6-Day Guilin Photography Tour

This 6-day photography-focused tour captures Guilin's iconic landscapes and cultural gems. Highlights include sunrise/sunset shoots at Cat Mountain's peaks, the ethereal terraced fields of Longji (Ping'an Village and Jinkengzhai), and panoramic views from Xianggong Mountain. Capture the magic of Xingping's Li River (20 RMB backdrop), traditional cormorant fishing scenes, and the rustic charm of Tianxin Village's ancient bridges and rice paddies. Drift on the serene Yulong River by bamboo raft and explore Yangshuo's vibrant West Street. Designed for shutterbugs, it blends nature's grandeur with ethnic culture and timeless rural beauty.

Day 1: Guilin Arrival

  • Guilin Arrival - Transfer to Hotel

  • 4+stars Hotel

  • None


Welcome to Guilin! Upon arrival, pick up your luggage and proceed to the exit. After exiting, a guide will be waiting with a sign displaying your name to greet you. After 

verifying your details, you will be transferred to your hotel in the city (approximately 60 minutes). There are no scheduled activities today. If you arrive early, you can enjoy 

free time to explore Guilin on your own.


Recommended Free Activities in Guilin:

During your free time (no car or guide service), you can explore the city's popular cuisine and experience the lifestyle of the locals. Guilin also offers a vibrant nightlife, and 

you can stroll around the Rongshui and Shanhu Lake areas to visit attractions like the Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas, the ancient South Gate, the Thousand-Year-Old Banyan 

Tree, and the Crystal Glass Bridge.


Day 2: Guilin

  • Mount Mao'er

  • 4+stars Hotel

  • Breakfast


First Photography Location—The Highest Peak in South China

Mao'er Mountain is the highest peak in South China, located in the northwest of Xing'an County, 55 kilometers from Xing'an and 81 kilometers from Guilin. The peak rises 

to 2,142 meters and is known for its stunning sunrise and sunset views. The mountain is famous for its "cat-shaped" peak, and in 1990, renowned scholar Lu Dingyi praised 

the mountain for its grandeur, danger, tranquility, and beauty, comparing it to the peaks of Tai Mountain, Mount Hua, Mount Lu, and Emei Mountain.


In the evening, we will capture the most beautiful sunset and, if lucky, a sea of clouds or Buddha's light at the summit.


Photography Highlights:

Capture the breathtaking natural scenery of South China's highest peak.


Day 2: Guilin Day 2: Guilin Day 2: Guilin

Day3: Guilin

  • Longji Ping'an Zhuang Village

  • 4+stars Hotel

  • Breakfast


In the early morning, we will rise early and hike for 30 minutes to the mountain top to capture the most beautiful sunrise.


Second Photography Location—Longji Rice Terraces

Longji Rice Terraces (approximately 120 minutes) is a vast terraced field in Guilin, known for its beautiful curves. This area is home to several ethnic minority villages, 

including the Zhuang and Yao peoples. The rice terraces change dramatically with the seasons: in spring, they resemble silver ribbons; in summer, green waves; in autumn, 

golden towers; and in winter, icy steps. You can also visit local villages to experience the traditional customs and skilled craftsmanship of stilt houses.


Ping'an Zhuang Village is part of the Longji Rice Terraces, known for two famous scenic spots: "Seven Stars Accompanying the Moon" and "Nine Dragons and Five Tigers." 

The village offers picturesque views that change with the seasons.


Photography Highlights:

Capture the culture and style of local ethnic costumes, architecture, headwear, and food.

Day3: Guilin Day3: Guilin Day3: Guilin

Day4: Guilin

  • Longji Jinkeng Village - Xianggong Mountain

  • 4+stars Hotel

  • Breakfast


For those who love photography, we can rise early to capture the sunrise from the observation platform, followed by a relaxing walk through the fields, breathing in the 

fresh air and enjoying the beauty of nature.


Third Photography Location—Longji Jinkeng Village

We will visit the Longji Jinkeng Village, famous for its unique terraced fields. You can take the Longji cable car (20 minutes) to reach the viewing platform or hike for 1.5 

hours. The views of the terraces here are among the best for capturing the scenery.


Photography Highlights:

Photograph the terraced fields and the unique architecture of the Yao people.


Fourth Photography Location—Xianggong Mountain

Xianggong Mountain (approximately 70 minutes) offers a panoramic view of the stunning Li River, with towering peaks and winding waters. The landscape here is a favorite 

among photographers, with its light, shadow, and mist creating a perfect scene for capturing the essence of Guilin.


Photography Highlights:

Capture the iconic view of the Li River and the surrounding mountains from a renowned international photography base.

Day4: Guilin Day4: Guilin Day4: Guilin

Day5: Guilin

  • Xingping Li River - Li River Fisherman's Lights - Yangshuo West Street

  • 4+stars Hotel

  • Breakfast


In the early morning, we will capture the most beautiful morning scenes from Xianggong Mountain, including the sunrise and sunset, at this famous photography hotspot.


Fifth Photography Location—Xingping Li River

We will visit the ancient town of Xingping, known for its traditional architecture. From here, we will capture the scenic beauty of the Li River, which is depicted on the 

20 RMB note. Afterward, we can take a self-paid electric car ride to Jiuma Huashan (Nine Horses Painted Hill), which is famous for the image that Premier Zhou Enlai viewed. 

We will capture this iconic landscape and the reflection of the Yellow Waterfall.


