Family Adventure in Yangshuo

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    ‘Dragons Backbone’ (Longji), one of the most beautiful stretches of rice terraces in the country.

    ‘Dragons Backbone’ (Longji), one of the most beautiful stretches of rice terraces in the country.

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    Drive along a very windy road to Ping’an

    Drive along a very windy road to Ping’an

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    Yao women are characterised by their long black hair which (according to tradition) they aren’t allowed to cut until they are 16.

    Yao women are characterised by their long black hair which (according to tradition) they aren’t allowed to cut until they are 16.

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    Xingping is an acient village surrounded by sugar loaf mountains
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    Spend a day cycling through Yangshuo

    Spend a day cycling through Yangshuo

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    A typical Yangshuo landscape of mountains and rice fields

    A typical Yangshuo landscape of mountains and rice fields

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    Spend time drifting along the Yulong River

    Spend time drifting along the Yulong River

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    Your accommodation includes a stay at Giggling Tree, Yangshuo

    Your accommodation includes a stay at Giggling Tree, Yangshuo

Trip ideas

Duration(in days): 7

From: Guilin

To: Guilin

From

£1,020

Per person

Get a quote

or Call 01273 320580

See more ideas for: China

    On this adventure trip designed for families you will get to enjoy hiking, kayaking, cooking and cycling as well as experience the stunning countryside and the local people. Surrounded by karst peaks and the Li River, the town of Yangshuo is located in Guangxi, one of the southernmost regions in China and just a bus or boat ride away from Guilin, a major city and centre for culture, politics and history.

    On this 7 day itinerary you will spend 1 night in Ping'an and 5 nights in Yangshuo, this trip shows you the 'other' side of China, away from the low hanging smog, high rise buildings and thousands of Chinese residents that characterize the major cities of this country. You will get to see the people of the Red Yao minority, noticed mainly for their long black hair that by tradition they do not cut until they are 16 and ready to find a husband. You will get to walk the 'Dragons Backbone' one of the most beautiful stretches of rice terraces in the country and visit some of the many ancient villages that still exist in this area.

    Highlights

    • Stay in the 600 year old village of Ping'an
    • Witness the people of the 'Red Yao' minority going about their daily life
    • Cycle across the 400 year old Yulong Bridge towards the village of Baisha
    • Take part in a cooking class located in the Yangshuo countryside
    • Spend a day climbing and kayaking with trained instructors

     

    Itinerary in brief:

    • 1 night Ping'an
    • 5 nights Yangshuo

    Day 1: Arrive in Guilin

    On arrival you will be met and transferred to the Huangluo Yao Village, located around 85kms from Guilin (approx. 2 hours).

    The village is inhabited by people of the Red Yao minority, and the Yao women are characterised by their long black hair which (according to tradition) they aren’t allowed to cut until they are 16.  Once they reach 16 they’re deemed ready to find a husband, so their grandmother will keep the cut-off hair ready to give to the family of the girl’s future husband.  The most recent competition to find the girl with the longest hair resulted in finding a woman whose hair was 1.75m in length!

    After walking in the village you’ll continue on another 20kms along a very windy road to Ping’an, a 600 year old village populated by the Zhuang minority – passionate about song and theatre!  At 17 million in number, the Zhuang’s are the largest minority in China.  Depending on your arrival time you may take a walk climbing towards the highest point of the village.


    Day 2: Onwards to Yangshuo

    After breakfast you will depart on a 4 hour walk, covering the ‘Dragons Backbone’ (Longji), one of the most beautiful stretches of rice terraces in the country. 

    Today the region looks like a succession of hug staircases, along which various small villages sit.  You’ll pass through several of these, offering stunning panoramas of the surrounding area.  Locals worked tirelessly over the past century to sculpt these mountains to grow rice, sweet potatoes and tea; the high point is at an altitude of over 1000m.

    Note: The rice paddies are saturated in water, which is part of the cultivation process.  During December-March snow and fog can spoil the amazing spectacle, so travel is not advised during these months.

