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Li River Cruise

LI RIVER CRUISE4

Originating from Mao’er Shan (Mountain Cat) in Xing’an county, north of Guilin, the Li River winds its way south for about 437 km, passing through Guilin City, Yangshuo County, Pingle County and Zhaoping County, and finally meets the Xi (West) River at Wuzhou. It boasts the largest and most beautiful scenic area in China and attracts thousands of visitors each year.

The 83-kilometer-long waterway from Guilin City to Yangshuo County is like an artist’s masterpiece. The landscape is decorated with startling hills, steep cliffs, fantastic caves and farming villages, and is lined with bamboo. In a Chinese poem it is written: “The river is a green silk ribbon, and the hills are jade hairpins” (江作青罗带,山如碧玉簪).

All morning cruises starts from either the Zhujiang or Mopanshan Pier. These piers are located approximately 40 minutes’ drive from Guilin city. Thereafter, a 3.5 x hour cruise will take you to the beautiful and fascinating county town of Yangshuo.

Li River Facts The Li River is the main river system of Northeast Guangxi. The 83-kilometer section between Guilin andYangshuo is the most beautiful part. It enjoys the reputation of being a “River Art Gallery”.

Source : Mao’er Shan (Cat Mountain), Northern Guilin, Guangxi Province

Full River Length : 437 kilometers

www.lirivercruises.com

Admission :

3 Star Boat from 480 CNY (per adult)

4 Star Boat from 600 CNY (per adult)

4.5 Star Boat from 750 CNY (per adult)

FREE (< 120 cms tall)

Departs (Guilin) : 09:00 am

Departs (Yangshuo) : 2:00 pm

Phone : +86 189 7866 4452

Website : www.lirivercruises.com

lee river cruise china

3 Day Rice Terraces Tour

3 Day Rice Terraces Tour is a popular hiking-focused tour at the different sets of Rice Terraces. Enjoy the views of the various terraces and go off-track with a unique hiking route both into and through the Rice Terraces. This…

lee river cruise china

Off the Beaten Track Yangshuo Tour

Off the Beaten Track Yangshuo Tour showcases visitors some of the hidden, off the beaten track highlights and attractions within Yangshuo. This tour is recommended for visitors staying in Yangshuo who are interested in getting off-the-beaten track and experiencing a…

lee river cruise china

Yangshuo Old Towns Tour

Yangshuo Old Towns Tour showcases visitors some of the traditional old towns in and around Yangshuo. This tour is recommended for visitors staying in Yangshuo who are interested in stepping back in time and experiencing the Yangshuo Old Towns.

lee river cruise china

3 Day Yangshuo Tour

3 Day Yangshuo Tour (Private Tour) showcases visitors all of the main highlights in Yangshuo across 3 x full days of activities and sightseeing across Yangshuo. This tour is recommended for visitors staying in Yangshuo and looking to experience the…

lee river cruise china

2 Day Yangshuo Tour

2 Day Yangshuo Tour showcases visitors all of the main attractions in Yangshuo across two full days of activities and sightseeing across Yangshuo. This tour is recommended for visitors staying in Yangshuo and looking to experience the spectacular scenery and…

lee river cruise china

Yangshuo Day Tour

Yangshuo Day Tour (Private Tour) is our most popular Yangshuo Tour and showcases visitors all of the main attractions in Yangshuo during a full day of activities and sightseeing across Yangshuo. This tour is recommended for visitors staying in Yangshuo…

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Li River - Hundred Miles of Art Gallery

Li River

Li River Facts

Li River is the most beautiful part of Guilin, features in typical karst landform, thousands of limestone mountains stick out of the ground along the river bank. Cruising on Li River is just like being part of a magical world.

Type: Sights & Landmarks, River Cruise Sights & Landmarks, River Cruise

Best Seasons: Spring, Summer and Autumn, especially Apr to Oct

Recommended Visiting Time: 4~5 hours

Open Hours: Apr to Nov: 8:40 – 22:40 /Dec to Mar: 8:40 – 21:40

Address: Maoershan, Xingan County, Guilin, 541000, China

Guilin Li River Overview

Li River, once called Gui River, flowing through Guilin , the third largest city in Guangxi Province, has formed the world-famed Li River Scenic Spot. The 83 km waterway from Guilin city center to Yangshuo County (under Guilin jurisdiction) is the essence of Li River, even the background of the new edition 20 yuan banknote depicts the scene of this part.

Guilin has a typical karst landform. Limestone spreading all over the city has been through weathering and erosion for billions of years and forms the world-renowned Guilin scenery, praised by numerous Chinese poets and artists and can be described as “ thousands of pinnacles stand towering around, a river winds its way about the city ”. The 83 km Li River is also called as a hundred-mile scroll. Along the crystal clear water of Li River are numerous green mountains, cliffs, waterfalls, oases and shoals, just like a classic scene in Chinese landscape painting.

Recommended Hot Tours with Li River:

▶ 4 Days Highlights of Guilin, Yangshuo & Longji

▶ 3 Days Classic Guilin & Li River Cruise

Best Way to Travel – Li River Cruise

There are two kinds of boats cruising on the Li River: cruise boat and motor-driven raft.

Cruise Boat

If you want to cruise Li River with more comfortable environment and convenient facility, cruise boat is your first choice. The route for cruise boat is the essence of Li River, also called as full-section Li River Cruise. The whole cruise is about 4.5 hours , and all cruise boats provide free lunch, toilets, hot water service and places to store luggage. The cruise will start from Zhujiang Pier or Mopanshan Pier and end at Yangshuo Pier . Zhujiang Pier and Mopanshan Pier are very close; however, they serve with two kinds of cruise boat.

Boarding time: from 8:00 to 11:00

What’s the Cruise Boat Like?

Zhujiang Pier serves with the two kinds of luxurious cruise boats. One is luxurious air-conditioned boat , free Chinese lunch, two seat decks and one observation deck. The other one is super-luxurious boat , free Chinese buffet, two seat decks (one of them is dining area) and one observation deck, more luxurious facility than the previous one, and this is the most expensive cruise boat. Mopanshan Pier serves with normal air-conditioned boat , free economic Chinese meal, one seat deck and one observation deck, and it’s the most cost-effective cruise boat.

