8 Days Guilin & Guizhou Vacation Tour by Bullet Train from Hong Kong
Contrast Exploration from Oriental Pearl to Miao & Dong Ethnic Kingdom
Contrast Exploration from Oriental Pearl to Miao & Dong Ethnic Kingdom
If you start a China tour from Hong Kong, where do you want to go? Hong Kong is usually served as the most important south gateway city in China that you can enjoy a tour from Hong Kong and visit the hot tourist destinations in South China first and then transfer to other destinations.
Hong Kong may be internationally known for its unique combination of glitz, glamour and grittiness, while, there’s a lot more to the city than just beautiful buildings, rooftop bars and neon-drenched street eats. Whether you fancy some quiet moments far away from the bustling downtown to relax on the sandy beach, or reach up the highest point of Hong Kong Island for a superlative panoramic view, you’ve never missed the chance in this itinerary. Take the high speed train from Hong Kong to begin a contrast tour for an enjoyable visit to Guilin and Guizhou. Guilin actually covers three destinations - the downtown area, Yangshuo countryside and Longji Rice Terraces with the best landscape under heaven. Transfer directly from Longji Rice Terraces to the Dong minority kingdom to fully enjoy their culture, performances, customs and architectures. Also, you won’t miss the chance to visit several Miao ethnic villages in and around Kaili to experience their unique culture. This contrast tour can be a relaxing vacation, also can be regarded as an exploration in South China and Southwest China!
Good to Know: If you live in Hong Kong or have visited Hong Kong before, you can make the trip for only 6 days, covering the essences of Guilin and Guizhou Province.
Day 1 Hong Kong Arrival
Be picked up at the airport or railway station, and transferred to check in your hotel.
Ni Hao! Welcome to welcome to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, the Pearl of the Orient. The rest of today after arrival is to recover from long flight, or explore this vibrant and bustling metropolis on your own.
Free Time ideas: It is one of the most popular things to do in Hong Kong to spend ten minutes riding the humble Star Ferry which sails between Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon and Hong Kong Island( daily 6:30am-11:30pm). From the ferry, you can enjoy the breathtaking skyline of Hong Kong especially in the evening when the Symphony of Lights begins.
Evening Ideas: In this evening, take a walk through Temple Street Night Market which is the livest night market in Hong Kong. Whether you’re a fan of shopping or not, Temple Street is one place you will find everything from souvenirs to tiny trinkets and from clothes to footwear, bags and more. Browse different kinds of commodities and if you like, stop to sit and enjoy some delicious snacks. After the tour, get back to your hotel by yourselves.
Hong Kong Star Ferry
Day 2 Explore Hong Kong on Your Own
Self-guided Hong Kong exploration
Hong Kong's tourism industry is very developed. Foreign travellers can explore Hong Kong independently and easily. Below is recommended Hong Kong day trip itinerary.
Firstly, you will climb to the highest point of Hong Kong - Victoria Peak(552m) via the famous Peak Tram which has operated for more than 112 years as one of the world oldest funicular railways. Walk through the verdant woods to explore hidden old buildings left by the old Hong Kong. Also ascend to the observation deck to sweep the magnificent Hong Kong skyline and tranquil harbor views. Get down from the peak, then go to visit Aberdeen Fishing Village where you will get an impressive insight of an old traditional fishing village to view the rows of old Junks and Sampans.
Continue to take a trip to the Stanley Market. Browse fancy petty commodities in various little stores and enjoy the fun of bargaining, or just order a cup of coffee or beer at the seaside café or pub, a great way to spend time away from the maddening crowds. (If you are interested in the beautiful sand beach with long coastline, soft sand and clean water, you can visit Repulse Bay instead of Stanley Market.)
In this afternoon, pay a visit to Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple. This Taoist temple is dedicated to a deified healer named Wong Tai Sin and it is said that when he was 15 an immortal taught Wong how to make a herbal potion that could cure all illness. This temple is famed for the many prayers answered “What you request is what you get” via a practice called kau chim. Enjoy the sincere atmosphere of praying and kau chim for good fortune. Later, move your steps to Nan Lian Garden, an elegant Tang-style garden featuring a golden pagoda, a koi pond and a collection of bizarre rocks sourced from all over China. Enjoy your time in the beautiful Chi Lin Nunnery located close to the garden. Built in the style of Tang Dynasty, this Buddhist complex is a serene place with lotus ponds, bonsai tea plants, bougainvillea and silent nuns delivering offerings fruit and rice to Buddha or chanting behind intricately carved screens.
