Elephant Trunk Hill

Situated on the west banks of the River Li, Guilin City has become one of China’s most popular cities for its stunning limestone karst rocks and curious caves. On this full-day sightseeing tour you will explore some of the city’s most fascinating natural landmarks, starting at Elephant Trunk Hill on the confluence of the Li River and Peach River. This symbol of Guilin takes its name from its resemblance to an elephant drinking water from the river. The popular site dates back more than 3.6 million years, and towers more than 180 feet (55 meters) above the green waters of the river. Continue to Fubo Hill. Partially submerged in the river, it was named for General Fubo of the Tang Dynasty, and was the site of his Mayuan Temple. Because of its height, the hill is said to tame the waves and stop surging waters, which then form whirlpools. Climb almost 350 steps for a bird's eye view of Guilin. The steps beside the Sword Testing Stone wind their way to the 1,000 Buddha Cave, site of more than 200 Tang Dynasty Buddha statues. Next, go to Reed Flute Cave to see beautiful stalactites, stalagmites, stone pillars, and stone flowers of various shapes, all glistening in colored lights. Finally, learn about pearl farming at the small South China Pearl Museum, where you’ll find stalls selling craft jewelry if you want to purchase a unique gift, before the transfer back to your hotel.

Meet your tour guide in the lobby of your Guilin hotel, discuss the city highlights and attractions you wish to see with your guide who will help you plan an itinerary according to your interests. Then, set off and explore. You also can follow our sample itinerary, feel free to tell your guide if you want to make any changes during the tour. Your first stop is Elephant Trunk Hill. Elephant Trunk Hill is the landmark of Guilin. It has been a famous tourism destination since the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907). The hill looks like a giant elephant drinking water from the river. Elephant Trunk Hill enjoys green mountains, clear water, fantastic caves and beautiful rocks. Continue to Guilin Fubo hill. Fubo Hill stands next to the Li River and rises abruptly out of the surrounding landscape, it is famous for both natural beauty and historic art. Follow your tour guide to explore etchings of Buddha dating back to the Song and Tang Dynasties (618 - 1279) at Thousand-Buddha Cave and Pearl-Returning Cave. Admire the Sword-Testing Rock and get to know the legendary stories behind it. Enjoy a delicious lunch in the local restaurant, afterwards, heading to Reed Flute Cave. Over millions of years, dripping water has eroded the cave to create a special world of various stalactites, stone pillars and rock formations. Explore important spots in the attraction such as : Tower-shaped Pine, Crystal Palace etc. Despite the fantastic natural scenery inside Reed Flute Cave, there are many writings on the wall. There are 77 travelogues and poems left, which are derived from the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Next, stroll around the Seven Stars Park. The Seven Stars Park is endowed with elegant mountains, clear water, miraculous stone forest, deep and serene valleys, plentiful animals and plants and valued cultural relics. It has been popular since the Sui (581-618) and Tang (618-907) Dynasties. You will have a chance to stand on the oldest bridge in Guilin in the park Tour ends with hotel drop off.

