Arrive Guilin (you mentioned from 3pm) and check in at Holiday Inn Express Center; allow time to drop bags and confirm ticket bookings at the hotel concierge. If arriving at Guilin Liangjiang Airport take a taxi ~45–60min to city centre; from Guilin Railway Station taxi ~15–25min. Ask hotel for Didi/taxi booking assistance.
Iconic Guilin landmark where the karst hill resembles an elephant drinking from the Li River — easy, photogenic visit and short walk around the park; good light in late afternoon. Open approx 7:30am–6:00pm so plan before closing.
Spectacular karst cave with illuminated stalactites and chambers, one of Guilin’s best natural attractions; open typically 8:00am–5:30pm so allow this late-afternoon window. Taxi from Elephant Trunk Hill ~15–25min.
One‑hour illuminated lakes/river cruise around central Guilin showing the city lit up and classic riverside scenery; good sunset-to-evening atmosphere and easy return to the hotel afterwards. Evening cruises normally run ~7:00pm–8:00pm but times can vary seasonally—book in advance.
Taxi or Didi back to hotel (usually 5–15min inside central Guilin depending on pier); confirm with driver 'Holiday Inn Express Center Guilin city centre' to return directly.
Taxi/Didi from Holiday Inn Express Center to the Li River cruise boarding point (commonly called Zhujiang or Guilin cruise Wharf) — allow 20–30min depending on traffic. Ask concierge for exact pier name for your booked cruise.
Classic Li River downstream cruise with limestone peaks, fishing cormorants and river scenery; three-star class is comfortable and budget-friendly. Typical duration ~4 hours; cruises often depart late morning or noon — check your booked cruise time and boarding pier.
After disembarkation, take the short Ten‑Mile Gallery scenic shuttle or electric car along the famous stretch outside Yangshuo for quick photos; shuttle runs frequently in the afternoon (service ~8:00am–6:00pm). This lets you sample Yangshuo scenery without an overnight stay.
Take the express tourist coach from Yangshuo Bus Station to Guilin (frequent departures late afternoon), or a Didi/taxi private transfer for faster door-to-door. Express coach typical travel ~1h20–1h40; private car ~1h10 depending on traffic. Book an earlier coach to ensure return before 8pm.
If you did not do the lakes cruise Day 1 you can use this evening slot for the illuminated boat trip or a gentle riverside walk near the hotel; cruises commonly run ~7:00pm and last one hour. This is also a convenient return time to the hotel area.
Short taxi/Didi from the lakes/river pier back to your hotel; confirm you are dropped at the hotel's official address — this completes your day in Guilin.
Option A: Taxi to Guilin Long‑Distance Bus Station and take the frequent coach to Yangshuo (departures every 30–60 min). Option B (faster, more time‑efficient): book a private transfer or Didi for direct Guilin → Yangshuo (approx 1h15–1h40). Private car saves time if you want a later return to Guilin.
Traditional bamboo rafting along the Yulong River from the Jinlong (Gold Dragon) Bridge to Jiu Xian — peaceful, scenic and close-up karst views; runs typically 9:00am–6:00pm so an afternoon booking is perfect. Local bamboo rafts are steered by a boatman and take ~60–90 minutes depending on pace.
After the raft, take the Ten‑Mile Gallery short scenic shuttle or electric car/tricycle ride which follows the most photogenic road section — good for quick stops and photos. Shuttle services usually operate until ~6:00pm.
Use this slot for a quick walk in Yangshuo town near West Street and the riverfront; keep timings tight to make the earlier coach back to Guilin to meet your hotel return target.
Catch an express coach from Yangshuo Bus Station to Guilin (aim for a 5:00–5:30pm coach to arrive Guilin ~6:20–6:45pm) or pre‑book a private Didi/car for direct return (~1h15). Private transfer is more expensive but saves time if you prefer an earlier arrival.
Best transport: private car/minivan from Guilin directly to Longsheng (Longji) for time efficiency (approx 1.5–2h one-way). Public option: Guilin Long‑Distance Bus Station to Longsheng/Longji (2–2.5h) but departure times are less flexible. Private transfer recommended to fit the day’s schedule.
Explore the famous Dragon’s Backbone terraces, viewpoints and village trails; walking and short stair climbs required. Visitor entrances typically open from morning until about 5:30pm for viewpoints; cable cars operate at some sites for easier access (if you choose Dazhai or Ping’an routes).
Private car or arranged driver departs from Longji back to Guilin; expect ~1.5–2h drive depending on traffic. This schedule aims to get you back to Guilin in the early evening so you can see the Golden Dragon Parade and return to the hotel by 8pm.
Attend the Golden Dragon Parade or equivalent evening cultural parade/show in Guilin (times vary by season — typical start around 7:00–7:30pm). This is a festive finale with lights, traditional costumes and performances; check local listings/hotel for exact time and venue before leaving Longji.
Taxi/Didi back to hotel (short ride in central Guilin). This completes the 4th day evening finish as requested — confirm next‑day onward travel or check out arrangements with the hotel.