Adventure in !

Li River (Li Jiang)

Why Visit?

A Thrilling Adventure Along the Li River

Day 1: Arrival in Guilin

Fly into Guilin Liangjiang International Airport and catch a glimpse of the stunning karst landscape that awaits. From the airport, take a taxi or bus to your hotel in Guilin city. Spend your evening strolling around the Two Rivers and Four Lakes System, a beautiful introduction to the region"s natural beauty.

Day 2: Guilin to Yangshuo via Li River Cruise

Rise early and head to Zhujiang Pier (about 40 minutes from Guilin) to catch a morning Li River cruise. As the mist clears, the river reveals limestone peaks, verdant bamboo groves, and local fisherman on bamboo rafts. This 4-hour cruise to Yangshuo pierces through the heart of China"s most spellbinding landscapes, often featured on Chinese yuan notes.

Day 3: Explore Yangshuo Countryside

Rent a bicycle or scooter and explore the countryside. Visit Moon Hill and climb its 800 marble steps to the arch for a panoramic view of the surrounding area. In the afternoon, gear up for some rock climbing—an essential Yangshuo adventure. With over 300 climbing routes, there’s something for every skill level.

Day 4: Xingping Ancient Town

Take a local bus to Xingping, an ancient town famed for its scenery. Hike to the Laozhai Mountain for an awe-inspiring sunset over the karst peaks. The ascent is steep but the views are well worth the effort.

Day 5: Return to Guilin

Enjoy a leisurely morning before catching a bus back to Guilin. Explore the Reed Flute Cave or hike up to the top of Diecai Hill for a final sweep of panoramic views before your departure.

Throughout your journey, keep an eye out for the water buffalo and cormorant fishermen, enduring symbols of the Li River’s timeless allure. This tour not only promises adventure but also a deep connection with China"s breathtaking rural landscapes.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Longji Rice Terraces

Why Visit?

Adventure Itinerary: Longji Rice Terraces

Day 1: Arrival and Ascent

Fly into Guilin and take a bus from the Guilin Bus Station to Longsheng County, a journey filled with scenic views that sets the stage for the adventure ahead. From Longsheng, hop on a local minibus directly to the Longji Rice Terraces. Check into a traditional wooden guesthouse in Ping"an Village. After settling in, stretch your legs with an evening hike to the "Seven Stars Around the Moon" viewpoint, where seven small piles of rocks encircle a larger pile, creating a mesmerizing pattern amidst the terraces.

Day 2: Hiking the Dragon"s Backbone

Rise early and fuel up with a local specialty, bamboo rice, before embarking on a thrilling hike. The day"s journey from Ping"an to Dazhai/Jinkeng takes about 4-5 hours, threading through bamboo forests and past water buffalo working the fields. These terraces, named "Dragon"s Backbone" due to their resemblance to dragon scales, provide a steep, photogenic challenge that rewards with panoramic views. Along the way, learn about the Zhuang and Yao minority cultures, known for their colorful attire and unique customs.

Day 3: Explore and Descend

Spend the morning exploring more hidden paths around Dazhai and capturing the sunrise washing over the terraces—a spectacle not to be missed. After breakfast, take a short hike to the "Golden Buddha Peak", the highest point in the area offering expansive views. In the afternoon, descend to the village and take a bus back to Longsheng, then return to Guilin.

Additional Tips

- Best visit during May or October when the paddies are lush green or filled with water, shimmering under the sun.

- Carry good hiking boots, plenty of water, and a camera to capture the incredible landscapes.

Interesting Fact

The Longji Terraces were first built during the Yuan Dynasty and completed in the Qing Dynasty, over 650 years ago, showcasing ancient agricultural ingenuity.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Xingping Town (Xingping Village)

Why Visit?

### Xingping Adventure Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Village Wander

Begin your adventure in Xingping, a rustic gem nestled along the Li River, accessible by bus or boat from Yangshuo. Upon arrival, dive into the heart of Xingping at the Old Street, a narrow lane lined with ancient, moss-covered buildings and bustling with local life. Explore the traditional market where the air is fragrant with local spices and the sounds of bartering fill the air.

Day 2: Li River Hike & Photography

Rise early and embark on a hike along the Li River, a pathway offering awe-inspiring vistas famously depicted on the Chinese 20 Yuan bill. The trail from Xingping to the Fishing Village is moderately challenging, rewarding adventurers with panoramic views of limestone karsts and traditional fishermen using cormorants to catch their bounty. Don"t forget your camera; these scenes are a photographer’s paradise.