>> Learn more about Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo

▶ 5 Days Guilin Tour with Yangshuo & Longji Rice Terrace

How to Get to Zhujiang Pier and Mopanshan Pier

For now, there is no direct bus commuting between Guilin city center and the two piers, which are 20 km away from city center. For individual tourists, if you buy the cruise ticket on your own, the only way to get the cruise pier is by taxi, which will cost about ¥100. If you buy the cruise ticket through travel agency or hotel agent, they will charge you ¥35/person as car fees and guide service fees. Under this situation, the tourist bus will pick you up at your hotel.

For our customer, we will arrange a private car with a professional guide to escort you all the way, and you don’t need to worry about anything, just enjoy your trip!

Cruise Boat on Li River

Cruise Route/Port Changes When Water Level Declines

When the water level declines in the dry season (January ~ March usually), the cruise route will be changed to offer tourists a better viewing experience. The changed route starts from Yangdi for Hua Mountain (画山) and then back to Yangdi. The boarding pier, also the disembarking pier is Shangzha Pier (上榨码头). The whole cruise takes about 2.5~3 hours . Please note the cruises depart at 10:00 and 10:40.

Guilin – Shangzha Pier: There are daily buses running from Guilin Bus Station to Yangdi Tour Park during 7:30 ~ 14:00 usually. It always takes about 1~1.5 hours. In the park, you can take the electric vehicles to the Shangzha Pier directly. The electric vehicles are free for tourists with cruise tickets.

Yangshuo – Shangzha Pier: There are also available buses traveling between Yangshuo and Yangdi Tourists Park which cost about 1 hour. Then you can easily take an electric vehicle.

Hua Mountain in Li River

Motor-driven Raft

For those who want to have a close contact with Li River and prefer a shorter trip, take a motor-driven raft is a good choice. The route for the motor-driven raft is the most beautiful part of Li River cruise. Start from Yangdi and end at Xingping . Many famous attraction sites are located along this section, like the 20 yuan banknote scene, Nine Horses Fresco Hill, Huangbu Reflection, etc. The whole rafting is about 1~ 2 hours and there is no toilet on the raft, so make sure you answer the call of nature before boarding.

What’s the Raft like?

Normally, the motor-driven raft is bound with 8 PVC tubes, on which covered with a layer of aluminum alloy panel to make the raft more steady and flat. The raft is equipped with canopy for sun-shade and rain-protect. Motor on the rear, all rafts are also equipped with life jackets and buoys. Except for the rafts man, the raft is allowed to carry four passengers. As long as no heavily overload, the raft is definitely safe. There are some spaces in the rear of the raft for storing passenger’s luggage. However, if you have too much luggage, we suggest you take the cruise boat rather than the raft.

Ticket: $216/person, under four passengers, the raft will charge ¥30 for each vacant seat. After debarking in Xingping, there are free battery car to drive you to Xingping bus station, and you can take bus from there to Yangshuo County.

Boarding Time: 8:00 ~ 18:00

Motor-driven Raft on Li River

1. Lunch on the craft will charge you extra fees, and normally, it’s not cheap, so it’s suggested to take some food with you and have a lunch after you get to Yangshuo County.

2. Some people choose to hike along Li River. For ordinary tourist, we don’t suggest you to do that. Hike along Li River is a great way to appreciate the beauty of it, however, it needs some hiking experiences and strong physical strength. Plus, the Guilin Travel Bureau expresses that the hiking route is still in construction, so it demands that tourists should not hike along the river until the construction is finished.

>> Learn more about 3 Best Ways to Visit Li River

Best Time to Travel Li River

April to October is the most beautiful time of Li River, however, each season has its own charm and unique scenery.

Li River will enter into rainy season in the late spring. During this time, the water level will rise rapidly, and the rapid flow cause water turbidity, which is bad for reflection watching on the water surface. However, the temperature is very cozy at this time. In the rainy day, surrounded by a fine drizzle and mist, everything is just like a classical scene in traditional Chinese painting.

In summer, after the rainy season is over, Li River is very peaceful and clear during this time. White clouds dotted in the azure sky, while green hills reaches to the far along the crystal clear river.

In autumn, the air transparency is very good, thus, the sunrise in this time is extremely beautiful, and the most beautiful rosy dawn of the year will appear at this time.

Photography on Li River

Almost all classic photos of Li River are shooting from Yangdi to Xingping section. No matter you take cruise boat or motor-driven raft, it’s better to pay extra attention to this section, you don’t want to regret after the journey for missing the chance to shoot great photos.

How to shoot the classic photo with a fisherman poling on the Li River

Most people who love Guilin scenery will also have a crush on the fishing scene: poling on a little bamboo raft, the fisherman light the kerosene lamp with a cormorant standing next to him and are ready to catch the fish. This classic scene is rarely to be seen since people who make a living out of fishing are less and less. Thus, if you want to shoot this classic scene, you need to arrange everything in advance.

Normally, you can shoot this scene at Xingping, where you can hire a fisherman with his raft and cormorant as your model. Best time for shooting is dawn and dusk.

For more photography information about Li River and Guilin, please refer to Guilin Photography Tour for detailed information.

Fisherman on Li River

Worth-visited Towns along Li River

There are two old towns along Li River: Daxu Old Town and Xingping Ancient Town.

Daxu Old Town

Located in the east bank of Li River, north and very close to Mopanshan Pier, Daxu Old Town was established 200 BC. The old street of the town is not wide and paved with over 15,000 blue stones. The houses standing by the street are two-floored Ming and Qing style architecture. Many ancient manual workshops, like bamboo weaving shops, herbal medical clinic and old style barber shops are still operating. The old town is very quiet and stands aloof from worldly success. It’s a great place for those who fancy into ancient-style things.

How to get there: take the commuting bus between Guilin Bus Station and Crown Cave to Daxu Old Town. 40 minutes’ drive for 15 km, $12/person.

