Begin the Yangshuo travel experience with an arrival in GUILIN, meeting with the local guide for a transfer to the Longsheng area. En route, make a stop to visit Huangluo Yao Village, located in the bank of Jinsha River. The village is the one of Yao ethnic groups among all the thirteen villages in Longji Rice Terraces area, in which the ladies & girls would keep a long hair as a custom of Yao ethnic people. According to local tradition, women cut their hair only once in their lives ― at about 16 to 18 years old when they are considered ready for adulthood and marriage. Among the villages’ families, the longest hair can reach to 1.9 meters, while others also have more than 1-meter-long hair.

After taking a leisurely walk in the Huangluo Yao village, proceed to Ping’an Village, located in the core tourist area of Longji Terraced Fields. The village accommodates more than 50 families with over 200 people. Upon arrival at the village, check in to your hotel.

OPTIONAL: Depending on actual arrival time, a moderate walk (30 minutes) to the highest region in the village can be arranged. From here, you can view the panoramas of the terraced rice fields, as well as glimpse the rural life and style of architecture found in the forest-fringed villages. Local porters are happy to carry in personal belongings.

Overnight in Ping’an.

Start the morning with a departure on foot for an approximate four hour walk. The length of the walk depends on personal pace and how many stops are taken for photographs. Here below are 3 of the options that we suggest our clients to take:

OPTION 01: Walk along the “Dragon’s Backbone” (Longji), one of the most beautiful stretches of rice terraces in the country. It was over 700 years ago that the locals worked tirelessly to sculpt these mountains in order to grow rice, sweet potatoes, other vegetables, and tea. Today the region looks like a succession of humongous staircases. Various villages sit amongst the territory (Dong, Miao, Yao, and Zhuang), with the Ancient Zhuang Village being particularly of note.

OPTION 02: If there is a further interest of hiking with more challenge, another route of 4 hours hiking (one way) from Ping’an Village to Dazhai Village, passing by Zhongliu and Tiantouzhai, can be a choice.

OPTION 03: If 4 hours walking takes too much strength, there is a possibility of getting down the hill from Ancient Zhuang Village, and being transferred back to the entrance before walking back to hotel in Ping’an Village.

NOTE: Wet rice cultivation means that the rice paddies are saturated with water. The water beautifully shines from May through the summer; in September, dazzling greens illustrate the region until the start of the harvest in October, when wheat tones take over. It is not advised to travel here between December and March, during which time the snow and fog can spoil the spectacle.

In the afternoon, you will be transferred to YANGSHOU. Overnight in Yangshou.

NOTE: Sturdy shoes, sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended as we will trek under hot sun.

Start our trekking tour in Yangshou today with a short private transfer (approximately 45 minutes) to Hebaoshan Village. Enjoy a countryside walk from here. During the walk, you can see the villagers working in the fields with their buffalos, green rice paddies and stunning karst mountain. At this moment, you will totally forget the rapid rhythm of the city and experience a carefree and relaxing life there. Along the route, small local “ferries” will help cross the Li River. Lunch will be provided in local; another great chance to be immersed in the local culture.

The Yangshou trekking trip ends at Xingping Village, an ancient village with over 1000 years of history (also appearing on the Chinese 20 Yuan note). Known for its old Ming and Qing Dynasty houses, Xingping is also famous for its local market (held every 3 days). Also of note are the surrounding karst formations - locally known as “sugar loaf Mountains.” In the village, you may walk along the stone walkway which is covered with emerald moss to get close to the simple folkway. You then be transferred back to Yangshuo by private car.

OPTIONAL: After a long day's hike, a relaxing and revitalizing foot massage (at your own cost) will be a reward to your tired muscles.

Overnight in Yangshuo.

In the morning, you will be transferred (without guide) to the starting point located in the town of Yangshuo to meet up with your local cyclist guide. Spend your day with the following two options:

Option 01: Cycle around the Jade Dragon River (Yulong River)

Depart towards the Baisha Village, located around 10km away bordering the Yulong River (Jade Dragon River). We cross the famous 400 year old Yulong Bridge and ride riding along the river bordered by orchards of orange, mandarin, chestnut, and pomelo trees.

OPTIONAL: After concluding this portion, depend on your energy, we can continue 10 km further south towards imposing Moon Hill. Upon arrival this hill, climb up to the moon-shaped hole to enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding area. (the ascent takes between 30 and 60 minutes depending on pace; the price of the entrance ticket is not included in the total cost of the trip).

Option 02: Cycle around the Li River

Head out towards Mushan Village, a very old village from thirteenth century, located 3km west of Yangshuo. This 500 year old village is known for its unique feng shui layout, which follows the “8 Trigrams of Taoism”. From the village, cycle along the Li River to the 800-year old fishing village of Liugong (around 20km from Yangshuo) which is known for its ancient houses and ‘three colored pools’. On the way back, pass through the artistic old town of Fuli or Yongcun.

OPTIONAL: Extension to Moon Hill.

Overnight in Yangshuo.

NOTE: The lessons are in groups (both Asia Senses Travel customers and those of other companies). There is an additional cost for private class.

Following the breakfast, you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred (without guide) to a Chinese farmhouse located in Yangshuo countryside where your 4-hour cooking class begins.

Your cooking class starts by visiting a local market where you can select various types of vegetables, meats and other ingredients. During the class, the teacher will impart to you the stories and secrets of Chinese cuisines in a friendly and fun atmosphere. Each student will have a hob, a wok, and all the necessary ingredients for making the day’s five dishes. At the end of the course, enjoy the dishes which are made by yourself.

OPTIONAL: In the afternoon, have a relaxing mud bath in Black Buddha Cave nearby Moon Hill.

Overnight in Yangshuo.

Start the day with an approximate 3-hour climbing session. This morning, transfer with the driver and instructor at 08:30 from the hotel to the climbing school to choose equipment (size of climbing shoes) then continue from the school to the one the climbing sites that suits your ability. Please inform us in advance about personal climbing experience. There are three proposed itineraries (can be modified):

- Beginner level (Swiss Cheese Wall)

It is one of the most popular climbs and is perfect for groups or families. It is made up of two sections: the right-hand wall for beginners and advanced climbers, and the left-hand vertical wall for more experienced participants. The site is easy to reach and a bamboo grove at the foot of the rock offers some welcome shade in the case of very hot weather.

- Advanced level (The Egg)

This is an excellent site for advanced or experienced climbers (the difficulty level ranges between 5.10 and 5.12 on the north face). The four faces of the rock are all accessible and this makes climbing possible all day long even as the sun moves throughout the day.

- Experienced level (White Mountain)

A superb rock that is great for experienced climbers (the difficulty level starts at 5.10 and reaches 5.13). Some inclined paths allow for a climb even if it’s raining, and sun exposure is constant throughout the day, meaning that it is preferable to go either at the start or end of a day. A path 200 meters long includes a section with an inclination of 15 degrees soaring 60 meters above the ground.

After the climb, have your lunch at a local restaurant in Yangshuo. Then transfer to the old town of Fuli for a guided kayak ride from Fuli to Liugong fishing village. The kayak ride is six kilometers long, and takes around 3 hours to complete. The ride goes first along the Yulong River then the Li River.

Overnight in Yangshuo.

Free at leisure until your driver comes then transfer you to Guilin airport to catch the flight to next destination.