Pre-MTP Chengdu 2027 group trip
Guilin & Yangshuo Four days in the karst mountains
Pre-MTP mini-trip 3
Short on time? Go to Guilin.
Four days from Chengdu into the most famous scenery in southern China. Bullet train, the Li River, bamboo rafts and bikes, then back in time for MTP.
I absolutely love this part of China. Huge karst mountains, winding rivers and that classic southern China scenery you’ve probably seen in photos a hundred times. It’s even better in person.
Not everyone has the time or budget for the big overland trip from Pakistan into China, so this is the shorter, cheaper option. And it’s no consolation prize either: it packs in some of my favourite scenery in the whole country.
Tour highlights
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Bullet train to Guilin
China’s famous high-speed rail, Chengdu to Guilin in about five hours, second class both ways.
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Li River cruise
Four hours drifting through the limestone peaks from Guilin to Yangshuo.
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Xianggong Mountain
Panoramic views over the karst hills around Yangshuo.
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Rafts, bikes and a show
Bamboo rafting on the Yulong River, cycling the countryside and the Liu Sanjie Impression show.
Trip facts
- Dates
- Trip length
- Start and finish
- Group hotel in Chengdu
- Getting there
- High-speed train, Chengdu ⇄ Guilin
- Single supplement
- $299
- Guide
- To be confirmed
Day by day
The Itinerary
Day 1: Chengdu to Guilin
· Guilin
Pick-up from the group hotel in Chengdu and over to the station for the high-speed train to Guilin, leaving at 10:41 and rolling in at 15:39.
First stop in Guilin is Elephant Trunk Hill, the city’s best-known landmark (it really does look like an elephant drinking). Then check in, and local food and drinks await.
Day 2: Li River to Yangshuo
Guilin → Yangshuo
After breakfast the group boards a four-hour Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, through the dramatic limestone scenery this part of China is famous for. Phones out, obviously.
In Yangshuo you’ll catch the Liu Sanjie Impression show, then spend some time around lively West Street.
Day 3: Rafts, Bikes and Big Views
Yangshuo
Today is all about the scenery around Yangshuo. After breakfast it’s up Xianggong Mountain for panoramic views over the karst peaks.
Then a bamboo raft on the Yulong River, before exploring more of the surrounding countryside by bicycle.
Day 4: Back to Chengdu
· Yangshuo → Guilin → Chengdu
Breakfast, check-out, and a coach back to Guilin Railway Station for the G918 high-speed train at 13:22.
Back in Chengdu at 18:21, a transfer to the hotel, and that’s a wrap. That leaves 20 October free to rest, work or explore before MTP kicks off.
Who’s behind it
Johnny Ward
Irish guy, first Irish person to visit every country, and the first to complete the Ultimate Explorer’s Grand Slam (every country, 7 summits, both poles). I’ve taken thousands of people to some of the weirdest places on earth.
For MTP Chengdu 2027, Luis and I are lining up a whole run of trips before and after the summit, so you can head somewhere spectacular with friends while you’re on this side of the world.
I genuinely love this part of China.
Why this trip
Why Guilin & Yangshuo?
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The Li River
Limestone peaks rising straight out of the water. The classic southern China view, and you get four hours of it.
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Bamboo rafting
Gliding down the Yulong River on a bamboo raft is about as relaxing as travel gets.
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On two wheels
Cycling the countryside around Yangshuo shows you a completely different side of China.
Before you book
Good to Know
How does this fit around MTP Chengdu 2027?
The group leaves Chengdu on 16 October and gets back on the evening of 19 October. The summit runs 21–24 October, so 20 October is completely free to relax, catch up on work or enjoy Chengdu.
Why this rather than a longer pre-trip?
The overland trip from Pakistan into China is a monster of an adventure, but not everyone has the time or budget for it. This is the shorter, cheaper option, and it still packs in the Li River, the karst mountains, rafting and cycling.
Where will I stay?
Three nights in 4-star hotels: one in Guilin and two in Yangshuo, with breakfast each morning.
Do I need a visa?
Visas aren’t included, so sort out your own entry to China before you travel. You’ll need it for Chengdu and MTP anyway.
I’m travelling solo. Can I have my own room?
Yes. The price is based on sharing, and a single supplement is available for $299.
Which meals are included?
The three hotel breakfasts. Other meals and drinks are on you, and anything not listed as included isn’t.
Price and what’s included
What’s included
- 3 nights in 4-star hotels
- 3 breakfasts
- Second-class return high-speed train tickets, Chengdu ⇄ Guilin
- Entrance tickets listed on the itinerary
- Guide and driver tips
What’s not included
- Flights
- Visa
- Meals other than the 3 breakfasts
- Anything not specifically listed as included
Tour price
$1,499
Per person sharing
- Single supplement: $299
- No online booking yet: DM me on Instagram to grab a spot
Pre-MTP Chengdu 2027
Four days in the karst hills.
The Li River, Yangshuo, bamboo rafts and bikes, then back in Chengdu with a day to spare before MTP. There’s no online booking yet, so DM me on Instagram to grab a spot or ask anything.
Rather email? johnny@onestep4ward.com
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