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Overview
Two waters, two bases, one move between them. You sleep two nights in Guilin and two in Yangshuo, and the move on day three is the boat itself: four and a half hours downstream, which is also that day's sightseeing. Guilin gets a full day of its own instead of being the place you land in. The Yangshuo days then go small: a raft on a side river, a bicycle on a farm track, an afternoon by the water with nothing after it. The last morning goes up, before light, above the bend you floated through. You'll come home knowing what a day with one thing in it feels like.
— LyrikTrip travel designers
Every LyrikTrip journey begins with a conversation. Tell us your dates, who is coming and which hub you are flying through. First reply within four hours; a clear price for your dates within one business day. On this route we will also tell you plainly where the boat class, the connection leg and the opening date stand, before you are asked for anything.
Why you'll love this trip
- One region, two bases. Reed Flute Cave, old town streets, a bamboo raft and riverside tea, with English-speaking guides throughout.
- 5 days from a lit pagoda on the water to a hilltop before sunrise. See one river whole.
- Start on the water the evening you land: banyan branches over the banks, the twin pagodas lit out on the lake, and the trip has begun before you have unpacked anything.
- Give a whole day to one river: you change base without losing a day to the road, because the four and a half hours downstream to Yangshuo are the day's sightseeing rather than the way to it.
- Spend an afternoon that never asks where you go next: a raft on the Yulong, a bicycle through the paddies, then tea by the water with the hills standing in it.
- Climb before light on the last morning and watch the peaks go silver, then gold: from up there you can point out the bend you floated through two days earlier.
Things to do
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Itinerary
Arrivals
Guilin · Day 1 - Day 2
· Arrive, then get on the water
Whatever time you land, the evening ends on a boat. Guilin introduces itself as a water system before it shows you a single street.
· The rock, above ground and below
A cave in the morning, an old street in the afternoon. By evening you can read the landscape you came for.
Li River cruise
Yangshuo · Day 3 - Day 4
· One river, all day
The move to Yangshuo is the boat, so no day is spent getting anywhere. Today is the day the trip stops being a list.
· A small river after a big one
Yesterday was one long look at the water. Today you get down onto it and then sit beside it.
Flight
Guilin · Day 5
· Above the bend
Up before light, over the river you came down. The last morning gives the four days behind it their shape.
Departures
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Hotels
These are sample stays typically included in the itinerary. Final pricing depends on the hotel level selected.
Nanning
Nanning Marriott Hotel
Nanning Marriott Hotel offers luxurious rooms in central Nanning, with four restaurants, a spa and indoor pool.
Nanning
Hampton by Hilton Nanning Jiangnan
Beihai
Shangri-La Hotel
Shangri-La Hotel Beihai: spacious rooms with an outdoor pool, sauna, hot spring and Cantonese and Hunan dining.
Guilin
Sheraton Guilin Hotel
Sheraton Guilin Hotel is located by the Li River, offering comfortable rooms and easy access to Guilin’s attractions.
Nanning
Nanning Marriott Hotel
Nanning Marriott Hotel offers luxurious rooms in central Nanning, with four restaurants, a spa and indoor pool.
Nanning
Hampton by Hilton Nanning Jiangnan
Beihai
Shangri-La Hotel
Shangri-La Hotel Beihai: spacious rooms with an outdoor pool, sauna, hot spring and Cantonese and Hunan dining.
Guilin
Sheraton Guilin Hotel
Sheraton Guilin Hotel is located by the Li River, offering comfortable rooms and easy access to Guilin’s attractions.
Nanning
Nanning Marriott Hotel
Nanning Marriott Hotel offers luxurious rooms in central Nanning, with four restaurants, a spa and indoor pool.
Nanning
Hampton by Hilton Nanning Jiangnan
Beihai
Shangri-La Hotel
Shangri-La Hotel Beihai: spacious rooms with an outdoor pool, sauna, hot spring and Cantonese and Hunan dining.
Guilin
Sheraton Guilin Hotel
Sheraton Guilin Hotel is located by the Li River, offering comfortable rooms and easy access to Guilin’s attractions.
