Longji rice terraces and the Li River in one trip. This two-day highlights tour strings together Longji’s Dragon’s Backbone viewpoints and a classic bamboo boat cruise from Yangdi Pier toward Nine Horses Pier, so you see two very different Guilin favorites without fighting transfers. I like that you start from Guilin city with pickup and an English-speaking driver, and I like that the pace gives you a real hike day on the terraces instead of only photo stops. One thing to consider: entrance tickets and meals aren’t included, so you’ll want a bit of budget and patience for a full, scenic schedule.

The best part is how the route is built around time outdoors: terraced rice views on Day 1, then karst scenery on the water and viewpoints on Day 2. I also appreciate that the tour is private for your group, which makes it easier to move on a schedule that fits you. If you’re sensitive to walking, factor in the about 2-hour hike at PingAn rice terraces.

Many people rave about the English guide experience, and one review specifically praises English-speaking guide Sylvia for her clear English and patience during the day. That’s exactly the kind of help you’ll want when you’re hopping between viewpoints with little downtime.

Key highlights I’d plan around

• Longji Terraces focus on real walking, including an about 2-hour PingAn rice terraces hike.
• Yangdi-to-Nine Horses bamboo cruise for a slower, scenic way to see karst.
• Xianggong hill viewpoint with a hilltop panoramic outlook and a good chance for photos.
• A route that mixes villages, water, and viewpoints instead of repeating similar scenes.
• Private van + English-speaking driver, which cuts confusion and keeps things moving.
• Guide support that can matter, especially if you want clear explanations in English.

Why this Guilin two-day combo works for most travelers

This tour makes sense if you want Guilin’s two signature styles of scenery in a compact time window. Day 1 leans into Longji rice terraces, where the main action is walking through layered paddies and stopping at key villages and viewpoints. Day 2 shifts to the water and karst, with the Li River cruise followed by short scenic stops.

I also like that the timing is structured so you get more than just a quick drive-by. The PingAn segment includes a short hike of about 2 hours, which is the difference between seeing terraces and actually feeling like you’re inside them.

The main trade-off is that the route is packed. You’re going to spend a lot of your day traveling between Guilin and the surrounding scenic areas, then switching between foot and vehicle. If you want lots of free time to wander on your own, you may feel it’s a bit structured.

Getting around: private van pickup from Guilin city

You’re picked up in Guilin city, and you’re transported by a private car or MPV van. That matters more than it sounds. In Guilin, scenic areas can be far enough apart that a group tour on fixed schedules can feel like waiting. With a private setup, you can usually keep the flow without getting stuck behind other groups.

You also get an English-speaking driver service, plus service charges and taxes are included. That means fewer awkward moments like hunting for directions or clarifying what entrance you’re heading to.

One practical point: because this is a private group experience, it’s essentially just you and your party. That’s great for comfort, but it also means you’ll want to be ready to follow the day’s plan without assuming lots of spare time will appear.

Day 1 at Longji rice terraces: Huangluo Yao Village and the PingAn walk

Day 1 is where the tour earns its name as a highlights trip. You start with Huangluo Yao Village in the Longji (Dragon’s Backbone) terraces area, with about 30 minutes there. Admission is listed as free for this stop, which is a nice bonus and helps the day feel balanced cost-wise.

Huangluo Yao Village is described as part of the Longji terraces region, known for its mountain-made rice artistry. Even with the short time, it’s a good introduction because you’re not thrown directly into a long hike. You can orient yourself, get a feel for the area, and then move into the more active stop.

Next comes the main event: PingAn rice terraces. The tour includes a short hike of about 2 hours, and it’s the stop where you should expect the most walking during the whole two days. Admission for PingAn is not included, so plan on paying at least the entry cost for that specific area.

Why I like this structure: it gives you both. You get a quick village stop to understand the human side of the terraces, then you get the viewpoint experience that comes from hiking through the paddies.

Possible consideration: the hike is described as about 2 hours, but the terrain can be uneven. If your pace is slow or you’re not into hiking, you may want to think about shoes with grip and a light layer for changing weather.

Day 2 on the Li River: Yangdi Pier bamboo cruise to Nine Horses Pier

Day 2 starts with a morning transfer by your driver to Yangdi Pier for a Li River bamboo boat cruise. The cruise route is described as from Yangdi Pier to Nine Horses Pier, and the ride time is about 50 minutes. Admission is not included, so you’ll want to budget for whatever ticket fee applies to the bamboo cruise portion.

This is one of those experiences that feels simple until you’re on it. The value is in the perspective shift. Instead of looking up at karst from hillsides, you float through the views, with towering limestone peaks and karst scenery rolling by at a more relaxed rhythm.