Ticket: free

Learn more about Daxu Old Town >>

Daxu Old Town

  • Xingping Ancient Town

If you take the raft cruise from Yangdi, you will arrive at this little ancient town. Located in the east bank of Li River, Xingping Ancient Town is 25 km from Yangshuo County. The background for 20yuan banknote is also in here. The fishing village of the town was called as President Fishing Village for it’s been visited by the past President Clinton in 1998. The town is rather small and old, paved with smooth flagstone, everything here is just simple and unsophisticated. Sparsely populated all year around, the Xingping Ancient Town is very suitable for nostalgic tourists.

How to get there: (1) if you take the motor-driven raft from Yangdi, disembark in Xingping Pier and you will get there. (2) take a regular bus from Yangshuo Bus Station to Xingping, depart every 20 minutes, $6/person and about 40 minutes’ drive.

Learn more about Xingping Ancient Town >>

Useful Tips for Traveling Li River

Each adult tourist can bring one child shorter than 1.2 m for free, and children between 1.2 m ~ 1.5 m can enjoy half-price tickets, while those who are taller than 1.5 m should buy full-price tickets.

2. Notice Should be Paid on Board

To protect the environment, please don’t throw any wastes into the river. Smoke is not allowed in the cabin. For safety, do not stride over the handrail to take pictures, and take care of the children brought with.

Top Attractions in Guilin

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Recommended Guilin Tours

Top 3 Guilin tours chosen by most customers to explore Guilin in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.

Claire from UK Enjoyed Li River Cruise in October 2021

4 Days Guilin Highlights Tour (Li River, Yangshuo & Longji Terraces)

Guilin / Yangshuo / Longsheng

Claire from UK visited Yangshuo Countryside in October 2021

3 Days Classic Guilin Tour - Guilin Brief Vacation

Guilin / Yangshuo

Longji Rice Terraces (Pingan, Nice Dragons and Five Tigers), Photo by Our Customer Steven in Spring

5 Days Best Guilin In-depth Vacation (Li River, Yangshuo & Longji Terraces)

Guilin / Longsheng / Guilin / Yangshuo

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The Ultimate Li River Cruise Guide – What to Know Before You Go!

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River Cruise in Guilin

What to Expect on a River Cruise in China?

Are you looking to add a Li River cruise from Guilin to your China itinerary? If so, you’re in the right place! The city of Guilin in Southern China is the starting point for the most breathtaking cruises on the Li River.

The scenery on a picturesque Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo through the iconic Li River mountains is so beautiful that CNN rates it as one of the world’s 15 best rivers for travellers!

A 4-5 hour cruise past the ancient villages, dramatic rock formations, fantastic caves, and rice paddies in this scenic part of the Guangxi province is a good choice for your trip to China .

To help make your trip planning easier, I’ve compiled a list of the best Li River Cruises from Guilin that will give you an unforgettable trip. You’ll find options to suit all budgets.

No time to review the complete list? Here are my TOP picks for the Best Guilin to Yangshuo Li River Cruise Tours . Some have private tour guides included in the ticket price; the others are group tours:

⭐️ 👥 Best 4-star Cruise with a Private Guide:   Full-Day Li River Cruise to Yangshuo

⭐️🛳 Best Cruise Boat:  Li-River Cruise Group Day Tour on a Luxury 4.5-Star Boat

Whichever tour you pick, all provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy this stunning region of China. So let’s get started!

Li River Cruise China

Sightseeing Highlights on a Li River Cruise

👀 Look out for 20 Yuan Bill Hill (the view that inspired the artwork on the 20 Yuan note), and Yellow Cloth Shoal (natural markings in the rock that look like a giant yellow fish)

🐴 Count the white “horses” at Nine Horse Fresco Hill

🐟 Watch local fishermen fishing with their trained cormorants, as they have for centuries

🐫 See water buffalo grazing at the water’s edge

👜 Experience Yangshuo’s bustling West Street

Water Buffalo on the Li River Guilin

Li River Cruise Boats – 3 Levels of Comfort

You need to know that not every river boat cruise from Guilin is the same. Standards of comfort, service, and hygiene vary significantly, and some cruises are NOT designed for Western/English-speaking travellers.

While 3-star and 4-star Li river cruises are available, most Westerners are offered 3-star cruises when booking with local tour companies in China, who compete to offer the most attractive prices!

Here’s where they differ:

3 star standard.

Deep-fried whitebait and river prawns on the Li River Cruise in Guilin on the way to Yangshuo

4 Star Upgrade

Li River scenery from a Li River cruise

4.5 Star Luxury Cruise

Typical li river cruise itinerary:.

  • 08:00 am Pick up from your hotel, with a private or group transfer to Guilin Pier (depending on the option you choose)
  • 09:00 Arrive at Guilin Pier, collect your tickets and check in with your passport
  • 09:30 am Li River Cruise departs from Guilin Pier
  • 11:30 am – 12:30 pm Chinese Buffet Lunch is typically available at this time 
  • 1:30 pm Arrive at Yangshuo Pier and disembark the cruise boat

( Times are indicative only )

Li River Cruise - Elephant Trunk Hill

Li River Cruise Route:

The cruise from Guilin Pier to Yangshuo Pier follows the winding Li River for 83 km through dramatic scenery. From your comfortable vantage point, you will see:

Elephant Trunk Hill is a great rock that resembles an elephant drinking from the Li River. Sitting at the point where the Li River and the Peach Blossom River join, this karst mountain has been a tourist attraction since the days of the Tang Dynasty (618 AD – 904 AD).

You can see Elephant Hill from your Li cruise boats – look back at Guilin at the start of the journey along the river.

Approaching Yangshuo on Li River

The Yellow Cloth Shoal : a scenic spot where local lore tells of seven fairy maidens who came to the Li River and loved it so much that they transformed themselves into mountain peaks to stay forever.

A sizeable creamy-yellow flagstone beneath the water gave this spot its name. However, the seven towering peaks perfectly reflected in the water below have made this one of China’s most recognisable and famous landscapes, inspiring mountain-water artists for at least 1,500 years. 

Nine Horses Fresco Hill : a steep, weathered cliff close to Xinping town, almost at the end of the river cruise. Multi-coloured rock patches on the cliff face resemble horses running and jumping across the rock.