In the late evening, enjoy a light walk along Avenue of Stars situated on the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade right on the waterfront of Victoria Harbor. Admire stunning views of the Victoria Harbor and Hong Kong Island with its numerous skyscrapers. If time allows, catch the chance to watch “A Symphony of Lights” that is held every night at 20:00.
Day 3 Hong Kong - Guilin (B)
Transfer from Hong Kong to Guilin - Pick-up in Guilin
Today, you will leave Hong Kong for Guilin on your own. You can take a bullet train from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station to Guilin West, which takes only about 3 hours. Or, you can take a flight from Hong Kong International Airport to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport, which is not available all year around.
Upon arrival at Guilin railway station/airport, your local tour guide and driver will meet you, and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to have fun on your own.
Transferring Notes: Since there are very few trains between Hong Kong and Guilin, you can also transfer first to Guangzhou South Station or Shenzhen North Station by Hong Kong bullet train and then travel to Guilin by another bullet train, which is relatively cheaper than flight travel, but takes about 3-3.5 hours to arrive in Guilin City.
Evening Ideas: You can take a leisure walk around the famous city water system - Two Rivers and Four Lakes for the amazing night views.
Today, you will leave Hong Kong for Guilin on your own. You can take a bullet train from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station to Guilin West, which takes only about 3.5 hours. Or, you can choose from the 1-2 daily flight from Hong Kong International Airport to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport, which takes about 1.5 hours.
Upon arrival at Guilin railway station/airport, your local tour guide and driver will meet you, and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to have fun on your own.
(Transferring Note: 1. Since there are very few trains between Hong Kong and Guilin, you can also adjust to transfer first to Guangzhou South Station or Shenzhen North Station by Hong Kong bullet train and then travel to Guilin by another bullet train, which is relatively cheaper than flight travel, but takes about 3-3.5 hours to arrive in Guilin City. 2. If you do not know how to embark China bullet train or want to enjoy a private transfer to Hong Kong railway station from your hotel, please directly contact us. We can send a private tour guide and driver to pick you up from your hotel, and escort you to the railway station to take your train.)
Evening Ideas: You can take a leisure walk around the famous city water system - Two Rivers and Four Lakes for the amazing night views.
Day 4 Guilin - Li River Cruise - Yangshuo (B, L)
Li River Cruise - Yangshuo Countryside View - West Street
As the declaration in Chinese textbook "Guilin's landscape is the best under heaven", today you will explore this best landscape starting with a relaxing sightseeing cruise along the Li River from Mopanshan Pier to Yangshuo Town. Along the 84-kilometer cruise, dazzling scenery overwhelms your eyes like a vast endless Chinese painting of winding river, green limestone karst mountains, fascinating countryside views, amazing scene of A Painting of Nine Horses, and notable view printed on the back of the 20 RMB note. (Please note: Lunch is served by the cruise with simple local Chinese cuisine. And you can take some snacks when getting on board.)
After about 4 hours's cruise, disembark in Yangshuo Town, and check into your hotel.
After a short break, start your impressive exploration of the best charming sightseeing and ideal countryside ease at Yulong River. Let all the refreshing scenes please your eyes and souls to the utmost. Just enjoy every moment with the Karst hills dotted around, chatting stream, rippling mountain reflection, swaying floras, patches of vivid crops, comfortable breeze... There are diverse kinds of ways for your enjoyment of the fun and beauty, including biking, hiking, bamboo rafting and scooter. You can easily choose and combine your ideal way(s) and part of Yulong River. (Please tell your likes to your travel consultants before booking the tour, as the final prices will differ by activities you choose).
Biking: (some physically demanding & sightseeing by the river) - Ride to enjoy the river view and the real fields (route: Yangshuo - Jima - Shuiedi Dock - Gongnong Bridge - West Street; for 1.5-2 hours).
Bamboo Rafting (relaxing and interesting & sightseeing on the river) - have fun with the classic bamboo rafting (Route A: Shuiedi Dock - Gongnong Bridge for 40-50 minutes; Route B: Jima Dock - Gongnong Bridge for 1.5 hours) to see the more serene view like pieces of traditional Chinese landscape ink paintings.
Driving (most leisurable and comfortable & sightseeing on the road) - drive and travel from Jima to Gongnong Bridge to appreciate the lovely countryside view (about 0.5 hour). You can get off and on anywhere on the middle way to explore more about your interested place.
