7 Days Guilin and Yangtze River Cruise Tour

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Guilin
   Visit the City Landmarks of Guilin

   So glad to have you on our 7-day Guilin and Yangtze River Cruise tour. Welcome to Guilin, the city enjoying the reputation of "the best landscape in the world"! Upon arrival, your tour guide and driver will pick you up and transfer you directly to the landmark - Elephant Trunk Hill to start your Guilin tour. This site has been a famous tourist destination since the Tang and Song dynasties, boasting a history of over 1,000 years. It resembles an elephant drinking water from the Li River.

   

   Then, go to explore the Reed Flute Cave, which was formed over 700,000 years ago by the flow and dissolution of groundwater along the rocks. The wonders in the cave are diverse and magnificent, known as the "Palace of Art in Nature". After a day of exploration, you're transferred to your hotel.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: in Guilin

2. Day 2: Guilin to Yansgshuo by Cruise
   Hop on a Li River Cruise and Explore Yangshuo West Street

   In the morning, meet your tour guide and driver at your hotel and transfer to Mopanshan Dock to board the 3-star cruise ship on Li River. The whole Li River cruise last about 4 hours and you will enjoy lunch on the ship. During the cruise, you will have a outer visit of the highlight sites of limestone peaks and picturesque villages.

   

   In the afternoon, the cruise ends in Yangshuo. The local driver will meet you at dock and transfer you to your hotel. After checking in at your local hotel, you can either rest up for the evening's exploration or choose to ride along the Yulong River or experience bamboo rafting (extra charge) and enjoy the "Hundred Mile Gallery".

   In the evening, stroll through the West Street, 1,400-year-old street to see lots of ancient style buildings, see local people's life and try some local food if you like.

   Recommended Activity: you can enjoy the performance of Impression Liu Sanjie, a grand open-air show featuring local folk songs and stunning visual effects (at an additional expense).

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Yangshuo

   

3. Day 3: Yangshuo Tour
   Experience Countryside Charm of Yangshuo

   After breakfast, you will ride a bike along the Yulong River, passing through lovely countryside. The tour guide will share with you the local lifeway. Later, visit a local farmer's family. You have the opportunity to experience rural life, such as learning traditional farming.

   

   You will have a special experience - enjoying a picnic style lunch surrounded by beautiful views of the Yulong River. In the afternoon, you can experience bamboo raft drifting on the Yulong River. Capture karst peaks and lush vegetation with a camera.

   In the afternoon, we drive back to West Street in Yangshuo to join a cooking class. At around 3:30 PM, you will learn to cook traditional Chinese dishes under the guidance of an expert chef. You will enjoy your 'achievements' as dinner. After the meal, your driver escorts you back to Guilin City for an overnight stay.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Guilin

   

4. Day 4: To Chongqing by High-speed Train
   Chongqing Highlights and Yangtze Cruise Boarding

   After a breakfast, drive back to Guilin and depart for Chongqing by a high-speed train. Chongqing is a city renowned for its spicy cuisine. After arrival, begin your exploration with a visit to E'ling Park, also known as Yiyuan or Goose Neck Park. Perched high on a ridge overlooking the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, Eling Park is an ancient and secluded place that offers breathtaking views of Chongqing at night. For anyone who plan a Chongqing city tour, Eling Park is a must visit sight.

   

   Then, visit the Hongya Cave, or Hongyadong, a famous landmark of Chongqing. Not a cave, it is in fact an 11-floor, 75-meter tall Diaojiaolou, or stilt building, stood up against a cliff. Different levels are connected by hidden channels like a massive, industrial maze.

   After the visit, you guide will escort you to Chaotianmen Dock to board your Yangtze River cruise ship. Boarding time is usually from 6 pm to 8 pm.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: on Cruise

   

5. Day 5: Yangtze River Cruise
   Have a Shore Excursion to Shibaozhai Pagoda

   After breakfast, the first activity on your Yangtze River cruise tour is a Tai Chi class on deck. Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese martial arts program. People can exercise their bodies and hearts through slow, continuous movements and breathing exercises. Then, attend a historical and cultural lecture about the Yangtze River to learn about the development of this area. Afterwards, you can enjoy a cup of coffee while admiring the beautiful scenery on both sides of the river.

   

   After that, you will have a shore excursion to Shibaozhai Pagoda. Standing at a height of 56 meters, it is an impressive 12-storey wooden structure built on a hill and surrounded by water. Here, you will find a white jade relief wall depicting the story of Guan Yu (deified as God of War) during the Three Kingdoms period. Climbing to the top of the pagoda, you can visit the Hall of Heavenly Kings, with a history of over 400 years, the earliest surviving building in Shibaozhai.

   Optional Activity:

   You may consider visiting Fengdu Ghost City, famous for its exquisite temples and mysterious Chinese myths (additional fees apply).

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

   Accommodation: on Cruise

   

6. Day 6: Yangtze River Cruise
   Three Gorges Adventure & Captain's Farewell Party

   Today, the cruise ship will sail through the essence of the Yangtze River - Three Gorges, including Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge. You will see lush vegetation and tall peaks along the riverbanks.

   

   After sailing for a while, hop on a smaller boat to explore the narrower Shennv Creek. Here you can enjoy the most pristine valley. Also, experience the culture of the Tujia people through local music and dance performances. After that, return to the cruise ship. Enjoy the Captain's Farewell Party in the evening.

   

   Optional Activity:

   Today you have a chance to visit White Emperor City. During the Tang (618-907) and Song dynasties (960-1279), famous poets such as Li Bai and Du Fu visited this place and wrote a lot of poems. Therefore, White Emperor City has the reputation of "Poetry City". Surrounded by water on all sides, the highest point of the City allows one to overlook the Yangtze River and the surrounding spectacular scenery.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

   Accommodation: on Cruise

7. Day 7: Departure from Yichang
   Be Amazed by the Largest Hydropower Station in the World

   After breakfast, take a guided tour of the world-famous Three Gorges Dam, an engineering miracle. It is the largest water conservancy hub project and the largest hydropower station in the world today. Standing on the dam crest, you can feel the magnificent white waves. If you visit on a sunny day, you may encounter a rainbow in the mist on the huge waves of flood discharge.

   

   After the dam visit, take the bus arranged by the cruise company to the Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal. There will be a private driver will be waiting to escort you to the airport or train station for your onward journey. Bid farewell to the Yangtze River and this 7-day Guilin tour with Yangtze River Cruise tour.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: N/A