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Nature · Guilin · Yangshuo · Zhangjiajie

Karst Rivers & Avatar Peaks

This is China’s most cinematic scenery in one journey: the karst river valleys of Guangxi, then the sandstone towers that inspired Avatar.

Destinations: Guilin & Yangshuo · Zhangjiajie

Duration: 8 days · 7 nights
Group: Max 10 guests
Pace: Moderate (walking)
Starts / ends: Guilin / Zhangjiajie
Best season: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct

The route

Guilin
Li River
Yangshuo
Longji terraces
Zhangjiajie
Tianmen Mountain

Day by day

DAY 1Arrive in Guilin

Airport pickup and check-in, then an evening walk by the lakes. Stay: Guilin · Meals: D

DAY 2Li River to Yangshuo

Cruise the Li River through the karst landscape on the 20-yuan note. Stay: Yangshuo boutique hotel · Meals: B, L

DAY 3Yulong River & bicycles

A bamboo raft on the Yulong River, then cycling between villages and peaks. Stay: Yangshuo · Meals: B, L

DAY 4Longji rice terraces

Walk the Dragon’s Backbone terraces and the Zhuang and Yao villages. Stay: Guilin · Meals: B, L

DAY 5To Zhangjiajie

Travel to Zhangjiajie, with an easy evening in town. Stay: Zhangjiajie · Meals: B

DAY 6The Avatar mountains

Ride the Bailong elevator, then walk Yuanjiajie and Avatar Hallelujah Mountain. Stay: Zhangjiajie · Meals: B, L

DAY 7Tianmen Mountain

The cable car, the cliff-hugging glass skywalk and Heaven’s Gate. Stay: Zhangjiajie · Meals: B, L

DAY 8Departure

Transfer to the airport. Meals: B

What’s included

English-speaking road leader
7 nights in 4-star and boutique hotels that accept foreign passports
Transport between regions
River cruise, raft, park and cable-car tickets
Meals as listed
Airport transfers, visa letter, eSIM and Alipay set-up help

Not included

Flights
Visa fees, if your passport needs one
Single room supplement (quoted on request)
International travel insurance

What we put in writing

Group size: Max 10 guests
Vehicle: Private vehicle for our group only, never a shared coach
Shopping stops: None. If one happens, we refund that day
Tipping: No compulsory tips or kitty
Hotels: Each one checked for foreign passports
Tickets: Timed, real-name tickets booked for you

These are part of your booking contract. See our booking terms.

Is this journey right for me?

FitnessSeveral walking days on mountain paths with steps.

HeightsThe glass walkways are optional.

Solo travelersWe arrange same-gender room sharing.

from $2,190 pp≈ $274 per day

Free cancellation for 48 hours
No shopping stops, no hidden fees
Visa letter & Alipay set-up included

Choose a departure

For departures after 31 December 2026: China hasn’t yet announced whether 30-day visa-free entry will be extended. We’ll confirm your entry route after booking, and send a visa letter if you need one. More

Travelers

2 × $2,190$4,380

Deposit to reserve$700

The balance is due 45 days before departure. Cancel for free within 48 hours of booking.

Secure payment link sent by email

Have a question first? Email us and a real person will reply in English.

Before you book

Do I need a visa for this trip?

Passports from 50 countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia and most of Europe, can enter visa-free for up to 30 days (currently until 31 December 2026). US citizens need a tourist visa, or must use 240-hour transit with an onward flight to a third country. Check your passport; we send an invitation letter if you need one.

How do I get to the start of the trip?

This journey starts in Guilin / Zhangjiajie. Most international travelers fly in directly or connect through Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou. We suggest flights after you book and meet you at arrivals.

What happens if the trip doesn’t run?

If a departure doesn’t reach its minimum group size, we’ll tell you at least 21 days ahead and you can choose a full refund or a free change of date.

Can I extend the trip or add Beijing or Xi’an?

Yes. Tell us your plans in the booking notes or send us a message, and we’ll help you arrange the extra days.

Not ready to book?

Ask us about Karst Rivers & Avatar Peaks

Different dates, a private version, travelling with kids or a parent who doesn’t walk far: tell us and a real person will reply within one working day, in English.