Trace southern China from Guilin’s Li River karst to Zhangjiajie’s sandstone peaks on a private 9‑day tour. Expect village homestays, rice‑terrace stairs and cable‑car rides through clouds and mist.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The morning light on the Li River cuts across limestone peaks as a private car threads Guilin’s low hills toward Yangshuo. On Day 1 travelers climb Xianggong Hill for a north-facing panorama, then drift on a bamboo raft along the Yulong—water that teases you downstream beneath vertical karst faces. The route stitches together Guangxi’s terraced highlands and Guizhou’s minority villages before finishing amid the sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
9 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers with steady endurance who can handle multi‑hour walks, many stairs and occasional uneven village trails.
Wildlife
History
Paths here trace centuries of rice cultivation and minority settlement—Longji terraces were built from the Yuan to Qing dynasties, while towns like Fenghuang preserve Ming‑Qing era architecture.
Conservation
Wulingyuan and Fanjingshan are protected reserves with visitor limits and shuttle systems—stick to trails, avoid feeding wildlife and use local services to support sustainable tourism.
Reserve your spot on the 9-Day Private Tour: From Guilin via Southern Guizhou to Zhangjiajie today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Stair fitness for terraces
Longji Rice Terraces sit between 300–1,100 m and involve many stone steps—train with stair intervals and pack trekking poles if you need extra knee support.
Carry small cash
Village markets and some temple entrances accept only cash; bring CNY in small denominations for snacks, tips and local crafts.
Rain-ready footwear
Summers are warm but rainy; quick‑dry shoes with good grip prevent slips on wet stone and packed earth paths.
Pace long transfers
Several days include 2–4 hour drives—use early starts to avoid afternoon traffic and keep motion‑sickness remedies handy.
Trekking shoes with grip
Sturdy soles handle wet stone steps, village lanes and short hikes like Golden Whip Stream.
Light waterproof jacket
Protects against sudden downpours common on the Li and Yulong rivers and in summer months.
summer
Trekking poles
Useful on long stair descents in Longji terraces and uneven village approaches.
Daypack with rain cover
Carries water, snacks, camera and extra layers for long transfer days and field visits.