We Rank The 15 Best Tours In Guilin

Guilin is a place where natural beauty and rich cultural diversity collide in spectacular ways. Its striking limestone karst formations, lush rice terraces, and vibrant minority villages make it a perfect destination for immersive tours. We particularly love experiences like the private Longji Rice Terraces with minority villages, which offers a personalized look into China’s ethnic cultures, and the Li River cruises that showcase Guilin’s iconic scenery from the water. Whether you’re craving scenic hikes, cultural insights, or a mix of both, Guilin’s tour options cater to a variety of interests.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best tours in Guilin—from scenic day trips to multi-day private adventures. Expect detailed insights into what makes each experience special, helping you pick the perfect way to explore this incredible region.

Quick Overview

Guilin’s tour scene is diverse, with options ranging from private day trips exploring rice terraces and minority villages (Longji Rice Terraces) to full-day scenic river cruises and multi-day luxury tours (3 Days Private Guilin Highlights). Many tours include private transfers, local guides with deep knowledge, and access to attractions like Reed Flute Cave, Xianggong Hill, and Yangshuo’s lively West Street. Whether you want an intimate experience, family-friendly activities, or a luxury escape, these options cover all bases.

Now, let’s dive into each of these top-rated Guilin tours to see what makes them stand out.

1. Longji Rice Terraces with Minority Village Private Day Tour

At number 1, this private day tour offers an in-depth visit to the iconic Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces and minority villages, with a focus on personalized service. Your guide explains the traditions of the Yao and Zhuang people, giving you a genuine cultural perspective. The tour includes door-to-door transfers from your Guilin hotel, making logistics effortless. You’ll explore the Ping’an Rice Terraces, renowned for their sculpted landscape, and visit Huangluo Yao Village, famous for its long-haired women.

The tour’s strength lies in its private nature, allowing you to set your own pace and ask questions freely. Reviews praise the helpful guides like Liu and Jack, highlighting the flexible, well-organized experience. For around $69, it’s a fantastic value for travelers wanting an authentic cultural encounter combined with stunning scenery. The trip suits those eager to learn about minority cultures and enjoy a scenic, relaxed day outside the city.

Bottom Line: Ideal for culture lovers and scenery seekers, this tour offers a personal touch at an affordable price.

2. 1-DAY Private Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Villages Tour

Positioned at number 2, this full-day private tour emphasizes the Ping’an Terraces with its distinctive “9 Dragons and 5 Tigers” and “Seven Stars with the Moon” landscapes. Your guide Jerry brings years of experience and provides an intimate look at local life, including visits to Huangluo Yao Village and the rice terraces. The itinerary involves short hikes through terraced fields, giving you a chance to appreciate the fascinating landscape and learn about the ethnic minorities.

Guests consistently mention how customizable and comfortable the experience is, with reviews praising Jerry’s local knowledge and kindness. For $142 for up to four travelers, it offers an excellent balance of privacy, cultural depth, and scenic beauty. It’s perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive, flexible day out exploring rural Guangxi.

Bottom Line: Excellent for those wanting an immersive, flexible private experience with a knowledgeable guide.

3. 1-Day Guilin Tour to Reed Flute Cave, Xianggong Hill, Bamboo Boat and Night Show

Coming in at number 3, this comprehensive private day trip packs in Guilin’s top sights. It starts with the Reed Flute Cave, a natural wonder filled with colorful stalactites. Next, you’ll visit Xianggong Hill for sweeping views of the Li River—an absolute must-see for photographers—and then enjoy a bamboo boat ride along the river from Xingping. The day ends with a night show, adding a cultural flair.

Perfect for travelers with limited time, this tour includes round-trip transfers and a carefully curated itinerary. Guests love how smoothly everything runs, with some mentioning the guide’s helpfulness and the stunning scenery. At $89, it’s a great value considering the number of highlights covered.

Bottom Line: A well-rounded option for visitors wanting many key attractions in a single day with minimal hassle.