Included / Excluded
What's Included
- Private vehicleAir-conditioned private vehicle for all listed touring and all land transfers on days one to five: pickup at Guilin airport or railway station on day one, the pier transfers at both ends of the day-three sailing, and the drive from Yangshuo back to Guilin airport or railway station on day five
- Inter-city transportOne leg only: the Li River full cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo on day three, about four and a half hours with the current, which is both the transfer and that day's sightseeing. The boat class is being finalized, so your quote states in writing the class booked for your order
- Hotels4 nights at your chosen level, four-star, five-star or quality boutique, breakfast included: Guilin 2 · Yangshuo 2
- GuideLicensed English-speaking guide on all five days, including the night cruise on day one and the pre-dawn start on day five
- Tickets and entriesTwo Rivers and Four Lakes night cruise · Reed Flute Cave · the Li River full cruise ticket · the Yulong River bamboo raft · Xianggong Hill. Nothing outside this list is a ticket item on this route
- ExperiencesGuilin old town on foot, a street-level walk with no ticket item · Yulong River countryside cycling, with bicycle, electric bike or riding in the vehicle at the same price · riverside afternoon tea, one serving per guest · Xingping Ancient Town, a walk through the old streets
- Meals4 hotel breakfasts, days two to five, plus one riverside afternoon tea on day four, one serving per guest. The pricing basis of the day-three on-board lunch is being finalized, so your quote states in writing whether that meal sits inside your base price
- InsuranceTravel accident insurance
Not Included
- International flightsFlights into and out of China
- Connection to GuilinThe hub-to-Guilin leg in both directions, flown or by high-speed rail, and any hub-city night the connection needs. Guilin has no nonstop service from the markets we sell to, so every order carries this leg; your quote states in writing who books it and who pays for it
- VisasVisa fees and processing for guests who need a Chinese visa, including all US guests on this route
- MealsBeyond the four breakfasts and the one afternoon tea: lunches and dinners are recommended and booked by your guide, on your own account. Street food tasted on the day-two old town walk is on your own account
- In-park transportIn-park shuttles, electric carts, cableways and lifts, where a scenic area charges for them separately. None is needed for this route as it is written; where a site operates a compulsory in-park transfer, we state its charge in writing before payment
- Optional add-onsNone on this route. The three cycling modes on day four are a choice inside an included experience, not an upsell, and all three cost the same
- PersonalGratuities, single or extra-room difference, personal spending
Special Notes
A few things on this route follow the calendar, the season or a supplier's confirmation. Here they are, told straight.
- Bookings are not open yet — the remaining items have to be settled first: Until those items are settled we take no orders and no deposits. Tell us your dates and we will write to you on the day it opens.
- Getting to Guilin — Guilin has no nonstop service from any of the markets we sell to, so every trip here starts with a connection through Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Beijing or Shanghai. Shenzhen is the shortest, about three hours by high-speed rail. That leg sits outside this plan. Each quote states in writing the inbound and outbound connection plan, the hub used, and who books and pays for that leg.
- Group — Private, just your party. From 1 guest. No fixed maximum party size.
- National holiday week — October 1 to 7 is a peak-crowd period on the Li River and around Yangshuo. Whether this route runs departures that week is under commercial review; until that is settled, every quote for those dates states the crowd situation in writing.
- Late-season water level — the day-three sailing is a river sailing, and late autumn and winter river conditions are being confirmed with our operator for this selling window. For departures from November 1 of 2026 onward, your quote states in writing what happens to that sailing where the operator shortens or reroutes it. We take no such order without that in writing.
- Substitutions already agreed — where the Yulong River water level or a safety ruling stops the raft on day four, the raft is dropped and the cycling and the afternoon tea run as planned. Where the day-one night cruise is sold out for that evening, it moves to the following evening in the same city with no change to hotels. Both are stated to you before payment and neither changes the price.
- The pre-dawn start — day five leaves in the dark for the hill, which is why day four carries no evening item. Your day-five departure time is checked against the climb plus the drive back to Guilin before your order is taken.
- Visa window — the 30-day visa-free policy currently runs through December 31, 2026. Because this is a 5-day plan, departures on or before December 27, 2026 finish inside that window; later departures are quoted only after the official renewal is announced.
- US passports — the US is not on the 30-day visa-free list, so every US guest on this route holds a Chinese tourist or business visa, including a 10-year multiple-entry one. The 10-day visa-free transit policy is not used as a sales channel for this route: this plan enters and leaves through the same city and its eligibility under that policy has not been reviewed. We confirm visa status before any payment.
- Confirmation and changes — the confirmation-time commitment and the change and refund terms are being finalized with our ground partners. Until they are settled, each quote states in writing its own confirmation deadline and its change and refund conditions.
