Overview

Drift the Yulong River by hand-poled bamboo raft, cycle the Ten-Mile Gallery, and hike the most scenic stretch of the legendary Li River past the 20-yuan banknote landscape.

About This Tour

Guilin's karst scenery is some of the most iconic in the world, immortalized on the Chinese 20-yuan note. This relaxed 2-day private tour bases you in Yangshuo, a riverside town surrounded by emerald limestone peaks, rice paddies and meandering rivers. You will glide down the gentle Yulong River on a traditional hand-poled bamboo raft, far quieter and more authentic than the motorized boats, then cycle the famous Ten-Mile Gallery to reach hidden corners most visitors never see. On day two, you walk a flat, easy 10 km along the Li River, considered one of China's ten classic trekking routes, passing Nine Horses Fresco Hill and the celebrated Yellow Cloth Reflection before arriving in the old fishing town of Xingping. With your own English-speaking guide and private vehicle, the pace is yours alone. Best enjoyed spring through autumn, this trip suits families, couples and first-time visitors who want world-class scenery without strenuous effort. Itinerary may adjust based on weather, road and local regulations. Good to know: • Best season: March to November; the rivers and karst hills are greenest in spring and summer • Fitness level: easy; the Li River trek is a flat 10 km on good paths • Bamboo rafting is hand-poled and weather dependent; bring sun protection • Casual outdoor clothing and comfortable walking shoes recommended

Itinerary

Day 1: Yangshuo | Yulong River Rafting & Cormorant Light Show

Meet your guide at Yangshuo high-speed rail station around 10:45 and transfer roughly one hour to the countryside, stopping for a local lunch recommended by your guide. In the afternoon you board a traditional bamboo raft on the Yulong River, two people per raft, for a tranquil 2.5 km drift of about 30 minutes. Because the rafts are hand-poled rather than motorized, the experience is far more peaceful and authentic. You then rent a bicycle or e-bike to cycle the scenic Ten-Mile Gallery and the back lanes of the Yulong valley, a secret route that escapes the crowds and reveals why locals say the finest of Guilin's scenery is found in Yangshuo. In the evening you gather at the official viewing point for the cormorant fishermen light show before returning to your hotel. Meals: L. Overnight in Yangshuo.

Day 2: Li River Hike | Nine Horses Hill & Xingping Old Town

After breakfast, transfer to the trailhead around 09:00 to walk the most beautiful section of the Li River, one of China's ten classic trekking routes. The roughly 10 km path is flat and undemanding, hugging the riverbank beneath towering karst peaks. You pass Nine Horses Fresco Hill, where legend says you can count the hidden horses in the cliff face, and the famous Yellow Cloth Reflection that appears on the 20-yuan banknote. A simple farmhouse lunch is taken en route. The trail ends at the photogenic old fishing town of Xingping; the energetic can add a 1 to 1.5 hour climb up Old Village Hill for a panorama of the river. Around 16:00 you transfer to Yangshuo station for your onward train. Meals: B, L. Trip ends.

What's Included

✓ Included

English-speaking guide Private vehicle & transfers 1 night hotel accommodation Yulong River bamboo rafting (2 per raft) Bicycle/e-bike rental along the Ten-Mile Gallery Li River hiking permits/entrance fees as listed

✕ Not included

International & domestic flights and trains China visa Travel insurance Most meals (guide recommends local restaurants) Personal expenses Tips Optional Old Village Hill climb

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation is available on most tours up to 24 hours before the start time. The exact cancellation terms for this tour are shown during booking.

Traveler Reviews

4.9★★★★★Based on 43 reviews

Mia V.🇦🇺 Australia★★★★★2026-03

Honestly, I had seen plenty of photos of the Li River. Being there was quieter and more absorbing than I expected, and I stopped checking my phone for a while.

Jonas K.🇯🇵 Japan★★★★★2024-12

Transport to the trailhead was the piece I would not have wanted to arrange myself. Once there, the day felt simple.

Liam P.🇦🇪 UAE★★★★★2025-05

A practical note: this is not technical hiking, but it isn't a city stroll either. Starting early gave us a cooler, quieter stretch on the trail. I would rather keep the pause at the Li River than add another stop.

Henrik U.🇳🇱 Netherlands★★★★★2024-10

In hindsight, not every minute was engineered into a “moment.” There was time for coffee, questions and simply watching Guilin go by. For this itinerary, the number of stops was enough.

Tom B.🇲🇾 Malaysia★★★★☆2025-07

I booked mainly for the Yangshuo countryside. I was glad I did because of the trail.

Yangshuo & Li River 2-Day Private Tour: Yulong River Bamboo Rafting & Riverside Hiking