Private Custom Tour: Guilin City Must-See Sights in One Day
Active
6h - 8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Short on time in Guilin? Elevate your city sightseeing with a fully customizable private full-day tour crafted just for your travel preferences!
Led by a knowledgeable local guide and traveling in a private air-conditioned vehicle, you’ll design your perfect itinerary around your own interests&pace. Pick and choose from Guilin’s most iconic highlights: wander the scenic Elephant Trunk Hill, marvel at the stunning stalactites and karst caves of Reed Flute Cave, soak in the panoramic views from Fubu Hill, take in the gentle beauty of the Li River, or explore the lush greenery of Seven Star Park. For a more local touch, you can also opt to visit the picturesque Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area, browse bustling local markets, go shopping for unique souvenirs, or simply unwind at a local spot—just discuss your ideas with your guide, and we’ll make it happen.
Includes professional English-speaking guide, round-trip private air-conditioned transfers, and entrance fees for 2-3 attractions
Available options
Private Custom Tour: Guilin City Must-See Sights in One Day
Pickup included
What's included
Professional guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off(For hotels in Guilin City)
Bottled water
Transport by private vehicle
Entrance Fee
Detailed itinerary
1
Meet your private driver and English-speaking guide at your downtown Guilin hotel, where they will help you load your luggage into the air-conditioned private car and briefly introduce the day’s itinerary and customization options before setting off.
2
Stop 2
Follow your guide to visit Elephant Trunk Hill first, Guilin’s iconic landmark shaped like an elephant drinking by the Li River. Your guide will take you to the best viewing spots, show you the Water Moon Cave under its "trunk", and share brief stories about the historical inscriptions here as you explore the scenic area together.
Elephant Trunk Hill is the landmark of Guilin. It has been a famous tourism destination since the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907). The hill looks like a giant elephant drinking water from the river.
3
Stop 3
Next, proceed to Fubo Hill, a famous karst hill by the Li River. With your guide’s accompaniment, you will appreciate its steep cliffs and ancient stone carvings, learn about the legendary "Fubo Sword" story, and enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the Li River and Guilin city from the hilltop.
4
Stop 4
Then, head to Reed Flute Cave, known as the "Palace of Natural Art". Your guide will lead you through the underground cave, pointing out the unique shapes of colorful stalactites and stalagmites, and introducing the cave’s history and its connection to the classic *Journey to the West*.
5
Stop 5
After that, visit Seven Star Park, Guilin’s largest comprehensive park named after seven peaks like the Big Dipper. Your guide will take you to key spots, such as the ancient Seven Star Cave and cliff inscriptions, allowing you to enjoy the park’s lush greenery and rich cultural landscapes.
Throughout the tour, you can adjust the order of the attractions or add other spots from the recommended list according to your preferences, as this itinerary is fully customizable.
At the end of the tour, your driver and guide will send you back to your hotel safely.
What's not included
Gratuities
Meals
Available languages
Guide guide
CMN
EN
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Guilin
Guilin is renowned for its stunning karst landscapes, with the Li River meandering through picturesque peaks and lush greenery. This city offers a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant local culture, making it a must-visit destination in southern China.
Top Attractions
Li River Cruise
A scenic cruise along the Li River, offering breathtaking views of karst peaks, lush greenery, and traditional villages. The cruise typically starts from Guilin and ends in Yangshuo, covering a distance of about 83 kilometers.
Nature
4-5 hours for the full cruise
Moderate (¥150-300 depending on the type of cruise)
Elephant Trunk Hill
A famous landmark in Guilin, shaped like an elephant drinking water from the Li River. The hill offers hiking trails, a scenic cave, and panoramic views of the city and river.
Nature
1-2 hours
Budget (¥30-50)
Reed Flute Cave
A stunning limestone cave with a history of over 1,800 years. The cave is known for its intricate rock formations, colorful lighting, and ancient inscriptions.