Day 1: City Highlights Meet your tour guide in the lobby of your Guilin hotel, discuss the city highlights and attractions you wish to see with your guide who will help you plan an itinerary according to your interests. You also can follow our sample itinerary. Your first stop is Elephant Trunk Hill which is the landmark of Guilin. The hill looks like a giant elephant drinking water from the river. Continue to Guilin Fubo hill. Fubo Hill stands next to the Li River and rises abruptly out of the surrounding landscape, it is famous for both natural beauty and historic art. Enjoy a delicious lunch in the local restaurant, afterwards, heading to Reed Flute Cave. Explore important spots in the attraction such as : Tower-shaped Pine, Crystal Palace etc. Next, stroll around the Seven Stars Park. Tour ends with hotel drop off. Day 2: Longsheng Rice Terrace Meet your guide in the lobby of your Guilin hotel and hop on your private air-conditioned vehicle. Head directly to the Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces. Discuss with your tour guide about the routine that interests you most. Choose to explore the Dazhai or Ping'an Rice Terraces. If you choose to visit the Dazhai Rice Terraces, take the convenient cable car directly to Golden Buddha Peak. Follow your guide and take an easy walk around to snap photos from different locations. If you choose to visit the Ping'an Rice Terraces, follow your guide to hike and explore. Admire the undulating and intricate scenery that lives up to the name of "dragon's spine." Explore two famous scenic spots, West Hill Music or No.1 viewing platform, and Large-scale Thousand-Layer Terraces or No.2 viewing platform. Enjoy lunch in the local village and stop at Huangluo Long Hair Village to enjoy an amazing long hair show. Learn about the Yao ethnic group and their long hair, which recognized as the "world's longest hair village" by Guinness World Records. After your tour return to your hotel in Guilin. Day 3: Li River Cruise to Yangshuo Your private English-speaking guide and driver will pick you up from your Guilin downtown hotel's lobby at 8:00am and you will be transferred to Zhujiang Pier, where you will embark and start the boat cruise down the Li River to Yangshuo County. (you will be on your own on the cruise, guide meet you at the cruise terminal) You can choose to take the 4-star cruise which is the highest level. It offers better facilities and a buffet lunch. Or 3 Star cuise which including simple Chinese style lunch. Once arrive Yangshuo, the afteernoon activities is flexiable. You can choose these options 1: Take a walk or ride a bike to explore Yangshuo's countrysid 2: Explore the Ten-Mile Gallery in Yangshuo. Sauntering down a country road makes you feel like you are travelling in a painting. 3: Stop at Moon Hill for photos At the end of the tour you will be trasnfrred back to Guilin by a private vehicle. You also can choose to end your tour in Yangshuo.

Discover the highlights of Guilin on a private day tour with and English speaking tour guide and private vehicle. See the Elephant Trunk Hill, Yunfeng Temple, and Puxian Tower. Admire the rock formations within Reed Flute Cave, then discover the 1000-year-old Daxu Old Town. Meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel in Guilin and hop on your private air-conditioned vehicle. Discuss the historical highlights and attractions you wish to see with your knowledgeable guide who will help you plan an itinerary according to your interests. Then, set off and explore. Start with the Elephant Trunk Hill, the landmark of Guilin. It has been a famous tourism destination since the Tang Dynasty. The hill looks like a giant elephant drinking water from the river. Enjoy a vigorous walk to the top, visit the the Ming Dynasty Puxian Tower which was built to worship Samantabahdra. Get to learn its history from your tour guide, then enjoy the panoramic views of the city, Li River, and surrounding scenery. Continue to Yunfeng Temple, one of the famous ancient temples of Guilin. Stroll around the temple and the exhibition gallery on the second floor. Afterward, head to Reed Flute Cave. Over millions of years, dripping water has eroded the cave to create a special world of various stalactites, stone pillars, and rock formations. Explore important spots in the attraction such as Tower-shaped Pine and Crystal Palace. Then, head to Daxu Old Town. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch first. Then spend some leisure time to explore. As a typical and well-preserved traditional Chinese town, Daxu old town is a jewel of culture and history that is still ranked as an off-the-beaten track sight. Stroll around the long and narrow blue flagstone paths. Houses on both sides are made of black brick and grey tile in the style of the Ming and Qing Dynasty, reflecting historical vicissitudes over past years. Explore the local shops and restaurants. Admire the Gaozu Temple and the Hanhuang Temple which was built in the Qing Dynasty. Stand on the Longevity Bridge and appreciate the charming scenery of the Li river, nearby Millstone Hill, and Snail Hill across the bank.  When you are ready to leaven, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Guilin.