Is Five Days Your Length?
More than five days?
More than five days?
This plan also runs as the Guilin and Yangshuo stretch inside a longer China trip. It joins cleanly onto a stay in the south, since the connection you have to make anyway is a short one from Shenzhen, Guangzhou or Hong Kong. Tell us your dates and the rest of your route, and we plan around the leg you are already flying.
Good to Know
- Group
- Private, just your party. From 1 guest. No fixed maximum party size.
- Pace
- Two bases in 5 days: Guilin 2 nights, Yangshuo 2 nights. One move between them, and that move is the day-three sailing
- Effort
- Mostly flat. The stone steps up Xianggong Hill on the last morning are the one real climb; on the cycling day a bicycle, an electric bike and riding in the vehicle all cost the same
- Ports
- Guilin in, Guilin out. There is no nonstop service to Guilin from the markets we sell to. Every order therefore includes a connection through one hub: Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Beijing or Shanghai. That leg is booked and paid for as stated in your quote
- Visas
- UK, most European and Canadian passports enter visa-free for days; so do Australian and New Zealand ones. Checked order by order against your dates. US passports need a Chinese visa for this route
- Language
- Licensed English-speaking local guide on all five days
- Payment
- When this route opens for booking: From 1 guest. A 10% deposit (minimum $399) locks your dates. The balance is due 14 days before departure
- Season
- Selling window October to December 2026. Departures during the October 1 to 7 holiday week are under commercial review; for departures from November 1 onward the day-three sailing is confirmed against your dates and written into your quote
Your Private Concierge
Jenessa
Private China Route Concierge
“A bilingual planning desk for tailor-made China journeys.”
Our China team tunes pacing, hotels and local hosts around each route style.
20+
Years
300+
Trips Designed
24/7
On-Trip Care
Step 01
Tell us what excites you
Not your dates and budget — your curiosity. Where have you always wanted to go? What do you want to feel? We start there.
24h
First concept delivered
Step 02
We design it around you
Your specialist builds the itinerary from scratch — routes, hosts, hotels, and experiences you won't find anywhere else.
100%
Private, never off-the-shelf
Step 03
Lock it in with 30%
When the plan feels right, a 30% deposit holds your trip. Balance due 30 days before departure.
30%
Deposit to confirm
Step 04
Travel. We handle the rest.
Your Trip Pack arrives before you fly. On the road, your concierge is one message away — for the expected and everything you didn't plan for.
24/7
Support throughout your journey
Cancellation terms agreed in writing
English-speaking concierge
Secure payment via Stripe
Guest Reviews
4.9 / 5 · from 523 verified reviews
E
Emily Carter
🇺🇸 Seattle, USA
Perfect for couples
“My partner and I had an amazing time in China. Everything was arranged for us — transfers, hotels, guides. No stress at all.”
May 2026
C
Claire Brooks
🇬🇧 London, UK
Great for families
“Traveled with my two kids and had zero issues. The team made sure the pace wasn't too rushed and included things the kids would enjoy. Communication was easy throughout. Will definitely use them again for our next Asia trip.”
Apr 2026
L
Laura Bennett
🇨🇦 Toronto, Canada
Alisa made the whole experience easy
“Alisa was our point of contact throughout and she was brilliant — patient, knowledgeable, and always quick to reply. The trip itself was wonderful. Beijing and Guilin were highlights.”
Mar 2026
M
Mark Henderson
🇺🇸 Denver, USA
Good service, minor hiccup but sorted quickly
“Really good service. There was a small mix-up with one of our restaurant bookings but it got sorted quickly. The rest of the trip was seamless.”
Feb 2026
R
Rebecca Miller
🇺🇸 Boston, USA
Really listened to what we wanted
“Really helpful team. They listened to what we wanted and delivered. Beijing and Xi'an were incredible.”
Jan 2026
China Ready
We've solved the hard parts. Here's everything a first-time Western traveler needs to know before arriving.
Do this before you fly
VPN & Internet Access
What's blocked
Google, Gmail, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and most Western news sites are inaccessible in China without a VPN.
Download before you leave
It's nearly impossible to download a VPN once inside China. Install and test at home. Recommended: Astrill (most reliable), Mullvad, ExpressVPN — subscribe to at least two in case one stops working.