After that, walk leisurely on the ancient West Street to witness how the western culture and Chinese culture perfectly and peacefully coexist here. Whether you want to enjoy a cup of drink in bar, taste some local food, or just experience the relaxing atmosphere, you get it here.
Note: according to the regulations of Yulong River Tourism, children less than 1 meter high and elders over 70 years old are not allowed to take the bamboo rafting.
Optional evening activity:
Watch the splendid evening performance of Impression Liu Sanjie with the Li River itself as the stage, which was directed by famous director - Zhang Yimou (usually performs for an hour between around 19:45 and 22:20).
Day 5 Yangshuo - Longji Rice Terrace (B, L)
Huangluo Yao Village - Ping'an Village (Seven Stars with Moon, Nine Dragons & Five Tigers)
In this morning, you’ll be escorted from Yangshuo to Longji Rice Terrace in Longsheng County (about 140km for 2-3 hours’ driving). Longji Rice Terrace is an amazing feat of farm engineering rising up to 1000m high in Longsheng County. There are several featured Zhuang and Yao minority villages along the road and you’ll take a visit to the special Huangluo Yao Village, the First Village of Long Hair in the World, where you can see women in red ethnic clothes with very long hairs (the longest can reach up to 1.7 meters).
Later, continue your drive to a beautiful 600-year-old Zhuang Village - Ping’an and check in your hotel located near the rice terraces. After some rest, start to explore the breathtaking views. The rice terrace is layer upon layer, like the changing ladder created by nature leading to the blue sky, forming a majestic painting between heaven and earth. From Ping’an, you can hike on the cobbled paths built among terraces to catch the best landscape. Climb up to the great lookouts at Seven Stars with Moon and Nine Dragons and Five Tigers from which you can get superlative views of terraces and villages. Hike half day around, then back to Ping’an for dinner and accommodation.
Good to Know:
1. Best time to visit: Longji Rice Terrace can be visited all year round. Go mid-April to mid-June for mirror-like irrigated terrace and rice transplanting scene; go mid-June to mid-September for green terraces; go late September to early-October for golden and harvest scene.
2. Walking: When arriving at Ping’an Village, you can only be dropped at Ping’an Village Tourist Center parking lot that you need to walk about 900 steps to your hotel. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended!
3. Luggage carrying: For the aged or travelers who are lack of physical strength, you’d better hire a local porter to help carry your heavy luggage to the hotel (pay extra expense on your own).
Day 6 Longji Rice Terrace - Congjiang - Zhaoxing Dong Village (B, L)
Longji Rice Terrace - Zhaoxing Dong Village
When waking up in the fresh air of peaceful morning, you may forget where you are. You can go to watch the magnificent sunrise over the beautiful rice terraces at a great location. Then get back to hotel for breakfast.
Later, drive back to Guilin to take a bullet train (about 1 hour) to Congjiang Railway Station. Your local guide and driver in Guizhou will meet you at the arrival hall and take you to Zhaoxing Dong Village, the largest Dong village in Guizhou. After checking in to your hotel, you’ll start to explore Zhaoxing Dong Village. It has been selected as “one of the six most beautiful countryside in China” and together with its drum towers were listed into the Guinness World Records in 2001. It is divided into 5 natural small villages, living in five different areas - which are called “Tuan” locally. Besides, there are five drum towers, five Wind and Rain Bridges and five stages setting in the village. Start your exploration from the village gate and get atop of the viewing platform to enjoy the panorama, where you can also clearly appreciate the five drum towers standing beautifully in the village. Afterwards, pay a visit to the Zhaoxing Dong Culture Museum to have a better understanding about Dong people and its culture in all aspects. Follow the route to visit Xin Tuan (means faith) with the highest drum tower at 25.9 meters, Zhi Tuan (means wisdom), Yi Tuan (means righteousness), Li Tuan (means Rritual) with the first drum tower in Zhaoxing built in 17th century and Ren Tuan (means benevolence). You won’t miss the great performance in this afternoon and watch the famous Grand Song of Dong People and other interesting programs.
Accommodate in a local guest house or hotel in Zhaoxing Dong Village.
