Destinations: Guilin + Yangshuo + Longji + Dali + Lijiang
Presented by PandaStudyTour, this 10-day cross-province masterpiece connects the best of Guangxi and Yunnan—iconic karst landscapes, monumental rice terraces, serene Erhai Lake, ancient tea-horse towns and highland ethnic culture. Curated for international travelers seeking variety, ease and depth, the itinerary features no repeated scenery and a leisurely pace with balanced daily activities. It's perfectly suited for families around the world, independent travelers and private small groups, delivering a seamless, unforgettable journey across southern China's most celebrated destinations.
Core Tour Highlights
Why Consider This Tour with PandaStudyTour?
This 10-day cross-province itinerary is designed to reveal the real soul of southern China, far beyond superficial city stops. PandaStudyTour handpicks the most photogenic, culturally rich and authentic experiences, with carefully selected accommodations — city hotels, boutique homestays, terrace stilted houses and ancient town inns — all with English-speaking support. Every meal and activity is tailored for international comfort, balancing iconic sights with quiet, local moments. We handle all logistics, so you can simply relax and immerse yourself in China's stunning landscapes and timeless traditions.
Day 1: Arrival in Guilin · Urban Cultural Introduction
Arrive and check into a city hotel with English service, where you can rest briefly to refresh after your journey. Explore Guilin's iconic landmarks: Elephant Trunk Hill (city symbol) and Duxiu Peak Royal City to learn about the region's millennia-old history, with English guides to explain the stories behind each site. Wander East-West Lane and Xiaoyao Tower for old-town charm and local street atmosphere, where you can taste authentic Guilin snacks like osmanthus cakes and rice noodles from local stalls. In the evening, enjoy the Two Rivers and Four Lakes Night Cruise, with illuminated pagodas and bridges reflecting on the water, savoring the magical blend of natural scenery and urban night views as you glide along the serene waterways.
Day 2: Guilin → Yangshuo · Classic Li River Gallery
Travel to Yangshuo and embark on a Li River Cruise through the heart of the karst peaks, a journey that feels like floating through a traditional Chinese scroll painting. See Nine-Horse Painting Mountain, Yellow Cloth Reflection and the 20-Yuan Banknote Viewpoint — the real-life scroll painting, where you can stop to take photos and listen to the boatman's English introduction to each scenic spot. In the afternoon, explore the quiet, ancient streets of Xingping Ancient Town, a 1,700-year-old town with well-preserved ancient buildings, where you can browse small cultural and creative shops and taste local specialties like bamboo tube chicken and beer fish.
Day 3: Yangshuo Full Day · Rural Slow Vacation
Spend the day in Yangshuo's idyllic countryside, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Drift on the Yulong River Bamboo Raft through peaceful rice fields, stone bridges and karst backdrops — unlike motorized rafts, these hand-pole rafts offer a serene experience with only the sound of bamboo poles dipping into the water. In the afternoon, cycle the Ten-Mile Gallery, stopping at Big Banyan Tree and Moon Hill to admire the unique pastoral scenery and take memorable photos. End with a countryside sunset, where the golden light paints the fields and peaks, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere that perfectly captures Yangshuo’s rural charm.
Day 4: Yangshuo → Longji Rice Terraces · Ethnic Mountain Scenery
Travel to Longji Rice Terraces and check into a traditional stilted-house homestay with a panoramic terrace view, where you can enjoy the quiet mountain air and authentic ethnic hospitality. Explore Jinkeng Grand Village; take the cable car to Jinfo Peak for panoramic views over the vast terraces, where the layers of fields stretch as far as the eye can see, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle. Visit a Red Yao Village to learn about local customs and daily life, such as the Red Yao women’s long hair tradition and hand-weaving skills, then watch the sunset over the terraces, as the sky turns pink and orange, casting a warm glow over the fields.
Day 5: Longji Rice Terraces Full Day · Dual-Village Deep Exploration
Wake early for terrace morning mist (mirror-like in spring, golden in autumn), a magical scene where the mist shrouds the terraces, creating an ethereal and dreamy atmosphere. Explore Ping'an Village's key viewpoints: Seven Stars Accompanying the Moon and Nine Dragons & Five Tigers, each offering a unique perspective of the terraces' intricate lines and natural beauty. Walk the field paths to appreciate the intricate terrace lines, getting up close to the farmland and learning about the ancient farming techniques passed down by the Zhuang people. Experience Zhuang weaving with English guidance, creating a small hand-woven souvenir to take home, and enjoy the quiet mountain evening under the stars, free from light pollution.
Day 6: Longji → Guilin · Transfer to Yunnan
Enjoy a leisurely morning in the terraces before checking out, taking one last stroll to soak in the peaceful mountain scenery and capture final photos of the terraces. Return to Guilin, where you can have a relaxed lunch featuring local Guilin delicacies before taking a high-speed train or flight to Kunming. Arrive in the evening, check into your hotel in Kunming and adjust gently to Yunnan's altitude and climate, with our guide providing tips on adapting to the higher elevation to ensure a comfortable transition.
Day 7: Kunming → Dali · Relaxing Erhai Lake Time
Travel to Dali and spend the day leisurely exploring Erhai Lake, a crystal-clear alpine lake surrounded by lush mountains and charming villages. Visit Panxi S-Bend, a picturesque section of the Erhai Ecological Corridor known for its winding path and stunning lake views, perfect for taking cinematic photos, especially during early morning or dusk. Stroll Shuanglang Ancient Town, a quiet town by the lake with traditional Bai ethnic architecture, and walk the Erhai Ecological Corridor with lake views and distant Cangshan Mountain. The pace is calm and restorative, allowing you to relax and enjoy the peaceful beauty of Dali's lake and mountains.
Day 8: Dali Full View · Ancient Town & Cultural Landmarks
Visit Dali's iconic Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, a symbol of ancient Nanzhao culture with a history of over 1,000 years, featuring three pagodas arranged in a triangle and surrounded by a reflection pond that mirrors their beauty. Wander Dali Ancient Town, including Foreigners' Street, with its historic architecture, traditional Bai ethnic houses and boutique shops selling local handicrafts and snacks. Take time to browse the shops, taste Bai ethnic delicacies and soak in the town’s unique cultural atmosphere. In the evening, travel to Lijiang and check in near Lijiang Ancient Town, where you can enjoy a quiet dinner before resting for the next day's exploration.
Day 9: Lijiang Full Day · Ancient Town Slow Life
Explore Lijiang Ancient Town and Sifang Street, with its flowing canals and Naxi-style houses, where the cobblestone streets wind through the town, creating a romantic and laid-back atmosphere. Visit the quieter Shuhe Ancient Town to avoid crowds, a well-preserved ancient town that retains the original Naxi style and offers a more authentic experience. Optional light Naxi cultural experience and afternoon tea, such as learning to make Naxi snacks or enjoying a cup of local tea in a traditional courtyard. Enjoy the relaxed, laid-back atmosphere of the highland ancient town, taking time to slow down and appreciate the unique culture and scenery.
Day 10: Lijiang · Relaxed Departure
Enjoy a free morning — souvenir shopping or a final stroll in the ancient town, where you can buy local specialties like Naxi silver jewelry, yak butter cakes and osmanthus tea as gifts for family and friends. Our guide will arrange transfer to the airport or railway station according to your schedule, ensuring a smooth and stress-free departure. This 10-day cross-province journey comes to a close, leaving you with unforgettable memories of China's natural beauty and diverse ethnic cultures.
Important Notes
