07:30

Elephant Trunk Hill

Reach the area by taxi or a booked car and spend about 1.5–2 hours on the trails and viewpoints: the rock formation resembles an elephant dipping its trunk into the river. The visit offers views of the Li River landscape and karst formations in an urban setting; admission may cost approximately 55–75 CNY, to be checked through official channels.

The morning hours can offer pleasant light for photos; check access, tickets, and trail conditions in advance.

10:30

Reed Flute Cave

Reach the cave by taxi, with about 20–30 minutes of travel from the center depending on traffic, and allow 1,5–2 hours for the underground route. Admire stalactites, stalagmites, and illuminated chambers, keeping in mind that the itinerary takes place on walkways and steps. Tickets are typically around 90–120 CNY; check the official website for fares and access details.

Wear shoes with non-slip soles: inside, the floor can be damp.

06:30

Li River cruise

Leave Guilin by car or with a booked transfer to the Yangdi pier, allowing about 1–1,5 hours on the road. To fit the day's stops together, arrange a river excursion on the Yangdi–Xingping stretch in advance, usually by boat or raft depending on the operator and river conditions; allow about 2–3 hours and a rough cost of 120–250 CNY. Check the operator's official channels for the route, boarding point, duration, and price: it does not necessarily match the classic Guilin–Yangshuo cruise.

Confirm the route and disembarkation point before departure: the itinerary assumes arrival in Xingping.

10:30

Xingping Ancient Town

After disembarking, spend about 1,5–2 hours exploring the historic streets and river viewpoints. The surrounding karst landscape is one of the main reasons to stop here; you can have lunch with local dishes before the roughly one-hour transfer to Yangshuo. Access to the town is generally free, while any local transport or extra activities may cost around 10–60 CNY.

Agree on the departure time for Yangshuo with the driver: the rest of the day depends on the transfer running on time.

14:00

West Street in Yangshuo

Once you arrive in Yangshuo, explore West Street on foot for about an hour: its lanes, shops, and cafés blend traditional architecture with tourist activity. It’s a good break for a coffee or snack before heading to the Yulong departure point. Access to the street is free; a drink or snack can cost roughly 15–60 CNY.

Travel light and leave your bags at the hotel or in storage, if available.

15:15

Yulong River rafting

Reach the agreed pier by taxi or pre-booked transfer, allowing for variable travel times depending on your departure point. Choose a short descent compatible with the evening show: the activity may take around 1.5–2 hours including boarding, cruising, and return. As a rough estimate, expect 150–300 CNY per raft or for the proposed experience, but route, capacity, rates, and sailing conditions must be confirmed directly with the operator.

Wear clothes that can get wet and check the arrival pier and return transport in advance.

19:30

Impression Sanjie Liu Show

Reach the show area by taxi or with the arranged transfer and allow about 1.5 hours for the performance, plus time for entry and transfers. The production uses the river and karst hills as its backdrop, with music and choral tableaux inspired by local culture. Tickets may vary roughly from 200 to 400 CNY depending on section and season: check availability, the actual schedule, and conditions on the official website.

After the rafting, leave time to change and get to the venue; the show depends on scheduling and weather conditions.

05:00

Longji Rice Terraces (Ping'an)

Depart from Yangshuo by private car or pre-arranged transfer: the journey to Ping’an can take about 4–5 hours, with variations due to road conditions and traffic. Once there, allow 3–4 hours to walk to a few viewpoints, admire the terraces, and take a break in the village; entrance fees and local transport can amount to roughly 80–150 CNY in total, to be checked through official channels. To make the return manageable, leave in the afternoon for Guilin, allowing another 2–3 hours on the road; returning to Yangshuo would make the day even longer.

The schedule is very tight and assumes a direct transfer and an essential visit only. Check access, tickets, and trail conditions; agree on the return to Guilin with the driver in advance.