Top Yangshuo Multi-Day Tours: 3 Days of Cycling, River Rafting & Mountain Views

Summary

Day1 Cycling Journey, West Street
Day2 Bamboo Raft Riding, Xingping Ancient Town, Laozhai Mountain
Day3 Nine Horse Fresco Hill, Xianggong Mountain

Day1 Yangshuo

Early in the morning, you will start your day with an invigorating Countryside Cycling Tour. Your guide will meet you at your Yangshuo hotel and assist you in selecting a suitable bicycle before setting off into the serene landscapes of the Ten-Mile Gallery, one of the most scenic routes in Yangshuo. As you ride along quiet rural roads, you'll be surrounded by dramatic karst mountains, emerald rice paddies, and bamboo groves. The fresh morning air and soft light will make the scenery feel almost dreamlike. Your guide will ride alongside you, pointing out traditional homes, local farms, and hidden viewpoints. The cycling pace will be relaxed, giving you plenty of opportunities to pause for photos and enjoy the tranquil countryside atmosphere.

Your journey will continue through Jiuxian Village, a quiet settlement steeped in history and rural charm. Stone pathways, weathered courtyards, and ancient banyan trees tell stories of the past, while daily village life unfolds all around you — locals tending to fields, children riding bicycles, and elderly residents relaxing under shady trees. As you weave through the village, your guide will share insights into the area’s heritage and point out architectural details unique to this region. Exiting the village, you'll ride through more backroads lined with peach trees, lotus ponds, and small bridges — the kind of scenes that have inspired generations of Chinese painters and poets.

Around midday, you will take a well-earned break and enjoy lunch at a local countryside restaurant known for its home-style dishes and peaceful setting. Your meal will feature fresh, locally sourced ingredients — perhaps stir-fried vegetables, stewed chicken, eggplant with garlic, or river fish depending on what’s in season. The quiet surroundings, with views of karst hills and rice terraces, offer a restful contrast to the morning’s activity. Your guide will introduce some local food customs and explain the origin of select dishes, making your meal not just nourishing, but also culturally enriching.

After lunch, you will continue your cycling journey toward West Street, the heart of Yangshuo’s old town. As you approach, the peaceful rural scenery gradually shifts to a lively town atmosphere filled with a blend of ancient architecture and modern energy. Upon arrival, your guide will lead you through the stone-paved lanes, highlighting charming cafés, boutique stores, and historical buildings with distinct Southern Chinese flair. You’ll have free time to explore, shop for souvenirs, or enjoy a drink while soaking in the unique blend of East and West. When your visit concludes, your guide will escort you back to your hotel, where you can relax and reflect on a day full of nature, culture, and adventure.

Day2 Yangshuo

In the morning, your guide will meet you at your Yangshuo hotel and escort you on a scenic drive to Yangdi Pier, where your Li River adventure will begin. Boarding a bamboo-style river raft or boat, you will embark on one of the most breathtaking stretches of the Li River, drifting past iconic limestone peaks that rise sharply from the water, lush bamboo forests, and tranquil rural scenes. Along the way, your guide will point out famous landmarks such as the “Yellow Cloth Shoal,” sharing the stories and legends behind them. The water will be calm and glassy, mirroring the surrounding mountains in a surreal reflection. This section of the river has long been considered the most beautiful, and you’ll see why as you glide peacefully toward Xingping Ancient Town, your destination for the morning.

Upon arriving at Xingping Pier, you will step ashore and begin exploring Xingping Ancient Town, a place where history whispers through every cobblestone alley. With your guide leading the way, you will wander past centuries-old architecture — grey-bricked houses with tiled roofs, arched gateways, and intricately carved wooden doors. The old town has preserved its Ming and Qing dynasty charm, and your guide will help you imagine what life was like here for traders and fishermen in ancient times. You’ll also visit the famous site depicted on the back of China’s 20 RMB banknote — a bend in the river framed by dramatic peaks. Along the way, you may meet local artisans selling hand-painted fans, bamboo carvings, or regional snacks, all adding to the authentic experience of this well-preserved town.

