7-Day Discover Yangshuo E-Bike Tour

Standing majestically in the waters of Bihu Lake in downtown Guilin, the Sun and Moon Pagodas form a world-famous cultural landmark and a masterpiece of modern Chinese architecture.

The complex consists of the bronze Sun Pagoda—standing at an impressive 41 meters and recognized as the world's tallest bronze building—and the slightly shorter, elegant glass Moon Pagoda. Connected by an underwater glass tunnel, the two structures sparkle with contrasting brilliance: the golden hues of the Sun Pagoda glow warmly, while the silvery-white radiance of the Moon Pagoda creates a tranquil aura.

Illuminated brilliantly against the night sky, the pagodas reflect gracefully off the surrounding lake waters. Set against Guilin's iconic karsts and ancient tree-lined shores, they offer a mesmerizing visual spectacle and an enchanting waterfront experience for every traveler.

Standing majestically at the confluence of the Li River and Peach Blossom River in downtown Guilin, Elephant Trunk Hill is universally hailed as the city's ultimate emblem and the "soul of Guilin's landscape."

Named for its uncanny resemblance to a giant elephant dipping its trunk into the crystal-clear waters to drink, this iconic karst formation is a masterpiece of natural erosion. Within its scenic grounds, visitors can explore the mystical Water-Moon Cave—where the river flows right through the arch, creating a picturesque moon-like reflection—and the ancient Puxian Pagoda perched atop the summit, dating back to the Ming Dynasty.

Recognized as a National 5A-level tourist attraction, Elephant Trunk Hill offers an enchanting blend of geological wonder and profound cultural history, making it an absolute must-visit landmark for any journey through Guilin.

Chuanshan lake central island is located within Chuanshan Park in Qixing District, Guilin. As a small and exquisite man-made island in the Xiaodong River waters, it is hailed as "the green pearl of Chuanshan Park". This lake island is one of the key attractions of the Chuanshan Scenic Area, and together with the distant Tashan Hill and Chuanshan Hill, it forms "the clear reflection of Tashan Hill" — one of Guilin's traditional Eight Scenic Spots. It is an indispensable must-visit spot for tourists exploring Chuanshan Park.

Cruising Guilin’s Two Rivers and Four Lakes is an immersive journey into a "living" landscape painting. This intricate waterway restores the city’s grand Tang and Song Dynasty heritage, weaving together the Li and Taohua Rivers with four historic lakes. As you glide past the shimmering Sun and Moon Pagodas and ancient city walls, you witness a thousand years of history. The route features elegant bridges and lush banyan trees, perfectly embodying the Chinese philosophy of harmony between nature and architecture. It is more than a tour; it is a poetic encounter with Guilin’s cultural soul.

A top Guilin restaurant serving authentic local flavors. Guilin Rice Noodles (chewy noodles with savory broth), Beer Fish (fresh fish braised in beer), Lipu Taro Braised Pork (tender taro with pork). Cozy and flavorful, ideal for food lovers.

An ancient town with a millennium of history, Daxu lies along the Li River amid stunning karst landscapes. Lined with well-preserved Ming and Qing-era buildings, stone-paved streets, and ancient bridges, it exudes a tranquil, old-world charm. Once a bustling commercial port, it now offers visitors a glimpse of traditional life—stroll through local markets, savor authentic snacks, or relax by the river. A perfect escape from the crowds, it’s a must-visit for those seeking Guilin’s cultural heritage and natural beauty.

The Romantic Show of Yangshuo (阳朔千古情) is not just a performance; it is a breathtaking voyage into the cultural soul of Guilin. Rooted in the mystical karst landscape, this world-class production uses state-of-the-art visual effects and immersive storytelling to recreate the millennium-old history and folklore of the Lingnan region.

From the ethereal "Legends of Guilin" to the heroic construction of the Ling Canal during the Qin Dynasty, and from the soulful mountain songs of Liu Sanjie to the vibrant modern spirit of West Street, the show is a living tapestry of history. Utilizing high-tech stage machinery and 3D effects, it places the audience at the center of a grand epic of love, struggle, and tradition.

As an iconic starting point of the Li River cruise in Yangshuo, Yangdi Wharf nestles amid towering karst peaks and crystal-clear river waters. Serving as a key hub for bamboo rafting and boat tours, it offers visitors a front-row seat to Guilin’s legendary landscape limestone mountains rising sharply from the river, lush greenery, and idyllic villages along the shores. Easily accessible by road, the wharf provides convenient access to downstream scenic spots like Xingping.

Stretching across Yangshuo’s core scenic area, the "Thousand-Mile Riverside Landscape" is a living scroll of karst wonders. Towering limestone peaks pierce the sky, reflecting in the crystal-clear Li and Yulong Rivers, while pastoral villages and green fields weave through the landscape. Lined with cycling paths and bamboo raft routes, it blends natural grandeur with rural charm—offering visitors an immersive taste of Guilin’s iconic scenery that inspired ancient Chinese paintings. A must-explore for nature lovers and culture seekers alike!