Local legends claim that the horses were heavenly creatures that slipped down to earth to drink from the Li River and ended up trapped for eternity on the cliff.

Li River Cruise - Xinping Village

Ancient Xinping Village : a fishing village renowned for its stunning scenery, much of which you can see from a Li River cruise, including Snail Hill and Lotus Crag.

Green Lotus Peak : Yangshuo’s highest peak – Bronze Mirror Peak – is visible from the river’s running waters.

When to Go – Cruise Schedules

You can cruise on the Li River at any time of year, but the high season (and best time) is from September until November, after the heat and humidity of summer and before the bone-chilling winter arrives. Travelling during these months also avoids the rainy season.

How to Get to Your Li River Cruise

The drive from Guilin to Zhujiang Pier, the departure point for Guilin river cruises, takes about 45 minutes by private car. You’ll need to arrive early, as cruise boats start to depart at 9 am , and the whole area is bustling.

A Guilin to Yangshuo cruise on the Li River is Guilin’s #1 tourist attraction.

Up to fifty cruise boats depart daily, depending on the season, as these trips are equally popular with international and Chinese tourists.

 So many cruise boats lined up ready for the cruise down the Li River. It was like a convoy!

Top Tip: I f you don’t have a sun hat or fruit for the journey, you can buy them at the stalls between the car park and the dock, but not on the boat! The sweet and juicy local peaches are delicious – but remember to pack some wipes!

Expect the dock area to be heaving with people. It’s well organised though, with an efficient booking and boarding system – and allocated seats on each cruise boat.

Your guide will navigate you efficiently through the crowds to the correct boat, ready for your cruise.

Li River Cruise from Guilin

Tickets and Tours

If you prefer to travel independently , you can buy cruise tickets on the day (subject to availability). I recommend booking your river cruise before you travel to know that your seat is guaranteed and your transport to the departure point is taken care of.

Most cruise boat tickets sold at Guilin’s Zhujiang pier are for Chinese-speaking tours , with no English commentary.

Best Li River Boat Tour for English-Speaking Guests

Guilin River Li Cruise

Full-Day Li River Cruise to Yangshuo

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

⌛️ 8 Hours | Private Tour

📍 Private transfers with hotel pick-up and return

🍴 Food: Buffet lunch included

✔️ Minimal waiting time – everything is taken care of for you

✔️ Dedicated, knowledgeable guide

✔️ Prebooked tickets on a luxury ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ cruise boat (the highest rating)

A Quirky Alternative to a Riverboat Cruise

Bamboo raft on the Li River - an alternative to a traditional Li River Cruise

Bamboo Rafts Trip

⌛️ 4-6 Hours

👥 Group Tour

📍 Air-conditioned coach transfers with hotel pick-up and return

❇️ FAQs: Li River Cruise

This type of trip is a big deal for most folks, and you may have some questions! Here are the answers to questions that people often ask.

How Long Does a Typical River Cruise Take?

Most Li River cruises from Guilin to Yangshuo last 4-5 hours . As you gently putter along the river, you’ll have oodles of time to enjoy the bamboo groves, small villages and picturesque Karst landscape, described by National Geographic as “ One of the world’s Top 10 Watery Wonders “.

Taking a river cruise in Guilin is a very pleasant way to travel down the Li River to Yangshuo

How comfortable are the boats?

We were surprised by the large, well-padded seats (essential !) and wide picture windows offering an unrivalled river view. Each boat also has outdoor deck areas, perfect for taking photos.

What information is available on board?

English language information about the journey and the landscape you travel through is scarce, and most announcements are in Chinese.

Without our local guide, it would have been easy to miss the highlights of the scenery.

What are the bathroom facilities like on a Li River cruise?

On the 3-star cruises, be prepared for squat toilets, and don’t forget to pack loo paper or wipes! After a 5-hour Guilin River tour, there’s a slim chance of any left…

Bathrooms on the 4-star and 4.5 star boats are Western-style.

When you take a cruise on the Li River in China, look out for traditional fishermen, using a tethered cormorant

How Accessible is a Li River Cruise?

If you’re a wheelchair user , a river cruise from Guilin might not be the perfect trip for you . Here’s why:

  • There are steps down to the boarding jetty and a similar flight of steps to ascend on arrival at Yangshuo. I didn’t see a ramp at either location, and the steps at Yangshuo are crowded with street hawkers selling fruit and souvenirs
  • The best views are from the upper decks of the cruise boats, which are not wheelchair accessible.
  • There’s no disabled toilet on board

That said, the views from the picture windows are superb, and there is a ramp for the cruise boats once you reach the jetty. You’ll love a Guilin river tour if you can manage the steps down to the jetty and arrange with your tour company to be picked up as you disembark at Yangshuo.

Goat Mountain, seen from a River Cruise in Guilin - Grey Globetrotters

When can I go on a Guilin River Cruise?

These cruises run all year round, but the river’s water level varies depending on the time of year. During summer and early autumn, you’ll be able to admire the skill of the boat captains as they navigate narrow channels, avoiding the dangerous shallows .

Spectacular Karst peaks seen from a river cruise in Guilin

Which Guilin dock do English-speaking Li River

 Only cruises departing from Zhujiang Wharf offer English-speaking guides, so we recommend this departure point for non-Chinese-speaking visitors.

Is Guilin worth visiting?

Guilin is a beautiful city surrounded by two rivers and odd-shaped karst mountains. There are four charming lakes to explore, and Guilin city is safe to wander about.

This scenic city is a cultural hub with plenty of good quality art and crafts to take home as souvenirs. There are many popular bars and restaurants (although we did have one less-than-great meal).

Expect to see locals socialising around the lakes on hot, cloying summer days and evenings. You’ll probably come across groups of people sitting, playing local instruments and singing near the water’s edge late into the evening.

Where to Stay in Guilin – Before Your River Cruise

Sun and Moon Towers Guilin

Aroma Tea House Hotel

The Aroma Tea House Hotel is a gorgeous little boutique hotel with the warmest of welcomes and exceptional service. The friendly staff can’t do enough to help, and the freshly cooked-to-order breakfast noodles are incredible!

