Hey fellow travel enthusiasts! Are you dreaming of a trip that combines breathtaking landscapes, cultural immersion, and a touch of adventure?
Well, look no further than Southern China’s incredible emerald triangle: Guilin, Yangshuo, and Zhangjiajie.
This region boasts some of the most stunning natural beauty on the planet, from the iconic karst mountains of Guilin to the Avatar-inspiring sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie.
Why Choose Guilin, Yangshuo & Zhangjiajie?
Key Features of the Adventure
This itinerary is perfect for travelers who crave:
- Jaw-dropping scenery: Picture yourself cruising down a serene river, surrounded by towering, cone-shaped mountains. Or hiking through a mystical forest of colossal stone pillars shrouded in mist. This is the reality in Guilin, Yangshuo, and Zhangjiajie.
- Cultural immersion: Explore vibrant local markets, sample delicious regional cuisine, and witness the traditions of ethnic minority communities.
- Active adventures: Whether you’re cycling through rice paddies, rafting down a crystal-clear river, or braving a glass bridge suspended hundreds of feet above a canyon, there’s something for every thrill-seeker.
- A manageable timeframe: A 7-10 day trip allows you to experience the highlights of each location without feeling rushed.
Suggested Itinerary
| Day | Location | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Guilin | City Exploration |
| 3 | Li River | Cruise to Yangshuo |
| 4 | Yangshuo | Countryside Adventure |
| 5 | Yulong River | Bamboo Raft Ride |
| 6 | Zhangjiajie | Travel & Rest |
| 7 | Zhangjiajie National Forest Park | Explore Yuanjiajie |
| 8 | Zhangjiajie National Forest Park | Visit Tianzi Mountain |
| 9 | Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon | Walk the Glass Bridge |
| 10 | Tianmen Mountain | Cable Car Ride & Departure |
Guilin: The Gateway to Natural Wonders
Our adventure began in Guilin, the capital of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and the perfect launchpad for any China tour package focused on nature, tranquility, and cultural discovery.
Guilin is well connected by high-speed rail and regional flights, making it a convenient start to your China travel itinerary — whether you’re coming from Shanghai, Hong Kong, or beyond.
No trip here is complete without a Li River cruise, and yes — it lives up to the hype. The views along the way are straight out of a painting: sharp limestone peaks rising from misty valleys, bamboo groves swaying in the breeze, and fishermen casting nets from traditional wooden rafts. If you’re budgeting, know that Li River cruise Guilin prices vary by season and boat type — but it’s worth every yuan.
Before leaving the city, be sure to wander through Guilin’s bustling night markets. It’s a great place to pick up authentic souvenirs from China — think hand-carved ornaments, paper fans, and compressed China tea leaves that make excellent gifts. I even found a pouch of good Chinese green tea that traveled with me for the rest of the trip.
And for the budget-conscious? You can comfortably spend less than 150 RMB per day in Guilin, including meals, local transport, and simple lodging — which makes it one of the most affordable gems in southern China.
But the real immersion begins when you follow the river downstream to a place that feels even more timeless: Yangshuo.
Yangshuo: Countryside Charms and Cultural Delights
After a few unforgettable days in Guilin, we floated downriver into a world that felt suspended in time: Yangshuo. Reached via a scenic Li River cruise, this small town is surrounded by some of the most photogenic karst mountains in China — steep limestone towers that rise dramatically from lush green fields.
While Guilin wows from a distance, Yangshuo invites you in for a closer look.
One of the best ways to explore the area is by bike. Cycling through rice paddies, past water buffaloes and sleepy villages, gives you an intimate view of life in southern China. It’s peaceful, grounding, and utterly mesmerizing.
The Yulong River, a tributary of the Li — offers a slower, quieter experience. Unlike motorized cruises, here you drift on a traditional bamboo raft ride, guided gently downriver by a local using a long pole to steer. The scenery is unreal: think willows, stone bridges, and reflections that blur the line between land and sky. No noise. No stress. Just flow.
