Frequently Asked Questions

The easiest way is to WhatsApp us at +86 177 7738 5667 — tell us which activity you're interested in, your dates, group size, and experience level, and we'll confirm availability and details within 4 hours. You can also use the contact form on our website or email us at david@chinatrailfolk.com.

We recommend booking at least 2–3 days in advance to ensure guide availability and equipment preparation. For larger groups (6+ people) or during peak season (May–October), book 5–7 days ahead. That said, we do occasionally accommodate same-day bookings when guides are available — just WhatsApp us and we'll let you know immediately.

No experience is required for any of our activities. Our guides provide full instruction at the start of every session. Most first-time climbers are moving confidently on beginner routes within the first 30 minutes. The via ferrata is specifically designed for people without climbing experience — the fixed iron rungs do the technical work; you just need to follow the guide and trust the safety system.

Ages vary by activity: Rock climbing — 4 years old. Via ferrata — 8 years old. Kayaking & SUP — 6 years old (in a tandem kayak with a parent). Hiking — 6 years old. Caving — 6 years old. Canyoneering — 10 years old. Local culture tours — no minimum age. For children under 14, a parent or guardian must participate in the same activity.

Several of our activities are excellent for families. Kayaking on the Yulong River is particularly family-friendly — children from age 6 can paddle in a tandem kayak with a parent on calm, shallow water. Local culture tours have no age minimum and are often the highlight for younger children (cooking, crafts, village life). Hiking on easy routes is suitable from age 6. Rock climbing and via ferrata work well for adventurous kids from age 8–10. Canyoneering and caving require older children who are confident swimmers.

Your guide assesses conditions before every trip. Light rain generally does not stop activities — rock climbing in light rain is common, and kayaking in warm rain is actually enjoyable. We cancel or reschedule when conditions are genuinely unsafe: electrical storms, high river levels for water activities, or strong winds at altitude. If we cancel due to weather, we reschedule at no extra charge or offer a full refund. We never run activities when participant safety would be compromised.

Yes — private bookings are available for all activities. Many of our guests book private tours for couples, families, or small friend groups. Private tours allow us to customise the pace, route, and itinerary to your group. Minimum group size is 1 (solo bookings are welcome). Maximum group size depends on the activity: climbing and canyoneering cap at 8 per guide, kayaking and hiking at 10, cave exploration and culture tours at 12. For larger groups, we can provide additional guides.

Yes. All technical safety equipment is included in the activity price: harnesses, helmets, ropes and belay devices (climbing/via ferrata), wetsuits and safety lines (caving/canyoneering), CE-certified life jackets and paddles (kayaking/SUP). Climbing shoes are provided at the crag. You only need to bring appropriate clothing and footwear — see our What to Bring guide for specifics per activity.

All our guides speak English — this is a core requirement for working with us. Our primary guide team is bilingual in English and Mandarin. For culture tours and village visits, your guide handles all translation and communication with local community members.

We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers outdoor adventure activities. Check that your policy covers the specific activities you're booking — some standard travel policies exclude activities like rock climbing or canyoneering. We do not require proof of insurance to participate, but we advise all guests to have appropriate coverage. World Nomads and similar adventure-focused insurers are popular choices for travellers to China.

Absolutely — combining activities is very popular and we're happy to build a custom itinerary. A classic combination is a morning kayak on the Yulong River followed by an afternoon rock climbing or via ferrata session. Full-day combinations typically include transport between venues, a riverside or village lunch, and two distinct activity experiences. Tell us how many days you have in Yangshuo and we'll suggest the best combination.

Cancellations made 48+ hours before the activity: full refund. Cancellations made 24–48 hours before: 50% refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before: no refund (guide time and logistics are already committed). Cancellations due to weather or safety conditions assessed by our guide: full reschedule or full refund, no questions asked. If you need to cancel, please WhatsApp us as early as possible — we can often accommodate rescheduling even on short notice.

It varies by activity. Kayaking on the Yulong River and local culture tours require minimal fitness — most people in normal health can participate comfortably. Rock climbing, via ferrata, and hiking require basic fitness and the ability to walk for extended periods. Canyoneering is the most physically demanding — you need to be a confident swimmer and comfortable scrambling over uneven terrain. When you book, tell us your fitness level honestly and we'll advise on the most appropriate activity and pace.

We accept cash (Chinese Yuan/RMB), WeChat Pay, and Alipay. For international guests, cash is most reliable — ATMs are available on West Street in Yangshuo. We do not currently accept international credit cards directly, though this may change. If payment method is a concern, WhatsApp us before booking and we'll work something out.

We're based at West Street 114 (西街114号), Yangshuo — right on the main tourist street in the centre of town. When you book, we'll send you the exact meeting point, a WhatsApp location pin, and confirmation of your start time. Most activities begin at or near our West Street base; for activities that start at a remote location (a climbing crag or canyon entrance), we provide transport from West Street. If you're unsure on the day, WhatsApp us and we'll guide you in.

Yes — we offer hotel pickup before activities and drop-off afterwards. Just mention your hotel name and address when booking and we'll arrange the details. This is the easiest option if you're unsure how to find us, travelling with children, or staying outside the town centre. Hotel pickup is available for all activities; let us know when you enquire.