Photography Highlights:

Capture the beautiful scenery that appears on the 20 RMB note.


Sixth Photography Location—Li River Fisherman's Lights

In the evening, we will photograph the Li River Fisherman's Lights, a traditional and ancient fishing technique using cormorants. This unique method of fishing has been 

practiced for centuries, and we will capture the scene of the elderly fisherman and his cormorants, evoking the history and charm of the river.


Photography Highlights:

Photograph the ancient, primitive fishing method on the Li River.


Seventh Photography Location—Yangshuo West Street

In the evening, we will visit the famous Yangshuo West Street, known for its bar culture, beer fish, and lively atmosphere. It is a popular place for both locals and tourists, 

and it is a great spot to relax with a drink after the day's adventures.


Photography Highlights:

Capture the vibrant atmosphere of Yangshuo's bustling West Street.

Day5: Guilin Day5: Guilin Day5: Guilin

Day6: Guilin Departure

  • Yulong River Bamboo Rafting - Tianxin Village - Return Journey

  • None

  • Breakfast


Eighth Photography Spot – Yulong River

Yulong River Bamboo Rafting (approximately 40 minutes) offers a breathtaking, picturesque landscape with green mountains, clear waters, and ancient bridges, creating 

an idyllic setting. The gentle breeze, birds singing, the rhythmic sound of waterwheels, mountain songs, the croaking of frogs in the fields, and the distant crowing of 

roosters from surrounding villages all add to the poetic charm, making this an enchanting and refreshing experience.


Photography Highlights:

Capture the beauty of one of China's most scenic rivers.


Tips:

1. Pregnant women, disabled individuals, those aged 70 and above, and children under 1 meter in height are not permitted to take the bamboo raft ride. Children over 1 

meter in height must purchase an adult ticket and ride with an adult. Please verify with the site if you can board the raft.

2. The Yulong River bamboo raft is for two people. If there is an odd number of passengers, an empty seat fee will apply. The fee for any empty seat will be at the site's 

discretion.


Ninth Photography Spot – Guilin Countryside, Tianxin Village

Visit the traditional ancient village of Tianxin Village, where you can explore Zhuangyuan Bridge and Zhuangyuan Road, and capture the beautiful rural scenery. This area 

holds rich cultural heritage, with the village being known for its "Hengshan Mansion, Chi Tou County, Tianxin Village Hanlin Academy" and the famous cultural legacy of 

"Nine Scholars from One Family." The countryside here is picturesque, especially after April when rice seedlings are planted, making it an ideal spot for photography. This 

hidden gem is not included in typical tour itineraries, offering a unique and authentic experience.


End of the Journey:

Based on your flight or train schedule, you will depart from Guilin Airport or Guilin Railway Station to return home, concluding this wonderful trip.

Day6: Guilin Departure Day6: Guilin Departure Day6: Guilin Departure

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China Travel Customer Reviews & Experiences

At Into Explore, we pride ourselves on creating unforgettable journeys across China. Don't just take our word for it—read what our customers have to say! Here, you can explore firsthand accounts from travelers who have experienced the beauty, culture, and adventures of China with us.

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IntoExplore
Excellent
Charnay Tung
March 11,2025
This agency offers good services and always help me with any errors during booking. Thanks for taking good care of my team during our trip at Shanghai.
Lucía Fernández
Nov. 20,2024
Special thanks to my guide, Sofia. It's really hard for me to find a Spanish tour guide. She is professional and I have a good understanding about the China culture under her guide. During the Xi'an trip, I was shocked by the strong atmosphere of culture. I hope I can go next time, really love it.
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Tripadvisor
Excellent
John J
Mar 2025 Family
4.8 of 5 bubbles
An amazing experience with Into Explore, their services are absolutely brilliant
I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Into Explore for providing the Johnston Family with an amazing experience in China, it really was a brilliant service with a very personal touch by Vicky/Tiana and their team of guides and drivers.
Our whole journey through China exceeded our expectations due to the fact that Into Explore made everything so easy and if issues arose, they were rectified in an extremely timely manner.
Their services is highly recommended and they are very flexible with their clients trip design. Design your vacation and they will work with you to ensure your personal needs are fully taken care off and supported by their office staff at all times.
Once again, our experience with Into Explore was a brilliant one and a very special thanks to Vicky.
Swandi T
Mar 2025 Family
4.8 of 5 bubbles
Amaging Exploring Shenzen
Shenzen is wonderful city since arrive all imigration was very helpful and smiling,entering city has lot of park with so many tree. I got good travel agent who serve me well (IntoExplore),I like to explore food, city view hang out in seaworld area. People are welcome and helpful.
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Trustpilot
Excellent
Robert Gex
Apr 15,2025
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Independent travel by train in China…
Independent travel by train in China can be daunting ordeal. We decided to use Intoexplore for booking the trip and are very happy we did. It almost felt like Norman was a family member guiding us through how to use Alipay for payments in China to where to find the ticket office in the train station to convert digital tickets to paper. He was always available (sometimes at 6 am!) to answer any question and solve any problems that arose .. I would strongly recommend him to anyone who is thinking about independent travel to China .
Seaid
February 06,2025
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Excellent experience in Great Wall
as a first-time traveler in beijing, I`m so many thanks to Norman for arranging a well-planned trip to great wall and also the kind driver and guide. My first experience to China was perfect. thanks a lot!!!

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