Which Lingui County Tours & Experiences To Choose? Our Best 6 Picks

Lingui County is a treasure trove for travelers craving authentic scenery and memorable experiences. Its stunning karst landscapes, traditional villages, and peaceful rivers make it an ideal place for outdoor adventures and cultural exploration. The tours listed here showcase the region’s natural beauty and provide a variety of ways to experience it—whether you prefer biking, river drifting, or capturing perfect photos. In particular, we love the Xingping Xianggong Hill and Yangshuo Countryside Classic Day Tour for its blend of mountain vistas and quiet countryside rides, and the Li River Photography Mini Group Day Tour for its focus on capturing stunning images amid scenic peaks.

If you’re planning your visit, you’ll find options for full-day excursions, private guided trips, and even specialized photography experiences. Each offers a different way to enjoy Lingui’s landscapes and local culture. Read on to discover which tour best suits your style, budget, and time constraints.

Quick Overview

This list covers a range of full-day tours, private excursions, photography trips, and multi-day packages in Lingui County. They include highlights like Xiangping Mountain, river cruises, bamboo raft trips, ancient towns, and scenic mountain viewpoints. Whether you want an all-inclusive guided experience or a specialized photo safari, there’s something here for you. To help you choose, each tour is broken down with details on what makes it stand out, including reviews and unique features.

1. Xingping Xianggong Hill and Yangshuo Countryside Classic Day Tour

At number 1 on our list, the Xingping Xianggong Hill and Yangshuo Countryside Classic Day Tour offers a classic experience of the Yangshuo landscape. For around $153 per person, you get a full-day guided experience with all transportation, including hotel transfers. It’s perfect if you want a mix of scenic viewpoints, river drifting, and countryside biking. The tour kicks off with a climb up Xianggong Mountain, where over a hundred steps lead to breathtaking views of the karst hills and the Li River, often called one of China’s most iconic panoramas. The view from the top is jaw-dropping, especially at sunrise or sunset.

After soaking in the mountain vistas, you’ll take an 8-minute ferry across the Li River to Xingping village, a 1,000-year-old settlement with historic residences. The village offers insights into local life and old architecture, making it a fascinating stop. The highlight for many is the Yulong River, a quieter tributary where you’ll pedal past rice paddies, water buffalo, and traditional water towns—ideal for cycling and relaxation. Your guide will recommend local restaurants for a hearty lunch during the day.

This tour’s reviews highlight its convenience and the quality of guides like Li Ping, who share stories and local anecdotes. The full-day bike rental, combined with river experiences, balances active time with moments of peace. It’s best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive day out without the hassle of planning.

Bottom Line: This tour offers a stunning combination of mountain views, river serenity, and cultural sights, all within a well-organized package—great for those who want variety and comfort.

2. Private Yangshuo One Day Tour

Number 2 on our list is the Private Yangshuo One Day Tour, perfect for travelers seeking a personalized, flexible experience. For about $128, you’ll enjoy a private guide and vehicle, allowing you to customize your day around your interests. Highlights include a climb to Xianggong Mountain for panoramic views of the Li River, a bamboo rafting trip down the Yulong River, and exploring the lively West Street with its shops and cafes.

The tour begins with a pickup from Guilin or Yangshuo, and your guide will tailor the experience with recommendations based on your preferences. The bamboo raft ride offers a peaceful way to see the river and its surroundings, often described as poetic and relaxing. Visiting West Street is a chance to soak up Yangshuo’s lively atmosphere, browse souvenirs, and sample local snacks.

What makes this tour stand out is its private, customizable nature—you choose what interests you most. The guide’s local knowledge ensures you see hidden gems and get authentic insights. The only potential downside is if you prefer a structured itinerary; this tour is best for flexible travelers.

Bottom Line: For travelers who want a private, tailored experience that hits the highlights without rushing, this tour delivers excellent value and personal attention.

3. Li River Photography Mini Group Day Tour

Number 3 is the Li River Photography Mini Group Day Tour, designed for photography enthusiasts wanting to capture the region’s stunning scenery. With a maximum of six participants, it offers an intimate experience for about $113 per person. The tour focuses on the best vantage points, including a cable car ride to Yao Mountain and a visit to a tea plantation.

The day starts with a cable car trip up Yao Mountain, where you’ll enjoy bird’s-eye views of the karst peaks and the river below. The guide, passionate about photography, will help you frame perfect shots of the landscape, especially during sunrise or sunset. Later, you’ll visit a tea plantation to learn about Chinese tea culture, with opportunities to photograph lush tea fields and traditional processing techniques.

