3-Day Private Guilin Highlights Tour from Guangzhou by Bullet Train

Traveling between Guangzhou and Guilin by high-speed train offers a seamless way to experience some of China’s most captivating scenery and cultural treasures in just a few days. This 3-day private tour promises a flexible, personalized journey through Guilin’s iconic landscapes, from the famous Elephant Trunk Hill to the enchanting Longji Rice Terraces. Whether you’re a nature lover, history enthusiast, or simply craving a break from urban hustle, this tour aims to tick all those boxes with style.

One of the best aspects of this experience is the combination of fast, comfortable train travel with customizable sightseeing. The tour’s flexibility means you can prioritize what most excites you, from serene river cruises to ancient temples. Plus, the inclusion of a knowledgeable English-speaking guide ensures you won’t miss out on the stories behind each location. Second, the extensive itinerary offers a genuine taste of Guilin’s diverse scenery—mountains, caves, parks, and rice terraces—making it an excellent value for the 3-day investment.

However, a potential consideration is the pace. With so many stops packed into just three days, some travelers might find it a bit whirlwind-like, especially if they prefer leisurely exploration. Still, for those who want a comprehensive introduction to Guilin with minimal hassle, this tour strikes an impressive balance.

This journey suits travelers who enjoy active sightseeing combined with culture but prefer the comfort of a private, guided experience. It’s particularly ideal if you’re joining from Guangzhou and want to maximize your time without the stress of planning logistics.

Key Points

• Combines high-speed train travel with private guided sightseeing
• Covers Guilin’s top attractions and scenic landscapes
• Includes a Li River cruise, rice terraces, caves, and parks
• Offers flexible ending options, including Guilin or Longsheng
• Possibility of luxury accommodation with daily breakfast
• Designed for travelers seeking an authentic, comfortable experience

The Journey Begins: Guangzhou to Guilin by Bullet Train

Starting from Guangzhou, you’re picked up at your hotel and transferred to the station for a 2.5-hour bullet train ride. The train journey itself is a highlight—fast, smooth, and offering glimpses of the countryside zipping by at impressive speeds. We love this approach because it cuts down travel time, leaving more hours for exploring rather than sitting in traffic or long bus rides.

Once in Guilin, your guide will meet you at the station, ready to customize the itinerary based on your interests. The initial stop at Elephant Trunk Hill is a classic. This iconic symbol of Guilin looks like an enormous elephant drinking from the river—an image imprinted on many Chinese paintings. The walk to the top offers sweeping views of the city and the Li River, making it an ideal introduction to Guilin’s scenic charm.

Next, you’ll visit Yunfeng Temple, famed for its monk Jianzhen, who helped spread Buddhism to Japan. It’s a peaceful spot that adds a spiritual dimension to your day. Then, exploration continues with Fubo Hill, where carvings and caves reveal stories from the Tang and Song Dynasties. The natural scenery combined with historical etchings makes it a highlight—something we appreciated for its multi-layered appeal.

Cave Adventures and Lunch

The Reed Flute Cave is a natural marvel—a vast underground world of stalactites and stalagmites illuminated in colorful lights. Inside, you’ll find inscriptions dating back to the Tang Dynasty, giving a poetic sense of history amid the rock formations. The walking inside is easy and rewarding, with plenty of photo opportunities.

Midday, a local restaurant awaits with lunch, offering a chance to sample Guilin’s regional cuisine—think rice noodles and fresh river fish. Having this included adds value and convenience, ensuring you’re fueled for the afternoon.

Parks and Temples in Guilin

Your afternoon continues with a stroll through Seven Star Park, known for its elegant mountains, water features, and cultural relics. Crossing the ancient Flower Bridge feels like stepping back in time. The park’s diverse scenery offers both natural beauty and historical insights—perfect for a leisurely walk.

The day wraps up with a visit to Putuo Mountain, a sacred site with caves and pavilions. Here, you can choose how far to hike, tailoring the experience to your energy level. Returning to your hotel in Guilin, you’ll be well-rested for the next day’s adventures.

Day 2: The Magnificent Li River and Yangshuo

Your second day begins early with a transfer to Zhujiang Pier for the renowned Li River cruise. This cruise is often hailed as the jewel of Guilin’s scenery—expect towering karst peaks, crystal-clear waters, and lush green hills. The boat ride lasts around 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on water conditions, offering plenty of opportunities to snap photos and listen to your guide’s stories about the landscape’s legends.

Arriving in Yangshuo, the atmosphere shifts to a more relaxed, artistic vibe. You’ll explore West Street, a lively hub filled with shops, cafes, and galleries. It’s an excellent place to browse for souvenirs or just soak up the local flavor.