A hidden gem in Yangshuo, Yixia Tang Private Cuisine serves authentic Guangxi and local flavors with homemade warmth. Using fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from nearby farms, the restaurant crafts classic dishes like Yangshuo Beer Fish (tender carp braised in local beer with herbs), Stuffed River Snails (minced pork mixed with mushrooms stuffed into snail shells), and Lipu Taro Braised Pork (soft taro absorbed with savory pork sauce). Other highlights include bamboo shoot stir-fry and osmanthus glutinous rice cakes.

A key landmark is the Gongnong Bridge, where the Yulong, Jinbao, and Tianjia rivers meet. This spot provides a panoramic view of the "Camel Crossing the River" peak and is a hub for watching traditional bamboo rafts navigate the weirs.

While the Yulong section features well-paved paths and ancient stone bridges like the 600-year-old Yulong Bridge, the extension toward the Jinbao River takes you through primitive villages, rice paddies, and orchards far from the crowds.

The route typically passes through Jiuxian Ancient Village, known for its Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture, and skirts the famous Ten-Mile Gallery near Moon Hill.

At 34 km, this is considered a "Challenging Route" or "Experienced Player" version. While much of the riverside path is flat, the full loop involves navigating local township roads and some moderate climbs through the karst hills.

As Yangshuo’s iconic waterway, the Yulong River winds through serene karst landscapes—towering limestone peaks, lush rice fields, and ancient villages line its banks. Famous for bamboo rafting on crystal-clear waters, it also boasts scenic cycling paths and walking trails. Away from the crowds, this pristine river offers a peaceful escape to experience Guilin’s "mountains and rivers like paintings" charm. A must-visit for nature lovers and those seeking an authentic rural Chinese adventure!

Escape the tourist crowds and discover the Jinbao River, a tranquil tributary that offers the most authentic slice of rural life in Yangshuo. As you cycle along its peaceful banks, the scenery shifts from grand peaks to intimate details: ancient stone bridges, water buffalo grazing in lush rice paddies, and quiet villages where time stands still. The water here is crystal clear, mirroring the bamboo groves and distant mountains. This is a route for the soul—a gentle, rhythmic ride through the untouched heart of the countryside.

Sifangyan (Square Stone Cave) is a hidden gem tucked away in Fenglou Village, nestled within Yangshuo's breathtaking Ten-Mile Gallery. This karst cave earned its name from its distinctively square-shaped opening. Historically, it served as a mountain refuge for locals seeking shelter from bandits, with ancient defense structures still visible within its chambers today. Visitors can climb up to discover a unique "natural picture frame" created by the cave opening, which perfectly captures the stunning scenery of the surrounding landscape and the panoramic views of the tranquil Yulong River.

Hidden within Jima Village inside a restored 100-year-old Northern Guangxi mansion, Magpie Restaurant offers a dining experience steeped in history. This former scholar's residence retains its rustic charm with grey tiles, wooden beams, and a tranquil, leafy courtyard. The highlight is the rooftop terrace, which provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Yulong River and surrounding peaks. A refreshing departure from typical farmhouse meals, Magpie specializes in exquisite Thai fusion cuisine.

Xianggong Hill rises from the west bank of the Li River in Xingping, between Yellow Cloth Shoal and Nine Horses Fresco Hill, about 28 km from Yangshuo town. A stepped path of 15–20 minutes leads to a summit terrace built on four levels, each giving a slightly different frame of the river's first great bend. It is the classic vantage point for sunrise and for the sea of cloud that forms after rain.

Serving as the gateway to one of the world’s most beautiful waterways, the Li River docks in Guilin, such as Zhujiang Pier and Mopanshan Pier, are where legendary cruises to Yangshuo begin. These bustling embarkation points offer visitors their first breathtaking glimpse of the iconic karst landscape—limestone peaks shrouded in mist, bamboo groves, and cormorant fishermen. From here, motorized boats and bamboo rafts glide along the crystal-clear river, passing masterpieces like the Nine-Horse Fresco Hill. Whether you choose a standard cruise or a rustic raft from Yangdi Pier, the journey unfolds like a living scroll of traditional Chinese painting, leaving an indelible impression of serene natural beauty.

Quanjiazhou is a secluded and picturesque village, surrounded by lush bamboo groves. Known as the hidden gem of the Li River, it sits on a large, tranquil sandy shoal. This serene location is a key stop on the classic Yangdi to Xingping hiking route, offering stunning views of the surrounding karst peaks. Accessible via scenic ferries, Quanjiazhou provides a peaceful escape from the busier tourist hubs, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the authentic rural landscapes and breathtaking natural beauty of Guilin. Its untouched atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for photography and quiet exploration.

