4 Days Guilin Yangshuo Longji Rice Terraces Tour

Welcome to Guilin. Our team will meet you at the airport or train station exit to escort you to your downtown hotel and assist with check-in.Travel Logistics: Guilin Lijiang Airport (KWL) connects to major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu. If arriving by high-speed train, the city is accessible from Hong Kong (4h), Guangzhou (3h), Changsha (2.5-3h), and Zhangjiajie (7h). iFree Time Suggestions: If you arrive early, consider exploring these nearby sites on your own:Jingjiang Prince’s City Built in the late 14th century, this royal complex is older than the Forbidden City. You can explore the historic halls or climb Solitary Beauty Peakfor a panoramic view of the city.East West Alley This Tang Dynasty district offers a look at 1,400 years of Guilin's history. It is a great place to try local Guilin Rice Noodlesor experience traditional fan-making and Hanfu dress.Two Rivers and Four Lakes Cruise In the evening, take a 1-hour cruise through the city’s illuminated waterways. The route passes ancient bridges and pagodas reflecting in the calm water.Note: After check-in, your guide will provide tips for local dining and help you prepare for the following day's tour.

This morning, take a 2-hour drive (77km) from Guilin to the Longji Rice Terraces. The altitude rises from 100m to over 1,100m as you follow winding mountain roads into the heart of the scenic area. These terraces were carved into the hills by the Zhuang and Yao people over 2,300 years ago.Huangluo Yao Village (Long Hair Village)Your first stop is Huangluo Yao Village, famous as the "World's Longest Hair Village." It is home to over 70 women with hair longer than 1 meter—the longest recorded at 2.72 meters.You can watch an optional 45-minute performance featuring folk songs, drum dances, and traditional wedding customs. You’ll also learn their secret to keeping hair jet-black and healthy: washing it with fermented rice water.Authentic Local LunchNext, head to Ping'an Village for a local lunch. At a villager’s restaurant, you can try traditional Bamboo Rice (rice cooked inside bamboo tubes), Bamboo Tube Chicken, and smoked Chinese bacon. Your guide can show you how these dishes are prepared over an open fire.Hiking the Longji Rice Terraces (Longsheng Rice Terrace)Spend the afternoon hiking through the Longji Rice Terraces. This site is recognized as a "Globally Significant Agricultural Cultural Heritage" for its ancient water management and 2,300-year history.Follow the cobbled paths to the two most famous viewing platforms:Seven Stars Accompany the Moon (880m): A famous spot for sunrise photography.Nine Dragons and Five Tigers (980m): The best location for sunset views. From here, you can clearly see why the area is named "Longji" (Dragon’s Backbone).Zhuang Minority Culture Walk into Ping'an Village, home to over 170 households of the Zhuang ethnic group. Everyone here shares the surname "Liao." You will see their traditional stilted houses, known as Diaojiaolou, built into the valley walls.You may see villagers in traditional dress—white shirts and brightly colored headwear—and have the chance to taste local oil tea. After the hike and plenty of time for photography, you will be driven back to Guilin.

After breakfast, take a 1-hour drive to the pier to begin your 4.5-hour Li River cruise to Yangshuo. This 84-kilometer journey is ranked by National Geographic as one of the world's top "watery wonders."As you sail, the landscape unfolds like a traditional Chinese scroll painting. You will see limestone karst peaks, water buffalo grazing by the river, and local farmers working in lush fields. iNote: A simple Chinese-style lunch is served on board. Alternatively, we can arrange a packed lunch with grilled sausages, sandwiches, milk, coffee, and fruit. Please book at least 2 days in advance. Fruit selection may vary by season.Upon reaching Yangshuo, your driver will meet you at the dock and escort you to your hotel for a short rest. Afterward, it’s time to explore the Yangshuo countryside up close.Choose your exploration style: You can discover the rural scenery by private car and walking, by bicycle, or by scooter (additional costs may apply).The route takes you past quaint stone houses with grey slate roofs and peaceful emerald fields. You’ll see the authentic side of rural life, from children playing by the riverbanks to farmers tending their crops against a backdrop of misty mountains.In the late afternoon, enjoy a stroll along West Street, the vibrant heart of Yangshuo. This area is a famous fusion of East and West, packed with local restaurants, craft shops, and lively bars.It is the perfect place to grab a coffee, sample authentic snacks like "Beer Fish," or simply soak in the energetic atmosphere as the street lights up for the night. iOptional Evening Activity: You may choose to watch Impression Liu Sanjie, a world-class performance directed by Zhang Yimou. The show uses the actual river and karst mountains as a stage, combining folk music with spectacular light effects.

Morning: Return to GuilinWake up in Yangshuo. After breakfast, take a short walk through the countryside—one last look at the rice paddies and karst peaks before you leave. Then drive back to Guilin, about 1.5 hours.Elephant Trunk HillFirst stop: Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin's symbol. It sits where the Li River meets Peach Blossom River. The shape is exactly what it sounds like—a giant elephant drinking from the water.The hill is limestone, carved by millions of years of rainwater. Walk to Water-Moon Cave, the round opening between the elephant's trunk and body. It's 12 meters high. Inside, you'll find Tang and Song dynasty poems carved into the stone walls.Locals say: "Guilin's scenery is the best under heaven." This hill is why.Reed Flute CaveNext, visit Reed Flute Cave, sometimes called the "Palace of Nature's Art." The cave runs 240 meters underground.Inside, you'll see stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations in every shape. Colored lights make them glow - purple, blue, green, red. Look for:Lion Peak at DawnPrimitive ForestDragon and Elephant PeakMountain of Fruits and FlowersThe Crystal Palace is the largest chamber. Water on the floor reflects the rock walls - lights and shadows bounce everywhere. They also project a short "Water Curtain Movie" here, showing how stalactites grow over time.The cave stays cool year-round, around 18-20°C.Afternoon: DepartureAfter the tour, our team will take you to Guilin airport or train station for your next flight or train. iTrip Extension Ideas: If you want to keep going, we can add more stops - Xingping Ancient Town, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, or Zhangjiajie. Just tell us what you have in mind.Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your Guilin tour. Safe travels, and hope to see you again.