Next, your guide takes you along Ten-Mile Gallery, a scenic country road lined with rolling hills and charming villages. The landscape here is postcard-perfect, and walking along it feels like strolling through a traditional Chinese painting. We loved the way the natural scenery blends with touches of local life—simple, beautiful, and authentic.

Later, a visit to Guilin Butterfly Spring offers spectacular waterfalls and springs, with panoramic views of Ten-Mile Gallery. The calm setting is perfect for a quiet moment, and the lush scenery makes it clear why this area is a favorite for photographers.

Finally, a stop at Moon Hill provides an iconic photo opportunity—its natural arch is a symbol of Yangshuo’s landscape. If you’re keen, you can hike up for panoramic views; otherwise, just enjoy the view from below.

You’ll stay overnight in Yangshuo, in a comfortable hotel with breakfast included, ready for more exploration the next day.

Day 3: The Stunning Longji Rice Terraces

The journey to the Longji Rice Terraces begins early, and the drive itself offers scenic views as you head into the mountains. The terraces, built over centuries by the Zhuang and Yao minorities, are among the most photogenic landscapes in China. We love the way the terraces ripple across the hills, creating a textured tapestry of greens and browns.

Your first stop is Huangluo Long Hair Village, home to the Yao women famous for their extraordinary long hair—up to a Guinness record! It’s a chance to witness a living tradition and enjoy a local lunch in the village.

Next, your choice opens up: you can explore Dazhai or Ping’an Village. Dazhai features stunning viewpoints like Golden Buddha Peak, accessible by cable car, offering sweeping views of terraced fields—great for photographers. Alternatively, Ping’an Village’s smaller scale provides a more intimate experience, with scenic spots like West Hill and the Thousand-Layer Terraces.

The cable car ride at Dazhai is a highlight, giving a bird’s-eye perspective of the terraces. We appreciated the ease of access and the chance to snap shots from multiple vantage points. If you prefer hiking, the option to explore on foot at Ping’an allows a slower, more detailed experience.

The tour ends with a return to Guilin or Longsheng, depending on your preference. The entire day is a balance of natural beauty and cultural insight, with plenty of opportunities for memorable photos.

Overall Value and Comfort

The entire package costs around $726.16 per person, and when you consider that it includes private transportation, a guide, entrance fees, train tickets, cruise, lunch, and optional accommodation, it’s quite competitive for a comprehensive sightseeing experience. The inclusion of a 2nd class train ticket and door-to-door transfers simplifies logistics considerably.

The option to book 4-star accommodation with breakfast further enhances the appeal, turning this into a relaxing, hassle-free trip. On the other hand, if you prefer to arrange your own lodging or extend your stay, the core sightseeing elements remain accessible and well-organized.

Travelers have praised the knowledgeable guides, who bring stories and context to each sight, and the stunning views throughout. The overall pace is energetic but manageable, and the private nature of the tour means you can customize the stops to your liking.

The main consideration is that the itinerary covers a lot of ground in just three days, so if you love slow travel and lingering over each site, this might feel a bit rushed. But for most, the opportunity to see Guilin’s highlights in such a short span offers excellent value.

The Sum Up

This 3-day private Guilin tour from Guangzhou strikes a compelling balance between convenience and authentic experiences. The combination of high-speed train travel, scenic cruises, and cultural sites makes it ideal for travelers who want a well-rounded introduction to this beautiful region without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. It’s perfect for those seeking a comfortable yet immersive journey with plenty of photo-worthy moments and insightful guides.

The inclusion of optional luxury accommodation adds a touch of indulgence, while the diverse itinerary ensures you’ll leave with a deep appreciation for Guilin’s natural and cultural riches. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or looking to revisit with a curated experience, this tour offers a practical way to discover Guilin’s magic.

If you’re after stunning landscapes, convenient logistics, and expert guidance, this tour delivers on all fronts. Just be prepared for a busy schedule that packs in a lot of sights—perfect for eager explorers ready to embrace the beauty of China’s karst wonders.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. It’s designed as a private tour, so solo travelers can enjoy the personalized attention and flexibility.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, you can discuss your interests with the guide, and the tour is tailored based on your preferences, especially during the sightseeing planning.

Are accommodations included?
Accommodation can be booked optionally, with options for 4-star hotels that include daily breakfast. The core tour price covers transport, guides, train tickets, and entrance fees.

How long are the train rides?
The train from Guangzhou to Guilin takes approximately 2.5 hours each way, providing a quick and comfortable way to travel between cities.

What is the best time to take this tour?
While not specified explicitly, Guilin’s climate lends itself well to this tour from spring to autumn, when the landscape is lush and the weather is mild.

What should I bring for the rice terraces and mountain hikes?
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking or hiking, bring sun protection, and carry water. The terraces involve some walking, but cable cars and viewpoints make it manageable for most fitness levels.