The rooms are stylish, with beautiful traditional Chinese décor, and we loved the mesmerising view of the lake from the 5th-floor restaurant where breakfast is served (with made-to-order fresh noodles – yum!) A very affordable luxury experience!

View from the Aroma Tea House Hotel over the lake at Guilin

Where to Stay in Yangshuo – After Your River Cruise

Li River Cruise Yangshuo

Moondance Hotel

The fabulous 21-room Moondance Hotel is a short drive from the city and moments from the Moon Water Cave , Jinshui Cave and Moon Hill . This is truly a place to relax, with dramatic river and mountain views, the loveliest staff and excellent food,

It’s also the perfect base for more adventurous activities in the region, including rafting, ziplining, cycling, and hiking in the karst mountains and paddy fields. Expect to feel pampered – it’s a bit like heaven on earth!

⛰ The Wrap-Up: The Ultimate Li River Cruise Guide

How many people can say they’ve experienced this beautiful region of China?

I hope this post inspires you to visit the South of China and experience a Li River cruise and Yangshuo. Discover one of the best places on earth the best way, and gain real insight into rural Chinese culture!

From breathtaking views of towering karst mountains carved into bizarre shapes over millennia to idyllic landscapes and authentic culture, a River Li cruise is an unforgettable experience.

Don’t wait to make your China dreams come true—start planning and book your Li River cruise tickets today!

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River Cruise in Guilin

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Coralie Thornton, the owner and author of Grey Globetrotters, has been a traveller for more than four decades. Today, she helps others experience the UK, Europe and bucketlist destinations with meticulously crafted guides and affordable luxury itineraries, Her passion for adventure has led her through over 40 countries, seeking cultural experiences, delicious foods, and hidden gems.

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Brief Introduction

Li River, one of China's most famous scenic areas, was listed as one of the world’s top ten watery wonders by America National Geographic Magazine. It was even picked by CNN as one of "World's 15 best rivers for travelers".

Originating in Mao'er Mountain in Xing'an county northeast of Guilin, the Li River winds its way southeast for about 437 km, passing through Guilin, Yangshuo, Pingle, Zhaoping and finally meets Xi River in Wulin. It boasts the largest and most beautiful scenic area in China and attracts thousands of visitors each year.

The 83-km-long waterway from Guilin to Yangshuo is like a masterpiece. The landscape is decorated with rolling hills, steep cliffs, fantastic caves, leisurely boats and is lined with bamboo. A poem says: "The river is a green silk ribbon, and the hills are jade hair-pins".

Li River Cruise - The Best of Guilin and Yangshuo Highlights

Cruising on Li River is always a pleased thing. You can breathe the fresh air, feel gentle breeze and appreciate the fabulous landscape on both sides of Li River. In spring, tourists may stand on the front of a boat and let the mizzle falls onto their faces. It is really a wonderful experience.

"I have visited more than 80 countries and over a hundred cities. I have found that no city can surpass the beauty of Guilin. Guilin is really a bright pearl in China." said the former US president Richard Nixon. Besides, former US president Bill Clinton and George Bush, Comrade Deng Xiaoping and former Chinese president Jiang Zemin ever cruised on Li River.

Mostly the cruise starts from Zhujiang Wharf . It is about 40 minutes drive from Guilin city. And then 4 to 5 hours cruise will take you to a beautiful and sedate ancient city - Yangshuo.

Read More Information About Li River Cruise>>

Quick Facts

  • Chinese Name: 漓江
  • Chinese Pinyin: Lijiang
  • Location: South China
  • Length: 437 KM from Mao'er Mountain to Pingle County
  • The Length of the Essence: 83 KM from Guilin City to Yangshuo County
  • Best Time to Visit: April, May, September, October

Li River Map

All Attractions along Li River

Elephant Trunk Hill

Elephant Trunk Hill

Daxu Ancient Town

Daxu Ancient Town

Crown Cave

Zhujiang Wharf

Yangdi

Yellow Cloth Shoal

Xingping Town

Xingping Town

Yangshuo

Explore Li River with Fun

family hiking

Hiking along Li River

For adventurers, hiking is a super cool and enjoyable way to appreciate Li River sights. The section between Caoping Village and Xingping Village takes about 7 hours for hiking. More>>

Bamboo Rafting

Bamboo Boat Rafting from Yangdi

It is traditionally believed that the scenery between Yangdi to Xingping is the real essence of Li River. A good weather is required for such activity. More>>

Bamboo Rafting on Li River

Boat Ride of Li River Downstream

The downstream of Li River extends from Yangshuo County to Fuli Town. Usually visitors will take the boat ride to Fuli Town and then back to Yangshuo by bus. More>>

liugong Village

A Boat Ride from Yangshuo to Liugong Village

The section between Yangshuo County to Liugong Village also is part of Li River downstream. It takes 2 hours by boat from Yangshuo to Liugong Village. More>>

Recommended Tours

  • Li River Private Day Trip
  • Li River Small Group Day Trip
  • City Essence & Li River Cruise

Li River Cruise

One Day Li River Cruise Private Tour

This is the most popular Guilin day tour for visitors in Guilin. Departing from Guilin and back to Gulilin, it covers 4-hour cruise from Guilin City to Yangshuo County and a lunch on the cruise. The optional tour in the afternoon is available if visitors are interested. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

  • Duration: 8 hours
  • Operates: Daily
  • Language: English

$167 View details

lee river cruise china

Small Group: A Day Tour for Li River Cruise and Yangshuo Countryside from Guilin

Travel by a van with a English speaking driver guide, and a maximum of 6 pax in your group from different nations, driving along the countryside road after cruise and a local family visit are also provided, which is a cool way to explore Yangshuo more.

  • Duration: 8 Hours

$35 View details

Elephant Trunk Hill in Guilin

3-Day Guilin City Highlights Tour with Li River Cruise

This tour is highly recommended to first-timers to Guilin. It covers all must-do in Guilin and Yangshuo, including Li River Cruise, Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave and Fubo Hill.

