From Kunming: 15-Day Private Tour to Guilin and Yangshuo

Thinking about exploring China’s southwestern treasures? This 15-day private tour offers a balanced mix of natural beauty, culture, and scenic adventures, all curated for travelers seeking authentic experiences without the hassle of planning every detail. With private transportation, expert guides, and carefully selected sights, this journey makes it easy to soak up the best of Yunnan, Guizhou, and Guangxi provinces.

What we really love about this experience is how it combines iconic landmarks like the Stone Forest and Huangguoshu Waterfall with lesser-known gems like Maling River Canyon and Zhuang villages. The smoothly organized bullet train rides ensure comfortable transit between cities, giving you more time to enjoy each destination. Plus, the inclusion of local cultural visits offers a glimpse into the diverse ethnic groups that make this region so fascinating.

One thing to consider is the tour’s pace—it involves quite a bit of traveling and sightseeing, so it’s best suited for active travelers who enjoy constant discovery. Be prepared for some long days, especially when visiting remote areas in Guizhou and Guangxi. This tour is perfect if you’re after a rundown of southwestern China’s landscapes and cultures, especially if you prefer private guides and customized itineraries over group tours.

Key Points

• Diverse landscapes: From karst formations and rice terraces to waterfalls and canyons, the scenery is breathtaking.
• Cultural insights: Visits to ethnic villages like Miao, Dong, and Zhuang add depth to your understanding of local traditions.
• Comfortable travel: Private transportation and bullet trains make traveling between destinations seamless.
• Authentic experiences: Opportunities to explore both UNESCO sites and lesser-known rural villages.
• Long itinerary: The 15-day schedule provides a thorough exploration but requires good stamina.
• Value for money: The tour includes entrance fees, guides, and transportation, making it a convenient all-in-one package.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Days 1-2: Arrival in Kunming & Travel to Lijiang

Your journey kicks off in Kunming, where your guide will meet you for the transfer to your hotel. Kunming is often referred to as the “Spring City” thanks to its mild climate, but the real highlight here is the Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We loved the way the towering limestone formations create a surreal landscape—it’s like walking through a natural sculpture gallery. The guided visit ensures you get the most out of this marvel, with insights into how these formations were formed over millions of years.

Next, a 3-hour bullet train whisks you to Lijiang, a city renowned for its charming old town and romantic canals. You’ll have some free time to wander, explore shops, or simply soak in the atmosphere. The next day is dedicated to discovering Baisha Village, famous for its murals and traditional Naxi culture.

Days 3-4: Lijiang and Return to Kunming for the Stone Forest

A full day in Lijiang allows for leisure and optional exploration—many travelers enjoy wandering the cobbled streets or visiting local markets. The atmosphere is laid-back, with plenty of photo-worthy spots and quaint cafes. On Day 4, you’ll travel back to Kunming via bullet train, with a stop at the Stone Forest if you missed it earlier. This UNESCO site features towering limestone pillars that resemble a forest of stone—impressive for its scale and natural engineering.

Days 5-7: Guizhou Province—Maling River Canyon, Wanfeng Lake, and Huangguoshu

The journey continues into Guizhou, a less-touristed but incredibly scenic part of China. Traveling through Shizong and Xingyi, you’re introduced to more of the region’s rugged landscapes and ethnic diversity. At the Maling River Canyon, you’ll marvel at the dramatic cliffs and winding river views, perfect for photography and appreciating untouched nature.

The Forest of Ten-Thousand Peaks offers another highlight—this lush, mountainous area is ideal for nature lovers. Later, a boat trip on Wanfeng Lake provides peaceful scenery and a chance to relax amid the hills.

A major highlight here is the Huangguoshu Waterfall, Asia’s largest waterfall complex. The route to Huangguoshu includes driving along the famed 24-Bend Road, one of China’s most scenic highways, offering spectacular views of the winding landscape. The Baling River Bridge and Dishuitan Waterfall provide additional photo opportunities, and a visit to a Buyi People Village offers cultural insights into the local minority communities.

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Days 8-10: Exploring Guiyang, Kaili, and Rongjiang

In Guiyang, you’ll explore Qingyan Ancient Town, a charming historic site with traditional architecture and local markets. Moving on to Kaili, you get a taste of rural life with visits to Shiqiao Miao Village, known for its ecological environment, and Qingman Miao Village.