Day 7 Zhaoxing - Congjiang - Kaili (B, L)
Biasha Miao Village - Shiqiao Miao Village
After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at the hotel. First, head to Biasha Miao Village for an exciting exploration. Biasha Miao Village is called as “the Last Gunslinger Village in China”. This is the only place in China where residents are still legally allowed to own and carry guns. The Biasha people are said to be the descendants of Chi You, a mythological warrior in ancient China, and have traditions dating back 2000 years. Men of Biasha dress as ancient warriors with black waistcoats and straight black trousers as well as swords, hunting dogs, and firelocks. Women of Biasha wear black pair shirts and pleated skirts, which are simple but embroidered with bright colors. Once getting into the village, you will witness the welcome ceremony - Biasha men line up and fire 3 shots to welcome guests! Later, enjoy the folk performance to learn more about Biasha culture, including customs of farming, hunting, ancestor-worshiping, gaming and marriage. You can even watch an amazing haircut ritual - a live shave with a sickle. If you have more time, you can take a walk around this beautiful village.
Today you will travel from Rongxian to Kaili, the cultural center of Guizhou’s Qiandongnan ethnic region. It is a scenic drive around 200km/3.5 hours with a leisure pace. En route, stop at the Viewing Plaform to enjoy the panoramic landscape of Gaoyao Rice Terrace where over a thousand acres of terraced fields sitting atop a majestic mountain, cascading layer upon layer, stretching all the way from the mountain peak to its base while a beautiful Miao village resting quietly on the terraces. You will then go to Shiqiao Village which is famous for the national intangible cultural heritage of traditional paper making with trees’ bark by Miao ethnic group. Catch the rare opportunity to see the traditional processes of making papers in the Chuandong, a natural cave where the underground river water flows quietly. Recommended optional activity: learn to make Flower Paper in the craftshop of a local family.
Stay overnight in Kaili.
Day 8 Kaili & Kaili Departure (B)
Langde Upper Miao Village - Matang Gejia Village
After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel. Today, you’ll be transferred about 28 km for a visit to Langde Upper Miao Village which is reputed as “the Hometown of Chinese Folk Song and Dance Art”. It is with less crowds, peaceful natural atmosphere, friendly villagers and rich cultural heritage. Upon arrival at the village, you will be warmly treated with a traditional welcome ceremony by the beautiful ladies and girls dressed in traditional Miao costumes (long skirt). They will set twelve tables with “block-the-way” wine and you can taste the wine to feel their hospitality. Once the toasts are completed, you will continue to experience the singing and dancing performance at the Lusheng Ground. The men will play Lusheng and the ladies will dance. If you like, you can participate in the dance to enjoy more fun.
Later, you’ll be transferred to Matang Gejia Village, a primitive Miao village with over 400 Gejia people who are called the 57th ethnic group in China unofficially. According to the legend, Gejia people are the direct descendants of Hou Yi, a legendary hero who was said to shoot the nine scorching suns in order to save his people. Matang Village is famous for exotic attires, colorful festivals and countryside feelings. The women and girls here are specialized in batik that you can fully appreciate the uniqueness of the Gejia batik patterns and embroidery as well as the excellent craftsmanship of the villagers. If you are interested, you can learn how to make batik with wax from a local master and create your own batik work (optional experience with extra payment).
After the visiting, be escorted to the railway station or airport in Kaili for a train / flight to next destination. Service ends! (Departure Note: Guiyang is about 185 km in the west of Kaili, having numerous flights and high speed trains connecting. You can also leave Guizhou to other destinations from Guiyang.)
1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one standard double-bed room in 4-star hotel and traveling with our private tour in low seasons.
2. This price is subject to change according your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate. If you want a lower price, you can get more people to join you, or use economy class hotels.
3. This price is only valid to March 31, 2025.
4. Reference exchange rate of USD 1=RMB 6.85. The final quote is based on current exchange rate. It may change according to the currency fluctuation, while the RMB quotation will be remained the same.
Hi Mr Wang,
Thanks! I had a weekend away to Xi’an, China to celebrate my birthday. It was an exciting weekend and it was certainly something off the beaten trail for most of my friends. The itinerary you have suggested provided good coverage of the city’s rich history. From the fascinating Terracotta Army to the City Walls to the sacred Mount Hua, to the Muslim Quarter to the Drum & Bell Towers, there’s an interesting story from every historical era in Xi’an. I managed to hike up Mount Hua from North Peak to West Peak, but I didn’t get to do the dangerous plank walk as it was closed.
The hotel Eastern House was very accessible too with food places within steps and its proximity to the Drum Tower is a plus. The room was very clean and comfortable.