  • Duration: 3 Days
  • Language: English |Spanish |German |Italian |French |Russian |Janpanese

$349 View details

Li River Cruise Ticket

Common Questions Travelers Asked Us

When is the best time to travel to the Li River?

The best time to travel to the Li River is between the end of April and the end of October. During this period, water capacity is good and temperatures are warmer, after the rainy season.

What is the best way to see the Li River?

Taking a Li River Cruise is the most popular way of seeing a spectacular stretch of the river. Boats operate all year round, leaving between 9:00 and 9:30am every day from Zhujiang/Mopanshan Wharfs in Guilin. The 69km cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo highlights the unique world famous karst landscape on both sides of the river. You just relax onboard and enjoy this experience of a lifetime.

Bamboo rafting is not recommended, because the service standards of the raftsmen can't be guaranteed.

For now, hiking along the Li River is not an option, for reasons of government control and lack of availability of ferries crossing the river.

What is there to see on the Li River?

The Li River is famed as one of the world’s great natural wonders. Every day people from all around the world vie to view its unique beauty. You can expect to see karstic mountains, crystal-clear water, idyllic scenery, cormorants and fishermen, the unadulterated beauty of nature and the wild.

Li River cruise vs Yulong bamboo rafting, which one is better?

The Li river cruise takes 4 hours on tourist boat which provides open air deck for sightseeing, indoor seats and buffet lunch, this will be strong recommended for first time visitors, if you want to extend your trip in Yangshuo, the Yulong Bamboo Raft consider as the best choice, it is the tributary of Li River, visitors may expected to see great combination of the karsts mountains, and peaceful idyllic scenery by punting trip, there are different starting pier alongside Yulong River, price and time depend on the starting and ending point.

How do you purchase Li River cruise tickets?

Normally booking cruise tickets is not possible online or via travel agents, for cruises are usually organized as part of a package tour; including transportation to the cruise dock and back to Guilin after the cruise, and a local guide service. Tickets can be purchased at Zhujiang or Mopanshan Wharfs, but sometimes they may be sold out, especially in the peak tourist season and during Chinese holidays.

Private Tour: Li River Cruise Day Tour from Guilin to Yangshuo

Coach Tour: One day Seat-in-coach Tour for Li River Cruise

Our local experts are always ready to create you a hassle-free tour. Get an authentic experience by contacting one of our travel advisors.

Vanessa Zheng

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Cruise on Li River: The Only Guide You Need

Visitors cruising Li River on a bamboo raft

  • 1.78K views
  • ~ mins read

Li River, the majestic waterway that connects Guilin with Yangshuo, carves its path through a breathtaking landscape. Ancient limestone karsts warped by time jut up around ancient villages where fishermen wait for a catch and water buffalo graze. Travelers who go on a Li River cruise often describe it as the highlight of their entire China tour .

Most visitors spend one night in Guilin, take a Li River cruise to Yangshuo and return to Guilin by car. The water journey from  Guilin  City or nearby Zhujiang Wharf to Yangshuo town takes between four and five hours, covering a distance of around 83 kilometers. For a more immersive experience, explore the Li River’s unforgettable landscape via a combination of bike, boat, and foot and spend anything from three days to two weeks in this enchanting land.

  • Margaret Mauney

Li River cruise at a glance

6 highlights of a li river cruise.

1. Yellow Cloth Shoal

Chinese RMB 20 featuring the Yellow Cloth Shoal scenery

Around 60 kilometers from Guilin City is one of China’s most famous landscapes, Yellow Cloth Shoal. Here, seven peaks frame a wide curve in the Li River, creating a perfect reflection in the water below. This view has inspired shan shui (mountain-water) artists for 1,500 years. 

A view of a house in Xinping with hills behind it

More than 1,000 years old, Xinping town is known for its stunning scenery. From a Li River cruise, you can see many of the town’s landmarks including Snail Hill, Lotus Crag and Xinping fishing village.

3. Nine Horses Fresco Hill

A view of the Nine Horses Fresco Hill

Also known as “painted hill”, Nine Horses is a steep cliff just a few kilometers from Xinping town. Weathered over millennia, the cliff face has patches of yellow, white, black and green rock that remarkably resemble nine horses running and jumping across the cliff face. According to a legend, the horses are heavenly creatures that slipped down to earth to drink from the Li River and ended up being trapped in the cliff.

4. Daxu Village

Daxu, a 2000 year old town, lies near the bank of the Li River

Daxu Ancient Village features architectural elements that date back to the Ming dynasty (1368 AD – 1644 AD). Visitors can walk Daxu’s original bluestone pavement, see Wanshou stone bridge, shop at a traditional market and wander around the ancient Daxu Wharf.

5. Elephant Trunk Hill

Elephant Trunk Hill is the main attraction you see during Li River Cruise

The unofficial mascot of Guilin, Elephant Trunk Hill sits at the confluence of the Li River and the Peach Blossom River. This magnificent karst formation resembles an elephant dipping its trunk into the river and has been a tourist draw since the days of the Tang Dynasty (618 AD – 904 AD).

6. Crown Cave

Visible from the Li River, Crown Cave is named for its jutting peaks that resemble the top of a royal crown. Located 29 kilometers south of Guilin in Caoping Village, Crown Cave is an intricate system of 12-kilometer-long water-eroded caves. Access into the caves is possible via the Crown Cave dock or by bus from Guilin.

