Li River. The dim lights with reflections, the cormorants, and the fisherman's wrinkled face all show the way of living since past times. Finally, you will be transferred to your cozy hotel in Yangshuo.

Have a good rest this morning and enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Head to Longsheng (2.5 hours) at 09:00. Your destination today is the most beautiful and best-preserved area of Longsheng Terraced Fields, Dazhai Jinkeng Terraces .

Hike from the parking lot up to the top, where you will have an open view of large-scale rice terraces. A cable car is available up to Gold Buddha Summit (No.3 viewing platform) only. Yao ethnic minority live in this mountain area in their traditional way. Their wooden houses and daily life produce great photography too. Wait for the gorgeous sunset and feel the certain vibe in the mountain and tribes.

Get up at 05:00 to enjoy the sunrise. You will get some photos of magnificent mist-shrouded mountains. Head down to the parking lot after breakfast. Your guide and driver will take you to Guilin Liangjiang Airport / train station for your departure.

Featured Hotel

What's included:.

• Professional English-speaking guide specialized in photography tours
• Personal transportations from place to place with enough space for your photo equipment
• Entrance fee to the places as listed
• 4-nights’ hotel accommodation
• Meals as listed above
• Local people model for photo taking whenever you require
• Tour Summary
• Full Itinerary
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China – Guilin Photo Tour

$ 2,500.00 – $ 3,000.00

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• Description
• Additional information
• Terms and Conditions

CHINA – GUILIN PHOTO TOUR

Some photographers are all for that surrealistic subject in their photographs – that “too good to be true” kind of scenery and view. However, finding a setting that has the sight you are looking for is not easy. Some even travel half the world and go the extra distance just to find the view that can give them the best shots. Well, fortunately, you don’t have to wonder where you will possibly find it. Through this Guilin Photo Tour, we will bring you to that picturesque sight you are looking for.

Renown Majestic Guilin Landscape

Guilin, China is one of the world’s most beautiful places. The world knows it for its iconic and unique Karst Mountains. Its idyllic scenery draws millions of tourists from near and far every year. Located in Southern China, the picturesque city sits on the banks of the Lijiang River.

Quieter Yangshuo is a little farther downstream, set against a stunning backdrop of emerald limestone karsts. We can see both the classic sunrise and sunset in this location. Aside from the breathtaking landscape featured by hundreds of Karst Mountains, you can also do portrait shots with the fishermen who are always picture-perfect. You get to see them in action, barefooted while doing their work. You will surely be amazed at how the views look like something taken out straight from a painting.

Suppose you are a person who likes the view of the mountains or the sea, no worries because this location has both. However, it is not like any other tour because here, you will also learn the history and experience their culture. So it is more than just a mere photo trip. Join the Guilin Photo Tour now, and let’s wander around Guilin, China, and fill our sights with the best views.

UNUSUAL EXPEDITION’s trips are well known for accomplishing a lot in just a few days. We basically pack a lot of content with different themes in a single trip. In this five day Guilin Photo Tour, you will surely get all the photos you have long dreamed of.This workshop will be no different. Location shoots each day are dependent on daily weather and lighting conditions.

ITINERARY: GUILIN / YANGSHUO

Upon arrival, we will proceed to Yangshuo. Tonight, we will visit one of the best shows in China – Impression Sanjie Liu, in a theatre that blends with the natural environment. This basically serves as a welcome performance in our Guilin Photo Tour. We will then check-in to our hotel and rest for the night.

We will spend the three days  in this location as the highlight of our Guilin Photo Trip. The following are the top tourist attractions and every photographer’s paradise in Yangshuo. After breakfast, we will proceed to Xingping to photograph the fisherman and cormorants, and other iconic scenes along the Li River.

Once, in ancient times, Xingping was the largest town along the Li River, and is 63 km (39 miles) from Guilin, China, and 25 km (15.5 miles) from Yangshuo, on the east bank of the river. A town is really a beautiful place, surrounded by enthralling scenery. Lying on the east bank of the Li River upstream from Yangshuo, the fishing village has a history dating back more than 500 years. Founded during the Ming Dynasty in 1506, this picturesque village is infused with typical Lingnan or southeastern Chinese provincial culture.

Forty-eight traditional residences have been remarkably well preserved throughout the years. Special features of these residences include blue brickwork, black tiles, sloping roofs, horse headwalls, cornices, and carved windows. The houses are classic examples of Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynastic architecture. In our Guilin Photo Trip, we will explore these structures. Hence, if you are fond of architecture, you will surely enjoy it here.

The natural scenery in the area is eye-catching as well. A variety of mountains, including Liyu (carp), Jinwa (golden tile), Yuanbao, and Jiandao (sword and blade), stand aside as if they are bodyguards protecting this small village.

When traveling to the Yangshuo-Xingping area, you can actually experience the life of local fishermen by going fishing with them. Their fishing techniques are unlike anything you’ve ever seen. They use bamboo rafts instead of wooden boats, and they use cormorants to catch the fish. They do this by tying a noose around the bird’s long neck to prevent it from swallowing its catch. This will give us a glimpse of what their livelihood and everyday life look like. This is what makes our whole Guilin Photo Tour event memorable.

Exact photography locations will depend on weather conditions.

