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

Why Choose Intoexplore

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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.
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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.
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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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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.

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IntoExplore
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Aurora
July 04,2026
IntoExplore made my Dali-Lijiang trip unforgettable! As a senior traveler, I appreciated the slow pace, comfortable transport, and guides who patiently explained everything. Perfect balance of culture and relaxation. Highly recommend for stress-free travel in China!"
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Destination(s): Beijing,Xian,Shanghai
Date of Experience: May 30,2026
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Eilee
June 05,2026
Honestly, I had a mix of nerves and excitement before this trip. My friends back in Mumbai thought I was crazy – "China? Really?" But I'd been staring at photos of those floating Avatar mountains for years, and I just had to see them for myself. So I booked the Zhangjiajie + Furong Ancient Town package through IntoExplore, and wow, I'm so glad I did.
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Tripadvisor
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Quest197833
May 2026• Couples
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Very helpful “Into Explore”
I first came across Into Explore while browsing travel reels about China on social media, and their content really stood out. I reached out with a few questions and was pleasantly surprised by how quickly Norman got back to me. To be honest, I was a bit cautious in the beginning—booking something like this online always comes with some uncertainty—but after several conversations and reviewing the proposed itinerary, I felt comfortable proceeding and placed an initial deposit. We traveled as a family, and from start to finish, the experience was incredibly smooth. Norman was flexible, patient, and always accommodating whenever we needed adjustments. Communication was consistent and reliable, which made a big difference. Once we landed in China, everything was handled flawlessly. The planning, coordination, and daily flow of activities were all executed with great attention to detail. We always knew what to expect the next day, which made the entire trip feel effortless and well-managed. Overall, it turned out to be a fantastic experience. I would confidently recommend Into Explore—and Norman in particular—to anyone considering a trip to China.
Anastassia P
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Very helpful “Into Explore”
I rarely write reviews, but this time I’d like to share my overwhelmingly positive thoughts about this trip. From the day I contacted this company, they have been very attentive and friendly. They did a great job planning my family holiday and supported us every step of the way. They put together a 14-day private tour for us, taking into account all our requests and requirements.In every city we visited, there was a reliable driver, a very nice car, and a guide to assist us throughout the day. I was initially anxious about traveling in a country where people don’t speak much English, but the guides made everything effortlessly convenient, including helping us choose food in local restaurants without English menus.I could go on describing all the wonderful things we saw in China, but to keep it short, I would simply encourage prospective customers to set aside any doubts and trust this company with their holiday planning. Thank you, guys!
Sanja M
April 2026
5 of 5 bubbles
Next level travel agency!
The entire trip organization, travel logistics, itinerary, guides - everything was planned and executed perfectly. Norman was extremely helpful and available for any and all questions or requests we had. Into Explore made our two week China trip easy, hassle free and worth every penny. We would recommend the agency, as well as visiting China to anyone looking for a once-in-a-lifetime trip!
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Excellent
Javier Miranda
Jun 22, 2026
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Exelente service..
Just recently returned 11 days from China. Arranged by Roy at Intoexplore. It could not have been more perfect. Everything - hotels, transportation, tour guides. We saw things we never would have seen on our own. excellent agency with wonderful service. Highly recommended. Thanks Intoexplore!!
Sangeeta Kaur
Jan 2, 2026
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Fast respond, helpful
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 .
Joel Nunez
Jun 24, 2025
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This agency has a good communication
The agent are patience when providing details and answering all questions. Every helpful and trustable agent. Highly recommended.

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