Longsheng attracts many tourists for its rolling terraces field and unique ethnic customs. Among the three scenic spots, Jinkeng boasts the most spectacular views. On arrival at Guilin airport, be picked up and transferred to Tiantou Village of the Red Yao ethnic group in Jinkeng for the night.

Accommodation: Stay overnight at Longsheng (Tiantou Village, Jinkeng). We have selected a boutique local guesthouse perched on the hillside of Tiantou Village. Staying here allows you to wake up to panoramic views of the rice terraces and experience the traditional wooden architecture of the Red Yao people firsthand.

Expert Tips:
For a better experience, we recommend leaving your large suitcases in the vehicle or at a hotel in Guilin and bringing only a backpack, as Tiantou Village involves an uphill walk. Tiantou Village is also the premier location to capture the sunrise and morning mist over the Jinkeng terraces directly from your balcony. Please be aware that mountain temperatures drop at night even in summer, so a light jacket is essential. Lastly, don't miss the chance to try authentic local Bamboo Rice and the traditional home-brewed rice wine of the Red Yao people.

Get up early and hike about 40 minutes to the No. 1 viewpoint, also named Xi Shan Shao Yue (West Hill Music), to capture the most imposing sunrise over Jinkeng. As the highest one in Jinkeng Scenic Area, Tiantou Village overlooks the entire terraced field commandingly and keeps its original feature much better than other villages in the same area. After breakfast at the hotel, you can take some more time to explore the village and then meet your driver for the journey back to Guilin. Or, hike another 40 minutes down to Dazhai village to spot more rustic scenery along the way before setting off the return journey.

Accommodation: Stay overnight at Guilin. We have selected a centrally located hotel in Guilin that offers both comfort and easy access to local amenities and the night market for your evening exploration.

Expert Tips:
To ensure you capture the best sunrise at Xi Shan Shao Yue, check the local sunrise time with your guide the night before and bring a small flashlight for the early morning hike. If you choose the 40-minute hike down to Dazhai Village, ensure your walking shoes have good grip as the paths can be slippery from morning dew. This is also a great opportunity to visit the local market in Guilin for dinner to experience authentic flavors beyond your usual routine. 

It is a relaxing day to sail along the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo. On a clear day, floating on the verdure water with the green peaks on both sides passing by you slowly or seeing the reflection of white clouds and the green hills getting blurry with the waves caused by your boat, you may feel you are traveling in a Chinese landscape painting scroll. The cruise takes 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on the water. Disembarking the boat, you can take a short walk through the bustling West Street before being transferred to your hotel in the idyllic country of Yangshuo.

Accommodation: Stay overnight at Yangshuo. We have selected a boutique hotel or a cozy countryside resort that allows you to soak in the peaceful rural atmosphere and iconic karst scenery right from your doorstep.

Expert Tips:
To get the best views on the Li River cruise, try to secure a spot on the outer deck as the boat passes the famous scenery of the 20 RMB note near Xingping. While the cruise includes a simple lunch, you might want to save your appetite for the diverse street food and local specialties like Beer Fish found along West Street later in the afternoon. Since you will be spending several hours sitting during the cruise, use the walk through West Street to stay active and reach your daily movement goals. 

The Yulong River is the most scenic branch of the Li River and is even more elegant. Follow your guide this morning to discover its beauty in your preferable way, either hiking or biking, and then move forward to a small island on the Li River in Xingping. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the island, you can hop on a golf cart to travel around the island and glance at the people's life or sit on the terrace of your hotel to relish the rustic tranquility. In the right season or on the correct day, you can also ask for a farmland experience, fruit picking in the orchard or barbecue on the river beach, or a bamboo cruise at night to enjoy the full moon.

Accommodation: Stay overnight at Xingping. We have selected a boutique riverside hotel on the island, offering a perfect blend of modern comfort and traditional charm, ensuring you wake up to the serene sounds of the Li River.

Expert Tips:
If you choose biking along the Yulong River, be sure to wear comfortable athletic gear and sun protection, as the paths offer stunning open-air views but limited shade. For the free afternoon in Xingping, we recommend trying the seasonal fruit picking to taste the freshest local produce directly from the orchards. Since you are likely balancing this travel experience with your ongoing work commitments, the island's tranquil atmosphere provides an ideal setting to focus before your evening meal. 

This morning, you will hike through an orchard and then along the ancient Guihua Road (Osmanthus Road in English) to enjoy the fabulous scenery of the First Bay of the Li River. Late autumn, when the towering Osmanthus trees flanked the ancient path in full blossom, you will be soaked in the perfume of the flowers. While descending, stop to visit a centuries-old temple hidden in a cave on the mountain. Have some leisure time in the afternoon to relax. It's a good idea to pay five Yuan (RMB) to take a ferry across the river and explore the old town of Xingping or hike up the TV tower to discover the charms of the Li River from a new angle.

Accommodation: Stay overnight at Xingping. We have selected a boutique riverside hotel on the island, offering a perfect blend of modern comfort and traditional charm, ensuring you wake up to the serene sounds of the Li River.

Expert Tips:
For the best panoramic views and photography, we highly recommend hiking up the TV tower in the late afternoon to catch the sunset over the Li River's dramatic karst peaks. If you visit during the osmanthus season, the scent along Guihua Road is truly unforgettable, so take your time to breathe in the natural fragrance. Since the descent involves visiting a cave temple, wearing sturdy walking shoes with good traction is essential for the uneven surfaces. 

Conclude your adventure to Guilin this morning. Before heading to the airport, you may like to spend some time visiting a local market. It will take about two hours from Xingping to the international airport in Guilin, so better to book a flight departing later than noon.

Accommodation: N/A

Expert Tips:
To make the most of your final morning, visit the local market early to pick up unique Guilin specialties like osmanthus tea or fermented bean curd as authentic souvenirs for your journey home. We recommend coordinating your departure time carefully with your guide, as the two-hour drive to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport can vary depending on local traffic conditions.