2-night Combo Package: Sunrise Photo of Yangshuo and Longsheng Rice Terraces

What’s this tour all about?

If you’re craving a quick getaway from Hong Kong, Shenzhen, or Guangzhou, this 3-day tour in Lingui County offers a blend of early mornings, scenic landscapes, and authentic rural charm. Priced at around $402.39 per person, it’s designed specifically with camera enthusiasts in mind—without the hassle of guided tours. Think of it as a self-directed photography adventure with the essentials covered.

Our favorite features include private pickups from multiple stations or airports, the chance to capture famous sunrise views over the Li River, and the opportunity to explore the impressive Longsheng rice terraces and Longji mountain area. The tour’s flexible transfers and accommodation make logistics straightforward and hassle-free.

However, one point to consider is that no guide service is included, so you’ll need to be comfortable navigating on your own or with local villagers. This makes it ideal for independent travelers or those comfortable with a bit of planning. Overall, it suits photographers, adventure seekers, or travelers eager for an authentic rural experience.

Key Points

• Ideal for photography enthusiasts looking for sunrise and landscape shots
• Self-guided structure offers flexibility but requires some planning
• Includes hotel stays, transfers, and entrance tickets for a hassle-free experience
• Short, well-paced itinerary focusing on key scenic spots
• Perfect for travelers with moderate physical fitness due to walking and bus transfers
• Limited group size (max four travelers) ensures a more personalized experience

Exploring the Itinerary: From Guilin to the Scenic Countryside

Day 1: Welcome to Guilin’s Countryside

The trip begins with a pickup service from your chosen point — whether Guilin airport, railway stations, or downtown hotels. This smooth start ensures you don’t waste time navigating public transport, especially handy if you arrive after a long journey. You’ll then head towards Hebaoshan Village in Yangshuo County, your base for the night.

This initial stop isn’t just a bed; it’s a quiet village that offers a lovely introduction to rural Guangxi. The accommodation includes breakfast, giving you energy for the early mornings ahead. The village’s peaceful atmosphere and basic comforts make it a good spot to relax after your travel day.

Day 2: Sunrise Over Li River & Longsheng Rice Terraces

The highlight of this tour is the early morning ascent of Xianggong Mountain at Hebaoshan Village. This climb—about an hour—may be a gentle trek, but its reward is breathtaking: a panoramic view of the Li River winding through lush karst formations. The early wake-up is worth it; the sunrise over the river, with mist swirling around, is one of the most iconic shots in the region.

Reviewers note that the sunrise is well worth the effort, and the vantage point offers a perfect composition for landscape photography. One guest mentioned, “The sunrise was stunning, and I managed some incredible shots of the river.” The clear timing and dedicated spot make this a must-do for serious photographers.

After capturing the morning light, you’ll transfer by private coach to Longsheng County. The journey takes about 6 hours, but the scenery along the way — rice paddies, rural villages, and rolling hills — makes for great sightseeing in itself. The driver will handle the logistics, leaving you free to enjoy the changing landscape.

Upon arrival, you’ll be taken on a 3-hour walk with a local villager guide to Quanjinlou Hotel at the mountain’s summit. This walk isn’t just about the destination; it’s about experiencing the terraces up close. Reviewers appreciated the local guide’s insights and friendly attitude, which enriched the walk with stories and tips about rice farming and local life.

Day 3: Longji Rice Terraces & Return Journey

On your final day, you’ll visit the Jinkeng Rice Terraces, one of the most picturesque spots in Longsheng. The bus departs at various times, giving flexibility to your schedule—just let your coordinator know your preferred return time. You’ll enjoy a scenic ride to the terraces, with options to explore further if you’re feeling energetic.

The walk through the terraces offers amazing photo opportunities: terraced fields stretching to the horizon, traditional wooden houses, and mountain views that change with the sunlight. The porter service helps with luggage, so you won’t be weighed down, allowing you to focus on the photos.

The return transfer from Jinkeng to Guilin and Yangshuo is smooth, giving you time to reflect on the landscapes you’ve captured. If you’re heading directly to the train station or your hotel in Guilin, this part of the trip is straightforward, thanks to the included transfers.