4. Longji rice terraces & minority villages private day tour

Number 4 offers a private, all-inclusive day exploring the Longji Rice Terraces and minority villages. The tour includes admission fees, private transportation, and a personal guide who helps you go at your own pace. Highlights include Huangluo Village, home to the Yao women with their long hair, and the Ping’an Village with traditional wooden houses.

This tour is great for travelers seeking a customizable experience with all logistics handled, allowing maximum flexibility. Reviews rave about the professional guides like Charles, who adapt the trip according to weather and interests, making this a very personal experience. At $193 per group, it’s a bit pricier but offers comprehensive comfort and convenience.

Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a private, hassle-free day with in-depth cultural insights.

5. 3 Days Private Luxury Guilin Highlights Tour

Positioned at number 5, this luxury multi-day tour is designed for those who want to cover Guilin’s top attractions in style. Over two days, you’ll visit Folded Brocade Hill, Reed Flute Cave, and Solitary Beauty Peak, plus enjoy a Li River cruise and explore Yangshuo and its lively West Street. The itinerary includes luxury transport and multiple meals, with options for private guides and flexible scheduling.

Reviewers appreciate the attention to detail and the opportunity to relax while seeing Guilin’s most iconic sights. At $599 per person, this is suited for travelers seeking a comfortable, all-encompassing experience with a touch of luxury.

Bottom Line: Ideal for couples or families wanting the full Guilin experience without the hassle.

6. Private day tour :Guilin-LiRiver bamboo boat-Yangshuo Highlights

Number 6 offers a personalized 10-hour day trip covering Reed Flute Cave, Daxu Ancient Town, a Li River bamboo boat, and Xianggong Hill. Your own guide and driver help you customize the day, with flexibility to fit your interests. Highlights include Yulong River and the Yulong Bridge—an ancient Ming Dynasty structure.

Guests love the seamless experience and the friendly, knowledgeable guides like Sundy, who tailor the tour to weather and preferences. At $135 for up to four people, it’s a good value for a full day of sightseeing.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting flexibility and personal attention combined with scenic highlights.

7. 3-Day Private Guilin Tour with Li River Cruise and Yangshuo

Number 7 packs a comprehensive 3-day itinerary with Li River cruises, Reed Flute Cave, Seven Star Park, and Elephant Trunk Hill. The tour also includes underground cave tours and the Impression Liusanjie show. This private experience is perfect if you want a relaxed, immersive exploration of Guilin and Yangshuo.

Reviewers mention how well-organized and personalized the tour is, with guides like Eric and Jeff making the experience memorable amid stunning scenery. Priced at $619 per person, it offers a luxurious, all-inclusive approach.

Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a multi-day, all-in-one Guilin experience.

8. 1 Day Private Tour: Li River Cruise from Guilin & Yangshuo Biking

Number 8 combines a full-day Li River cruise with Biking in Yangshuo. Starting early, you’ll cruise along the river, passing karst scenery and pastures, then explore Yangshuo by bike, making for a lively, active day. The tour includes hotel transfers, lunch onboard, and self-guided biking in town.

Guests praise the scenic cruise and the flexible biking experience that lets you soak in the countryside at your own pace. For $172, it’s great for travelers wanting a mix of water and land adventures.

Bottom Line: Excellent for active travelers who want a scenic cruise plus a fun, independent exploration.

9. Guilin: Classic Private Full–Day Tour

Positioned at number 9, this full-day private tour offers visits to Reed Flute Cave, Xianggong Hill, and a Li River boat cruise from Xingping, ending with the Liusanjie show. It’s a straightforward option that hits the highlights with a private guide.

Readers mention how well-organized and flexible the itinerary is, with guides like Jeff and Eric bringing local knowledge. At $99 per person, it’s a budget-friendly way to cover Guilin’s top sights.

Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers seeking a reliable, flexible day tour at a good price.

10. Guilin Highlights Tour Li River to Yangshuo and Xianggong Hill

At number 10, this half-day to full-day scenic tour combines a Li River cruise with a visit to Xianggong Hill. Private transfers to the river pier are included, and you’ll enjoy photo-worthy landscapes along the way. The tour is perfect for travelers short on time but eager to experience Guilin’s signature scenery.