It also pairs nicely with the rest of Day 2. Because the cruise is roughly an hour, you’re not likely to feel exhausted and trapped. You’ll still have energy for viewpoint stops after.

Quick tip: even though the cruise is under an hour, bring sunglasses and something for breeze. Bamboo boats can feel cooler than you expect, especially when the water movement changes the air.

Xianggong Mountain for panoramic views and Yulong River for a calmer feel

After the cruise, the tour continues with Xianggong Mountain. This hill is described as located in the middle of the most beautiful part of the Lijiang River scenic area, with an elevation of 200 meters and a straight height of 50 meters. The hilltop provides a panoramic view, and the stop is about 1 hour.

Why this matters: Day 2 doesn’t stay only on the water. Xianggong gives you a higher-angle look, which helps you connect how the river and the karst shapes fit together. You see the same general region from a different level, and that makes the trip feel more complete.

Next is Yulong River (also called the Meeting Dragon River). It’s described as a tributary of the Li River near Yangshuo, flowing through karst scenery and peaceful villages. The stop is about 50 minutes.

This sequence is smart if you want variety. You get:

• water views on the bamboo cruise,
• higher vantage points at Xianggong,
• then a quieter scenic stretch on Yulong River.

A consideration: since admission isn’t included for these later stops either, you should plan to cover ticket costs across multiple segments. Also, expect that your Day 2 schedule will be tighter once you add viewpoint time plus travel plus cruising.

Price and value: what $150 per person really covers

At $150 per person, the value comes from the structure: private transportation, an English-speaking driver service, and service charges and taxes. You’re not paying extra for the van itself, and you’re not relying on navigating between sites alone.

What isn’t included is equally important for your planning. The tour specifically lists that entrance tickets in the tour itinerary are not included (with the one exception of Huangluo Yao Village being free). It also does not include accommodation and meals. So your total trip cost will depend on what you choose for:

• food each day,
• entrance tickets for PingAn, the bamboo cruise, and the remaining scenic stops,
• your hotel for the night between the two days.

In other words, the $150 is a good rate for guided transport and English support, but it’s not a fully bundled all-in-one package. If you prefer to know your total cost up front, you’ll want to check ticket fees for each paid stop before you commit.

Practical planning tips that keep the days smooth

1) Start time is 8:00 am

You’ll want to be ready early. The earlier start is what makes the full two-day sequence possible.

2) Wear shoes you can hike in

PingAn includes about a 2-hour hike. Even if it’s not an extreme climb, the terraces and paths call for grip.

3) Bring cash and card as backup

Tickets aren’t included (and multiple areas may require payment). Even if your day is planned, having payment options prevents small stress when you’re at the gates.

4) Layer for outdoor time

You’ll be outside at Longji and at viewpoints on Day 2. Weather can shift quickly in hilly river regions, so a light layer is useful.

5) Use the mobile ticket

The tour notes mobile ticket support. Have your phone charged and ready, since that’s often the easiest way to confirm at the right moments.

Who should book this tour (and who might not)

This tour is a good match if you:

• want Longji rice terraces plus a Li River bamboo cruise in one compact schedule,
• appreciate an English-speaking guide experience (Sylvia is specifically praised for clear English and patience),
• prefer private transportation and a route that’s organized for you.

You might want a different option if you:

• dislike hiking at all (there’s an about 2-hour hike on Day 1),
• want long free time in each place without moving onward each segment,
• need a fully all-included package with meals and entrances already bundled.

It’s well suited to couples, small groups, and anyone who values efficient sightseeing without complicated logistics.

Booking this tour: should you do it

If your priority is Guilin highlights with minimal planning stress, I’d say this is a solid choice. The combination of Longji terraces and the Yangdi-to-Nine Horses bamboo cruise hits the two big visual draws most people come for, and the private van + English support keeps the day from feeling chaotic.

But don’t treat it as a total “all fees included” deal. Entrance tickets and meals are not included, and PingAn plus the cruise and scenic stops may add to your budget. If you go in expecting that and pack for a day with walking, this tour fits well and feels like a practical way to spend two days in Guilin.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour start time is 8:00 am.

Is pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and the tour starts from Guilin city.

Is the bamboo cruise ticket included?

No. The admission ticket for the Li River bamboo boat cruise is not included.

Are entrance tickets included for all stops?

Not all of them. The tour states that entrance tickets in the itinerary are not included, while Huangluo Yao Village lists admission as free.

Does the price include meals and accommodation?

No. Accommodation and meals are not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.

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