Guangxi and Hunan

The one-hour scenic drive from the airport to your hotel in downtown Guilin will provide an introduction to the region’s dramatic topography, the spectacular karst landscapes which have been eulogised for centuries by painters, poets and photographers.

On arrival in Guilin, check into the 5-star Shangri-La Hotel, or similar. The rest of the evening is at leisure to explore the city. Take a stroll through Guilin’s lively night markets, or just enjoy a leisurely walk around Banyan and Fir Lakes. Alternatively, we can arrange for a “Two-Rivers-Four-Lakes” evening cruise, which grants wonderful views of the city skyline and the famous illuminated Sun and Moon Pagodas (at additional cost).

On the way out of Guilin, make a brief stop at the Reed Flute Cave. This spectacular cave complex, the most impressive and visited of the many caves in and around Guilin, contains curious rock formations and million year old stalactites. Allow an hour to explore the complex in full, before continuing to Yangshuo.

Often dubbed the “adventure capital of China”, Yangshuo is a small but lively town of 30,000 residents. Though it has a thriving centre, Yangshuo’s real attraction is in its surroundings. From its secluded position in a sheltered valley, bordered on one side by the Li River and surrounded by karst hills, Yangshuo serves as a gateway to some of China’s most exquisite countryside.

This evening, you stay in the Secret Garden, a small guesthouse set in a quiet village about 20 minutes’ drive from Yangshuo.

There’s a huge amount to do around Yangshuo, particularly for more active travellers. Gentle hikes, river rafting, rock climbing, caving, and marvellous cycling routes. The karst landscape is widely considered to be among the most beautiful in China, and a pleasure to explore whether on foot or by bike. Here are some of the more notable sights and activities which you might like to find time for:

Yulong river rafting – These gentle cruises take place on traditional bamboo rafts, rather than motorboats, and offer a relaxing way to explore the region and take in its magnificent scenery.

Moon hill trek – A short but steep hike to the top of Moon Hill, on the outskirts of Yangshuo, from where you have a panoramic of the landscape and, in the distance, Yangshuo.

Liu San Jie impression show – The dramatic scenery of the Li River sets the stage for this famous light and dance show, the format of which is adapted to suit the weather on the day of the performance.

Cooking class – Attend a class in Chinese cooking, which includes a tour of Yangshuo market. During the class, you’ll learn to make local favourites such as beer fish, egg wrapped dumplings, and Chinese stir-fry, with fresh ingredients bought from the market!

Rock-climbing – There are a number of local companies offering rock climbing on the karst pinnacles, geared towards both novice and experienced climbers. Let us know in advance if you’d like to book a half or full-day climbing experience.

The Longsheng (or Longji) Rice Terraces are one of Guangxi’s most famous scenic spots. The view of the terraced fields, arranged in intricate patterns in line with the natural contours of the hills, is just spectacular, particularly in the late autumn (Oct-Nov) when the harvest begins and the hills turn to red and gold. First established during the Yuan Dynasty (13th-century), the fields are still worked to this day by the local Zhuang and Yao peoples.

You stay tonight in the charming village of Ping’an, situated close to the top of the terraces. Expect to arrive around noon. The terraces are steep (and prone to mud slides!) meaning your vehicle can only get you so far. Once you reach the entrance to Ping’an village, it’s a walk of about half an hour uphill to reach the Longji Star-Wish Resort, your guesthouse near the summit of the terraces. (Porters are available to hire if you need help with your baggage).

After checking in, the rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the terraces. As the evening approaches, you can climb to the top of the terraces to receive a wonderful view of the rice paddies and the mountains at sunset.

Depart Ping’an with your guide and driver late morning for the drive to Fenghuang Ancient Town in neighbouring Hunan province. It’s a 6 hour drive from Longsheng to Fenghuang, with time to stop at a remote Dong village along the way. You’ll be taking a new route which receives very little traffic (whereas previously the journey to Fenghuang required a 13 hour drive/train ride via Changsha, the opening of a new highway in 2014 has made this remote town much easier to access).

Arrive at Fenghuang late afternoon and check into Poshan Inn, a cosy inn situated within Fenghuang’s historic centre, close to Tuojiang Old Street.

After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Fenghuang old town, taking in the major sights and attractions, including the old merchant’s guild (now a museum and art gallery), the famous “rainbow bridge”, Tian ancestral temple, and the former home of Chinese writer, Shen Ts'ung-wen. The tour will culminate with a short cruise on the Tuo River before lunch. The afternoon and evening are free for you to explore the old town at leisure. Enjoy a trek along the old town wall for great views of the Tuo River and Fenghuang’s iconic waterside stilt homes.

Arrive at Zhangjiajie early afternoon and check into the Qinghe Jinjiang Hotel, a comfortable 4-star resort located close to the entrance of the mountain park.

Formed in 1982 as the core of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, Zhangjiajie was the first National Park to open in China. It is widely considered to be one of China’s most beautiful and precious national parks, famed for its towering rock pinnacles, verdant forests and rushing rivers.

Spend the afternoon exploring the Yellow Stone region of Zhangjiajie, one of the easiest sections of the park to access (you’ll have the chance to venture further into the park tomorrow). From Zhangjiajie’s main entrance, a short cable car ride will take you to the Yellow Stone circuit trail, which covers some of the high peaks. Descend from the trail late afternoon and, time allowing, enjoy a short hike in the Golden Whip Valley before returning to your hotel. Evening at leisure.

Your guide will plan your route this morning, depending on the weather and how busy the park is. Long walks into remote sections of the park are possible. Alternatively, the main scenic spots, such as Yuanjiajie, are easily visited via cable car and require relatively little walking.

NB. The core areas of Zhangjiajie, particularly the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, can become very crowded at weekends and in the busy holiday season. Depending on the time of your visit, your guide may recommend a visit to one of the quieter spots, such as Laowuchang or Yangjiajie, which don’t usually attract large tour groups.