Guilin-Yangshuo Day Trip: Xingping Fishing Village + Yulong River
Take a cruise on the Xingping River into the Li River Gallery, where the reflections of the green mountains on both banks create a fairyland-like scene.
Looking up at Nine Horses Painting Mountain from the boat, the rock patterns on the cliff face resemble galloping horses.
Hiking along the Yulong River and the paddy field ridges, the scent of fresh grass fills the air, making it a truly pleasant experience.
Overlooking the landscape from Yulong Bridge, the peaks and rice paddies intertwine to create a poetic scene.
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The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.
If you want to experience the essence of the Li River and the tranquility of the Yulong River in one day, the "Xingping cruise + Yulong River hike" is undoubtedly the best combination - it offers both the exhilaration of cruising on the river and the leisurely pace of strolling through the fields.
In the morning, head to Xingping Ancient Town Wharf and embark on a cruise to experience the most scenic section of the Li River. This section showcases the pinnacle of Li River scenery, with towering peaks lining both banks and jade-green waters. As the boat sails along the river, the first thing that catches the eye is Chaoban Mountain, its shape resembling a court tablet standing on the water's edge, its reflection crystal clear. Passing Huangbu Beach, you'll reach the famous "Huangbu Reflection"—the location featured on the 20 RMB note. When the water is as smooth as a mirror, the seven peaks are reflected in the water, blurring the lines between reality and illusion, creating a scene of breathtaking beauty. Continuing on, Nine Horses Painting Mountain comes into view, its sheer cliffs along the riverbank resembling nine galloping horses, a sight said to bring good fortune: "Seeing seven horses means you'll be a second-place scholar, seeing nine means you'll be a top scholar." From the boat, you can also see Xingping Fishing Village in the distance, its Ming and Qing dynasty houses with their blue bricks and gray tiles nestled against the mountains and beside the water, telling tales of centuries of history.
Next, we headed to the Yulong River, but this time we opted for a hike instead of rafting. The Yulong River, often called the "Little Li River," is even more tranquil and beautiful. The water is crystal clear, with swaying aquatic plants. Occasionally, a bamboo raft drifts by, its rider singing folk songs. Bamboo groves line both banks like an endless corridor, their verdant shadows reflected in the water, rustling softly in the wind like nature's whispers. The advantage of hiking is that you can stop anytime—squatting by the river to watch the fish play, or sitting on a paddy field ridge to gaze at the silhouettes of camels crossing the river. Along the way, we passed Fuli Bridge, an ancient Ming Dynasty bridge with a crescent-shaped arch, its surface covered in vines, and the clear water beneath—a perfect spot for photos. When we came across Jiuxian Village, we decided to take a stroll inside. The old city walls, ancient wells, and stone-paved roads still retain their appearance from hundreds of years ago.
Along the way, there was no rush, no crowded bamboo rafts, soft paddy field ridges underfoot, and the sounds of flowing water and birdsong all around. I truly entered the realm of "traveling in a painting." In just one day, from the magnificent river to the tranquil countryside, the beauty of Guilin and Yangshuo's landscape has been deeply imprinted in my heart.
Li River
Xingping Cruise
Inside the Xingping cruise ship
Inside the Xingping cruise ship
Yulong River Scenic Area
Yulong River Scenic Area
Purchase Notice
The tour guide will recommend Chinese food and Guilin specialties on the bus. Guests can choose to eat at their own expense.
The trip ends at 14:00 and 16:00 respectively (reference times; the end time may be delayed due to holidays or unexpected traffic congestion). If you wish to book a train or plane return trip on the same day, please allow sufficient time for boarding and check-in.
Meals are not included in the tour. You can ask the driver for recommendations or prepare your own meals in advance.
This is a short trip, and the vehicle has ample space for everyday luggage. If you are traveling long distances with large suitcases, please pay attention to the size and number of your suitcases. For reference, a 7-seater vehicle can accommodate 5 x 24-inch suitcases, and a 9-seater vehicle can accommodate 7 x 24-inch suitcases. If you have a lot of luggage, please contact customer service in advance to adjust your vehicle arrangement!
For safety reasons: Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by at least one adult passenger; seniors aged 70 and above must be accompanied by at least one relative or friend aged 18-69; this product does not accept bookings from pregnant women and seniors aged 75 and above. Thank you for your understanding.
Our company reserves the right to adjust the order of the tour itinerary, but the content of the tour will not be reduced. If the itinerary is affected by force majeure, the travel agency will assist tourists in resolving the issue, but will not be liable for any losses incurred. Any additional costs incurred as a result will be borne by the tourists themselves.
Within the scenic area, at the exit, and along the route, restaurants may have shops selling cultural and creative products, souvenirs, and small stores. Please choose these shops voluntarily and purchase with caution. When purchasing goods, you should request an invoice and relevant certificates, and keep these documents safe. Your shopping at these locations is entirely your personal choice and has nothing to do with the travel agency.
Reminders
A minimum of 2 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 1 day(s) before the departure date
FAQ
Xingping Ancient Town is renowned for its picturesque setting along the Li River, famously depicted on the 20 Yuan banknote. Visitors can explore its well-preserved traditional streets, experience local culture, and enjoy stunning natural wonders like Nine Horses Painting Mountain during a scenic boat trip from Xingping. It serves as a charming gateway to the Li River's most beautiful sections.
To effectively explore Xingping Ancient Town and its surrounding scenic areas, including a boat trip on the Li River, a half-day (approximately 3-4 hours) is generally recommended. This allows sufficient time to wander through the ancient streets, immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, and fully appreciate the famous river views and landscapes.
Xingping Fishing Village is characterized by its traditional architecture, tranquil riverside setting, and local fishing culture, offering a glimpse into authentic rural life along the Li River. It is generally considered a safe area for visitors, providing a peaceful and serene atmosphere typical of small Chinese villages. Standard travel precautions are always advisable.
Along the Yulong River, visitors can enjoy serene activities such as hiking along the paddy field ridges, where the scent of fresh grass enhances the experience. Key scenic points include the Yulong Bridge, which offers picturesque views of intertwined peaks and rice paddies. Bamboo rafting is also a popular way to explore the river's tranquil beauty and discover unique villages.
For a day trip focused on Yangshuo, must-do activities include exploring the vibrant West Street, known for its unique shops and eateries. Additionally, many visitors enjoy cycling through the surrounding countryside to appreciate the stunning karst scenery, or experiencing the tranquility of the Yulong River through activities like hiking or bamboo rafting. These offer a blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty.
Yes, it is highly feasible to experience key highlights of Yangshuo as part of a day trip from Guilin. Many tours are specifically designed for this purpose, often combining visits to iconic spots like Xingping Ancient Town and the Yulong River. While a full, in-depth exploration might require more time, a well-planned day trip allows visitors to capture the essence of Yangshuo's stunning landscapes and cultural charm.
To fully explore the diverse attractions of both Guilin and Yangshuo at a relaxed pace, a duration of 3 to 5 days is generally recommended. This allows ample time for iconic Li River cruises, exploring Yangshuo's countryside, visiting local caves, and enjoying the rich cultural experiences and natural beauty each area offers without feeling rushed.
Common transportation options between Guilin and Yangshuo include direct tourist buses, which are convenient and frequent, providing an efficient way to travel. Alternatively, a scenic Li River cruise offers a unique journey, combining transportation with an immersive sightseeing experience. For greater flexibility, private car services or shared shuttles are also popular choices, offering direct travel to your desired destinations.
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