Home / Tours / Shanghai Tours /

6-Day Shanghai-Guilin In-depth Tour

Discover the perfect balance of modern city life and breathtaking nature on this 6-day journey. Begin in vibrant Shanghai, exploring the Bund and Nanjing Road. Then head to scenic Guilin to cruise along the Li River, wander through Yangshuo, and marvel at Elephant Trunk Hill. A seamless blend of culture, scenery, and relaxation.

  • Tour Code: ST-SG-06
  • Time: 6 Days
  • Accommodation: 5 Nights (4-Star Hotels)

Day 1：Shanghai Arrival

  • Arrive in Shanghai - Free Time
  • 4-Star Hotel
  • None

Welcome to Shanghai, the city of prosperity. A metropolis that never sleeps, a city that has always been fascinating, nostalgic and modern, oriental and western at the same time. Our professional tour guide will meet you at the airport arrival and transfer you to your hotel for rest. The rest of the day is free time. If you want to wander around, you can find a tour guide and your guide will give you some good suggestions.

Day 1：Shanghai Arrival Day 1：Shanghai Arrival Day 1：Shanghai Arrival

Day 2：Shanghai

  • Yu Garden - Shanghai Pearl Tower - Nanjing Road - The Bund
  • 4-Star Hotels
  • Breakfast & Lunch

Morning: Visit the Yu Garden, a treasure of Chinese Jiangnan garden art, stroll along the pavilions, towers and nine-curve bridges, and feel the exquisiteness and tranquility of Ming and Qing gardens. Then go to the adjacent Yu Garden Old Street to taste a variety of local snacks and appreciate the fireworks of Shanghai's old town.

Afternoon: Go to the Oriental Pearl Tower, climb up and overlook the Huangpu River, and take in the city skyline. Then stroll along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street to feel the modern rhythm of the bustling commercial district. In the evening, come to the Bund to enjoy the beautiful night scene of century-old international buildings and modern skyscrapers on the opposite bank.

Day 2：Shanghai Day 2：Shanghai Day 2：Shanghai

Day 3：Shanghai-Guilin

  • Qibao Ancient Town - Jade Buddha Temple - Take a flight to Guilin
  • 4-Star Hotels
  • Breakfast & Lunch

Morning: Begin your day with a stroll through Qibao Ancient Town, a charming water town with over a thousand years of history. Explore its stone bridges, narrow lanes, and traditional buildings, and enjoy local snacks like stinky tofu and Qibao rice cakes. Then, return to the city to visit the Jade Buddha Temple, famous for its serene ambiance and two magnificent jade Buddha statues brought from Myanmar.

Afternoon: After lunch, head to the airport and board your flight to Guilin, known for its spectacular karst mountains and picturesque landscapes. Enjoy a smooth transition from Shanghai’s cultural richness to Guilin’s natural beauty.

Day 3：Shanghai-Guilin Day 3：Shanghai-Guilin Day 3：Shanghai-Guilin

Day 4：Guilin

  • Li River Four-Star Cruise (Zhenghang) - Ruyi Peak - Yangshuo West Street
  • 4+stars Hotel
  • Breakfast & Lunch

 

Board the Zhenghang 4-Star Cruise for a scenic journey on the Li River (Bamboo River to Longtou Mountain), cruising for approximately 240 minutes through the stunning 5A-rated Li River landscapes. This is currently the highest-grade operating cruise ship on the river, offering views of iconic sites like Xingping's charming landscape, the Yellow Cloth Reflection, Nine Horses Painting Hill, Stone Waves in Mist, and Yangdi Waterfall. The cruise provides bilingual commentary in Mandarin and English, along with a buffet offering both Chinese and Western options. During the cruise, you will also pass Xingping Ancient Town, one of Yangshuo's most distinctive towns, where you can admire the classic Yellow Cloth Reflection, often featured on the 20-yuan RMB note.

Note: If the four-star cruise is unavailable due to special circumstances, the itinerary will be adjusted to a three-star cruise from Mopan Mountain to Yangshuo, and a complimentary meal will be provided at no extra charge.

Afterward, take the cable car to the top of Ruyi Peak, offering a panoramic view of Yangshuo (tour duration approximately 120 minutes). Ruyi Peak features a 360-degree observation platform where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, such as Yulong River, Moon Mountain, and the Ten-Mile Gallery, which resemble a painting of paradise.

In the evening, enjoy some free time to explore Yangshuo West Street, known for its vibrant, international atmosphere. It's best to visit after 9:00 PM for a lively experience (no transportation or guide provided during this free time).

