Nature & Landscapes

Check-in to Hostel & Refresh

Many hostels offer dorms or private rooms at budget prices. Book in advance via international platforms like Booking.com or Hostelworld.

Explore Rongshan Lake Park & Sun and Moon Pagodas (exterior view)

Enjoy a free stroll around the beautiful lakes. The pagodas are lit up at night, offering a picturesque view, and there is no entrance fee for the park itself.

Dinner at ZhengYang Pedestrian Street

Sample local street food and budget-friendly eateries. Look for Guilin rice noodles (Mifen), a local specialty, typically costing under 15 RMB per bowl.

Li River Bamboo Rafting (Yangdi to Xingping)

Negotiate with local raft operators for a 1.5-2 hour trip (around 100-150 RMB per person, shared raft). This offers stunning views of the karst landscape.

Explore Xingping Ancient Town

Wander through the charming old streets and visit the viewpoint for the 20 RMB banknote scenery (free). Grab a simple, cheap lunch from a local vendor.

Bus to Yangshuo

Regular public buses connect Xingping to Yangshuo (approx. 40 minutes, 10-15 RMB). Check into your budget guesthouse upon arrival.

Dinner & West Street Stroll

Explore Yangshuo's famous West Street. While touristy, you can find affordable local eateries away from the main drag, but be prepared for souvenir hawkers.

Picnic Lunch or Local Eatery

Pack some snacks or find a small local restaurant in a village for an affordable meal. Avoid tourist traps near major attractions.

Yulong River Bamboo Rafting

Experience a quieter, more serene bamboo raft trip on the Yulong River (approx. 150-200 RMB per raft for 2 people). It's a peaceful alternative to the busier Li River.

Return Bikes & Relax

Return your rented bike and freshen up at your guesthouse. Many guesthouses offer laundry services for a small fee.

Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Try some local dishes like beer fish (if your budget allows, share with others) or simpler noodle/rice dishes, which are generally very affordable.

Lunch

Grab a quick and cheap lunch from a street stall or a local noodle shop. Look for places popular with locals.

Bus to Xingping

Take a public bus back to Xingping (approx. 10-15 RMB). Buses run frequently from Yangshuo North Bus Station.

Hike Laozhai Mountain

This challenging but rewarding hike (free entrance) offers panoramic views of the Li River and Xingping. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water; aim for sunset if possible.

Return to Yangshuo

Catch a bus back to Yangshuo after your hike. Make sure to check the last bus times.

Farewell Dinner in Yangshuo

Enjoy your last evening meal in Yangshuo. Consider trying different street food options or a final bowl of Guilin rice noodles.

Bus from Guilin to Longji Scenic Area (Ping'an Village)

Find a direct bus or shared minivan from Guilin North Bus Station to Ping'an parking lot (approx. 2-3 hours, 50-70 RMB). You'll need to pay the Longji entrance fee (around 80-100 RMB) upon arrival.

Hike to Ping'an Village Guesthouse

From the parking lot, it's a 30-60 minute uphill walk to Ping'an village, as cars cannot enter. Your guesthouse might offer porter service for luggage (negotiate price).

Check-in & Explore Ping'an Village

Settle into your guesthouse. Many offer basic but comfortable rooms with stunning views. Explore the Diaojiaolou (stilt houses) and observe the Zhuang minority culture.

Dinner at Guesthouse

Most guesthouses offer home-cooked meals (often with local ingredients like bamboo-cooked rice) at reasonable prices. This is a convenient and authentic option for dinner.

Hike to 'Seven Stars Accompany the Moon' Viewpoint

Embark on a moderate hike to one of Ping'an's most famous viewpoints. The paths are well-marked, but wear comfortable, sturdy shoes.

Lunch in Ping'an

Try another local eatery or your guesthouse for lunch. Don't miss the local glutinous rice wine, often homemade.

Hike to 'Nine Dragons and Five Tigers' Viewpoint

Continue exploring the terraces, soaking in the breathtaking scenery. This viewpoint offers a different perspective of the intricate terrace patterns.

Relax & Experience Village Life

Spend the late afternoon observing daily life in the village, perhaps interacting with locals. Basic Mandarin phrases will be helpful for communication.

Dinner & Stargazing

Enjoy a final dinner in the tranquil village. On a clear night, the lack of light pollution offers excellent stargazing opportunities.

Hike down to Parking Lot & Bus to Guilin

Walk back down to the parking lot. Take a shared minivan or bus back to Guilin city (approx. 2-3 hours), which usually drops you near the main bus station.

Lunch in Guilin (Optional)

If time permits, grab a quick lunch near the bus station or airport shuttle stop. Guilin rice noodles are always a good, cheap option.

Airport Transfer

Take the airport shuttle bus from Guilin city center to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) (approx. 30-40 RMB). Allow ample time for traffic and check-in procedures.

Depart from Guilin

Ensure you have your e-ticket or boarding pass ready for your departure flight. Remember to declare any items if required.