Meals: (B,L,D)

This is the last day of our Guilin Photo Tour. We will check out from the hotel in the early morning. Then, we will climb up Elephant Trunk Hill for a sunrise shoot. After breakfast, we will proceed back to Guilin for our flight back home. This concludes our Guilin Photo Tour. Hopefully, you’ve learned something, and you’ve applied these new knowledge in the shots you took and will take in the future.

(Exact photography locations will depend on weather conditions.)

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

What is included in guilin photo tour  in china .

Items that are included in the cost of tour price.

Accommodation based on Twin Sharing

Entrance fees

Land transportation in destination

Group transfer to airport

All meals as stated in itinerary

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN GUILIN PHOTO TOUR  IN CHINA ?

Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.

Return International Air Ticket

Return Domestic Air Ticket (If Any)

Guide Tips – USD$15 per day

Driver Tips

Any Private Expenses

Room Service Expenses

Porter Services

Visa Fees (If Applicable)

Beverages / Alcohol Drinks during Meals

Personal Travel Insurance (Compulsory – Self Purchased)

Photography Setup Fee (If applicable)

BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS

These are the Terms and Conditions that will apply to your booking. Please read them carefully as you will be bound by them.

1. BOOKING / NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT

You must pay us a non-refundable deposit of the amount stated in the Tour Description (the “Deposit”) at the time of booking. The Deposit is to be paid when the on-line booking form is filled up and submitted to us. If you are making a booking for a Tour which is scheduled to start in 4 weeks, you must pay us the full amount of the Tour Price.

2. CONFIRMATION OF BOOKING

Our receipt of the Deposit and the completed booking form does not mean that your booking is confirmed and accepted. It is only confirmed and accepted when we give you a written confirmation. This written confirmation will also contain details on regarding the payment of the balance of the Tour Price. However, if your booking is not accepted by us, we will refund the Deposit which you have paid to us.

3. FINAL PAYMENT SCHEDULE

If the balance of the Tour Price is not paid by the dated specified in the written confirmation referred to in Clause 2, your booking is deemed to be cancelled and we shall forfeit the Deposit.

We conduct various Tours from time to time. The price of each Tour will be specified on our website (“Tour Price”). However, sometimes, due to external factors beyond our control (e.g. increase in transport costs or food costs or external party’s fees or currency fluctuations), the Tour Price may increase even after you have booked for our Tours. Should there be any increase in the Tour Price after you have placed your booking with us, we will notify you of the increase. You have the option of either accepting the change in price or withdraw from the Tour. Should you withdraw from the Tour, we will refund the Deposit to you.

5. ROOM ACCOMODATION

Unless otherwise stated, you will be allocated a twin room for twin occupancy. A limited number of single rooms are available at extra cost on a first come, first served basis, and we cannot guarantee its availability.

6. AIRFARE AND TRANSFER COSTS

The Tour Price does not include the airfare and other transfer costs and arrangements. You are responsible for your own flight booking and the adverse consequences of flight cancellations and delay. However, if it is specified in the Tour Description that airport/hotel transfers are included in the Tour Price, such transfers are only included when the participants travel on the flights specified by us. Participants arriving or departing on different flights will be responsible for their own transfer costs and arrangements.

7. CANCELLATION CHARGES IF YOU CANCEL

If you wish to cancel your booking, the following cancellation charges are applicable and payable to us:

– Cancellation 4 weeks or more before Departure/Starting date of Tour as stated in Booking Form: Forfeiture of the Deposit

– Cancellation 4 weeks before Departure/Starting date of Tour as stated in Booking Form: 100% of Tour Price

8. CANCELLATION BY US

Each Tour that we plan to conduct provides for a minimum number of 10 participants before the Tour can proceed. If the minimum number of participants is not met, we will cancel the Tour.

We also reserve the right to cancel any Tour for any other reason.

However, rest assured that we will not cancel a Tour less than 4 weeks before Departure/Starting date of Tour as stated in Booking Form except for Force Majeure, unusual or unforeseen circumstances beyond or outside our control.

If we cancel a Tour, you can either:

– Take a substitute Tour if we are able and willing to offer one. If the substitute Tour is lower in price to the one you had originally booked, we will pay you the difference in price. If the substitute Tour is higher in price, you must pay us the difference in price;

– Obtain from us a full refund of all monies you have paid to us. We are not responsible in any event for any expenses or losses that you may have incurred as a result of our cancellation such as visa, vaccinations, non-refundable flights or rail, non-refundable car parking or other fees, loss of earnings, or loss of enjoyment, etc.

9. TRAVEL EXCLUSIONS OR CUTTING SHORT TOUR

If any government issues a travel advisory against non-essential travel due to any war or warlike event, Strike, Riot or Civil Commotion, disease outbreak or unsafe health conditions, impending natural disasters or any other events of similar nature to any country or place where the Tour will be or is held at, we reserve our right to cancel or cut short the Tour. In the event of our cancellation or cutting short the Tour, we will not provide any refund and you will make a claim on your travel insurance policy.

