After breakfast, take a private transfer to Heishan Morning Market, one of Guilin's largest local food markets. Browse fresh produce, spices, meats and street snacks alongside local shoppers, offering a glimpse into the city's everyday market life.

At 10:30 AM, visit Reed Flute Cave, one of Guilin's best-known karst limestone caves, formed over hundreds of thousands of years. Inside, colored lighting illuminates a dense array of stalactites, stalagmites and stone pillars, taking on shapes that range from palace-like columns to flowing waterfalls.

13:30-14:30 PM, visit Elephant Trunk Hill, the symbol of Guilin, named for its resemblance to an elephant dipping its trunk into the river. 14:30-16:00 PM, walk to the Rong & Shan Lakes scenic area and board a 70-minute boat cruise through Guilin's inner-city waterway system, passing Rong Lake, Shan Lake, Gui Lake and Mulong Lake, with views of the Li River in the distance. Along the way, see bridges and pavilions lining the lakeshores, where the city and its waterways blend together.

After breakfast take 1 hour transfer to the Longji Terrace. At 10:30 AM, visit Huangluo Yao Village, located within the Longji scenic area, with the Jinjiang River running through it. The village is home to the Red Yao ethnic group, whose women maintain a traditional practice of growing their hair long, reflected in local hairstyles, songs, dances and traditional dress. With a guide, visit a century-old stilt house and see a long-hair performance showcasing this Red Yao custom.

After 1 hour lunch break, visit Ping'an Zhuang Village, home to the local Zhuang ethnic community, within the Longji rice terrace area. The surrounding terraces trace the mountain slopes and are often layered in mist, making the area a popular spot with photographers as well as visitors looking to relax and take in the scenery. Visit duration

After breakfast, take a private transfer to the cruise pier (approx. 1 hour). Board a cruise boat at Zhujiang Pier for a scenic river journey along the section of the Li River known as the "100-Li Gallery" (approx. 4 hours). Highlights along the route include Yangdi Waterfall, Langshi in the mist, Nine Horse Fresco Hill, the reflection at Yellow Cloth Shoal, and the scenery around Xingping. A buffet lunch on board is included for adults; children under 5 are charged a 30 RMB meal fee.

At 14:30 PM, Explore West Street, located at the center of Yangshuo's old town. Nearly 800 meters long and with a history of over 1,400 years, it is Yangshuo's oldest and busiest street, and one of its key tourist attractions. Shops line both sides of the street, selling goods ranging from osmanthus cake and chili sauce to handicrafts.

With a guide, cycle (or ride an electric bike) along the Yulong River from Jima Pier to Jiuxian Village, a 5km route passing small bridges, streams, distant hills, rice fields and village houses along the way.