Day 3: Climb Lao Zhai Mountain

Gear up for a morning ascent of Lao Zhai Mountain. Though the climb is steep, consisting of roughly 1,200 steps, reaching the peak just before sunrise offers a rewarding, serene experience. From here, gain a bird"s-eye view of the snaking Li River, surrounded by the towering karsts. It"s a perfect spot for introspection and capturing breathtaking snapshots.

Day 4: Bamboo Rafting on Li River

Shift the pace with a tranquil yet thrilling bamboo raft ride on the Li River. Starting from Xingping, glide past water buffalo, verdant fields, and local fishermen. Each turn in the river reveals a new, majestic karst formation, creating a surreal floating adventure.

Day 5: Departure

Wrap up your trip with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, reflecting on your adventures in Xijing before heading to your next destination.

Throughout your journey in Xingping, immerse yourself in the landscape and local culture, creating memories that resonate with the adventurous spirit of this ancient riverside town.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Elephant Trunk Hill (Xiangbishan)

Why Visit?

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Elephant Trunk Hill

Begin your adventure in Guilin, a city famed for its stunning karst landscapes. After checking into your hotel, head straight to the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill (Xiangbishan), a natural marvel resembling an elephant drinking from the Li River. Easily accessible by bus (No. 2, 16, or 23), or a short taxi ride from the city center, the park opens from 6:30 AM to 9:30 PM, making it perfect for both sunrise and sunset views.

Day 2: Hiking and River Rafting

Start your morning with a guided hike around the base of Elephant Trunk Hill, exploring hidden caves and seeking out vantage points for the best views of the hill and surrounding landscape. Learn about the hill’s formation and its significant role in local folklore; the hill is said to be the transformed remains of an elephant turned to stone by a celestial hunter.

In the afternoon, gear up for a thrilling river rafting experience on the Li River. This will not only feed your adventurous soul but also provide a unique perspective of the limestone peaks from the water level. Rafting tours typically last 2-3 hours and can be booked through local adventure tour operators in Guilin.

Day 3: Cultural Discovery and Departure

Dedicate your final day to exploring the cultural offerings around Elephant Trunk Hill. Visit the nearby ancient pagodas and the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) built Yunfeng Temple, just a short walk from the hill. Discover calligraphy inscriptions on the hill that date back hundreds of years, deepening the historical significance of your journey.

Wrap up your adventure with some local cuisine; try Guilin"s famous rice noodles or stewed duck with ginger at a local eatery before heading to the airport or train station, filled with memories of thrilling adventures and cultural discoveries.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Seven Star Park (Qixing Gongyuan)

Why Visit?

Embark on an exhilarating adventure through the enchanting landscapes of Seven Star Park (Qixing Gongyuan), located in the scenic city of Guilin. Known for its spectacular natural scenery, mystical caves, and fascinating cultural relics, this vast park promises an action-packed day for all adventure enthusiasts.

Getting There

Start your adventure early by catching a bus or taxi from downtown Guilin. The park is conveniently situated on the eastern side of the Li River, about a 10-minute drive from the city center. The main entrance is easily accessible by public transport or by cycling, adding a touch of eco-friendly exploration to your trip.

Exploring the Park

Upon entering, head directly to the Camel Hill, resembling a giant camel from afar, perfect for some warm-up climbing and photography. Don"t miss the chance to wander through the Seven-Star Cave, a mesmerizing limestone cavern illuminated by colorful lights, revealing stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years.

Next, challenge yourself with a hike up to Putuo Mountain. The trail is steep but manageable, and you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the whole park and the surrounding peaks. For rock climbing enthusiasts, the craggy karst formations offer plenty of opportunities to test your skills.

Cultural Insight

Take a moment to visit the Guihai Stele Forest within the park, featuring over 200 stone carvings dating back to the Tang Dynasty, providing a fascinating glimpse into China"s rich history.

Relax and Reflect

After a day of vigorous activities, relax by the tranquil waters of the park’s lakes, or enjoy a leisurely paddleboat ride to unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures.

Practical Tips

- Wear comfortable shoes and bring water and snacks.

- Consider hiring a local guide at the entrance to enrich your exploration with historical insights and hidden gems.

Conclusion

Seven Star Park offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural history, making it an unforgettable destination for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.