Destinations: Guilin + Xingan
Nestled in the northern part of Guilin, Xingan is a hidden gem that blends profound historical heritage with breathtaking alpine scenery. Meticulously designed by PandaStudyTour, this 3-day tour takes you on a journey to explore two iconic treasures: the Lingqu Canal, a 2,000-year-old world irrigation heritage, and Maoer Mountain, the "Top of South China" renowned for its sea of clouds, sunrise and primitive primeval forests. Balancing humanistic wonders and natural beauty, the route features moderate walking and smooth transfers, allowing you to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the primitive charm of history and nature. Perfect for international travelers who love history, alpine landscapes and authentic primitive experiences, this tour reveals the lesser-known but equally magnificent side of Guilin.
Core Tour Highlights
Why Consider This Tour with PandaStudyTour?
This tour focuses on the unique combination of "history + nature", which is different from the traditional Guilin landscape routes.PandaStudyTour carefully selects the most representative attractions and immersive experiences, arranging comfortable accommodations (Xingan county hotel and Maoer Mountain top homestay with English service) to meet the needs of international travelers. Every detail, from transfers to meals and activities, is thoughtfully planned to ensure a relaxed journey. We help you explore the primitive beauty of Xingan and the wisdom of ancient engineering, creating unforgettable memories of history and nature in southern China.
Day 1: Guilin → Xingan · Lingqu Canal + Water Street
Depart from Guilin in the morning and take a 1.5-hour bus ride to Xingan. Upon arrival, visit the Lingqu Canal, a world irrigation engineering heritage built during the Qin Dynasty with a history of 2,000 years, which connects the Yangtze River and Pearl River basins. With professional English explanations, you will learn about the principle of the water diversion dam, sluice gates and canal, marveling at the wisdom of ancient Chinese engineering. Take a 30-minute boat tour on the Lingqu Canal to experience the charm of "There is the Great Wall in the north, and Lingqu in the south". Enjoy a local lunch featuring Xingan rice noodles—fresher than Guilin rice noodles with amomum tsao-ko brine, and English menus are available. In the afternoon, wander through Xingan Water Street, a Ming and Qing ancient street with Lingqu Canal running through it. Walk on the bluestone roads, admire ancient bridges and dwellings, and experience the quiet and primitive atmosphere with few crowds. You can also try osmanthus cake making with English guidance. Check into a comfortable hotel in Xingan county in the late afternoon, then enjoy dinner with local specialties such as Xingan vinegar blood duck (mildly spicy, non-spicy version available) and local wild vegetables. End the day with a leisurely walk along the Lingqu Canal at night, admiring the stunning lit ancient bridges and the quiet, beautiful night scenery.
Day 2: Xingan → Maoer Mountain · Top of South China + Sunset
After breakfast, take a 1-hour bus ride from Xingan to Maoer Mountain. Upon arrival at Maoer Mountain Scenic Area, take a sightseeing bus and enjoy the primitive subtropical rainforests, waterfalls and streams along the way. With English explanations, learn about the subtropical rainforest ecosystem and rare plants and animals such as Chinese yew and macaques. Have a light and simple lunch at the mountain restaurant, then prepare to climb to the top of Maoer Mountain—you can choose to hike 3km or take a cable car directly to the top. At the viewing platform of the "Top of South China", overlook the rolling mountains and the sea of clouds (if the weather is good), and take beautiful photos with blue sky, sea of clouds and mountains in the style of Instagram. Watch the stunning sunset on the mountain top viewing platform in the late afternoon, where the sunset glow dyes the sky red, creating a magnificent scene. Check into a starry sky homestay on the mountain top, then enjoy a hot pot dinner at the homestay with light soup base, fresh vegetables and local chicken. In the evening, admire the clear starry sky on the mountain top with explanations from an English guide.
Day 3: Maoer Mountain → Guilin · Sunrise + Departure
Wake up early to watch the stunning sunrise on Maoer Mountain (if the weather is good) at the mountain top viewing platform—the combination of sea of clouds and sunrise is truly shocking and unforgettable. After a simple breakfast at the homestay, take a 2-hour bus ride back to Guilin. Enjoy a delicious lunch at Chunji Roast Goose in Guilin urban area, then our professional transfer service will send you to the airport or railway station, bringing your 3-day journey of history and primitive nature to a perfect end.
Important Notes
Join PandaStudyTour to explore the ancient wisdom of Lingqu Canal and the primitive alpine beauty of Maoer Mountain. This 3-day journey combines history and nature, allowing you to experience the unique charm of Xingan and leave precious memories of southern China.