In the event that you intend to proceed or continue with the Tour, you agree that you will assume responsibility, indemnify and hold us, our affiliates and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, partners, local guides, Tour Leaders and Instructors (“the Indemnified Parties”) harmless at all times against all actions, proceedings, costs, claims, expenses (including legal costs on a fully indemnified basis), losses (whether direct, indirect or inconsequential) and damages (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) whatsoever which the indemnified Parties may sustain, incur, suffer or pay arising out of or in connection with or pursuant to the continuation or proceeding of the Tour. You agree that you will also assume responsibility for your own travel arrangements including but not limited to flight tickets and accommodation and we will not be responsible for any travel delay or any loss, damage and expense arising directly or indirectly out of or in connection with the Tour.

10. FLEXIBILITY

You understand and acknowledge the nature of a Tour requires considerable flexibility and should allow for reasonable alterations by the Company. You agree that the route, schedules, itineraries, amenities, mode of transport and other details listed in the Tour Description may be altered by the Company without prior notice due to local circumstances or events and any other reason whatsoever.

11. TRAVEL INSURANCE

You must obtain travel insurance within 7 days upon booking the tour with a minimum medical coverage of SGD 250,000 covering the Tour duration and this insurance must cover personal injury and emergency medical expenses. If requested by us, you must be able to provide proof of Insurance purchase and adequate coverage of the required amount. You are strongly recommended to obtain insurance coverage for any loss, damage and expense arising from, including but not limited to Tour cancellation, lost baggage or personal effects and flight cancellation. We are not liable to you for such loss, damage and expense. We are also not liable to you for any loss or additional expenses incurred by you due to any cause beyond our reasonable control, including without limitation, due to any delay or interruption to the travel services due to Act of God, unusually severe weather, acts of governments, acts of terrorism, hostilities between nations, civil disturbance, boycotts, lockouts, industrial action and labour dispute, strikes, wars, fire, floods, infectious diseases, epidemics or illness as well as travel restrictions due to such events.

12. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

It is your responsibility to obtain, prior to departure, the necessary travel documents including a valid passport required for entry, departure and travel through each destination point in the Tour, and all visa, permits and certificates (including medical certificates) required for the whole of the journey. You are solely responsible for any adverse consequences resulting from missing or defective documentation. Any information or advice given by us regarding visas, vaccinations, climate, clothing, baggage, special equipment, etc. is given in good faith but without responsibility on our part.

13. SPECIAL REQUESTS

If you have any special requests including dietary restrictions, you should inform us of these at the time of the booking. We will advise the relevant supplier of your special requests, but we are not liable to you if these requests are not met.

14. CLAIMS AND COMPLAINTS

Should you have a complaint during the course of the Tour, you must raise this complaint to the Tour leader at the earliest opportunity to allow him or her to address your complaint. If you fail to indicate your dissatisfaction during the Tour, your ability to claim compensation against us will be extinguished or reduced.

15. SUPPLIERS AND INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS

The Tour may be conducted by local guides at the destination country or Tour Leaders or Instructors engaged by us at our discretion dependent on the requirements of the Tour. Any local guides, Tour Leaders or Instructors and they are not our employees. While we endeavour to appoint reputable and competent local guides, Tour Leaders or instructors, we are not liable for the acts and omissions of these independent local guides, Tour Leaders or instructors which may result in loss, damage and expense to you.

16. APPLICABLE LAW

The Contract and these Terms and Conditions are subject to Singapore law and the exclusive jurisdiction of the Singapore Courts.

17. IMAGES AND MARKETING

During the Tour images, photos and/or videos may be taken by our employees and/or other Tour participants that may contain you in part or in whole. You agree and understand that these images, photos and/videos may be reproduced by us in any medium for promotion and publicity purposes.

18. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

These terms and conditions constitute the entire agreement between you and us, relating to the subject matter herein. There is no verbal or written representation, warranty, prior agreement other than as expressed herein.

(Last Updated 1st Jan 2020)

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• Guilin City Packages

5-Day Guilin & Yangshuo Professional Photography Tour

This is a professional and in-depth photography tour, composing with the great natural wonders of Li River and typical photo material by the authentic ancient architectures and countryside scenery that strong recommendation by the local senior photographer, who has many years’ photography experience and confidents about the best shooting routs in this area. Note: The Li River Cruise Tour is fully booked during Chinese National Holiday from Oct 1, 2017 to Oct 8, 2017, please choose another travel date if you want to take this tour.

Xianggong Mountain

• Fuli Bridge
• Langzi Ancient village
• Admire the Moon Hill in the distance
• Laozhai Hill

Tour Details

Arrive in Guilin, meet your guide in Guilin Liangjiang International Airport upon arrival, and then take you to your Guilin hotel.