Day 4：Guilin Day 4：Guilin Day 4：Guilin

Day 5：Guilin

  • Hot Air Balloon - Yulong River Bamboo Rafting - Silver Cave - Impression Liu Sanjie Show
  • 4+ stars hotel
  • Breakfast & Lunch

 

Have you ever experienced a hot air balloon ride offering a bird's-eye view of Yangshuo? Take a ride in a hot air balloon, rising 30-80 meters (depending on weather conditions), and enjoy panoramic views of the winding Yulong River, surrounded by majestic peaks, scenic villages, and rising mist. The landscape unfolds like an ink wash painting, offering a one-of-a-kind experience.

Not: If due to unforeseen circumstances, the hot air balloon experience cannot take place, the itinerary will automatically be adjusted to a visit to the idyllic Peach Blossom Spring, with no additional cost.

Explore the Silver Cave, a karst wonder located in Guilin (AAAA-rated scenic area, approximately 60 minutes of touring). Silver Cave is a typical example of karst topography, and even former U.S. President Bill Clinton was such a fan that he postponed a flight to Hong Kong in 1998 just to visit the cave!

Enjoy a bamboo raft ride on the Yulong River (approximately 40 minutes, depending on water conditions). Known for being “not just like the Li River, but even more beautiful,” the river has been praised by CCTV as one of the most scenic spots in Yangshuo.

Note: 1. Pregnant women, disabled individuals, elderly people aged 70 and above, and children under 1 meter in height are not permitted to ride the raft. Children over 1 meter must purchase an adult ticket and ride with an adult.

2. Visitors weighing over 200 pounds must book a private raft, and if the combined weight of two people exceeds 320 pounds, they will also need to have separate rafts.

3.The bamboo rafts are for two people, and if there is an odd number of passengers, an additional fee for an empty seat will apply, with the specific fee determined by the scenic area.

In the evening, enjoy the spectacular Impression Liu Sanjie show (approximately 70 minutes), which takes place in the world's largest mountain-water outdoor theater. 

This grand performance blends the culture of the Guangxi ethnic minorities with the talents of China’s elite artists and is the first-ever "mountain-water real-life show" of its kind.

Note: If the Impression Liu Sanjie performance is canceled due to uncontrollable circumstances, it will be replaced with the Eternal Love show, with no additional charges.

Day 5：Guilin Day 5：Guilin Day 5：Guilin

Day 6：Guilin Departure

  • Free Time - Departure
  • 4-Star Hotels
  • Breakfast

Depending on your flight or train schedule, you will be transferred to Guilin Airport or Guilin Railway Station for your return trip. Bid farewell to your beautiful journey and head back to your home.

Day 6：Guilin Departure Day 6：Guilin Departure Day 6：Guilin Departure

More popular itineraries

Leshan and Mount Emei Tour
Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou Tour
3-Day Hangzhou to Shanghai Tour
3-Day Hangzhou, Suzhou and Shanghai Tour
4-Day Tour of Hangzhou, Suzhou and Shanghai
Beijing and Shanghai Tour
Chengdu Tibet Pilgrimage Tour
Shanghai to Beijing Tour
Chengdu to Yunnan Tour
Trip to South of Colorful Clouds
China Winter tourism Package Ad China Winter tourism Package Ad

Why Choose Intoexplore

trust-11
Authentic Travel, No Shopping Stops
Every itinerary is designed with comfort and authenticity in mind. We skip the tourist traps and shopping stops to let you truly enjoy the culture, scenery, and stories behind each destination—worry-free and meaningful.
trust-12
Tailor Made Tour, Thoughtful Service
We tailor each journey to your schedule, interests, and budget. Whether you're a solo traveler, couple, or group, we work closely with you to design a personalized travel experience that fits your style and needs.
trust-13
Diverse Travel Options, Wide Coverage
From one-day tours to small group adventures, family trips to corporate visits—we offer a full range of travel styles. No matter your purpose or preference, we have the right program to match your expectations.
trust-14
Local Resources, Professional Team
With experienced local guides, licensed vehicles, and carefully selected hotels, we ensure safety, quality, and comfort throughout your trip. Our on-the-ground team is always ready to support your journey at every step.

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.

trust-1
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.
>> Read More Reviews on Intoexplore.com
trust-1
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.
>> Read More Reviews on Tripadvisor.com
trust-1
Trustpilot
Excellent
Robert Gex
Apr 15,2025
trust-10
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
trust-11
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!!!
>> Read More Reviews on Trustpilot.com

CONTACT US

We’re here to help you plan your unforgettable journey through China!
Email:info@intoexplore.com
Whatsapp/Tel:+86 17790278341
Get free travel guide