This tour emphasizes landscape photography, making it ideal for serious shutterbugs or hobbyists eager to hone their skills. It’s a longer day, around 8-10 hours, and includes no shopping or distractions—just pure photo opportunities.

Guests appreciate the expert guidance, with reviews praising the guide’s enthusiasm and technical tips. It’s suited for travelers willing to carry camera gear and spend a full day outdoors.

Bottom Line: If capturing the perfect shot of China’s iconic scenery is your goal, this tour combines technical guidance with breathtaking landscapes.

4. 3-Night Sunrise Photo of Li River and Longsheng Rice Terrace Plus 1 Day Yangshuo

At number 4, this multi-day photography package is designed for dedicated photographers wanting to catch early sunrise over Li River and the Longsheng Rice Terraces. Although it’s more expensive at about $373 per person, it offers an immersive experience with multiple sunrise shoots and flexible leisure time in Yangshuo.

The itinerary focuses on capturing the best light, with early mornings at Xianggong Mountain and Longsheng Rice Terraces. It includes all the logistics—accommodation, transfers, and the chance to DIY activities like biking, rafting, or cooking during free time. You’ll have opportunities for long exposure shots, drone photography, and landscapes at their most dramatic.

While reviews are limited, the value for photographers is clear: a professional-level experience with insider access to prime photo spots. The package is ideal for serious hobbyists or professionals wanting a focused, all-in-one trip.

Bottom Line: This is a specialized, high-end option for photographers ready to spend several days chasing perfect sunrise images and enjoying flexibility in their schedule.

5. 2-night Combo Package: Sunrise Photo of Yangshuo and Longsheng Rice Terraces

Number 5 provides a short but intense photo-focused getaway. For about $402, this 3-day package includes private pickups, hotel stays, sunrise shoots, and all necessary tickets. It’s tailor-made for camera enthusiasts from Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou, with easy rail access.

Highlights include early morning Li River sunrise photos from Hebaoshan Village, a quick trip to Longsheng Rice Terraces, and time to explore Yangshuo’s scenic spots. It’s a streamlined option for travelers who want a snapshot of the region’s most photogenic locations with minimal fuss. The itinerary emphasizes photo opportunities over sightseeing, making it perfect for those with a camera in hand.

Since it doesn’t include a tour guide, it’s best suited for self-sufficient travelers familiar with the region or experienced photographers. The trip emphasizes early mornings and flexible scheduling to maximize photo quality.

Bottom Line: If you’re traveling from nearby cities and want a compact, photo-centric trip, this package offers a good balance of scenery and convenience.

6. Guilin Discovery Mini Group Day Tour

The final entry on our list is the Guilin Discovery Mini Group Day Tour, costing about $92 per person. It’s designed for those who want a full day exploring Guilin’s top sights without the hassle of large groups or shopping.

It features stops at Reed Flute Cave, known as a natural art museum thanks to its stalactites and stalagmites, and the Yao Mountain Scenic Resort for panoramic views. Plus, you’ll visit Daxu Ancient Town, a well-preserved settlement along the Lijiang River with streets lined with bluestone slabs and old buildings—perfect for wandering and photography.

This tour offers a balanced itinerary, combining natural wonders with cultural sights. The guide’s local knowledge helps you make the most of each stop, and the small group size keeps things personal.

Bottom Line: For travelers seeking a budget-friendly, full-day overview of Guilin’s highlights with a relaxed pace, this tour is a solid choice.

How to Choose Your Tour in Lingui County

When deciding which tour suits you best, consider your interests, budget, and how much time you want to spend. If breathtaking mountain views and cycling appeal, the Xingping Xianggong Hill and Yangshuo Countryside Classic Day Tour is a fantastic all-round choice. For dedicated photographers, the Li River Photography Mini Group Day Tour and the multi-day sunrise photo packages offer unmatched opportunities. Budget travelers might prefer the Guilin Discovery Mini Group Day Tour for a comprehensive yet affordable experience.

Think about your fitness level—biking and active river trips require comfort on your feet. Also, check the weather forecast; early mornings for sunrise shoots demand clear skies, while river cruises are most enjoyable in warm, dry weather. Booking early is advisable, especially for popular tours like the private Yangshuo trip or the photography packages.

Lingui County offers a rich variety of nature, culture, and photography experiences that cater to different tastes. For travelers seeking scenic hiking, river drifting, or capturing perfect photos, the options above provide a well-rounded starting point. Pick the one that best matches your style, and you’re sure to walk away with unforgettable memories. Remember, the early bird catches the perfect shot—so plan ahead and book early to secure your spot.