
Guilin Best 1-Day Tour: Li River, Xianggong Hill and Yulong River
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 13 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Guilin Best 1-Day Tour: Li River, Xianggong Hill and Yulong River worth booking?
Guilin Best 1-Day Tour: Li River, Xianggong Hill and Yulong River is a 11-hour experience in Guilin, China, from $89 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 13 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 75 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (13)
- Duration
- 11 hours
- From
- $89 per person
Experience the peace and tranquility of the Li River as you glide from Yangdi to Xingping on an electric boat, immersing yourself in the breathtaking beauty of nature. From the summit of Xianggong Hill, you’ll be amazed by the stunning panoramic view of the Li River, surrounded by towering karst peaks. The Yulong River, one of Yangshuo’s most scenic waterways, offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Sit back on a bamboo raft and gently float along its clean, clear waters, soaking in the serene atmosphere. In the evening, don’t miss the chance to watch Impression Sanjie Liu, China’s first outdoor riverside night show, a mesmerizing performance that brings the river to life.
What you get
About this experience
Experience the peace and tranquility of the Li River as you glide from Yangdi to Xingping on an electric boat, immersing yourself in the breathtaking beauty of nature. From the summit of Xianggong Hill, you’ll be amazed by the stunning panoramic view of the Li River, surrounded by towering karst peaks. The Yulong River, one of Yangshuo’s most scenic waterways, offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Sit back on a bamboo raft and gently float along its clean, clear waters, soaking in the serene atmosphere. In the evening, don’t miss the chance to watch Impression Sanjie Liu, China’s first outdoor riverside night show, a mesmerizing performance that brings the river to life.
What's included
Included
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Private transportation with one English-speaking driver-guide
Not included
- Xianggong Hill, 60 Yuan per person
- Yangdi to Nine Horses Hill by Electric boat, 140 Yuan per person
- Yulong River Bamboo boat, 100 Yuan per person
- Optional tour: Liu sanjie Light show or Guilin Ramce Show: 350 Yuan per person
What you'll see and do
Guilin
Your driver-guide will pick you up at 9:00 am or at a time of your choice from the lobby of your hotel, Guilin Railway Station, Guilin Airport, Guilin city center, or any other designated location. Please let us know your hotel name, and we will pick you up from anywhere within 20 kilometers of Guilin city.
10 minutes here
Li River
Yangdi Village, located in the southern part of Guilin, is home to approximately 3,000 residents. The most stunning and unique karst peaks can be found along the Li River between Yangdi and Xingping Village. In fact, most photos featured in guidebooks or online are taken along this stretch of the river. We will take a Eectric boat from Yangdi to Nine Horse Hill, a scenic cruise lasting about 1 hour. These smaller boats offer a more authentic experience, allowing you to get closer to the natural beauty of the area. Along the way, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of towering peaks in various shapes, crystal-clear waters, lush green hills, bamboo groves, and more. Note: Each boat accommodates four passengers, and you will share the cruise with other tourists.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Xianggong Mountain
We will drive to Xianggong Hill, a perfect destination for those who want to experience the karst scenery up close. Climbing Xianggong Hill is a wise choice, as it offers one of the most stunning views in the region. The hike to the top takes about 20 minutes, and once there, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Li River and its towering karst peaks. This is truly one of China’s most spectacular sights and a must-see for any visitor.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Yulong River
The Yulong River offers a peaceful bamboo boat rafting experience, where you can sit comfortably on a raft and gently float along its clean, clear waters. This serene and idyllic ride is often the highlight of any trip to Yangshuo, providing a completely different experience compared to the larger boat cruises on the Li River. The tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty of the Yulong River leave a lasting impression on visitors. Note: Each bamboo boat accommodates two passengers, and you will share the rafting experience with other tourists.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Impression Sanjie Liu
Optional Tour: "Impression Liu Sanjie" is a spectacular musical production directed by the renowned filmmaker Zhang Yimou. Set on the world's largest natural stage, the performance spans a 2-kilometer stretch of the Li River and incorporates 12 majestic peaks as its backdrop. Centered around the legendary figure Liu Sanjie, the show seamlessly blends her timeless folk songs with rich cultural traditions. Featuring a cast of 600 performers, along with traditional bamboo boats and cormorant birds, this 70-minute spectacle is truly unforgettable. Alternatively, you can experience the "Guilin Romance Park" show, which vividly brings to life the historical culture and folk traditions of Guilin. This must-see attraction offers a variety of performing arts and high-tech presentations that are so captivating, you'll find it hard to leave.
