South China Private Tour: Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan

South China is the food and the karst. Guangzhou and the Chaoshan coast for dim sum, beef hotpot and Teochew cooking; Guilin and Yangshuo for the limestone peaks and the Li River; Hainan for a coast that is warm in February. It is also the easiest region to reach from Hong Kong.

包車 — charter, car and driver

A charter is the practical way through Guangdong's food towns, which are spread between Guangzhou, Shunde and Chaoshan, and around Yangshuo, where the villages and viewpoints sit off the main road. Hainan's east coast road is a good day's drive.

包團 — private tour, the route planned too

A private tour adds hotels on West Lake or the Li River, restaurant bookings at the places worth the detour, and a guide who can order for you in a Teochew restaurant.

Routes that work

• 5 days Guangdong: Guangzhou, Shunde, Kaiping's watchtowers, Chaozhou's old town.
• 7 days Guangxi: Guilin, Yangshuo, the Li River and Longji's rice terraces.
• 9 days: add Hainan for three nights on the coast.

Getting around

Hong Kong to Guangzhou is under an hour by high-speed rail. Guangzhou to Guilin about two and a half hours by rail. Guilin to Yangshuo roughly an hour and a half by road. Guangzhou to Hainan is a short flight.

When to come

October to March for Guangdong and Hainan, when the humidity drops. Guilin and Yangshuo are best April to May and September to October. Summer is hot, wet and typhoon season on the coast.

Frequently asked questions

Is Chaoshan worth the trip?

For food, absolutely — it is one of the best regional cuisines in China and the old town of Chaozhou is charming.

Can we do Guilin from Hong Kong?

Yes — high-speed rail via Guangzhou, about four hours total, or a direct flight.

Do we need a car in Guangzhou?

No in the city. The car is for Shunde, Kaiping and the coast.

Is Hainan good in winter?

Yes — it is the one place in China that is genuinely warm in January and February.

Do your guides speak Cantonese?

In Guangdong, usually yes. Tell us the language you need when you ask.