Cultural trekking tour in China's picturesque Guilin
On this 8-day tour, not only will you encounter the breathtaking natural scenery of Guilin, but you will get the unique opportunity to visit some of the small Chinese villages that still retain the distinctive aspects of their individual cultures.
Observe traditional buildings, eat local food, and maybe even get the chance to celebrate local festivals on this trip. You will get to meet the locals and experience their way of life as you hike along the beautiful rice terraces to village after village. Hiking excursions are a big part of this tour, and the majestic mountains veiled in mist will leave you spellbound. You will also hike along the Li River and follow the Old Trade Path to more secluded villages.
Experience the wonderful nature and culture of this authentic region.
Services
Included:
- Entrance fees to scenic spots as listed in the itinerary
- All fees for activities mentioned in the itinerary: Bamboo rafting, cycling, cooking class in Yangshuo
- Private transfers between airports, hotels, and scenic spots during the trip by private air-conditioned vehicle
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner)
- Guide as outlined in the itinerary an English-speaking guide and driver will be provided, who will remain with you throughout your time in that city
- Hotel fees are based on two people sharing one room with twin-bed
- All hotels serve daily western or Chinese breakfast
- Trains:
- High speed train from Guilin to Zhaoxing (based on 2nd class)
- High speed train from Zhaoxing to Guilin (based on 2nd class)
- All arrangements including planning, handling, operational and communication charges
- Travel agency liability insurance
Excluded:
- International airfare or train tickets to enter or leave China
- China entry visa fees
- Excess baggage charges
- Medicine for the sickness or accidents during the trip
- Personal expenses such as laundry, drinks, fax, telephone calls, optional activities, sightseeing or meals which are not included in the tour itinerary
- Any meals which are not specified in the tour itinerary
- Single room supplement
- Please notice that the price will be much higher during the festival of Labors’ Day, National Day, spring festival
- Tips to tour guide and driver (recommended USD10-15/guest/day)
- Tourist accident insurance. You are strongly suggested to buy travel and health insurance before you start out from your home country
Optional:
- no
Itinerary at a Glance
Guilin , China
Welcome to Guilin!
Guilin - Zhaoxing
Take the Train to Zhaoxing Dong Village
Zhaoxing - Longsheng
Hike Across China's Most Breathtaking Rice Terraces
Longsheng - Jinkeng Red Yao Terraced Fields
Head Deeper into Terraced Farmlands
Longsheng - Xingping Tow - Yangshuo
Hike Along the Breathtaking Li River
Yangshuo
Follow the Path of Ancient Traders
Yangshuo
Ride a Raft and Cook Like a Local
Yangshuo
Say Goodbye to this Spectacular Region
Detailed Itinerary
Guilin , China
Day 1: Welcome to Guilin!
Today you arrive in Guilin, a small city defined by magnificent natural beauty. Your guide will meet you at the exit of the airport, then drive you to a 4-star hotel in the center of the city.
Settle into the hotel, freshen up, then set out for a relaxing afternoon city tour that includes a visit to the Reed Flute Cave, the most famous limestone cave in this area. It is an excellent example of the karst formations distinctive to this region and features spectacular stalactites.
Enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Guilin - Zhaoxing
Day 2: Take the Train to Zhaoxing Dong Village
After breakfast, you'll catch the bullet train to Zhaoxing Dong Village, about an hour away.
Surrounded by towering mountain peaks, Zhaoxing is one of the largest Dong villages in the region, with a population of 4,000. Traditionally Dong men wear turbans and women wear pleated skirts. They are well-known for distinctive architecture, especially drum towers, as well as wind and rain bridges (Feng Yuqiao), which are pavilions for sheltering people during bad weather. Enjoy a stroll around Zhaoxing Dong Village and visit a local family in their home. Then, learn a traditional folk handicraft at a tie-dye workshop with the locals.
After a late lunch, embark on a 3-hour hike to one of the small villages nearby. In the evening, you will be treated to a traditional Dong performance, known as the “Grand Song."