Hotel Wi-Fi tip
Some hotels block VPN connections on their Wi-Fi. Use your phone's mobile data as a hotspot if the VPN drops.
Good news
WhatsApp works perfectly through a VPN, so your messaging stays unchanged. Apple iMessage and Signal also work.
Your concierge sets this up on Day 1
Paying in China
China is cashless
Alipay and WeChat Pay are used for almost everything — restaurants, taxis, markets, tickets. Cash is rarely accepted in cities.
International cards now work
Foreign Visa/Mastercard can now link directly to Alipay (set up in minutes, $5,000 single transaction limit). Your concierge walks you through the setup on your first morning.
Carry some cash
We recommend ¥500–800 RMB in cash for the rare vendor that won't accept digital payment, and for small towns.
Booking this trip
Your deposit and balance are charged via Stripe — the same trusted platform used by Airbnb and Booking.com. USD billing, no surprise conversion fees.
We handle the paperwork
Visa & Entry
Do you need a visa?
Most US, UK, EU, Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand passport holders need a tourist (L) visa for stays over 10 days. We provide a visa invitation letter with every booking — it significantly speeds up approval.
240-hour visa-free transit
Citizens of 55+ countries (including USA, UK, most of EU, AUS, NZ, Canada) can enter China visa-free for up to 10 days if transiting through eligible ports. This covers our 12-day itinerary only if you have a confirmed onward flight.
Processing time
Apply 4–6 weeks before departure. Standard processing: 4–7 business days. Express (3 days) and same-day options available at most Chinese consulates.
What we provide
Visa invitation letter, hotel confirmation for all nights, suggested itinerary document — everything the consulate needs, formatted correctly.
Our responsibility, always
Safety & Practical Tips
Is China safe?
China consistently ranks among the safest countries for foreign tourists. Violent crime against visitors is extremely rare. Cities have extensive CCTV coverage and a visible police presence.
Emergency numbers
Police: 110. Ambulance: 120. Your concierge is your first call for any non-emergency situation — she has local contacts for every city on the itinerary.
Health & medications
Bring a full supply of any prescription medication. International pharmacies exist in major cities but may not carry your brand. Travel insurance is required — we can recommend policies that cover China specifically.
Language
English fluency outside hotels and tourist sites is limited. Your guides all speak English. We provide a printed pocket card with essential Chinese phrases and emergency contacts for every traveler.
Before You Book
Everything worth knowing before you book.
Through one hub, and we plan it with you before anything is charged. From Europe, the UK, North America or Australasia you fly into Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Beijing or Shanghai, then take a short flight or a high-speed train on to Guilin. From Shenzhen the train runs about three hours. That leg is not inside this plan's price, and your quote states in writing which hub you use, who books that leg and who pays for it. We also check your day-one arrival time and your day-five departure time against the plan before we take the order.
It is the point of the day rather than the cost of it. That sailing is also how you get from Guilin to Yangshuo, so it replaces a road transfer instead of adding to one, and nothing else is scheduled around it. You are on deck with the peaks passing on both banks, there are seats inside when you want them, and the boat class booked for your order is written into your quote. If sitting still for an afternoon is not how you want to spend a fifth of your trip, this is the route to think twice about.
The Li River is a river, and its late-autumn and winter level is set by rainfall, not by us. We are confirming this selling window's conditions with our operator now, and no one can guarantee a river's depth months ahead. What we do instead: for any departure from November 1, 2026 your quote states in writing what happens to the day-three sailing where the operator shortens or reroutes it, and we will not take your order without that in writing. Whatever happens to the sailing, the two nights in Yangshuo, the Yulong River day and the Xianggong Hill sunrise are unaffected. They sit on a different river and on land.
It works, and it is checked against your actual departure time before we take your order. The hill is about two and a half hours including the drive out and the climb, and you are back down for breakfast time. Xingping Ancient Town follows, then the drive from Yangshuo to Guilin airport or the railway station, timed with room to spare. That is also why day four carries no evening item: the evening before a pre-dawn start belongs to sleeping. Where your departure is early enough that the sequence does not fit, we say so before you book rather than after.
Not yet, and we would rather say so than take your money. the remaining items have to be settled first. the boat class on the day-three sailing; who books and pays for your connection into Guilin; and this route's remaining pre-listing review. Until those items are settled we take no orders and no deposits. What you can do now is send us your dates and your hub city; we will hold nothing, promise nothing, and write to you the day this route opens.