What’s Included & What’s Not

While the package covers many essentials, it’s good to know what’s not included to avoid surprises. The tour provides two nights of accommodation with breakfast, airport and station pickups, transfers between key locations, and admission tickets for the scenic spots. The local guide on the walking tour is a helpful touch, offering insights without being a full guide-led experience.

However, meals beyond breakfast are not included — so plan for lunch and dinner on your own. There’s no guide for the entire trip, just the local villager escort during the walk in Longsheng, making it more suitable for confident, independent explorers.

Transport & Timing

The bus schedules are flexible, with departures from Guilin to Longsheng at several times during the day. This flexibility is useful if you want to customize your schedule or take more photos. The total trip duration allows ample time at each site, but keep in mind that moderate physical fitness is recommended due to walking and bus rides.

Accommodation & Pricing

The hotel stay in Hebaoshan village is basic but comfortable, included in the price. The package is designed for twin sharing, with options to add extra beds if needed, though many rooms are small and may not accommodate more than four guests comfortably.

Authentic Experiences & Traveler Insights

Based on reviews, travelers appreciated the flexibility and independence this tour offers. One reviewer mentioned, “The lack of a guide meant I could explore at my own pace, but having the local villager on the walk added a nice touch.” Another highlighted the spectacular sunrise view, calling it “a photographer’s dream.”

Some guests pointed out the timing can be tight if you want to capture more than the sunrise, so planning your camera gear and preparation is key. The small group size (maximum four travelers) ensures you won’t be rushed, and the personalized transfers make the logistics much easier.

The self-guided nature means you’ll need to be comfortable navigating local transport and walking routes. However, the included tips and the helpful driver service make this manageable even for less experienced travelers.

Final thoughts: Is this tour worth it?

This 2-night combo package is an excellent choice for photographers, solo travelers, or couples who want to capture iconic Chinese landscapes with minimal hassle. The early mornings and scenic stops make for unforgettable images, while the flexible schedule and private transfers add comfort and convenience.

It’s especially suitable if you value authentic rural scenery over commercialized tours and are comfortable exploring independently. The modest price, combined with included accommodation and tickets, offers good value for those eager to enjoy Guangxi’s natural beauty.

If you want a focused, photo-centric experience that balances comfort with authentic rural insights, this tour delivers in spades. Just remember to bring your camera, a sense of adventure, and a bit of physical stamina.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for travelers who are not photographers?
While it’s designed with photographers in mind, anyone interested in scenic landscapes can enjoy the views, especially at sunrise and the rice terraces. However, the focus on photography means early mornings and walking are essential parts of the experience.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation to Guilin?
No, the package includes pickup services from Guilin airport and railway stations, making arrival seamless.

Will I have a guide during the entire trip?
No, there’s no full guide service; only a local villager escorts you during the walk at Longsheng. You’ll need to navigate other parts independently.

What if I want to stay longer in Guilin or Yangshuo?
This package focuses on a 3-day itinerary. You can extend your stay in the area beforehand or afterward, but additional bookings are not included.

Are meals included besides breakfast?
No, lunch and dinner are not included, so plan to explore local eateries or bring snacks.

How strenuous is the walking involved?
Moderate physical fitness is recommended, as there’s walking on uneven terrain and some uphill sections, especially on Xianggong Mountain and the terraces.

Can children participate?
The tour is designed for a minimum of 2 adults and a maximum of 4 people per booking. Extra child seats or beds may require additional arrangements.

What about accessibility?
The tour involves some walking on uneven paths and mountain slopes, so it may not be suitable for travelers with mobility issues.

Is there an option for a guide for the entire trip?
Not within this package; it’s a self-guided experience with local assistance during key walks.

This 2-night Sunrise Photo & Longsheng Rice Terraces tour offers a well-balanced mix of scenic beauty, flexibility, and practical logistics. Perfect for independent travelers or photographers eager to capture classic Guangxi landscapes without the constraints of guided tours. With early mornings, stunning vistas, and comfortable transfers, it’s a memorable way to experience rural China authentically and affordably.

Whether you’re looking to add dramatic landscape shots to your portfolio or simply want to see one of China’s most beautiful countryside areas, this tour is a solid choice—just pack your camera and an adventurous spirit.