In town, don’t miss Yangshuo’s West Street, a lively pedestrian zone lined with cafés, boutiques, and market stalls. It’s a great spot to browse souvenirs from China, from local paintings to handmade jewelry. I picked up a packet of jasmine-infused Chinese green tea, which turned out to be one of my favorite mementos from the trip.
Curious about what to buy in China? Yangshuo’s artisanal shops offer some of the best China souvenirs, thoughtful, light to pack, and rich in cultural meaning.
As the sun dips behind the peaks and red lanterns begin to glow, Yangshuo casts its spell. This is the kind of place that makes you forget about your return flight and wonder what it would be like to stay just a little longer.
Zhangjiajie: Avatar-Inspired Peaks and Gravity-Defying Thrills
From the serenity of Yangshuo, we headed north to a landscape so surreal it hardly feels of this Earth: Zhangjiajie.
Whether you take a short flight or ride the high-speed train, the journey into Hunan province brings you face-to-face with one of the most beautiful landscapes in China. Towering quartz-sandstone pillars pierce the clouds, shrouded in mist and mystery. This is the place that inspired the floating mountains of the movie Avatar and where countless hikers, photographers, and dreamers now find their own kind of magic.
Your base will likely be the gateway town of Wulingyuan. From there, grab a Zhangjiajie map you’ll need it. The park is vast and full of treasures.
Start with Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, where the iconic “Avatar Hallelujah Mountains” rise dramatically from the canyon floor. Standing at the edge of these cliffs feels like you’ve left gravity behind. It’s not Everest, but the dizzying drop rivals the sensation of looking out from the base camp elevation high, silent, and humbling.
Next, explore Tianzi Mountain, known as the “Son of Heaven’s Peak.” The view from the top offers a sea of stone columns rolling into the horizon, with wisps of cloud weaving between them. If you visit in early morning, you might witness a great wall of mist nature’s own version of China’s famous architectural wonder.
Set aside a day to walk the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge the world’s longest and highest when it first opened. Suspended 300 meters above the canyon floor, it’s not for the faint-hearted. But the thrill is unforgettable.
On your final day, head to Tianmen Mountain, home to the world’s longest cable car ride, a stunning cliff-hugging skywalk, and the awe-inspiring Heaven’s Gate a giant natural arch carved into the rock. This is the crescendo of your adventure: wind, height, and silence wrapping you in their embrace.
Wondering how many days you need in Zhangjiajie? Three full days is ideal one for the national park, one for the canyon and bridge, and one for Tianmen Mountain. If you have extra time, consider extending your trip with a Zhangjiajie–Fenghuang tour a scenic detour into one of China’s best-preserved ancient towns.
Zhangjiajie isn’t just a stop on your 10-day China itinerary. It’s a memory that etches itself into your soul a place where nature whispers stories older than time itself.
Planning Your Trip
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Guilin, Yangshuo, and Zhangjiajie is during the spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November) months. The weather is mild and the scenery is at its best.
Make sure you have the necessary visa for China before you travel. The currency in China is the Renminbi (RMB), also known as Yuan. The official language is Mandarin Chinese. While English is spoken in some tourist areas, it’s helpful to learn a few basic Mandarin phrases. High-speed trains and domestic flights are the best way to travel between cities in China. Within each city, you can use taxis, buses, or ride-sharing apps.
There are a variety of accommodation options available in Guilin, Yangshuo, and Zhangjiajie, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Be sure to try the local cuisine, including Guilin rice noodles, Yangshuo beer fish, and Hunan spicy dishes in Zhangjiajie. It’s recommended to book your accommodations, tours, and transportation in advance, especially during peak season.
A trip to Guilin, Yangshuo, and Zhangjiajie is an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of the natural beauty of Southern China. From the iconic karst mountains of Guilin to the Avatar-inspired sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie, this region offers something for everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your emerald triangle adventure today!
I hope this article has inspired you to explore this incredible corner of the world. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy travels!
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