10-Day Southwest China Itinerary
Updated: July 25, 2026 · TravelChinaTip
Skip the northern megacities and head southwest for pandas, fiery Sichuan food, and the karst landscapes that define China's most iconic scenery. This ten-day route pairs Chengdu's relaxed culture with Guilin and Yangshuo's rivers and peaks — ideal for travelers who have already seen Beijing or want a food-and-nature-focused second trip.
Best season: March–June or September–November. Summer is humid in Chengdu; winter is misty but atmospheric in Guilin.
Budget (excluding international flights): USD 700–1,000 per person mid-range — southwest China is cheaper than Beijing or Shanghai for hotels and meals.
Days 1–4: Chengdu
Day 1: Arrive & Teahouse Culture
Fly into Chengdu Tianfu (TFU) or Shuangliu (CTU). Check into a hotel near Tianfu Square or Kuanzhai Alley. Afternoon at People's Park — order tea at Heming Teahouse and watch locals play mahjong. Evening hotpot: request a yuanyang (half spicy, half mild) pot if you are new to Sichuan heat.
Day 2: Giant Pandas
Arrive at the Panda Research Base before 8:30 a.m. for active feeding time. Allow three hours. Afternoon: Wenshu Monastery and its vegetarian restaurant. Evening stroll through Jinli Ancient Street for lanterns and street snacks.
Day 3: Leshan Giant Buddha
Day trip by high-speed train to Leshan (1 hour). See the 71-meter cliff Buddha — the boat view from the river is worth the extra ticket. Return to Chengdu by late afternoon. Optional Sichuan opera face-changing show in the evening.
Day 4: Free Day or Mount Qingcheng
Slow morning exploring Kuanzhai Alley cafes, or take a day trip to Mount Qingcheng — a Taoist mountain an hour from the city. Pack for your Guilin leg tonight; book the train or flight for Day 5.
Days 5–8: Guilin & Yangshuo
Day 5: Chengdu → Guilin
Morning flight Chengdu → Guilin (about 1.5 hours) — faster than the 8-hour train. Check into a Guilin hotel near the Li River or Two Rivers and Four Lakes area. Evening walk along the lakes and try Guilin rice noodles (mifen) for dinner.
Day 6: Li River Cruise to Yangshuo
Book the classic Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo (4–5 hours). The karst peaks along the route appear on every China postcard. Disembark in Yangshuo and check into a guesthouse near West Street. Rent bicycles or e-bikes for the afternoon — countryside paths through rice paddies and limestone hills.
Day 7: Yangshuo Adventures
Morning bamboo raft on the Yulong River (calmer than the Li). Afternoon: Moon Hill hike or rock climbing if you are adventurous. Evening: Impression Liu Sanjie outdoor show on the river (book ahead in peak season) or explore West Street's cafes.
Day 8: Longji Rice Terraces
Day trip to Longji (Dragon's Backbone) Rice Terraces — 2.5 hours by bus from Yangshuo. Hike between Ping'an and Jinkeng villages for panoramic terrace views. Return to Yangshuo or stay overnight in a terrace guesthouse if you prefer a slower pace.
Days 9–10: Departure
Day 9: Return to Guilin city from Yangshuo (1-hour bus). Visit Elephant Trunk Hill or Reed Flute Cave if you skipped them. Last-minute shopping for osmanthus tea and local snacks.
Day 10: Fly out of Guilin Liangjiang Airport (KWL). Connections to Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Guangzhou are frequent. If you have a late flight, store luggage at the hotel and take a final Li River walk.
Transport Between Cities
Chengdu → Guilin: Direct flights take about 1.5 hours (CNY 400–800). High-speed trains exist but take 7–8 hours with a transfer — flying is the practical choice unless you enjoy long rail journeys.
Guilin ↔ Yangshuo: Tourist buses from Guilin bus station (1 hour, CNY 20–30). Didi works for private transfers. Li River cruise doubles as transport on Day 6.
Local tip: Yangshuo is best explored by bicycle or e-bike. Guilin's metro is limited — taxis and Didi are cheap and reliable.
FAQ
Is this southwest itinerary better than the classic Beijing route?
It is better if you care more about food, pandas, and karst landscapes than imperial history. First-timers who want the Forbidden City and Terracotta Warriors should choose the classic 7-day or 14-day routes instead.
Do I need to fly between Chengdu and Guilin?
Flying (~1.5 hours) is the practical choice. Rail options exist but take much longer with transfers.
How many days should I spend in Yangshuo?
Two nights is the minimum for a Li River arrival, Yulong rafting, and countryside cycling. Three nights is more relaxed.
Is English widely spoken on this route?
Major hotels and Trip.com bookings work in English, but street-level English is limited. Learn a few phrases and keep destinations in Chinese characters for taxi drivers.