Family-Friendly Adventures in !

Li River (Li Jiang)

Why Visit?

Embark on a magical family journey along the enchanting Li River, a highlight of any visit to Guilin, China. Known for its dramatic karst landscape, the Li River offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences that enchant visitors of all ages.

Day 1: Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo

Start your adventure in Guilin, easily accessible by high-speed train from major cities like Beijing and Shanghai. From Guilin, take a four to five-hour river cruise to Yangshuo. The cruise offers stunning views of limestone peaks, lush greenery, and traditional fishing villages. Engage the kids with tales of how these hills inspired ancient poets and artists. Keep an eye out for water buffalo and local fishermen using cormorants to catch fish.

Day 2: Explore Yangshuo

In Yangshuo, rent bicycles from any local shop and take a leisurely ride through the countryside. Explore the ancient town and pedal along the Yulong River, a quieter tributary, where you can stop for a family rafting trip on bamboo rafts. For lunch, try local specialties like Guilin rice noodles or Yangshuo beer fish.

Day 3: Impression Liu Sanjie

As the evening falls, treat your family to the spectacular "Impression Liu Sanjie" light show, directed by Zhang Yimou. This outdoor performance set against the natural backdrop of the Li River uses the water as its stage and the mountains as its backdrop, creating a breathtaking visual experience.

Day 4: Return to Guilin

Take a bus back to Guilin (around 1.5 hours), and if time permits, visit the Reed Flute Cave, a natural limestone cave adorned with multicolored lighting, before your departure.

Throughout your journey on the Li River, you"ll find that each bend in the river brings a new, picturesque scene, perfect for family memories that will last a lifetime.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Longji Rice Terraces

Why Visit?

Day 1: Arrival at Longji Rice Terraces

Morning: Start your family adventure by traveling to Longji, which means "Dragon"s Backbone," famed for its stunning terraced rice fields. Arrive in Guilin by flight or train, and then take a bus or hire a car to Longji, which is around 2 hours away. Check into one of the local guesthouses offering authentic wooden architecture and warm hospitality.

Afternoon: Set off to explore the Ping"an Village, one of the oldest and most accessible villages in the area. Begin at the parking area and walk about 20 minutes to reach the village. Immerse your family in the Zhuang ethnic culture. Kids will enjoy the folk tales and the vibrant traditional costumes of the villagers.

Evening: Enjoy a traditional Zhuang dinner at your guesthouse. Dishes are often made with locally grown ingredients, including bamboo rice, which is a fun and tasty treat for the kids.

Day 2: Exploring More of Longji

Morning: After breakfast, embark on a guided hike to the viewpoint “Seven Stars with the Moon,” which offers magnificent panoramic views of the rice terraces. The hike is moderately challenging but well worth it for the views. Along the way, you can teach the kids about the rice-growing process, as these terraces have been cultivated for over 600 years.

Afternoon: Visit Dazhai Village, home to the Red Yao people, known for the women"s long hair. A cultural performance or a friendly interaction can be arranged to learn about their unique traditions and lifestyles.

Evening: Return to your guesthouse. Consider a leisurely evening walk through the terraces as the sun sets, which is a magical experience for all ages.

Day 3: Departure

After a leisurely breakfast, take a final stroll around the village before checking out. Drive back to Guilin for your onward journey, carrying wonderful memories of a beautiful, cultural journey in Longji.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Xingping Town (Xingping Village)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary for Xingping Town

Day 1: Arrival and Riverside Stroll

- Morning: Arrive in Xingping Town by taking a bus from Yangshuo, which runs frequently each day and takes about 45 minutes. Check into one of the quaint guesthouses that dot the town, immersing yourself in the charming, traditional architecture.

- Afternoon: After settling in, take a leisurely walk along the Li River. The riverside offers stunning views of the karst mountains and fishermen with their cormorants, a unique sight that captivates both adults and children alike. Don"t miss capturing the famous scene depicted on the back of the 20 Yuan note.

Day 2: Ancient Town and Fishing Village Experience

- Morning: Explore the Xingping Ancient Town. Wander through the market streets to see local crafts and sample traditional snacks. Visit landmarks like the Xingping Mosque for a blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture.

- Afternoon: Arrange a local guide to take you to a nearby traditional fishing village. Families can learn about the ancient fishing methods using cormorants, an intriguing experience for kids and adults. Some tours may even offer a short bamboo raft trip on the river, providing a closer glimpse of the stunning landscape.

