Sample Itineraries
Guilin and Li River: 8-Day Private Tour (2027)
A dedicated photography journey through the hillside terraces of Longji, the river bends of Xingping, and the karst valleys of Yangshuo.
- Duration
- 7 nights / 8 days
- Pace
- Active (3 of 4)
- Cities
- Longji → Xingping → Yangshuo
- Best for
- Photographers and keen amateur shooters
Who this route is for
Designed for landscape photographers who prioritize low morning and dusk light over standard museum and monument hours. Dividing the journey between mountain villages and river valleys offers varied vantage points without constant hotel changes. The active pace balances steep dawn climbs with midday rest blocks.
Reference prices
Price checked: 2 November 2026
- Independent
- From $2,200per person
- Private Guided
- From $3,400per person
Reference prices for 2027 trips · reference price for 2 travelers sharing · international flights not included
Season, hotel level and group size change the price; your consultant quotes the exact trip.
Compare what each level includesThe route
- 1. Longji2 nights
- 2. Xingping3 nights
- 3. Yangshuo2 nights
Private car
Private car
Day by day
01
Arrival in Guilin and transfer to Longji
Longji
Morning
Arrive at Guilin Liangjiang airport or Guilin West station and meet your driver for the private car transfer to the Longji rice terraces (about two to three hours, indicative).
Afternoon
Walk up stone paths to your village guesthouse, with local porters available to help carry luggage up the hillside.
Evening
Head to the terraces near the village edge to photograph late golden-hour light across the layered hillsides.
02
Sunrise over the Longji rice terraces
Longji
Morning
Start early for sunrise at a terrace viewpoint above the village, then return to the guesthouse for a late-morning rest block.
Afternoon
Take an unhurried walk along village paths to a second viewpoint overlooking the terraced basin.
Evening
Photograph the terraces through evening blue hour as village lamps flicker on, followed by dinner nearby.
03
Road transfer to Xingping and evening river light
Xingping
Morning
Set off by private car from Longji to Xingping, an indicative long road journey winding down out of the mountains.
Afternoon
Check in to your hotel near the Li River and rest through the afternoon after the drive.
Evening
Walk to the Li River bank to frame karst silhouettes and water reflections as dusk settles in.
04
Laozhai Hill sunrise and Xingping old town
Xingping
Morning
Climb the steep steps of Laozhai Hill before dawn for a sunrise panorama over the Li River bend, returning to the hotel for a late-morning rest.
Afternoon
Stroll Xingping old street to photograph traditional architecture, courtyard details, and river life.
Evening
Head back to the riverbank for quiet compositions as evening light fades over the limestone pinnacles.
05
The banknote viewpoint and twilight riverbanks
Xingping
Morning
Enjoy a slow morning at your hotel to review images or relax at a quiet riverside teahouse.
Afternoon
Position your camera along the Li River to capture the scene printed on the Chinese banknote.
Evening
Work along the riverbank at dusk to photograph evening light on the water.
06
Transfer to Yangshuo and Yulong River evening light
Yangshuo
Morning
Take a short private car transfer from Xingping across to your countryside base near Yangshuo.
Afternoon
Check in and rest through the midday heat at your hotel surrounded by limestone pinnacles.
Evening
Head out along the Yulong River to photograph pastoral fields, water reflections, and stone bridges in the late evening light.
07
Yulong River dawn and Xianggong Hill sunset
Yangshuo
Morning
Head out before dawn for a sunrise shoot among the karst fields along the Yulong River, followed by a late-morning rest block at your hotel.
Afternoon
Enjoy a quiet afternoon recharging camera equipment and resting before the late afternoon excursion.
Evening
Travel north by private car to Xianggong Hill for late light over the Li River bend, subject to opening hours and weather.
08
Morning countryside and departure
Yangshuo
Morning
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast overlooking the limestone peaks before packing your photography gear.
Afternoon
A private car transfers you to Guilin Liangjiang airport or Guilin West station (about an hour and a half, indicative), timed to your flight or train.
Evening
Board your onward flight or train from Guilin.
Reference prices for 2027 trips
Two ways to take this route.
Your final price depends on hotels, car arrangements and what you ask for — usually a little above this, sometimes more.
Independent
From $2,200
per person · reference price for 2 travelers sharing · international flights not included
- Guide
- No full-time guide; add a guide for set times or sights
- Car
- On request
Private Guided
From $3,400
per person · reference price for 2 travelers sharing · international flights not included
- Guide
- English-speaking private guide throughout
- Car
- Private car throughout
Included on both
- Hotels selected by us, confirmed by you, usually with breakfast
- Transport inside China: high-speed rail, domestic flights and transfers, including 12306 handling
- Entrance tickets for the sights in your itinerary
- Restaurant bookings made ahead where China requires it
- 24h WhatsApp / WeChat support while you travel, plus the LocalKey app
Not included
- International flights — we can book them on request, quoted separately
- Visa fees — many passports can enter China visa-free. Check your passport
- Personal spending and shopping
- Travel insurance
Tipping is not customary in China. There are no tips in your price, and you do not need to tip anyone who looks after you during your trip.
Make it yours
Keep the shape. Change the details.
Every sample here can be shortened, stretched, or rebuilt around what you care about.
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Per person · reference price for 2 travelers sharing · international flights not included. Your final price depends on hotels, car arrangements and what you ask for — usually a little above this, sometimes more. Reference prices for 2027 trips.