70 minutes here · Admission not included
Guilin
After the show, we will provide transportation back to your hotel in either Guilin or Yangshuo.
10 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Guilin Private Tours
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Kid below 1.0 meter is not availble for bamboo boat.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 13 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
4 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
13 verified traveler reviews for Guilin Best 1-Day Tour: Li River, Xianggong Hill and Yulong River. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Best tour company in Guangxi Zhuang region area
We spent 2 magnificent days in Yangshuo and in Longji rice terraces with our guide Leo. He made all possible efforts to make our tour go smooth and accommodated all our requests (even outside of standard tour program). His English is very good that's not very common among local guides there.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your trust and for booking the 2-day tour with us! We truly appreciate your wonderful review. In just two days, you managed to visit the main sights of Guilin: taking the electric boat cruise on the Li River, climbing to the top of Xianggong Hill to admire the natural beauty, enjoying a bamboo raft ride on the Yulong River, and taking a full-day tour to the Longji Rice Terraces to see their golden hues—truly the best time to visit! We always strive to provide the best possible experience for our guests. Since you traveled all the way from abroad, we wanted to ensure you received our highest quality service Guilin Private Tours is a locally run private tour operator based in Guilin, China. We focus on fully customized, private sightseeing tours for international visitors over 15 years. Our tours include all the top scenic spots around Guilin and Yangshuo, such as the Li River cruise, Xianggong Hill, Yulong River, Xingping Ancient Town, Longji Rice Terraces, Reed Flute Cave, the Impression Liu Sanjie Show, Sanjiang Chengyang Bridge, and the Detian Waterfall. We also arrange multi-day trips to Zhangjiajie National Park, Tianmen Mountain, Furong Ancient Town, Fenghuang Ancient Town, and other sights in Hunan Province. Additionally, we offer tours to Fanjingshan, Jiabang Rice Terraces, Huangguoshu Waterfall, Xijiang Miao Village, Libo, and other destinations in Guizhou Province, and can even extend to Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Yunnan,and other travel destinations across China. If you are looking for flexible, no-rush private tours, feel free to get in touch.
via Viator
Guide communicated well...
Guide communicated well in advance and during day. Adjusted schedule to my needs. Great lunch location.
Response from the operator: Thank you for booking the tour with us! We are confident you have chosen the best tour in Guilin. We strive to meet our guests' needs and ensure they have the best possible experience. We care about every traveler, no matter where they are from. Guilin Private Tours is a locally run private tour operator based in Guilin, China. We focus on fully customized, private sightseeing tours for international visitors. Our tours include all the top scenic spots around Guilin and Yangshuo, such as the Li River cruise, Xianggong Hill, Yulong River, Xingping Ancient Town, Longji Rice Terraces, Reed Flute Cave, the Impression Liu Sanjie Show, Sanjiang Chengyang Bridge, and the Detian Waterfall. We also arrange multi-day trips to Zhangjiajie National Park, Tianmen Mountain, Furong Ancient Town, Fenghuang Ancient Town, and other sights in Hunan Province. Additionally, we offer tours to Fanjingshan, Jiabang Rice Terraces, Huangguoshu Waterfall, Xijiang Miao Village, Libo, and other destinations in Guizhou Province, and can even extend to Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Yunnan,and other travel destinations across China. If you are looking for flexible, no-rush private tours, feel free to get in touch.
via Viator
Our guide, Tom, spoke...
Our guide, Tom, spoke excellent English. He organized a personalized tour tailored to our preferences, showing us the most beautiful spots in his region. He was very kind and engaging!