• Meals: No Meals

Meet your guide at your hotel lobby at appointment time in the early morning, and then transfer to Xianggong Hill,which is a "must-see" of the great setting for professional photography taking the best angle of Li River and Karst formation mountains. Lots of photographers vying there in the early morning for best angles, your tour will star early at 3:00am and takes 1 1/2 hours drive to get there, Xianggong Hill is 50 meters high and will takes 20 minutes for climb up. Lunch arrange in the local restaurant in Baisha Village. Afternoon head to another shooting spot - Fuli Bridge, ocated in Baisha town, 50km away from Yangshuo, it is ancient bridges on Yulong River with more than 500 hundred years, pave by green moss and plants surround by karst peaks. In the late afternoon, takes 15 minutes driver from Yangshuo head for Gongnong Bridge to catch the view of sunset on between towering peaks aside Yulong River. Hopefully be in the good weather. Stay overnight in Yangshuo.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch at Popular local restaurants with authentic Yangshuo food

Today we arrange photography in Xingping, you will get up early to catch the sunrise moment on Laozhai Hill, lying within Xingping Ancient Town, Climbing to the top of the mountain gives a wonderful view of Li River and the painted peaks surrounding. It’s a perfect place to watch the sunrise or sunset. A bamboo fishing boat with fishermen and their cormorant birds will be arranged as an element of photographic material in Li River. After get down from Laozai Hill, your guide will show you around Xingping Ancient Town with the rows of double story brick house, and the street pave by slate are in well-preserve since the town has almost 500 years history. Lunch will be arranged in a local Chinese Restaurant. Transfer back to Yangshuo hotel after tour.

Start the trip at 8am for 3 hours drive to Longji Terraced Field, the place feature by minority group with vibrant culture, wearing traditional costumes’ Zhuang and Yao people, undulating rice terraces and shooting the view from that perspective. Stay overnight in Longji Ping'an Village. Best time to go: September and early October. See the golden rice terraced in the time of harvest.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch at Popular local restaurants with authentic Longsheng food

If the weather clear enough, start the trip early for the sunrise view on the top of the terraced, that would be fantastic. Then transfer from Longji to Guilin Liangjian International Airport to board your onward flight. Thank you for choosing Guilinchina.

• Meals: Breakfast

Price Per Person

What's included & excluded, what's included.

• Entrance Fees to the Scenic Spots as Listed in the Itinerary
• Centrally Located Hotels with Daily Western & Chinese Buffet Breakfasts
• Meals in Local Restaurant as Mentioned in the Itinerary
• Private Cars and Drivers
• Private Guides
• Service Charge & Government Taxes
• Luggage Transfers

What's Not Included

• International Airfare or Train Tickets Toenter or Leave China
• Domestic transportation
• China Entry Visa Fees
• Excess Baggage Charges
• Personal Expenses
• Single Room Supplement

Good to Know

• This is a private tour. The local private English-speaking guide and the private car will serve your own group only.
• When on the tour, your tour guide and the driver can shorten or lengthen your time as your energy levels permitted.
• Once you make an inquiry, you will get the specific reply from one of our travel advisors within 24 hours without service fee.
• You can ask the travel advisor to tailor-make your own Guilin or even China trip based on this itinerary.
• We can also arrange tours in other Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Xi'an and add them to this itinerary.
• You will stop at a shop but absolutely no forced shopping.

Itinerary Plus

Located at the bend of Li River, famed as the best place to frame with the Karsts mountain scene, the 20 minutes’ walk up to the highest point by stone steps, a picture of mesmerizing landscape will be vivid appear in front of you. This off-the beaten trial is highly recommended by local professional photographer, if your physical permit, why not go up to capture the best moments.

A Local Yao Lady’s Family Visit

Oil tea, Chinese name it Youcha, is a feature food of Yao Minority in Guilin, and now popular among locals, it can remove the body moisture and good for prevent rheumatism in the humid mountain area, on the way up to the terrace field, our guide will take you to visit a local Yao lady’s family, she will show us how to make oil tea and treat us lunch there.

Yangshuo Chinese Cookery Class

This class begins at the local market where ingredients for the dishes are chosen by students. Back at a covered, rooftop patio-classroom, you have an opportunity to learn three dishes and enjoy the fruits of your labor. You can choose other favorite dishes at the lunch.

Explore Daxu Ancient Town with Local Scholar

Daxu ancient town, which has been a glory trade market in the past decade, it owns the biggest water transportation hub in Guilin. We invited a local scholar to show you around, give a brief lecture of the interesting story behind the town, visit the last and the only Chinese traditional pharmacy in town that still using traditional way for treatment! Also you get a chance to visit one of the local families and talk to the locals.

Helicopter Flight on Li River

You will catch a bird’s eye view of karsts formation scenery along Li River by taking a helicopter flight; you have 4 flight route options base on your interest, just ask your travel consultants.

Photography on Li River Sunset and Local Fisherman

This tour deserve to the photographer, for sunset on Li River with karsts mountain as background, a local fisherman seating on his bamboo boat with his cormorant birds, which are the fisherman’s pet and good at catching fish in the river. The fisherman will show naturally pose with different postures. Your guide will help you to get the best composition of photos as possible.

from US $ 909 p/p

Price details

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Our local experts are always ready to create you a hassle-free tour. Get an authentic experience by contacting one of our travel advisors.

Vanessa Zheng

Tailor-made My Trip

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Why this tour ?