Day 3: Hiking and Departure

- Morning: Early morning, hike up to the Lao Zhai Hill. The trail is moderately easy, ensuring it’s suitable for families. The summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Li River and surrounding peaks.

- Afternoon: After descending, enjoy a final meal in Xingping, savoring local dishes like beer fish before catching the bus back to Yangshuo.

Interesting Fact: Xingping is over 1,000 years old, and some buildings date back to the Ming Dynasty, adding a deep historical layer to your visit. It’s a living museum of rural Chinese heritage!

This itinerary blends cultural immersion, scenic beauty, and light adventure, perfect for a family exploring Xingping.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Elephant Trunk Hill (Xiangbishan)

Why Visit?

Welcome to your family-friendly adventure to Elephant Trunk Hill in Guilin, one of China"s most iconic natural landmarks! Here’s a detailed and engaging one-day itinerary:

Morning: Arrival and Exploration

Start your day early by heading to Elephant Trunk Hill located at the confluence of the Li River and Peach Blossom River. The best way to get there is by taxi or public bus from downtown Guilin. Once at the park, purchase your tickets at the entrance (consider buying combo tickets if you plan to visit other nearby attractions).

Begin your tour by marveling at the unique shape of Elephant Trunk Hill, which resembles an elephant sipping water from the river. This natural wonder is not only a visual treat but also a great educational spot for kids to learn about geological formations. Don"t forget to take family photos at this iconic spot!

Midday: Visit the Water Moon Cave

Around noon, explore the Water Moon Cave located at the base of the hill. Inside, you’ll see a round opening that frames the river and sky, creating a perfect circle that is especially magical at moonrise. This is a great time for the family to enjoy a packed picnic by the riverside, or dine at one of the local restaurants nearby.

Afternoon: Explore the top of the Hill and Leisure Activities

Post lunch, take the stone pathway leading up to the top of Elephant Trunk Hill. The climb is moderate and takes about 20 minutes, but you"ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Guilin city and surrounding landscapes.

On your way down, visit the Puxian Pagoda, which is believed to resemble the handle of the "giant elephant"s" trunk. Learn about its history and role in Chinese Buddhist culture.

Evening: Leisure and Departure

As the day winds down, enjoy some leisure time strolling around the park or visiting the nearby souvenir shops for some local crafts and snacks. This is a fantastic way to end your family day-out before heading back to your hotel.

This itinerary provides a mix of education, nature, and relaxation, perfect for a family outing at Elephant Trunk Hill!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Seven Star Park (Qixing Gongyuan)

Why Visit?

Welcome to Seven Star Park (Qixing Gongyuan), an expansive 120-hectare park in Guilin, renowned for its scenic beauty and natural wonders. Here"s a detailed, family-friendly itinerary to make the most of your visit:

Morning: Arrival and Exploration of Seven Star Cave

Start your day early by arriving at Seven Star Park, conveniently accessible by bus lines 10, 11, 14, 18, 25, 31, and 206, dropping off at the Qixing Gongyuan station. Begin with the famous Seven Star Cave. This well-illuminated limestone cave features stunning stalactites and stalagmites, making it a magical experience for both kids and adults. The cave’s interior maintains a constant temperature, providing a cool escape during hot days.

Midday: Picnic and Camel Hill

Pack a picnic to enjoy in one of the park’s many beautiful spots. After lunch, head over to Camel Hill, an uncanny natural rock formation resembling a camel. It"s a perfect spot for family photos and to let the kids explore.

Afternoon: Visit the Zoo and Flower Bridge

In the afternoon, visit the Seven Star Park Zoo, where children can see pandas, among other wildlife—an exciting and educational experience. Following the zoo, take a leisurely walk to the historic Flower Bridge, a wooden arch bridge dating back over 400 years, offering picturesque views and a chance to feed the fish in the surrounding streams.

Late Afternoon: Children’s Playground and Leisurely Walk

Conclude your day at the Children’s Playground, allowing kids to interact and play while adults relax nearby. Wrap up your visit with a leisurely stroll around the park, perhaps enjoying a boat ride on the lake, offering a serene view of the hills and lush landscapes.

This itinerary offers a blend of adventure, education, and relaxation, tailored to be enjoyable for all ages at Seven Star Park.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.