    Continue on to Yangshuo afterwards, a journey of around 160kms, a 3 hour drive.


    Day 3: Yangdi to Xingping

    After breakfast you will travel to Yangdi, around 1 hours drive away, to begin a 16m walk taking you between 5 and 6 hours.  You’re required to cross the Li River on 3 occasions – you’ll take a ferry for this! 

    Lunch is provided at the home of a local en-route.

    The route ends at Xingping, an ancient village known for its old Ming and Qing Dynasty houses and for its market (held every 3 days) where you will find amongst other things, cockerels and geese for sale. The village is surrounded by “sugar loaf Mountains” with names such as “Five-Finger Hill” and “Camel Hill” which supposedly resembles a camel crossing the river.

    The day will finish with a performance by villagers from nearby Mushan, acting out scenes of rural life and showcasing traditional values all set amongst the amazing backdrop of the karst countryside.


    Day 4: Yangshuo

    After breakfast you will transfer to the start point of todays cycling to collect bikes and meet your guide.

    There are two course options, both are suitable for all levels of rider and are between 40-60kms depending on our choice of route, stops and detours!

    The first option takes you towards the village of Baisha bordering the Yulong River, you will cross the 400 year old bridge and ride along the river alongside orchards where orange, mandarin & chestnut trees grow before either returning to Yangshou or continuing further south towards Moon Hill which offers spectacular views of the surrounding areas.

    Alternatively you can cycle towards Mushan. Mushan is 500 years old and is of interest in the study of Feng Shui as its layout follows the ‘8 Trigrams of Taoism’. From there you will follow the Li River to the fishing village of Liugong, known for its ancient houses and ‘three coloured pools’ Liugong has been around for 800 years. You can then return to Yangshuo via Moon Hill.

    Following your bike trip you will be collected from Yangshuo and returned to your hotel.


    Day 5: Yangshuo

    Today you will be collected and taken to the cooking school located in the Yangshuo countryside.

    Classes begin at 09:30am (or 10:30 in the winter months) and last for four hours. You will be taken to a local market to choose your required ingredients before taking part a group class in how to cook your chosen Chinese dish. There are two menus and all the necessary equipment is provided. You even get to enjoy your delicious meal afterwards for lunch!

    You will be returned to your hotel after lunch and the rest of the day is yours at leisure.


    Day 6: Yangshuo

    Today you get to take part in a three hour climbing session. Depending on your ability the instructor will choose a site for your climb and will be there to help and advise throughout the climb. Sites are available for beginners right through to advanced and experienced climbers.

    All that climbing will work up an appetite so afterwards you will taken to Yangshuo for lunch before heading to Yulong River for a bamboo raft cruise.


    Day 7: Depart Guilin

    Unfortunately your time in Yangshuo has come to an end.

    You will collected by your driver in the morning and taken to Guilin to connect with your onward flight.


     

    China is a vast country and is subject to the worst extremes in weather from extreme heat to bitter cold. Yangshuo’s climate is influenced by monsoons and is described as sub-tropical. The coldest time of year is January when the average temperature is around 9c and the warmest months are July and August with temperatures averaging at 28c. The best time of year to visit this region is between April and October when the weather is mild and pleasant.

    All of our itineraries are tailor-made to give you an idea of just some of what is possible; this means we can adjust as necessary to completely suit your needs! Let your travel consultant know how long you plan to spend away, what you like to do, what properties you like to stay in and an idea of your budget and we will do the rest!

    What's included
    • Bicycles, helmets and all other required equipment
    • Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
    • English speaking guide
    • Tours as mentioned in the itinerary
    • Transfers by private air-conditioned vehicles
    Not included
    • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
    • Chinese visa
    • Services other than those mentioned
    • Flights
    • Items of a personal nature
    • Tips & gratuities

    6 nights accommodation in boutique B&B style accommodation


    Hotels in this category include:

    • Ping’an, Longsheng

    • Giggling Tree, Yangshuo