1. The Most Recommended Guilin Tour in 4 Days;

2. Well-designed to Explore all Highlights of Guilin, Yangshuo and Longsheng in One Go;

3. Flexible, Private & Customizable!

1. Classic 3-day tour to see bests of Guilin at nice budget;

2. Visit Yulong River closely, most beautiful Yangshuo Karst view;

3. Customizable outdoor activities for a unique Yangshuo travel!

1. Explore the Finest Scenery under Heaven to the Fullest;

2. Featured Activities like Cruising, Cycling and Biking Arranged in this Tour;

3. Flexible and Customized at Competitive Price.

1. Discover the China’s greatest cultural heritages of Beijing and Xian;

2. Marvel at the incredible contrast of Shanghai's past and present;

3. Get fully relaxed with Guilin Li River Cruise and all idyllic countryside beauty in Yangshuo.

Guilin Tours & Popular China Guilin Tour Packages 2024/2025

“Guilin’s Scenery is the best in the world!”

Guilin in South China is absolutely your satisfying getaway to have great fun with the most beautiful nature and will let you embrace the top skillful masterpieces of nature within its sightseeing wonderland. This fine place boasts a super leisure cruise along the real Chinese ink painting gallery of hundred-mile long Li River, lovely rural Yangshuo hidden gem dotted by scattered Karst hills in eye-pleasant emerald and jasper, and unbelievable man-made agricultural rice terrace landscapes in ethnic Longsheng changing various fancy garbs around the year. Not only that, its fantastic hills, waters, countryside, rafting, hiking, cycling, photography and other fun and adventures all await you to explore! Guilin never fails to be the darling of its visitors!

How to Plan a Trip to Guilin?

Generally, Li River, Yangshuo County and Longji Rice Terraces are three most popular and separate destinations. For most travelers to Guilin, they spend 3-4 days having fun with the iconic spots in Guilin downtown, enjoying the scenic Li River cruise, and getting totally refreshed by the longing countryside lifestyle around the enchanting Yulong River in Yangshuo wonderland. Besides, if there are some more days for you, we suggest you plan a total 5-6 days trip and extend to admire the fascinating Longji Rice Terraces and local ethnic culture!

Guilin is usually arranged as a middle stop for lots of foreign visitors to China, and a large portion visit there from the nearby largest gateway city - Hong Kong, with highly convenient daily flights and high speed trains. Besides, many visitors visit Guilin together with other popular destinations such as Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Yangtze River, Tibet, and more in their trips to see more great sceneries, cultures and history in China! We offer many classic, in-depth and themed Guilin tour packages for diverse needs of world travelers to have fun no matter they travel solo or with their dear people. Furthermore, all our itineraries are customizable, so please feel free to contact us to customize your own Guilin Trip in 2024/2025!

We have helped many global travelers enjoy their memorable trips to Guilin for the past few years. Among them, Vijay's family and friends have traveled China for about 20 times with us and visited Guilin for many times, and also shared us their travel story . Travel with China Discovery to create your wonderful Guilin trip memories!

Why you can trust our Guilin tours? Check what our customers are reviewing about us!

Recommended Guilin Tours by Categories

• Top 6 Guilin Tours
• Biking/Hiking...
• Photo & Food
• To Sanjiang / Detian Waterfall / Weizhou Island

Highlights: Elephant Trunk Hill, Longji Terraces, Li River Cruise, Yangshuo Town

This short 4-day tour covers the three most popular destinations of Guilin - Li River, Yangshuo and Longji Rice Terraces. In short 4 days, you will visit the essential sites in the Guilin city, enjoy a relaxing cruise along Li River, and have a pleasant time of countryside exploration in Yangshuo. The best highlight of this route is the 2-day unique trip to Longji Rice Terraces in Longsheng which is an ideal place for experiencing curvaceous rice terraces, ethnic culture, hiking and photography.

Highlights: Li River Cruise, Yangshuo Countryside Scenery, Yulong River, Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave

During this 3 days brief but really classic Guilin vacation, you will never miss the landmarks of Guilin city, but surely catch enough inspiring hours to get relaxed by cruising down along the stunning Li River to Yangshuo Town, where you will meet more better surprises given by nature, while exploring the most beautiful countryside scenery, traditional custom, and harmonious life of people with natural lives, and expressing your laughter of the memorable experience of various outdoor activities!

Highlights: Li River Cruise, Longji Ping'an Rice Terraces Sunrise and Sunset, Dazhai Village, Yulong River, Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave

This is the in-depth way to travel Guilin. Guilin, Yangshuo and Longji, three most popular tourist destinations with best highlights are arranged to the point. You will start your vacation from Guilin to the charming Longji Rice Terraces to enjoy the nature created lines and colors. After the close-up with mountains and fresh wheat, continue your natural discovery by the relaxing cruise along Li River to Yangshuo, then feast your eyes with the verdant countryside landscape of Yulong River, Ten-mile Gallery...

Highlights: Li River Cruise, Yulong River Biking, Bamboo Rafting, Ten-mile Gallery

This 2-day Guilin Yangshuo Tour is to show you all the bests of the bests in Yangshuo and let you have an unforgettable in-depth exploration of Yangshuo. You will never miss any fantastic or classic natural splendors of this peaceful and amazing land, including both the classic Li River and charming Yulong River with the fun of water and hills. Just have a great fun with our selected activities, such as bamboo rafting, cycling, etc. to meet your expectation of the perfect landscape of Guilin and Yangshuo!