Nature
1-2 hours
Budget (¥80-100)
Longji Terraced Fields
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring stunning terraced rice fields carved into the hillsides. The fields are a testament to the ingenuity of the local Zhuang and Yao ethnic minorities, who have cultivated the land for centuries.
Nature
Full day trip
Moderate (¥100-200 for transportation and entrance fees)
Yangshuo
A picturesque town along the Li River, known for its stunning karst landscapes, outdoor activities, and vibrant nightlife. Yangshuo is a popular destination for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation.
Nature
Half day to full day trip
Budget to Moderate (depending on activities)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Guilin Rice Noodles (Guilin Mifen)
A local specialty made from rice, served with various toppings and broths. The noodles are thin, chewy, and often served with ingredients like pickled vegetables, peanuts, and meat.
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian options available
Beer Fish (Pijiu Yu)
A local delicacy featuring fish marinated in beer and deep-fried, served with a spicy sauce. The dish is known for its crispy texture and unique flavor.
Dinner
Contains fish and gluten (beer)
Liangpi (Cold Noodles)
A refreshing and light dish made from rice flour, served cold with a variety of toppings and sauces. It is a popular street food and a great option for hot summer days.
Snack/Lunch
Vegetarian options available
Osmanthus Cake (Guihua Bing)
A traditional sweet made from glutinous rice flour, osmanthus flowers, and sugar. The cake has a unique fragrance and a soft, chewy texture.
Dessert
Vegetarian and vegan options available
Popular Activities
Rock climbing
Rafting and kayaking
Hiking
Li River cruise
Tea house visits
Spa and wellness
Visiting ethnic minority villages
Attending local festivals
Best Time to Visit
April to June, September to November
These months offer pleasant weather with moderate temperatures and lush greenery, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
20°C to 30°C
68°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Chinese (Mandarin)
- Widely spoken: Cantonese, Zhuang (local dialect)
- English: Limited
Currency
Chinese Yuan (CNY)
Time Zone
GMT+8
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Guilin is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's essential to take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps like Didi
- • Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas
- • Bargain for souvenirs and street food, and be cautious of overpriced or fake goods
Getting there
By air
- Guilin Liangjiang International Airport • 27 km from city center
By train
Guilin Railway Station, Guilin West Railway Station
By bus
Guilin Long-Distance Bus Station, Guilin South Long-Distance Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The bus system is affordable and convenient, with routes covering most of the city and connecting to popular tourist spots.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Didi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Zhengyang District
Xiangshan District
Qixing District
Day trips
Yangshuo
65 km from Guilin • Half day to full day trip
Yangshuo is a picturesque town along the Li River, known for its stunning karst landscapes, outdoor activities, and vibrant nightlife. The town offers a variety of adventures, from biking and rock climbing to rafting and kayaking.
Longji Terraced Fields
70 km from Guilin • Full day trip
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring stunning terraced rice fields carved into the hillsides. The fields are a testament to the ingenuity of the local Zhuang and Yao ethnic minorities, who have cultivated the land for centuries.
Xingping Ancient Town
25 km from Guilin • Half day trip
A well-preserved ancient town along the Li River, known for its traditional architecture, historic sites, and scenic views. The town is famous for its appearance on the back of the 20 RMB note.
Festivals
Li River Festival • September
Guilin Tea Culture Festival • March
Zhuang Ethnic Minority Festival • Varies (usually in spring or autumn)
Pro tips
- Take a Li River cruise at sunrise or sunset for the best lighting and fewer crowds
- Hire a local guide for a more informative and immersive experience, especially when visiting ethnic minority villages or historic sites
- Learn a few basic Chinese phrases to enhance your interactions with locals and show respect for their culture
- Carry small denominations of cash for street vendors, tips, and small purchases
- Use ride-hailing apps like Didi for convenient and affordable transportation, but ensure you have a local SIM card or eSIM
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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