8-Day Sichuan Guilin Yangshuo Scenic Discovery Tour

The Experience:

Welcome to Chengdu, the relaxed capital of Sichuan Province.

Upon arrival, your private guide and driver will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel.

The rest of the day is free to recover from your journey. You may choose to explore nearby streets, enjoy a cup of Sichuan tea, or simply rest and prepare for the adventure ahead.

The Experience:

Start your day at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, arriving early when pandas are most active. Watch them eating bamboo, climbing trees, and playing. It’s an unforgettable wildlife moment.

In the afternoon, explore Jinli Old Street. Traditional architecture, handicrafts, and Sichuan snacks create a lively cultural atmosphere. It’s a wonderful place to experience local heritage.

Highlights:

• Close encounter with giant pandas
• Cultural exploration of historic Chengdu
• Authentic Sichuan snacks and souvenirs

Tips:

• Morning visits offer the best panda activity.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes.

The Experience:

Travel to Leshan to see the majestic Leshan Giant Buddha, carved into a cliff face at the confluence of three rivers. Standing 71 meters tall, it is the largest ancient stone Buddha in the world.

In the late afternoon, continue onward to Mount Emei, one of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains, and check into the hotel. The peaceful forest environment and mountain air offer a refreshing change of pace.

Highlights:

• UNESCO World Heritage Buddha statue

Tips:

• Walking down to the Buddha’s feet involves stairs. Take your time.

The Experience:

Ascend Mount Emei by sightseeing bus and cable car to the Golden Summit. If the weather permits, admire sweeping mountain views, seas of clouds, and distant peaks. The golden statue of Samantabhadra glows impressively against the sky.

After exploration, return to Chengdu by private transfer.

Highlights:

• Golden Summit panorama
• Buddhist temple atmosphere
• Scenic mountain landscapes

Tips:

• Temperatures are cooler at the summit. Bring layers.
• Early departure helps avoid crowds.

The Experience:

Fly south to Guilin, then transfer to Longsheng County. As you approach the Longji area, terraced rice fields begin to unfold across the hillsides like ribbons.

Enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by mountain villages.

Highlights:

• First view of Longji Rice Terraces
• Village atmosphere

Tips:

• Roads to Longsheng are winding; motion sickness medication may help.
• Pack light for terrace walking.

The Experience:

Explore Ping’an Village within the Longji Rice Terraces. Walk along stone paths through layered rice fields that change color with the seasons, green in summer, golden in autumn.

Return to Guilin in the afternoon.

Highlights:

• Iconic terrace viewpoints
• Minority village culture

Tips:

• The best photos are taken from higher viewpoints.
• Wear non-slip shoes.

The Experience:

Board a cruise along the breathtaking Li River. Limestone peaks rise dramatically from the water, forming one of China’s most iconic landscapes.

Arrive in Yangshuo and explore the countryside by bike or leisure walk. End the day at lively West Street.

Highlights:

• Li River karst scenery
• Peaceful rural landscapes
• Yangshuo’s vibrant atmosphere

Tips:

• Keep your camera ready during the cruise.
• Consider cycling for a deeper countryside experience

The Experience:

Before departure, visit Elephant Trunk Hill, the symbol of Guilin, and explore the colorful stalactites of Reed Flute Cave.

Transfer to the Guilin airport for your onward journey.

Highlights:

• Guilin’s iconic landmark
• Underground limestone cave
• Smooth airport transfer

Tips:

• Confirm flight time in advance for proper scheduling.