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.

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

Included with every escorted tour

  • Professional English speaking guide.
  • Domestic flights/High-speed Train Fee.
  • Hotel with breakfast in the itinerary.
  • Entrance fees of all the attractions as listed.

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
  • None
  • 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

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.

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Clara
July 07,2025
We had a very memorable experience in Xi’An thanks to the expertise and helpfulness from Norman, who helped us planned our trip, and Waldener, our local tour guide from Into Explore. Norman helped us with the itinerary and bookings of transport and accommodations so it was stress free for me. He asked us our preferences when making the rooms reservation to cater to what we like and recommended the best way and places to explore this city. Our tour guide was also flexible with our schedule so we were able to do what we wanted and working around the weather. We were supposed to go Mt Hua on the 2nd day of our tour but it was forecasted to rain. He switched our itinerary around so we could climb Mt Hua on the 3rd day instead when the rain had stopped. Thank you Into Explore for giving us peace of mind to sit back and enjoy our vacation.
Xi'an to Mount Hua Hiking Tour 1 Xi'an to Mount Hua Hiking Tour 2 Xi'an to Mount Hua Hiking Tour 3 Xi'an to Mount Hua Hiking Tour 4
Destination(s): Beijing,Xian,Shanghai
Date of Experience: May 30,2025
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June 05,2025
Fue una buena decisión hacer el Circulo de Oro contratando a Into Explore. Una empresa confiable con una muy buena organización siempre pendientes de nuestros gustos y preferencias. La experiencia de la visita a la Gran Muralla los Soldados Terracota, el Jardín Yu y Shanghái fueron muy interesantes y aprendimos mucho sobre las distintas Dinastías y la historia de China.
Xi'an to Mount Hua Hiking Tour 1 Xi'an to Mount Hua Hiking Tour 2 Xi'an
Destination(s): Beijing,Chongqing,Zhangjiajie
Date of Experience: June 12,2025
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Nataša G
May 2025 • Couples
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For smooth travels, I recommend this agency
This agency made sure my trip was 10/10! And I loved the smooth and fast communication we got. We were able to explore China at its finest and had the best time of our lives. If I had any questions during our travel, Vicky was able to help me and solve it immediately. I recommend this agency very much. Thank you!!!
Giovanni D
Apr 2025 • Friends
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Super organized travel agency, it met the thousand requests made and created a tailor-made travel package. Constant support both in the organizational phase before departure and during the trip. Drivers and guides provided during our itinerary super competent and kind. I highly recommend their services and will turn to them for my next trip to China
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Anna
Jun 17, 2025
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Thank you so much for the help you gave…
Thank you so much for the help you gave during my travel process, I would highly recommend your company anytime from the smooth experience you gave. Looking forward for more trips with you.
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 .

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