Day 1 Longji Terraces

07:30: Meet your tour guide and head for the Longji Terraces Rice Fields.

09:30 - 15:00: Enjoy the amazing natural views of the Longji Terraces and taste the authentic Zhuang nationality food. Situated about 27 kilometers southeast of Longsheng County, there is a vast region of rice terraces stretching layer upon layer. Known as the Longji Rice Terraces (Dragon Backbone’s Rice Terraces), the grandest terraces in China! Construction began in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), and the terraces were only completed in the early Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). It represents the great accomplishment of profound wisdom and the strenuous labor of minority people in Southern China.

Varying scenes put on their display with the passage of four different seasons, as nature displays its grandeur. The terrace presents a picture of chains or ribbons hung on the hillsides in the spring due to the irrigation systems. With the coming of Summer, massive green shadows cast from the heavens, float across the terraces. With the commencement of Autumn, ripened millet bends the stems, giving people hope of harvest. In winter, the whole terrace is covered with white snow like a playful dragon that has been rolling in the snow.

Wandering in the terraces, one can not only enjoy the natural beauty, but also experience the unique culture of ethnic minorities. There are several minorities, including Zhuang, Miao and Yao. One can visit their wooden buildings, learn their beautiful dances and appreciate their costumes and Longji tea.

17:00: Guilin Hotel drop off at the tour end.




    

Day 2 Li River Cruise, West Street

09:00: Meet your tour guide and start your Guilin tour.



09:00 - 13:00:  The Li River Cruise is the highlight of a trip to Guilin. Surrounded by the unusual rock and mountain formations on both sides, the Li River meanders through slowly and peacefully. Picturesque natural views present themselves at every turn interspersed with swimming ducks, napping fisherman, and buffalo blissfully eating grass. You will feel like you have wandered into a fairyland. Note that lunch is included on your cruise and your journey will end in Yangshuo.

14:30 - 17:00: As you disembark the ship, you will wander along West Street, a street built in western style. It’s a unique cultural symbol in Yangshuo, and makes foreigners feel welcome and at home. As the first western-style street, West Street has been a model for other tourist cities to clone from. Here you will see various kinds of western stores as well as shops selling traditional Chinese decorations like small embroidery pouches, Chinese knots and lucky bags.

17:00: Drop off at your Yangshuo hotel.



    

Day 3 Yangshuo Countryside biking, Moon Hill, Dragon Bridge, Bamboo Rafting

09:00 - 10:00: After pick-up from your hotel, you will find yourselves in a splendid picture. Brooks gurgle all around and proud, lush trees dance with the wind. Birds are singing and the mountains fade into a water-colour distance. Such a relaxed and picturesque place is best explored with a bike ride along scenic paths. With the guidance of our representative, you can also learn some facts and history of Yangshuo.

10:20 - 12:00: After biking for about 10 mins, you will encounter a big peak in the shape of moon. This is Moon Hill, your next stop. Inside the Moon Hill Cave, there are various stalactite formations like ‘Chang’e’, ‘Jade Bunny’, and an Osmanthus tree, all of which resemble the legend of Guanghan Palace on the moon. Following the visiting route, you will find the moon shape changes from a crescent to a full moon just like the real moon!

12:00 - 13:00: Have lunch at a Yangshuo restaurant.

13:20 - 14:20: Your next big sight would be the Yulong River. In contrast to the long and big Li River, the Yulong River is smaller, but still with distinct features. Firstly, you will walk on the Dragon Bridge. Built in the Ming Dynasty, this bridge has a history of 600 years. The whole bridge is 36 m long. 4.2m wide and 9m high. It is inscribed with various patterns and looks very grand.

14:30 - 16:30 p.m: Lastly, you will rent a bamboo raft and drift on the Yulong River like a local person. Don’t worry, your local guide will help you to rent a raft and there will be local farmer to help manoeuvre it along.

17:00: Return to Yangshuo hotel.




    

Day 4 Seven Star Park, Reed Flute Cave, Elephant Trunk Hill

09:00: Greeted by your tour guide at your hotel lobby, you will set off on your last day.

09:20-12:00: The first and the very highlight is the Reed Flute Cave. This name is derived from the fact that reeds which are good for making flutes, grow near the cave. Entering the Reed Flute Cave area, you will see the luxuriant flowers and trees immediately. On the left, there is a pond surrounded by restaurants, shops, tea houses, pavilions and bridges. Inside the cave, you will be intoxicated by the various stalactites, stalagmites and columns. Under the shower of different lights, all formations are varied and bizarre.

12:00 - 13:00: Lunch for your own arrangement under the recommendation of our tour guide.

13:20 - 15:00: After lunch, you will leave for Seven Star Park. Just like the other sights in Guilin, it is also famous for its natural landscapes. With the guidance of your tour guide, you will stroll through the grand, yet not-so-tall Mt. Seven Star, the ancient Yuehua Bridge, and the spectacular cave. Meanwhile, you will see the diligent Guilin citizens exercising in the park. Some are singing, some are dancing, some are playing and others are practicing, Their singing and laughing will make you feel happy and excited to maybe join in with their activities.

15:20 - 16:40: Your last sight in Guilin will be Elephant Trunk Hill. From the name, you can guess what you will be looking at. As the city symbol, Elephant Trunk Hill is the typical representation to Guilin mountains and water. Entering the sight, you will see stone carvings of elephants. As you keep moving a hill looking like an elephant trunk will be revealed. From the hill, you can admire all the rivers and views right in front of you including small Love Island and Standing Tower as well as drifting rafts waiting for guests and sea eagles poised to catch fish.

17:00: Transfer back to hotel. Your Guilin and Yangshuo 4-day tour draws to a conclusion.