Guilin Li River Karst Landscapes Trek (Level 3/5)

Arrive in Guilin and transfer privately to the hotel. After check-in, take an easy walk around Elephant Trunk Hill and the central lakes, introducing the river, bridges, and karst skyline that define the city.

An equipment and safety briefing follows in the evening. Review the coming hiking distances, cave conditions, overnight luggage arrangements, via ferrata equipment, river activity, and the personal items needed for the six-day active journey.

Drive to the Longji Terraces Scenic Area and continue by scenic shuttle to Dazhai Village. After a Yao-style lunch, begin the loop through Dazhai and Xiaozhai, climbing ancient paths toward Jinfoding Summit.

The route reveals layered rice fields, village houses, forest, and mountain viewpoints before descending to Dazhai. Dinner features local Yao dishes, followed by a quiet evening among the terraces.

Allow about five hours for the 10-kilometre trek. Vehicles cannot reach the guesthouses inside the scenic area, so carry a small overnight bag while the larger luggage remains with the vehicle.

Transfer to Nanxu and begin the hike through a karst river mouth and into the Tiankeng landscape. The route crosses natural rock arches and climbs toward a mountain pass overlooking Xitang Reservoir and the surrounding limestone peaks.

After the hike, continue by vehicle to Daxu Ancient Town, a historic riverside settlement of stone lanes, old shop houses, and traditional wharves. Check in and walk along the river as the light softens toward sunset.

The day includes about 140 kilometres of driving and a nine-kilometre trek that normally takes around five hours.

Drive to Xiangnei Village near Yangdi and begin the classic Li River trail through Quanjiazhou and Xialong. The path follows fields, village lanes, and riverbanks beneath the karst peaks, with a farmhouse lunch in Quanjiazhou.

Continue to Nine Horses Fresco Hill and cross the river at Lengshui Village before entering Xingping. Check in at the guesthouse and spend the early evening walking through the ancient town.

The trek covers approximately 16 kilometres and takes about eight hours, with around 65 kilometres of road transfer during the day.

Hike into Luotian Karst Cave, an undeveloped limestone system of stalactites, chambers, and natural rock formations. Continue downhill toward Luotian Village, following the terrain carefully through the darker and uneven sections of the cave route.

Stop at Ertang Rice Noodle Shop for a local lunch, then return by vehicle to the guesthouse in Xingping. In the evening, enjoy a locally prepared private banquet that introduces regional Guilin flavours.

The day includes roughly eight kilometres of hiking over about five hours, plus a short local road transfer.

Travel to Yangshuo for a guided via ferrata experience on the karst cliffs. After a safety briefing and equipment check, follow the protected climbing route of fixed cables, steps, and ledges using the supplied safety system.

After lunch near Gongnong Bridge, board a bamboo raft for the scenic stretch of the Yulong River. Drift between fields, villages, and limestone peaks before meeting the vehicle at the end of the rafting route.

Continue by private transfer to Guilin railway station or the airport. The six-day route concludes after the morning via ferrata, Yulong River rafting, and the return journey from Yangshuo.