Morning: Elephant Trunk Hill and Solitary Beauty Peak Your day begins with a visit to Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin’s most iconic landmark. This natural wonder resembles an elephant drinking from the Lijiang River and is steeped in local legend. Take memorable photos, listen to the story of how an elephant transformed into a hill, and explore the hidden secrets within the “belly” of this geological marvel. Next, head to Solitary Beauty Peak, located in the heart of Guilin City. Climb 306 stone steps to reach the peak, which stands 66 meters high. From the top, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Guilin City and a section of the Lijiang River, a sight cherished by celebrities and scholars since ancient times. Midday: Daxu Ancient Town Exploration Afterward, take a 1-hour drive to Daxu Ancient Town, located on the east bank of the Li River, 23 kilometers southeast of Guilin City. This town boasts over 1,000 years of history, dating back to the early Northern Song Dynasty. Once the leader of four renowned ancient towns in Guangxi Province, Daxu is home to highlights such as the Gaozu Temple, the Hanhuang Temple (built during the Qing Dynasty), assembly halls, and a two-kilometer-long bluestone street lined with well-preserved buildings. Don’t miss the Longevity Bridge, a Ming Dynasty-era stone arch admired for its natural and simplistic beauty. With the Li River to its west, this town offers an excellent opportunity to appreciate the river’s timeless charm. Evening: Cormorant Fishing Performance and Return to Guilin Conclude your day with a visit to Xingping Town to witness the captivating cormorant fishing performance, a popular nighttime activity in Yangshuo. Cormorants, fascinating birds trained to dive underwater and catch fish, are part of a traditional fishing method that has existed for over 1,000 years in Yangshuo. Watch as fishermen skillfully guide these birds to preserve a practice that blends nature and human ingenuity. After the performance, your driver will transfer you back to Guilin, bringing your memorable day of exploration and discovery to a close.

Day 1: Arrival in Guangzhou Arrive in Guangzhou, the vibrant heart of southern China. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening to acclimatize and explore the city at your leisure. Day 2: Guangzhou Day Tour Chen Clan Ancestral Hall--Yuexiu Park, Beijing Road--Canton Tower. Discover Guangzhou’s rich history and modern charm. Visit the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, a stunning example of Cantonese architecture, stroll through Yuexiu Park, shop along Beijing Road, and enjoy panoramic views from the Canton Tower. Day 3: Guangzhou to Guilin Elephant Trunk Hill--Jingjiang Prince City. Travel from Guangzhou to Guilin, a city renowned for its dramatic karst landscapes. Visit Elephant Trunk Hill, where the landscape mimics an elephant drinking from the river, and explore the historic Jingjiang Prince City, a royal site with ancient architecture. Day 4: Li River Cruise Set sail on the Li River, one of China’s most picturesque natural wonders. Cruise through dramatic limestone peaks, lush bamboo forests, and tranquil waters, offering unforgettable views of Guilin’s iconic scenery. Day 5: Bamboo Rafting and Cycling Enjoy a peaceful bamboo rafting experience on the Yulong River, winding through serene countryside. Follow this with a cycling tour of local villages, taking in the charm of rural life and the stunning natural beauty of the region. Day 6: Departure from Guangzhou Return to Guangzhou and enjoy your final day in the city, soaking in the last moments of Southern China’s beauty before your departure.

Morning meet your guide and driver at your hotel at 08:30am. The tour start with the Reed Flute Cave. The cave got its name because there were reeds at its entrance and people can make flutes by using the reeds. Walking into the cave, you will be surrounded by all kinds of stalactites, stalagmites, stone columns, flowers, and curtains created by water erosion and arbonate deposition day after day and year after year. Then, heading to the Elephant Trunk Hill. The hill got its name from the shape of an elephant sipping water by the riverside. You will see a round opening between the elephant’s trunk and legs, and it has a beautiful name of Water Moon Cave. You can take beautiful pictures to record the pleasant time at this extraordinary place. After that, move on to another wonderful site in Guilin, Fubo Hill. The hill boasts both natural beauty and historical relics. You just breathe the fresh air, enjoy the beautiful landscape, and feel the charm of grotto art. When the tour finished,you will transferred back to your Guilin downtown hotel.