Good to know

  • Know your departure point:  There are two possible departure points, Daxu Wharf in downtown Guilin City, and Zhujiang Wharf, a one-hour bus ride downstream. Only cruises departing from Zhujiang Wharf offer English-speaking guides, so we recommend this departure point for non-Chinese speaking visitors.
  • Getting your tickets:  After booking your cruise by phone or online, tickets are either delivered to your hotel in Guilin or issued at the ticket center at Zhujiang Wharf. Ask, at the point of purchase, which method of delivery applies.
  • Bring your passport:  You must show your passport when purchasing Li River cruise tickets and when boarding the boat. If you do not have a valid passport, you must obtain a temporary ID from the nearest police station prior to your trip.
  • Purchasing a child ticket:  You must buy a ticket for your child if they are between 1.1 m and 1.5 m in height. Any children under 1.1 m can join the cruise for free but will have to pay for lunch. Children over 1.5 m in height will require an adult ticket.
  • Travel light but bring snacks:  Li River cruise boats don’t have much space to store luggage. You’ll also be responsible for taking care of your own bags when you explore Yangshuo, so if you’re returning to Guilin after your cruise, carry as little as you can. Food on board is simple and cannot always cater to specific dietary requirements. If you’re traveling with children, or are concerned that the lunch may not be suitable, bring enough snacks to last the four or five hour duration of the cruise.
  • Returning to Guilin:  If you choose to return to Guilin after your Li River Cruise, you can usually add an optional return transfer to your cruise. If you wish to stay in Yangshuo for a night or two, you should book a hotel ahead of time and consider taking a countryside tour with a local guide.
  • Consider a Li River bamboo raft service: A more adventurous way to see the Li River. The 2 hour trip starts from Yangdi Pier in Guilin and ends at Xingping, taking you closer to daily life on the river but at a slower pace. There is no lunch provided, no space for luggage, and there are no facilities on board. 

The Li River flows down from the Mao'er Mountain, sustaining an ancient way of life on its riverbanks and nourishing the entire Guilin region. Seeing the unique landscape of the Li River from a Li River Cruise is truly one of the best experiences China has to offer.

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The 3 Best Ways to Visit the Li River

The Li River, one of the most beautiful rivers in China, is the soul of Guilin. There are three top ways to explore the beauty of the river: the Li River cruise, the bamboo raft, and hiking .

Boating and rafting, blending into the picturesque scenery, are more popular. For security reasons, there is only one road segment good for hiking , from Husband Hill to Xingping.

Li River Boat Cruise v.s Rafting v.s Hiking Summary Table

1. cruise – enjoy the river from guilin to yangshuo.

Traveling by boat, you can enjoy some of the quintessential parts of the Li River on the stretch from Guilin to Yangshuo. Air-conditioned boats will provide you with a relaxing and weatherproof tour.

  • The time needed: 4-5 hours (depending on the water speed)
  • Boarding time: 9:00-9:30am
  • Route: Zhujiang Pier or Mopanshan Pier to Yangshuo
  • Suitable for: families, friends, couples, individuals
  • Scenery: Elephant Trunk Hill, Wangfu Rock, Yangdi Village, Mural Hill, Yellow Cloth Shoal, Xingping Ancient Village, and Schoolboy Hill

Two Types of Boats to Choose

4-Star Boat

Two types of boats are available: normal (three-star) boats and luxury (four-star) boats .

Similarities: same scenery, seating at tables, restrooms, free Wi-Fi, public deck, tour guides, lunch.

Differences: higher prices correspond to better service and better lunches.

  • The normal boats have standard facilities, assorted food for lunch (please do not expect too much from it), and travel from Mopanshan Pier to Longtoushan Pier.
  • The luxury boats are better decorated with more legroom, Chinese/Western-style buffet lunch, and travel from Zhujiang Pier to Shuidongmen Pier (closer to West Street).

Best Time to Visit – from April to October

Cruise Pier

In April, the river and mountain peaks wear misty ribbons, like a blooming young girl, too shy to show off her beauty. The tranquil morning with hazy drizzle and the soft twitter of birds from the mountains, adds more mystery to the river. Despite the damp, April temperatures may be just fine for a boat trip .

From May to September, rainfall is abundant and the water level in the Li River reaches its highest. Sometimes on stormy days, the river will become muddy. Summer in Guilin can be hot and crowded (school summer vacation is from July to August), but this is the best time to change into your swimming suit and enjoy the cool river.

October provides more comfortable temperatures than other months, with cooler and drier air . Many people choose to come at this time because bright sunshine and azure skies make for clear and splendid reflections of mountain peaks in the river. What’s more, the whole city basks in the alluring scent of osmanthus flowers. Other months, from November to March are slow and quiet . As the deep winter in Guilin can be cold and wet, if you cannot bear the cold but want a more private tour, we’d recommend November or March.

Service – Leaves Much to Be Desired

Even though service on the boat may lead to some complaints, it will not spoil the wonderful views. Some tour guides will use microphones, because of the buzz on the boats. For a commission, they may peddle food or souvenirs. It’s good to be aware that they are selling stuff at inflated prices.

Before and After the Cruise

Visitors need to book tickets in advance , either with us or with a local guide. We will pick you up at your hotel in the morning and drive you to the pier. Anyone who does not have a private tour guide needs to go to the pier by taxi or rent a car (there is no public transportation there). It takes about 50 minutes from the city and costs about 70 yuan.

The two types of boats dock at different piers in Yangshuo . The normal boats stop at Longtoushan Pier and the luxury boats drop you off at the Shuidongmen Pier, which is closer to West Street (at the center of the town).

Click the Essence of Guilin Tour to experience the Li River Cruise!

Li River Cruise Tips

  • The cruise is a one-way trip; you can travel back to Guilin by bus.
  • There is no stop on the cruise.
  • You can bring your luggage on the boat or have your private tour guide transfer it to your hotel in Yangshuo.

2. Rafting – Get Close to the Water

Chinese 20-Yuan Banknote

Instead of the four-hour boat cruise, you may prefer a more adventurous bamboo raft. If the river is swollen, it’ll make for a choppy experience, and you will probably end up a damp sailor.

The route from Yangdi to Xingping has been temporarily suspended, but there are two other routes for bamboo rafts on the same river, where you'll have the opportunity to see the scenery on the Chinese 20-yuan banknote .

  • The time needed: 1-1.5 hours (depending on the water speed)
  • Boarding time: depends on which route
  • Routes: 1) Yangdi to Nine-Horse Fresco; 2) Xingping to Nine-Horse Fresco (round trip)
  • Suitable for: families, friends, couples

 The Rafts on the Li River

Originally all rafts were made of bamboo, but nowadays many are made from PVC pipes, expertly lashed together. The rafts each have comfortable bamboo armchairs for 4 to 6 tourists and a large sunshine canopy.