By midday, you will enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant tucked within the town’s historic alleys. The setting will be rustic yet charming, with wooden beams, red lanterns, and river views offering a cozy ambiance. Your guide will assist in selecting dishes that reflect the local flavor — perhaps steamed river fish with ginger and soy, sautéed seasonal vegetables, or Guilin-style tofu. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might try some of the region’s traditional specialties. As you dine, your guide will explain the cultural significance of local ingredients and culinary techniques, giving you deeper insight into the flavors of Guangxi. After lunch, you will have a few moments to relax before continuing your afternoon adventure.

In the afternoon, your guide will lead you on a short but steep hike up Laozhai Mountain, which rises dramatically behind Xingping Town. Though the stone steps may challenge your legs, the reward at the top will be unforgettable. As you reach the summit, a panoramic view of the Li River winding through dramatic karst formations will open before you — one of the most iconic vistas in all of China. Your guide will help you identify nearby peaks and explain the geological wonders that shaped this unique landscape. With the late afternoon sun casting golden hues over the mountains, it’s a perfect moment for photography or quiet reflection. After descending carefully, you will return with your guide to your hotel in Xingping, where you can rest after a day filled with natural beauty, history, and cultural immersion.

Day3 Yangshuo

You will begin your final day with an early morning walk, guided by the soft sounds of nature and your experienced local guide, who will lead you through the peaceful riverside paths toward one of the Li River’s most legendary formations — Nine Horse Fresco Hill. Shrouded in morning mist, this massive cliff face reveals patterns in the rock that resemble galloping horses, some more vivid than others. Your guide will explain the famous tale behind the name: those who can spot all nine horses are said to possess great wisdom. As you gaze at the mountain’s weathered surface, your guide will help point out the figures, turning the viewing into an engaging visual puzzle. After admiring the formation, you will board a small ferry boat that will gently carry you across the Li River, giving you a closer perspective of the dramatic cliff and the mirror-like water it towers above.

Once across the river, your guide will arrange transport and accompany you on a scenic drive through rural countryside, heading to the base of Xianggong Mountain — one of the most iconic photo spots in all of Guilin. The road winds through lush rice paddies and quiet villages, and your guide may stop briefly to let you enjoy a glimpse of daily local life. Upon arrival, you will begin the uphill walk to the summit. Though the climb includes a series of well-maintained stone steps, your guide will pace the ascent according to your comfort and offer insights along the way, such as the names of nearby peaks or historical tidbits about the region. At the top, a jaw-dropping panorama will greet you: the Li River snakes through sharp karst mountains under a vast sky, creating a scene that has inspired poets and painters for centuries. Your guide will point out ideal photo angles and help you appreciate the unique topography that makes this view so revered.

After descending from Xianggong Mountain, your guide will lead you to a nearby countryside restaurant known for its tranquil setting and authentic local dishes. The outdoor terrace may offer a final view of the green peaks you've just explored, allowing you to unwind while surrounded by nature. Your guide will help you choose from a selection of Guangxi-style specialties — perhaps stir-fried river shrimp, eggplant with garlic sauce, or bamboo-tube rice. The food will be simple but full of the rustic flavors that define the region’s home cooking. As you eat, your guide may share stories of village traditions, farming practices, or seasonal festivals, enriching your understanding of the culture beyond the scenery. It will be a satisfying and reflective meal, a perfect pause before your return journey.

In the afternoon, you will bid farewell to the mountain landscapes and return to Yangshuo, with your guide ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride. As the countryside gradually gives way to the lively town streets, you may reflect on the dramatic beauty and peaceful charm that has marked your days in Guilin and Yangshuo. Your guide will assist you with check-out or transfer logistics, making sure your bags are in order and confirming your onward travel details. Whether you are catching a train, a flight, or continuing to explore other regions of China, you will leave with vivid memories of limestone peaks, winding rivers, and the warm hospitality that defined your journey. Your Guilin Muslim-friendly adventure — rich in nature, culture, and discovery — will now come to a graceful close.

Price Per Person in US Dollars