Guests highlight the picturesque views and the ease of private transport. It’s priced at $79, making it a cost-effective way to see Guilin’s famous river scenery.

Bottom Line: Great for those with limited time who want to see the highlights comfortably.

11. From Guilin/Yangshuo: Longji Rice Terraces and Ethnic Minority Village Day Tour

Number 11 offers an 8-hour trip focusing on the Longji Rice Terraces and ethnic minority villages, including folk singing and dancing. It features hotel pickup and a traditional Chinese lunch. The tour emphasizes learning about the Yao and Zhuang communities.

Reviewers appreciate how well-paced the trip is, with guides like Peter making sure you experience the stunning scenery and cultural performances. It’s priced at $168 per person, offering good value for an insightful day.

Bottom Line: Best for travelers eager to combine scenery with cultural activities.

12. Private Day Tour: Longji Rice Terraces and Long Hair Village

Number 12 centers on Longji Rice Terraces and Long Hair Village with a personal guide and round-trip transport. Highlights include visiting Huangluo Village, where the Yao women grow their hair long, and exploring Ping’an Village with its traditional houses.

Guests mention the professional guides like Peter, who make the experience very comfortable. The tour costs $100 and is suited for those wanting a more relaxed, personal day in the countryside.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a less hurried, culture.

13. Private Day Tour of Yangshuo Xianggong Mountain and Yulong Bamboo Boat

Number 13 includes entrance to Xianggong Mountain and a bamboo boat cruise on the Yulong River. Your personal guide helps you explore the spectacular river and mountain views, with flexible lunch and rest time in Yangshuo.

Reviewers praise guides like Leo for friendly, knowledgeable service, and the picturesque scenery is described as truly unforgettable. At $125, this tour offers a personalized, scenic day.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a combination of river and mountain scenery with flexible timing.

14. 4 Days Guilin Essence and Yangshuo Countryside Tour

Number 14 features a 4-day private tour covering Li River, Longji Rice Terraces, and Yangshuo. It includes cruises, village visits, and scenic hikes, plus hotel pickup and local guides. This is for travelers who want to really immerse themselves and see all the major sights comfortably.

Guests note how the well-paced itinerary and personal guides make it a memorable experience. Priced at $779, it’s best suited for those seeking an extended, luxury exploration of Guilin.

Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a comprehensive, leisurely experience over several days.

15. Full/Half-day Xingping Photographic Sunset Tour with the Fisherman

Finally, this photographer-focused tour offers sunset (or sunrise) shots of Xingping Town with cormorant fishermen. It includes private hotel transfers and time for capturing stunning Li River scenes.

Guests love how easy and scenic the tour is, with guides like Andy making sure you get the perfect shots. At $110 per person, it’s perfect for photo enthusiasts wanting a relaxed, visually stunning experience.

Bottom Line: Best suited for photographers or travelers wanting iconic Li River sunset shots.

How to Choose the Right Tour

When selecting a Guilin tour, consider your budget, interests, and fitness level. For a deep cultural experience, the private Longji Rice Terraces with minority villages (Tour #1) is hard to beat. If you’re short on time but want a taste of Guilin’s highlights, the Reed Flute Cave and Xianggong Hill (Tour #3) offers a well-rounded day.

Travelers seeking luxury and comprehensive coverage may opt for the 3-day private Guilin highlights tour (Tour #7), while outdoor enthusiasts who love biking and river cruises should consider the Yangshuo biking and Li River cruise (Tour #8).

Booking early is advisable, especially for private and multi-day tours, to secure your preferred dates and guides. Also, consider the time of year—spring and autumn generally offer the best weather for outdoor activities.

Final Thoughts

Guilin offers a wide spectrum of tours suited to different interests and travel styles. From culture and scenic hikes to luxury cruises and photography tours, there’s something for every type of traveler. If you’re after a deep dive into minority cultures, the Longji Rice Terraces are a must. For those wanting to see the iconic landscape from the water, the Li River cruises are unbeatable.

No matter which tour you choose, Guilin’s landscapes and local culture will leave a lasting impression. Book early, plan according to your interests, and prepare for an unforgettable journey in this stunning corner of China.