Highlights: Sightseeing of Li River, Longji Rice Terraces, Yangshuo Sceneries

It’s not an overstatement to call Guilin the paradise of photographer. Endless green hills lie beside the quiet and clear Li River, which forms the most classical scene of Chinese Landscape Painting; Longji Terrace silently speaks the hard works of the local farmers; the antique buildings of the ancient towns reveal the stories of the old times…

Highlights: HK Guilin Bullet Train, Li River Cruise, Yulong River, Longji Ping'an Rice Terraces, Dazhai Village, Elephant Trunk Hill

This 6-day Guilin tour is specially designed for travelers who are interested in visiting Guilin in-depth, including Guilin City, Yangshuo Town and Longji Rice Terrace areas, and want to get to Guilin from Hong Kong by the new high speed train or flight. We arrange every must-visit and top recommended highlight to the point, including the Li River Cruise, countryside scenery at Yulong River, Jinkeng Rice Terraces and Dazhai Village, symbolic Elephant Trunk Hill, etc. for an enjoyment of all essential sightseeing, culture, history, and fun with no hurry at all. Enjoy your trip!

Highlights: Li River, Elephant Trunk Hill, Local Farmer’s House

In this 4-day tour, you will firstly visit the Elephant Trunk Hill and Reed Flute Cave in the downtown area and then cruise the beautiful Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo. The best feature of this tour is the in-depth hiking experience along Yulong River. When wandering in the fields and old villages at the riverside, you can have a sweet date with the beautiful flowers, bamboos, reeds, butterflies, water buffalos, etc.

Highlights: Li River, Half-day Yangshuo Countryside Cycling, Moon Hill, Big Banyan Tree, West Street, Elephant Trunk Hill

Want to appreciate picturesque Karst landscape in a leisure pace? Seek for a way to enjoy breeze gently blowing over your face? This 4-day Guilin & Yangshuo tour is well-designed for travelers who want to feast your eyes with idyllic natural scenery as well as free your mind on two wheels. Taking the plunge and setting off on a cycling trip out of Yangshuo town is the most special part of this tour that travelers can have more intimate encounters with local farmers and be dazzled by the beautiful countryside scenery.

Guilin, known for having the finest landscape under heaven, pleases you with its amazing countryside landscape and custom. To get the deep essence of Guilin, we advise you travel Guilin with some local way - Hiking. In this tour, you will take wonderful walking trip along the Li River. Then explore Yangshuo with many outdoor activities.

Highlights: Elephant Trunk Hill, Li River, West Street

With the most amazing view under heaven, Guilin ranks the top of tourists’ travel list. Surely Yangshuo and Longsheng Counties are the must-go destinations for your Guilin travel. You can experience the most beautiful scenery in Guilin as well as taste the delicious food and learn to cook Chinese cuisine yourself.

Highlights: Li River Cruise, Yangshuo Countryside Scenery, Yulong River, Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave, Club Med Guilin Accommodation & Activities

This tour covering Club Med Guilin resort is specially designed to admire the nature essences in Guilin and catch more abundant fun! You will not only travel along the “Chinese ink painting gallery” of Li River by the leisure cruise and appreciate the representative karst cave and mountain in Guilin downtown, but also feast your eyes with the ideal rural scenery along Yulong River, vibrant West Street known as the “Global Village”, patched fields, rolling karst hills, etc. in Yangshuo. Furthermore, this tour includes 2 nights and 1.5 days’ All-inclusive Club Med Guilin package, so, throw yourself totally into the rich happiness, with the over 20 kinds of included wonderful sports play, activities, learning courses, DIY workshops, etc. all covered no matter you travel solo or with your family members! Take this tour package if you want to discover Guilin with real leisure and fun in a nice budget!

Highlights: Detian Waterfall, Tongling Grand Canyon, Mingshi Scenic Area...

This 2-day short private car tour takes you to visit Detian Waterfall on the border of China and Vietnam! You will admire this grand waterfall and the Ban Gioc Fall at Vietnam side from distance and from the riverside view platforms. Besides, you will enjoy a short bamboo rafting tour to enjoy the water spray up close! The tour starts from & ends in Nanning, the bustling capital of this region.

Highlights: Detian Waterfall, Tongling Grand Canyon, Mingshi Scenic Area, Bama Longevity Tour, Baimo Cave...

This is the best tour to explore the west region of Nanning! In a short 3-day tour, you will not only get close to Detian Waterfall - the largest transnational waterfall in Asia and the fourth largest one in the world, but also have a classic exploration of Bama Longevity Village - one of World's Five Longevity Villages！Spectacular Guilin-like Karst Landscapes are also included, like the caves, peaks, rivers and more!

Highlights: Five Color Beach, Catholic Church, Silver Beach, Beihai Old Street

Beihai in South China with the appealing sapphire South China Sea landscape ranks top among beach vacation destinations in domestic. This 5-day trip is the best one for a classic Beihai vacation, which takes you to discover all best highlights of Beihai City and alluring Weizhou Island and get fully released on the large, beautiful and comfortable sand beaches with sunshine and sea breeze.

Highlights: Five Color Beach, Catholic Church, Crocodile Mountain Scenic Area

Weizhou Island is praised as the No.2 among the “ten most beautiful islands in China” by National Geography of China and is one of the top best resorts in China for international travelers to get fully released on the soft beach and pleasant sunshine. This 3-day tour is the most popular package for a classic Weizhou Island discovery with beach relaxing! You will take the ferry from Beihai to Weizhou Island, soak in the marvelous sightseeing of the geopark mountain, cliff, China South Sea, and so forth, spend your own peaceful personal time on the beaches, etc. before boating back to Beihai to end your vacation!

Highlights: Li River Cruise, Longji Terraces, Yangshuo Countryside, Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge...

This short 5-day tour not only takes you to discover the highlights of Guilin, including Li River Cruise, Yangshuo countryside and Longsheng Rice Terraces, but also an up-close visit to Sanjiang essences, including the world-class Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge, Sanjiang Drum Tower, etc.

Guilin Tour + Other Popular China Destinations - Beijing, Zhangjiajie...

• Beijing + Guilin
• Hong Kong + Guilin
• Shanghai + Guilin
• Zhangjiajie + Guilin
• Guizhou + Guilin
• Huangshan + Guilin

Highlights: Forbidden City, Great Wall, Hutong, Li River Cruise, Yangshuo Countryside, Longji Rice Terraces

A trip to Beijing and Guilin can be very fantastic because you will explore the representatives of both China's culture and Nature. Beijing, the city with 7 World Heritage Sites - Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, is the first place you should visit if you are interested to see the best parts of Chinese culture. While Guilin, known for having the Finest Landscape Under Heaven, is widely believed as the best place to enjoy pleasant Karst hills, beautiful rivers and peaceful countryside in China. Currently there are more than 6 flights departing from Beijing to Guilin every day!

Highlights: Forbidden City, Mutianyu Great Wall, Hutong, Li River Cruise, Yangshuo Countryside, Longji Terrace Terrace Hiking (Ping'an to Jinkeng)

Traveling by the fast, comfortable and reliable high speed bullet trains is becoming more and more popular, as a stylish way to explore the Middle Kingdom. After your Beijing tour, you can take a direct bullet train to Guilin (usually departing in early morning). 11 hours journey on the train seems to be long, but you will not be tired or bored if you get a seat by the window. As the bullet train traverse the vast land of China from north to south, you will see so many aspects of China - metropolis, rural villages, tiny towns, farm lands, markets, rivers, mountains...What a scenic and interesting train journey! But if you think 11 hours' train journey is too long to spend, feel free to let us exchange to flight which only takes about 3 hours fly from Beijing to Guilin.

Highlights: Li River, Yangshuo, Longji Rice Terraces

This tour fully makes use of the convenient bullet train transfer between Hong Kong and Guilin. Cutting out the arrival and departure, you still have two and a half days to explore the best highlights of Guilin - Li River, Yangshuo and Longji Terraces.

Highlights: Victoria Peak, Repulse Bay, Li River Cruise, Yangshuo, Elephant Trunk Hill

This tour is specially designed for you to experience the East-Meet-West culture in Hong Kong and also experience leisurely vacations and impressive outdoor adventures with the finest scenery in Guilin. Unlike some other tour groups which only spend a half day at Yangshuo, the essence of Guilin, our tour package will take you to enjoy the full beauty of Yangshuo - picturesque Yulong River, idylic Ten-mile Gallery and leisure local living experience.

Highlights: Victoria Peak, Repulse Bay, Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Memorial Hall, Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family, Li River Cruise, Yangshuo

Air travel is not the only way to explore Hong Kong and Guilin? You can do it another way - high speed train which is fast, safe and comfortable. Most importantly, it is much cheaper compared with flight. During this tour, you will arrive at Hong Kong, and then take a high speed train to Guangzhou. Visit the famous sites here, and then take another high speed train to Guilin to get a visual feast for a three days tour.

Highlights: Hong Kong Victoria Peak, Guilin Li River Cruise, Yangshuo

During your 6 days in China, you will start your vacation from the capital city Beijing, then take a flight to Guilin which is famous for has "the finest scenery under heaven". You will visit not only Guilin and Yangshuo City, but also go to see the beautiful Longji Rice Terraces. Lastly, end your vacation at the charming - Hong Kong.

Highlights: The Bund Shanghai, SWFC (world's fifth highest building), Yu Garden, Longji Rice Terrace, Li River, Yangshuo, Yulong River, Elephant Trunk Hill

A tour combine cities and natural destinations is a fantastic trip of leisure and visual feast. That's the reason why we designed this 6 days Shanghai Guilin tour in which you will not only enjoy the culture, history as well as the convenience of modern Shanghai, but also enjoy incredibly stunning landscapes in Guilin - limestone Karst mountains and hills, tranquil Li River, layered rice terraces...

Highlights: The Bund Shanghai, SWFC (world's fifth highest building), Yu Garden, Longji Rice Terrace, Li River, Yulong River, Yangshuo, Elephant Trunk Hill

Taking flight is the most common way to travel between Shanghai and Guilin for most of the travelers, but if you are interested in getting closer with locals and their culture, travelling by high speed bullet train is another good choice. Currently, there is a fast, safe, reliable and comfortable high-speed bullet train heading from Shanghai to Guilin every morning. It departs from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station at 10:03AM and arrives at Guilin Railway Station at 7:02PM. The whole high speed train journey is 1,602 kilometers (995 miles) long with many interesting things to see - cities and towns of different regions, different landforms, tea plantations, hills, rivers...

