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The earliest start of any of our Guilin days, and the one most worth setting an alarm for. Xianggong Hill stands on the far side of the river from the road, so you cross by ferry in the dark and climb a steep stairway to a platform above the point where the Li River doubles back on itself. On a morning with low cloud in the valleys it is the view that fills the photography books.
The climb is short - most walkers finish it well under an hour - but it is steep and the surface can be wet, so bring a head torch and shoes with grip. Once the sun is properly up you come down to river level and walk the bank towards Xingping through working farmland, then take a bamboo raft out onto the reach that appears on the 20-yuan note. Lunch is included.
Ferry timing is confirmed the day before, since the crossing and the climb both begin before first light.
Pre-dawn — the crossing
This is the earliest start of any of our Guilin days, because the reason to climb Xianggong Hill is the sunrise, and the hill sits on the far side of the river from the road. Your guide confirms the ferry timing the day before, since the crossing and the climb both begin in the dark. Bring a head torch and shoes with grip.
Morning — Xianggong Hill
A stairway climbs from the crossing to the summit platform — steep, but short enough that most walkers manage it in well under an hour. From the top the Li River makes its first great bend below you, doubling back around the base of the hill with the karst towers standing out of the valley floor on every side. On a clear morning with low cloud in the valleys this is the view that fills the photography books; when the valley is hazy it is still the best vantage point on this stretch of river. You stay for the light and come down once the sun is properly up.
Late morning — riverside walking
Back at river level, the group walks the bank downstream towards Xingping, on a mix of path, village lane and field edge. The walking is easy and mostly flat, and it passes through working farmland rather than a scenic park.
Lunch
A restaurant in or near Xingping, with river fish and local vegetables.
Afternoon — Xingping and the water
Xingping is an old river town of a few narrow lanes and a handful of surviving brick shopfronts. From the town you take to the water on a bamboo raft for a stretch of the reach that carries the view printed on the back of the 20-yuan note, and then walk the bank on the return leg. Your guide finishes the day at the point where the cruise boats pass the Nine Horses Fresco.
Meals
Lunch
Accommodation
Day tour - no hotel night included.
| Group Size | Adult(Age:8-80) Price/p.p | Child(Age:4-7) Price/p.p | Infant(Age:0-3) Price/p.p |
| 2 PAX | from $306 | / | / |
| 4 PAX | from $196 | / | / |
| 6 PAX | from $162 | / | / |
| 8 PAX | from $144 | / | / |
| 10 PAX | from $134 | / | / |
| 20 PAX | from $105 | / | / |
| 30 PAX | from $95 | / | / |
Please read the notes below before you book. They cover entry formalities, pace, weather and what to bring.
Q: Is this tour private or shared?
A: It is a private tour. Only your own party travels with the guide and vehicle, so the pace and the order of stops can be adjusted on the day.
Q: What is the best season for this itinerary?
A: April to June and September to November bring the mildest weather and clearest light. The programme runs year round, and we adjust the daily timings in mid-summer and winter.
Q: Can you handle dietary requirements and accessibility needs?
A: Yes. Vegetarian, halal, gluten-free and allergy-aware menus are arranged when you tell us in advance. Step-free and low-mobility versions of the route can also be planned.
Q: How do we book and pay?
A: Send us your travel dates and group size for a same-day quotation. A deposit confirms the booking, the balance is due before arrival, and prices are guaranteed for 7 days.