A farm-style restaurant located by the Yangshuo Yulong River, famous for its freshly roasted Clay Oven Chicken. Recommended dishes include: Clay Oven Chicken: Freshly killed and roasted, crispy outside and tender inside. Bamboo Tube Chicken & Bamboo Tube Rice: Infused with the fragrance of bamboo. Stuffed River Snails: A classic Guilin specialty. Steamed Pork with Taro: A local traditional dish.

Perched along the Li River in Yangshuo, Xingping Ancient Town is a timeless gem surrounded by dramatic karst peaks. With a history spanning over 1,700 years, it boasts well-preserved Ming and Qing-era architecture, stone streets, and traditional courtyard houses. Famous as the backdrop of the 20-yuan RMB note, its scenic riverside views, bamboo rafting experiences, and local delicacies make it unforgettable. Whether wandering ancient lanes or admiring the landscape, it’s a perfect blend of nature, history, and rural charm—essential for Yangshuo visitors.

The Sunset Mountain Water Train experience is a unique blend of modern engineering and ancient nature. Located near Xingping, travelers gather at high-altitude viewpoints to watch China’s sleek bullet trains glide through the karst mountain range. As the sun sets, the silver trains look like "silver arrows" piercing through the golden-lit peaks and emerald countryside. It has become a viral sensation for photographers, offering a surreal, cinematic contrast between the high-speed rail and the timeless, tranquil landscape of the Li River valley.

Laozhai Hill (Laozhai Shan) is a steep limestone peak located right next to the Xingping dock. Renowned as the best free viewpoint in Yangshuo, it offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the Li River’s "First Bend" and the surrounding karst forest. The hike takes about 40 minutes and involves climbing over 1,100 stone steps and a near-vertical iron ladder. It is the ultimate spot for photographers seeking the perfect sunrise or sunset over the peaks.

Yangshuo Bamboo Chicken is a celebrated local delicacy that captures the essence of the countryside. Fresh chicken is seasoned with ginger, scallions, and mountain herbs, then stuffed into a fresh green bamboo tube. The tube is sealed and slow-roasted over an open charcoal fire. This unique steaming process infuses the meat with a delicate, sweet bamboo aroma, keeping the chicken incredibly tender and juicy. It’s a fragrant, earthy dish that perfectly complements the rustic charm of the Li River region.

The village is famous for its traditional wooden Diaojiaolou (stilt houses) that cling to the steep slopes without the use of metal nails.

Red Yao women are world-renowned for their floor-length hair, which they cut only once in their lives (at age 18) as a symbol of longevity and prosperity.

The terraces aren't just for show; they are a sophisticated irrigation system. Water flows from the forested mountaintops through a network of bamboo pipes and gravity-fed channels to nourish the rice paddies.

For over 600 years, these fields have provided a livelihood in a region where flat land is non-existent. The "Jinkeng" (Gold Pit) name refers to the area's history as a gold-mining site, though today the true "gold" is the shimmering yellow rice during the autumn harvest.

The Longsheng Hot Spring National Forest Park is a thermal bathing destination set among the primeval forests north of the Longji terraces. It sits atop a natural thermal vein where mineral-rich waters gush from 1,200 meters underground. Historically, these "divine waters" have been used by local ethnic minorities for centuries for their healing properties. Today, the park blends modern spa facilities with this ancient wellness tradition, offering a serene escape surrounded by 700-year-old agricultural history and lush primeval forests.

The journey to Longji is a scenic climb through deep river valleys and lush bamboo forests. The winding mountain roads offer glimpses of traditional Zhuang and Yao stilt houses perched on steep cliffs. Historically, these terraces date back over 700 years to the Yuan Dynasty. Hand-carved by ethnic minorities to ensure survival in the mountains, the road represents a bridge between modern travelers and a profound agricultural legacy carved into the "Dragon’s Backbone."

Jinkeng Dazhai is the largest and most spectacular section of the Longji Rice Terraces. Inhabited by the Red Yao minority, it is famous for its grand, amphitheater-like landscapes that change with the seasons—from "silver mirrors" in spring to "golden waves" in autumn.

Highlights include the Golden Buddha Peak, accessible by cable car for a breathtaking sunset, and West Hill Music, the highest point for panoramic sunrise views. It’s a paradise for hikers and photographers seeking authentic ethnic culture and vast, vertical scenery.

Longsheng’s cuisine is a flavorful reflection of its ethnic diversity. The signature dish is Bamboo Tube Rice, where sticky rice, cured meat, and beans are roasted in fresh bamboo for a smoky aroma. Another highlight is Longsheng Oil Tea, a UNESCO-recognized intangible heritage. This "liquid gold" is made by frying tea leaves with ginger and garlic, then served with crispy popped rice and peanuts. These dishes, along with organic mountain vegetables and Longji Rice Wine, offer a healthy, earthy taste of the highlands.