Zhaoxing - Longsheng
Day 3: Hike Across China's Most Breathtaking Rice Terraces
Head back to Guilin this morning, then set out for an excursion to one of the most beautiful rice terraces in China, the Longji Terraces.
The first stop is Longji Ancient Zhuang Village. From here, you will hike to Pingan Zhuang Village where your hotel is located. This beautiful hiking trail offers views of a peaceful rural life. You will view the rice terraces from various angles as you make your way across the terrain, observing the local farmers. This 4-km hike will be a good warm-up for the 3-day hiking tour we will set out on tomorrow. But for now, settle into your hotel in Pingan Village and enjoy a relaxing tea ceremony and dinner with the local community.
Longsheng - Jinkeng Red Yao Terraced Fields
Day 4: Head Deeper into Terraced Farmlands
Breathe in the fresh air of a peaceful morning and watch the sunrise over Ping'an Village's terraced fields. After breakfast, hit the road for a 4 to 5-hour hike to Dazhai Village. Walk along the flagstone trekking path that winds along mountain slopes, passing local minority farmers and water buffaloes as you go. You will get a better understanding of these mountain tribes and their way of life as you venture across their lands, stopping at villages along the way.
Once the hanging buildings come into view, you will know you are approaching Dazhai Village. Here, the Jinkeng Red Yao Terraced Fields are farmed by the Red Yao ethnic group. In the villages, the long-haired Yao ladies dress in unique embroidered costumes.
Longsheng - Xingping Tow - Yangshuo
Day 5: Hike Along the Breathtaking Li River
Eat a hearty breakfast this morning and fuel up for a 5-hour hike along the Li River. Leave the stunning rice terraces behind and walk down the misty mountain slopes to the parking lot where a driver will meet you for the transfer to the foot of Mount Hebao. Here, you will start your walk along the beautiful Li River to Xingping. Characterized by breathtaking scenery the section of the Li River from Yangdi to Xingping is awe-inspiring. Farmlands line both sides of the river. Gaze in wonder at the beautiful orchards, water buffalos that patrol the fields, and the gorgeous Karst peaks in the distance.
Board a ferry to Xingping Town, a well-preserved fishing village. Then, continue by car to your hotel in Yangshuo.
Yangshuo
Day 6: Follow the Path of Ancient Traders
Wake up early this morning and get ready for a full day of exhilarating hiking. First, transfer to Fuli pier, about 30 minutes from the hotel, to start your hike. Follow the Old Trade Path through villages far from the crowds. Listen to the sounds of nature as you climb old stone steps that will take you past a pair of 100-meter-high hills.
After a break, take an easy bike ride in the countryside for about 1.5 hours if you want. Throw yourself into the stunning countryside views and a relaxed atmosphere. Be enthralled by the patches of paddy fields nestling under green hills and near the mirror-like river, with farmers cultivate the soil with their water buffalos. This evening is for you to walk leisurely.
Afterward, you can either walk up and down the earth road or climb over two more small hills to reach Suoshi Village. From there you could choose to take the vehicle back to Yangshuo, or continue for another hour to a magnificent natural wonderland. Your driver will meet you here for the transfer back to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Yangshuo
Day 7: Ride a Raft and Cook Like a Local
After breakfast, we will drive to the Yulong River to enjoy a leisurely raft ride down the Yulong River. During the 1.5 hour journey, you will get a fascinating insight into life in rural China.
Later, you can partake in a Chinese cooking class, which begins with a trip to the local market to buy the ingredients for your class. Then, you will learn to prepare two or three popular Chinese dishes under the guidance of an English-speaking tutor. At the end of the class, taste the fruits of your labor and enjoy a Chinese feast.
Following lunch, you'll have the opportunity to go rock climbing on natural cliffs.
Yangshuo
Day 8: Say Goodbye to this Spectacular Region
Your trip comes to an end today. After breakfast, spend some time at your leisure before the transfer to the airport to catch your onward flight. We hope you have had an exhilarating journey in this breathtaking part of China and wish you pleasant travels.