Further trips to Langde Long-skirt Miao Village and Huanggang Dong Village deepen your understanding of China’s ethnic diversity. The villages are lively with traditional costumes, music, and crafts, providing a more immersive cultural experience.

Days 11-12: Longsheng and Zhaoxing

Crossing into Guangxi, your journey takes you through Congjiang and Zhaoxing—the largest Dong village—where wooden architecture and musical traditions make for memorable sights. Visiting Basha Miao Village highlights the community’s unique worship of nature, with their intense reverence for trees.

The scenic Longsheng Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces are next, offering spectacular terraced fields that climb up the hillsides. Visiting a Zhuang Village adds another layer of cultural discovery, full of traditional clothing and local crafts.

Days 13-15: Guilin and Yangshuo

Your last days are spent exploring Guilin, famed worldwide for its stunning karst scenery. The Reed Flute Cave and Elephant Trunk Hill are iconic sites—and the cruise down the Li River to Yangshuo is undoubtedly a highlight. The river cruise reveals some of China’s most famous landscapes, with limestone peaks rising dramatically from the water.

In Yangshuo, a short countryside trip offers a relaxed way to enjoy rural life and scenic vistas. The tour concludes with sightseeing in Guilin, leaving you with unforgettable images of this magical region.

What We Think: The Real Value of This Tour

This 15-day journey offers a depth of experience that’s hard to find in quick city visits. The inclusion of private guides and transportation means you avoid the crowds and logistical headaches, letting you focus on enjoying jaw-dropping views and local cultures.

The itinerary’s coverage of both well-known UNESCO sites and hidden villages provides a well-rounded picture of southwestern China’s diversity. The bullet train rides between cities are a highlight—they’re comfortable, efficient, and add a touch of modern China’s sleekness to the trip.

While the pace might be fast for some, it maximizes your time in this fascinating part of the world. The price of $3,149 per person is reasonable considering the extensive inclusions—entrance fees, private transport, guides, and train tickets—making it a convenient, all-in-one package.

Practical considerations:

You’ll want to pack comfortably—sturdy shoes for walking and exploring, layered clothing for varying climates, and essentials like sunscreen and water. The tour is not suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, or travelers with certain health issues, due to the physical nature of some stops and travel distances.

Who is this tour best suited for?

It’s perfect for travelers who like a mix of nature, culture, and scenic cruising without the hassle of arranging everything themselves. It suits those comfortable with a busy schedule and lots of walking, and who want a rundown of southwestern China’s highlights in a relatively short time.

The Sum Up

This private 15-day tour from Kunming to Guilin and Yangshuo delivers an impressive blend of landscapes, cultural encounters, and scenic cruises. The itinerary is thoughtfully designed to showcase the region’s most iconic sights along with authentic ethnic villages, providing a well-rounded experience.

If you’re craving a journey that combines natural beauty with cultural depth and convenient logistics, this tour represents excellent value for the comprehensive experience it offers. It’s ideal for adventurous, curious travelers eager to see China’s diverse southwestern corner without feeling rushed.

While it’s a full schedule, the private guides and transportation help keep things comfortable, making it a memorable, hassle-free way to explore one of China’s most scenic regions. Just remember to bring your sense of adventure—and a camera ready to capture some of the most stunning views in Asia.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families?
This tour is not suitable for children under 8, and some activities may be physically demanding. It’s best for older kids or teenagers who enjoy outdoor adventures.

What kind of transportation is used?
Private transportation is included throughout, along with bullet train tickets, making travel between destinations quick and comfortable.

Are meals included in the tour?
No, meals and beverages are not included, so you’ll have flexibility in choosing local restaurants and trying authentic dishes.

How much walking should I expect?
Expect some walking at sites like the Stone Forest, villages, and scenic areas—comfortable shoes are a must.

What should I pack?
Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, a hat, sunscreen, water, and rain gear. Weather can vary, so layered clothing is recommended.

How flexible is the tour?
You’ll travel with a live guide, but the schedule is quite packed. If you prefer more leisure time, consider customizing parts of the trip in advance.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, all entrance fees to the sites listed are covered in the price.

What languages are spoken?
Guides speak English and Traditional Chinese, ensuring good communication throughout the trip.

This detailed review should help you decide if this 15-day adventure matches your travel style and expectations. Whether it’s the scenic river cruises, incredible waterfalls, or ethnic villages, this tour promises a memorable exploration of China’s southwestern wonders.

You can check availability for your dates here: