2-Day Guilin Cave Tours: Bamboo Rafting, Moon Water Cave, Li River Hike & Xingping Ancient Town

Summary

Day1 Early Morning Bamboo Rafting, Ten-Mile Gallery, Moon Water Cave Exploring
Day2 Xingping Ancient Town,  hike along the Li River, Xianggong Hill

Day1 Yangshuo

In the early morning, your guide will meet you at your hotel and accompany you to the Yulong River pier. As the mist still lingers gently over the karst peaks, you will board a traditional Bamboo Raft, beginning a tranquil journey down the serene waters. Unlike the larger Li River, the Yulong River is peaceful and intimate, surrounded by rice fields, ancient stone bridges, and quaint village homes. Your guide will introduce scenic highlights along the way, such as the centuries-old Fuli Bridge and limestone formations with poetic names like “Camel Crossing the River.” You will glide past reflections of the mountains on the water, with only the gentle splash of the pole breaking the silence. With your guide pointing out photo-worthy spots and sharing local legends, you will feel as though you’ve drifted into a Chinese ink painting.

After disembarking from the raft, you will switch gears and begin your cycling tour along the famous Ten-Mile Gallery. Your guide will help you adjust your bike and lead you through scenic countryside paths flanked by emerald rice paddies, rolling hills, and karst cliffs. Along the way, you will pass by attractions like Butterfly Spring, Totem Ancient Trail, and the Big Banyan Tree. Your guide will explain the origin of the gallery’s name—every meter of the route is a “living painting.” You will stop at key locations where the views are particularly photogenic, and your guide will happily take photos for you. The ride is leisurely and immersive, with the breeze in your hair and birdsong in the background. Your guide will also share insights into rural life, crops in season, and how villagers live in harmony with the landscape.

At midday, your guide will bring you to a countryside restaurant tucked between fields and hills. The restaurant is locally run and offers an authentic taste of Yangshuo’s regional dishes. Your guide will help order specialties such as Beer Fish (a signature dish made with fresh river fish and local beer), stir-fried wild vegetables, and stuffed river snails. If you have any dietary restrictions, your guide will communicate with the kitchen to ensure your meal is suitable. During the meal, your guide will explain the origins of each dish and how the ingredients reflect the area’s agricultural heritage. You’ll enjoy a restful break, savoring the food and soaking in the peaceful surroundings. This lunch will not just fill your stomach but also give you a deeper appreciation of Guangxi’s culinary culture.

After lunch and a brief rest, your guide will drive you to the Moon Water Cave for an exciting underground exploration. Once you arrive, your guide will distribute helmets and waterproof shoes, ensuring you are well-equipped for the adventure. As you step into the cave, you will notice the air becoming cooler and damper. Your guide will lead you through the winding passages, pointing out naturally formed stalactites, stalagmites, and crystal-clear underground pools. You will hear stories of the cave’s mythical formations, such as the “Fairy Dressing Table” and “Dragon Claw Rock.” At certain points, you’ll even walk through shallow underground rivers—an unforgettable and slightly muddy experience! Your guide will ensure your safety at every step and help you navigate slippery sections, allowing you to enjoy the magical beauty of this hidden karst wonder.

After the caving adventure, your guide will help you clean up and change into dry clothes before escorting you back to your hotel. On the return drive, you will have time to relax and reflect on the day's highlights. Your guide will share tips on how to spend your evening, whether you want to explore West Street’s nightlife, enjoy the riverside view, or watch the famous Impression Liu Sanjie show. If you’re interested in booking tickets or making dinner reservations, your guide will be happy to assist. As the sun sets behind the karst mountains, painting the sky in hues of gold and pink, you will arrive back at your hotel with your heart full and your camera filled with memories. Your guide will make sure you’ve collected all your belongings and say goodbye with warm wishes, bringing your perfect day in Yangshuo to a close.

Day2 Yangshuo

Your day will begin in the picturesque town of Yangshuo, where you’ll be picked up from your hotel in the morning. After a short and scenic drive through the serene countryside of Guangxi, you will arrive at Xingping Ancient Town, one of the oldest and most charming towns along the Li River. As you step into Xingping, you will feel as though you’ve traveled back in time. Stone-paved alleys, centuries-old houses with grey-tiled roofs, and traditional shopfronts will welcome you into a world of history and simplicity. You’ll stroll through the ancient streets, pass by time-worn courtyards, and perhaps visit the old opera stage or the former residence of Sun Yat-sen. While wandering, you will notice the unique rhythm of local life—elders playing cards under banyan trees, fishermen weaving nets, and artists painting riverside scenes. The town will offer a peaceful contrast to the more touristic areas of Yangshuo, giving you a chance to savor authentic southern Chinese village charm.

After exploring the quiet alleys of Xingping, you’ll stop for lunch at a small local eatery known for its Guilin rice noodles. This beloved regional dish features smooth rice noodles topped with braised beef or a savory vegetarian option, crunchy peanuts, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs. You’ll be able to customize your bowl with local condiments like chili oil, garlic water, and vinegar. Though simple, the flavors will be rich and satisfying—perfect after a morning of walking. You’ll enjoy your meal in a relaxed setting, surrounded by locals, giving you a real taste of daily life in the town.

With your energy restored, you will set off on a scenic Hike along the most breathtaking section of the Li River. This part of your journey will lead you on foot from Xingping along the riverbank, following peaceful trails lined with bamboo groves and wildflowers. The route you’ll take is considered the “essence” of the Li River, renowned for its surreal karst landscapes, tranquil waters, and postcard-perfect reflections. You’ll pass by the famous landscape featured on the 20-yuan note, and your guide will help you find the exact spot to take your own version of the iconic photo. As you walk, you’ll feel a deep sense of tranquility. The path will be gentle, suitable for all fitness levels, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop for photos or simply soak in the beauty around you. Birds will chirp in the background, bamboo rafts may float quietly by, and the unique limestone peaks will accompany you like ancient guardians throughout your hike.

At the end of your river walk, you will arrive at a small local pier where a short ferry ride will take you across the Li River. The boat crossing will be quick but memorable, offering a different perspective of the river as you glide past fishermen and water buffalo wading along the shores. Once across, a vehicle will be waiting to take you on a winding drive up toward Xianggong Hill, one of the most famous viewing points in the entire Li River region. Upon arrival, you’ll ascend a well-paved path to the summit—around 20 minutes of climbing that will reward you immensely. At the top, a breathtaking panoramic view will open up before your eyes: the Li River winding like a jade ribbon through layers of dramatic peaks, mist drifting over the valleys, and villages nestled quietly at the foot of the mountains. You’ll have time to take photos, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and simply marvel at nature’s grandeur from this unforgettable vantage point.

As the sun begins to lower in the sky, casting golden light over the landscape, you will descend from Xianggong Hill and begin your return journey to Yangshuo. The drive back will offer one more chance to enjoy the pastoral scenery—rice paddies stretching into the distance, water buffalo grazing, and farmers working in the fields. You might even stop briefly along the way to snap a few final photos of the countryside bathed in evening light. Once you arrive at your hotel in Yangshuo, your guide will thank you for spending the day together and wish you a pleasant evening. You’ll return with your camera full of stunning images and your heart full of peaceful memories. This journey—from ancient town to riverside trails and mountain vistas—will have shown you the best of what the Li River region has to offer, blending culture, cuisine, and landscape into one perfect day of exploration.

Price Per Person in US Dollars