Best of Guilin, Longji Rice Terraces & Yangshuo — 3-City Small Group

Trip Overview

A relaxed 4-day small-group escape through Guangxi's karst dreamland — Guilin's rivers, the Longji rice terraces and the limestone peaks of Yangshuo.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 · Guilin

• Arrive Guilin; city icons and river views.
• Scenic spots: Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave, Sun and Moon Towers.
• Local food: Guilin rice noodles (mifen).
• Transport: private car airport transfer.

Day 2 · Guilin → Longji

• Mountain drive to the terraces.
• Scenic spots: Longji (Dragon's Backbone) Rice Terraces, Yao ethnic villages.
• Transport: private car (~2.5h).

Day 3 · Longji → Yangshuo

• Descend to Yangshuo by the Li River.
• Scenic spots: Xingping ancient town (20-yuan scenery), West Street.
• Transport: private car + Li River cruise.

Day 4 · Yangshuo

• Caves, bamboo rafts and cycling among the peaks.
• Scenic spots: Silver Cave, Yulong River bamboo raft, Ten-Mile Gallery.
• Transport: private car; return to Guilin airport.

Highlights

• Sunrise over the Longji rice terraces.
• A bamboo raft drifting past Yangshuo's karst towers.
• The Li River view that graces the 20-yuan note.

Practical Tips

• Best season: April–October; terraces are greenest May–September.
• Book the Li River cruise class in advance.
• Yangshuo is bike-friendly; rent an e-bike for the galleries.

Estimated Cost (per person)

• Lodging (3 nights, comfort): ~$230
• Transport (car + cruise): ~$150
• Tickets: ~$110
• Meals: ~$90
• Guide share: ~$70
• Total (Comfort): ~$650 per person
• Budget variant: ~$470 · Comfort variant: ~$650 · Premium variant: ~$980