Response from the operator: Thank you for booking your tour with us, enjoying your trip, and leaving us such a wonderful review. As a Guilin‑based travel company with over 15 years of experience, we specialise in custom‑tailoring tours for international visitors and strive to meet all your travel needs. We take our guests to our favourite scenic spots, and we are confident most travellers will love their experience with us. We warmly welcome tourists from all around the world and will look after you throughout your journey. Enjoy the rest of your time in China!
via Viator
Great tour
The tour was amazing. While most tours cover the cruise, this one includes the bamboo rafting in the Yulong river and a small electric boat ride in the Li river, which we felt were a better option than the 4-hour cruise. It also has other optional activities. Leo was a great guide. He picked us up and dropped us off at the hotel and suggested a few different ways to go about the day, tailoring to our preferences. Without Leo we wouldn’t have done any of these because of the large distances we covered, making this tour a must for us. Thanks Leo for the great day!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your trust and for booking the tour with us. Both of you are very nice and friendly, which made the tour much easier for both of us. This is one of the best tours for travelers who only have one day in the area and want to see as much as possible, including the Li River, Yulong River, and a hilltop view. This tour offers you a different experience on each river. With over 15 years of travel experience based in Guilin, we focus on local tours in this area and can meet most of your needs and preferences while you are here. Welcome to Guilin! Joining our tour will never disappoint you. Enjoy the rest of your trip in China!
via Viator
Simply amazing
Stress free trip around the must see sites around the li river. Leo was a great tour guide, who offered great insight into the local area. This tour has been carefully created and well organised, with pick ups/drop offs to activities well timed. Leo was very accommodating and found a great restaurant for vegetarian food for lunch. Thanks to Leo for making us feel so welcome and giving us a great tour
Response from the operator: Thank you for booking the tour with us—and for enjoying it so much! Both of you were very kind and friendly, and our driver-guide truly enjoyed accompanying you on the "Best of Guilin" tour, which included the Li River, Xianggong Hill, and the Yulong River. We carefully designed this itinerary to make the most of your limited time in Guilin, and we hope it has become one of the most memorable highlights of your trip to China. We also aim to recommend good restaurants to our guests. We can suggest Western, Chinese, or other types of dining to meet any special needs, as we believe food is an important part of the travel experience. Thank you again for your kindness—and we wish you a wonderful rest of your journey in China!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 11 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $89 to $139
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Guilin Private Tours, who run 19 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 57.8.
See everything Guilin Private Tours runsWhy this scores 75
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Guilin Best 1-Day Tour: Li River, Xianggong Hill and Yulong River: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Guilin.
How much does Guilin Best 1-Day Tour: Li River, Xianggong Hill and Yulong River cost?
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Prices start at $89 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Guilin usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Guilin Best 1-Day Tour: Li River, Xianggong Hill and Yulong River take?
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Plan for about 11 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Guilin is not rushed.
Is Guilin Best 1-Day Tour: Li River, Xianggong Hill and Yulong River worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 13 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Guilin, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Guilin Best 1-Day Tour: Li River, Xianggong Hill and Yulong River?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Guilin Best 1-Day Tour: Li River, Xianggong Hill and Yulong River suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 11-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Guilin Best 1-Day Tour: Li River, Xianggong Hill and Yulong River?
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Around 5 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Guilin can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Guilin and add a light layer if any part of the 11-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Guilin Best 1-Day Tour: Li River, Xianggong Hill and Yulong River start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Guilin within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Guilin?
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On Outty we rank every Guilin experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include 1-DAY Private Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Villages Tour, Longji Rice Terraces with Minority Village Private Day Tour, 1 Day Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo with Private Guide & Driver. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Guilin?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Guilin?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Guilin Best 1-Day Tour: Li River, Xianggong Hill and Yulong River?
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Included: Air-conditioned vehicle; and Private transportation with one English-speaking driver-guide. Not included: Xianggong Hill, 60 Yuan per person; Yangdi to Nine Horses Hill by Electric boat, 140 Yuan per person; Yulong River Bamboo boat, 100 Yuan per person; and Optional tour: Liu sanjie Light show or Guilin Ramce Show: 350 Yuan per person. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Guilin Best 1-Day Tour: Li River, Xianggong Hill and Yulong River include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 98 listed pickup locations in and around Guilin. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Guilin Best 1-Day Tour: Li River, Xianggong Hill and Yulong River offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Guilin Best 1-Day Tour: Li River, Xianggong Hill and Yulong River?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Guilin Best 1-Day Tour: Li River, Xianggong Hill and Yulong River wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Guilin Best 1-Day Tour: Li River, Xianggong Hill and Yulong River if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Guilin. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Guilin Best 1-Day Tour: Li River, Xianggong Hill and Yulong River?
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Across 13 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, organization, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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