Rafting Yangshuo: Xianggong Hill, Bamboo Raft & Cycling

You climb a karst peak, then paddle a bamboo raft down a river lined with limestone cliffs.

A private full-day tour in Yangshuo combines hiking Xianggong Hill, bamboo rafting on the Yulong River, and either countryside cycling or a visit to Silver Cave. Hotel pickup and drop-off, a private English-speaking guide, all entrance tickets, and raft and bike rentals are included. Lunch at a local restaurant is on your own cost. The tour runs 8 hours and suits travelers who want to move through multiple landscapes in a single day without arranging transport or logistics.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Yangshuo highlights

• Meet guide at hotel lobby
• Hike Xianggong Hill for views
• Have lunch at local restaurant
• Choose bike ride or visit Silver Cave
• Enjoy private bamboo rafting on Yulong River
• Walk around West Street
• Return to Yangshuo hotel

The experience

The day starts at your Yangshuo hotel, where your guide meets you and drives to Xianggong Hill. The hike to the top takes around 40 minutes at your own pace, and from there you get a bird's-eye view of the Li River winding through the valley below. After descending, you'll head to a local restaurant for lunch. Try the famous rice noodles with Li Jiang Beer or local soda, though you pay for the meal separately.

In the afternoon, you choose your route: either cycle through the Yangshuo countryside on a rented bike, or visit Silver Cave, the largest karst cave in Guilin. Either way, the day ends with private bamboo rafting on the Yulong River, where you paddle past the same limestone landscape you saw from the hilltop. The raft floats slowly enough to take in the scenery without rushing. Afterward, you walk around West Street to see the mix of Western bars and local culture before your guide drives you back to your hotel.

Children under 1.0 meter tall cannot participate in the rafting portion. If you need a guide in Spanish, German, French, or Italian, there's an extra charge of 500 RMB and you'll need to book at least three days ahead. The tour includes private vehicle transport throughout the day, so you won't navigate between sites on your own.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Yangshuo.
• private English-speaking guide and driver for the full day.
• entrance tickets to Xianggong Hill, the Yulong River, and either Silver Cave or bike rental.
• private bamboo raft and cycling equipment.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 10:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (10 to 80 years) · Child (4 to 9 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Chinese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availableInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Catherine Lu Tours

Is this one for you?Choose the cycling option if you want to move through the countryside on your own pace. Pick Silver Cave if you prefer to stay off a bike and explore underground karst formations instead. Both paths lead to the same rafting finale, so the choice depends on whether you'd rather pedal or cave-explore in the afternoon.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Chinese and Chinese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 9 years); Infant (under 4): free.

Can I choose between cycling and the cave, or do I have to do both?

You pick one or the other in the afternoon. If you don't want to bike, your guide takes you to Silver Cave instead. If you skip the cave, you cycle through the countryside. Both options end with the same bamboo rafting on the Yulong River.

What's the hike up Xianggong Hill actually like?

Xianggong Hill takes around 40 minutes to climb at your own pace, then the same time to come back down. It's not a technical climb. You're walking uphill to reach the viewpoint overlooking the Li River and the valley.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Lunch at a local restaurant is not included. You pay for your meal separately. The restaurant serves regional dishes like rice noodles, and you can order local beer or soda to drink.

How does hotel pickup work if my hotel is in a remote area?

If your hotel is in the Yulong River valley or Moon Mountain area, the vehicle cannot reach your lobby. In that case, contact the tour operator using your hotel phone to arrange an alternative pickup point.