Highlights: Li River Cruise, Longji Ping'an Rice Terraces, Yangshuo Town, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, Tianmen Mountain, etc.

This Guilin and Zhangjiajie Tour is really amazing with all bests and beauties to experience in both top favored scenic destinations for lots of travelers and photographers. You will not miss Li River, Yangshuo Town, Longsheng Ping’an Village, Wulingyuan, Tianmen Mountain, etc. to see curving rice terraces, rivers with enchanting waterscape and geometric mountains backdrop, verdant forests with peculiar pillar peak, etc. Also, you are going to have much fun time on multiple outdoor activities like biking, rafting, Li River cruising, Glass Bridge walking, more adventures on the skywalk, mountain steps and roads at Tianmen Mountain to creat a memorable nature holiday!

Highlights: Zhaoxing Dong Village, Basha Miao Village, Zengchong Drum Tower, Xijiang Miao Village, Shiqiao Miao Village

Enter into the Southeast Guizhou from Guangzhou in a fast way! The high speed train is like the time machine taking you from developed areas to primitive rural villages. By exploring the ethnic areas, you’ll know Miao & Dong minorities and experience their culture first hand.

Highlights: Longsheng Rice Terraces, Li River Cruise, Yangshuo countryside, Zhaoxing Dong Village, Langde Miao Village, Mount Fanjing

Both Guilin and Guizhou offer you some great opportunities to admire the beauty of our Mother Nature and experience local authentic culture. So it is strongly recommended to extend your Guilin trip to Guizhou to visit the beautiful villages as well as the NEW Star - Fanjingshan. You won’t regret at all after the trip.

Highlights: Huangguoshu Waterfall, Langde Upper Village, Zhaoxing Dong Village, Li River Cruise, Yulong River, Longji Rice Terraces

From Guizhou to Guilin, through the ancient Miao villages to the peaceful Yangshuo county...this tour offers you an off the beaten path route to explore the real life of the local ethnic minorities, appreciate the marvelous Karst landscapes and enjoy a leisurely life in the rural villages.

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Highlights:

Highlights: Forbidden City, Great WallTerracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall

Discover the ancient capitals of China! Through this tour, you will experience the past dynasties of China, learn about the dynastic history and marvel at the great architecture of ancient China!

Recommended China Packages with Guilin Tours

Beijing / Xian / Guilin / Yangshuo / Shanghai

What can you expect for 10 days in China? This tour gives you the bests. With the Golden Triangle Destinations (Beijing, Xian, Shanghai) plus the fabulous river and countryside views of Guilin, this tour leads you to top 4 destinations you can’t miss for your first time trip in China. Experience the stunning diversity and contrasts of ancient tradition and modern fashion, discover the charm of ancient history, and get closer exploration to some of the most beautiful scenery under heaven...

Beijing / Xian / Guilin / Yangshuo / Yangtze Cruise / Shanghai

Want to explore the most recommended highlights of China in a leisure way? This is the ideal trip which takes you to some of the most impressive destinations in China, including Beijing, Xian, Guilin, Shanghai, plus Yangtze River region. During this tour, you will not only uncover the best collections of historical sites, such as Forbidden City, Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, etc., but also embrace the fabulous nature beauty in Guilin and enjoy a relaxing and luxury cruise on the majestic Yangtze River.

Beijing / Xian / Zhangjiajie / Guilin / Shanghai

When you are planning a tour in the vast Middle Kingdom, it's a great idea to combine both its classic historical destinations and spectacular scenic destinations. This is the trip strongly suggested for you on which you will discover the most important cultural destinations in China, including Beijing, Xian and Shanghai, then enjoy two magnificently stunning destinations - Guilin and Zhangjiajie. All attractions and activities are well organized to a leisure pace in a single trip.

Chengdu / Emeishan / Leshan / Guilin / Longji / Guilin / Yangshuo / Guilin

The abundant Sichuan Province is well located in the northwest of Guilin, with convenient high speed train connecting with its popular tourist cities. It is a good idea to spend several days having in-depth exploration in both Sichuan and Guilin for Giant Pandas, amazing cultural experience and picturesque Karst & rice terraces landscape.

Shanghai / Guilin / Chongqing / Yangtze Cruise / Yichang / Zhangjiajie / Beijing

This China tour promises a harmonious blend of urban sophistication, natural splendors, and cultural treasures, offering you a captivating glimpse into the diverse tapestry of this vast and enchanting nation. Embark on an unforgettable odyssey through the diverse landscapes and rich cultural tapestry of China with our comprehensive tour that seamlessly weaves together the iconic cities and natural wonders of this extraordinary nation.

Begin your journey in the dazzling metropolis of Shanghai, where the fusion of modernity and tradition creates a vibrant urban landscape. From Shanghai, travel to Guilin, a haven of natural beauty. Next, venture to the bustling city of Chongqing, where a Yangtze River Cruise awaits. Continue your odyssey to the surreal landscapes of Zhangjiajie, a region that inspired the AVATAR movie. Conclude your epic adventure in the heart of China, Beijing.

More Guilin China Tours

Most valuable trip to experience China's bests of the bests

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