At this point, I have to quickly mention our amazing tour guide Betty Jiao Yan who was assigned to us as part of our private tour package. She made our time feel so very special and I wonder if Xi'an would have been as awesome without her. She had such a positive and caring nature and when we had to say goodbye, we felt very sad. It was strange to miss a guide after only knowing her for 5 days! Luckily we still keep in touch on WeChat. Our driver Mr Ma was very polite, punctual and accommodating, making our travel a pleasant experience
Anne
Hi Jack,
Thanks. The Harbin and Snow Town trip was excellent and very enjoyable. We are now in Japan skiing, and will send our feedback upon our return on 31st Jan.
Best wishes
Leong
Hi Rita,
From my end, everything is remarkable! Jane is amazing! She really make us feel welcome.
All the hotels were amazing too! My parents also very impressed.
I will definitely reaching out again, next time when I visit China. There’s many more places I want to visit.
Best regards,
Jefry
Dear Rita,
We are home. Thanks for arranging this nice trip. Everything worked out nicely except the smoking room problem in Chengde.
Thanks again.
John
Hi Rita,
In response to your enquiries, we had a wonderful experience with the tour arrangements in both Guilin and Yangshuo. Both the tour guide and driver were very professional and handled the arrangements well.
I am surely recommending any friends or relatives who are interested in travelling to China in future to use China Discovery. Also, will be looking at other destinations for ourselves too.
Thanks once again for the wonderful experience.
Kwan
We are one of the few China travel agencies who have kept active and received lots of feedbacks and reviews during pandemic years
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After sending us an inquiry, one of our travel consultants will get back to you within 0.5~23.5 hrs. In the next few days, he/she will be working closely with you to formulate a customized tour plan, as well as providing professional suggestions based on your travel interests, time, and budget.
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Our local guide in every destination is not only very friendly, enthusiastic but also very informative and knowledgeable.
Once you arrive in the destination, the patient and punctual guides will pick you up and take you to get under skin of the city at your own pace. By in-depth discovery and explanation, they’ll show you more about the history, culture, customs and authentic local life. Throughout the journey, they're not only expert guides who take care of all the details but also fellow travelers who are dedicated to help you explore in comfort and style.
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The hotels we choose are based on star rating, great locations, well-equipped facilities, cozy bed, high quality service and guests’ feedbacks. Choices are a lot ranging from luxury 5 star, comfortable 4 star to budget 3 star. You could decide where to stay to best suit for your budget and likes. Generally, the hotels have both Western and Chinese breakfast with a wide choices.
If you have already got an ideal hotel, please feel free to tell our travel consultants and they'll book the hotel for you.
Have good sleep in our well-selected hotels in all the destinations of China.
We can satisfy all the dietary requirements no matter you want Chinese local food, western food, vegetarian food or muslin food.
The restaurants we will take you for lunch or dinner are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. They have very good sanitary conditions and the food is prepared fresh and clean.
There will be some meals excluded in your itinerary as you like, and your private guide will be delighted to give you some suggestions and take you to the local restaurants to taste like Beijing Roast Duck, Xian Dumpling Dinner, Sichuan Hotpot, etc., if you are interested in local food tasting.
All the dining options will satisfy your stomach!
Hong Kong Star Ferry
Temple Street Night Market
Victoria Peak Panoramic View
Aberdeen Fishing Village
Victoria Harbor Amazing Night View
Repulse Bay
Panoramic View from Victoria Peak during Daytime
Two Rivers and Four Lakes, Guilin
Claire from UK - 20 RMB Note View, Li River, Guilin
Skip's Group from USA - Moon Hill, Ten-mile Gallery, Yangshuo, Guilin
Chusi's Family from USA - Moon Hill, Ten-mile Gallery, Yangshuo, Guilin
West Street at Night, Yangshuo, Guilin
Gerhard from Germany - Longji Rice Terraces (Pingan), Guilin
Gerhard from Germany - Huangluo Yao Village, Longsheng, Guilin
Caryn from Australia - Longji Rice Terraces (Pingan, Seven Stars with Moon), Guilin
Zhaoxing Dong Village
Sunrise in Longji Rice Terrace
Shiqiao Village is good at making flower paper in traditional way
Haircut Ritual at Biasha Miao Village - a Live Shave with a Sickle
Biasha Miao Village's Wooden Houses
Matang Gejia Village
Upper Langde Miao Village Performance
Below are some important things to know regarding of train travel tips, traveling documents, hotels and food, weather, booking guide. Traveling with China Discovery, you only need to focus on enjoying your holiday time. We will take care of all the details. Our travel consultants are always ready to help you if you have any questions about the trip.
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