Floating down the river, the raft is controlled by a skilled driver with a wooden paddle. An outboard motor is on hand in case extra power is needed. There is no restroom on the raft.

More Flexibility Comes with More Restrictions

Bamboo Rafting

The season and weather will influence your rafting plans. In bad weather, especially in spring and summer, rafting can be canceled at short notice .

  • Route Yangdi to Nine-Horse Fresco Hill (optionally move on to Xingping by electric vehicle): available from 7:40-8:20 and from 12:30-16:00, closed from 8:30-12:30
  • Route Xingping to Nine-Horse Fresco Hill: available from 8:00-9:20 and after 12:30, but closed from 9:30-12:30

It is possible to enjoy some photo stops during the trip or to enjoy a simple lunch at a local restaurant on the river bank. If you like, you can invite your raftsman to eat with you.

Some local vendors with their own rafts will sell you refreshments at high prices. Instead, you can easily buy drinks or snacks before leaving Yangdi or have lunch after arriving at Xingping.

 How to Plan a Li River Raft Trip

Sightseeing Along the River

It takes about an hour to drive from Guilin to Yangdi and two hours from Guilin to Xingping. You can take the bus from Guilin Bus Station to Yangdi Pier.

When at Xingping, there will be a free shuttle transferring you from the pier to Xingping Bus Station where you can choose a bus going on to Yangshuo or take one back to Guilin.

You can book your trip with a local guide, who will contact a raftsman and arrange the best time for you. If you prefer not to share a raft with others or don’t want it to be fully occupied, that can be arranged, but you need to pay extra for each vacant seat.

Tips for Li River Raft Trip

  • Passengers must be aged between 7 and 70 years.
  • The raftsmen cannot speak English, so you’d better have your own guide with you.
  • You may want to bring sun cream and glasses, as the sunshine canopy provides only limited protection.
  • You can bring your luggage onto the raft but there is a chance it will get wet.
  • Every bamboo raft is equipped with life jackets.
  • Motorized bamboo rafting is unavailable during the rainy season, when the Li River may be flooded.

Wanna TAILOR-MAKE your private raft tour with us?

3. Hiking – Get Close to Nature and Local Life

Hiking the Li River gives a great opportunity for travelers to see the gorgeous landscape close-up and the rural life of the farmers who live by the river. For security reasons, there is only one route available for hiking at present.

  • The time needed: 4 hours
  • Whole journey: 12 km (at a medium pace)
  • Route: Husband Hill (Xianggong Mountain) to Xingping Ancient Town Xingping

Best Hiking Itinerary

Say Hi to the Locals

Currently, the best hiking route is Quanjiazhou - Xingping. The hiking route is 11 km long, and it takes about 4 hours to finish it. 

On the way, you will pass some small villages, and see rice fields and orchards with many seasonal fruits and unique karst mountains, as well as green bamboo and local people washing clothes by the river... It is peaceful, as there are few tourists on the way.

Li River Hiking Tips

  • You need to take three ferries to cross the river on the hiking route, and each costs about5 yuan. 
  • There are many local restaurants along the road.
  • During rainy days, some lower places will be covered by water, but it is okay to walk through on bare feet.
  • Walking on pebbles and stones may be slippery and may ache after a while. You should bring a nice pair of walking shoes.

Back to the Li River .

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The Li River: One of Earth’s Most Beautiful Wonders

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lee river cruise china

The Li River (漓江 Líjiāng), situated in Guangxi Province, is one of the most spectacular destinations in China. Spanning roughly 80 kilometers (50 miles), the Li River runs through the heart of Guangxi, connecting beautiful downtown Guilin with the riverside town of Yangshuo.

The Li River was first recognized for its cultural significance in 1982, when China’s State Council deemed the Lijiang River Scenic Zone a place of scenic and historic importance.

Tens of thousands of karst mountains surround the Li River and its connected cities. The byproduct of millions of years of water erosion and weathering, these karst hills are among the oldest and most beautiful natural wonders in China.

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A Look Around the Li River

There are many attractions along the Li River and the easiest way to enjoy them is by taking a cruise. While cruising the Li, you can relax on the boat deck to admire countless breathtaking views.

guilin yangshuo li river

Li River cruises are usually over 40 miles (64 kilometers) long. You can expect to spend four to five hours on the boat and the cruise is usually split into three different sections, although different cruise companies may start at slightly different points along the standard route.

If you choose to take a Li River cruise, here are some of the highlights you can look forward to on each leg of the trip:

First Section: Guilin to Ox Gorge

Elephant Trunk Hill (象鼻山 xìang bí shān) : Known for its similarity in appearance to an actual elephant trunk, this karst mountain makes for a great photo opportunity while traveling up the Li River.

lee river cruise china

Those who enjoy a more hands-on experience will be glad to hear that Elephant Trunk Hill is also climbable: for 75 CNY (approx. 10 USD) travelers may purchase an entry ticket to the attraction, allowing access to gorgeous panoramic views of Guilin once at the top!

Daxu Ancient Town (大圩古镇 dà xū gǔ zhèn) : As you travel further along the Li River, you’ll pass the ancient town of Daxu on the east bank. Founded almost 2,000 years ago, Daxu was one of the most important market towns in the region during the Ming Dynasty . Much of the town’s original ancient architecture has survived intact.

lee river cruise china

Today, Daxu is known for its traditional wooden houses with black tile roofs and its ancient flagstone streets. You won’t be able to explore the town during your cruise but if you have more time in the area, you can consider returning for a day trip.

Second Section: Ox Gorge to Water-Dropping Village

Nine Horse Fresco Hill (九马画山 jiǔ mǎ huà shān) : Also called Mural Hill or The Painted Hill of Nine Horses, this is a large stone cliff that is clearly visible from the decks of passing boats on the Li River.

lee river cruise china

The exposed rocks on the cliff face resemble nine horses in various poses. Legend has it that the mischievous Monkey King , a character in the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West , was in charge of watching the horses in heaven when they escaped. A painter spotted the horses drinking water beside the Li River.

Intending to paint the scene, he startled the horses, which ran into the waterside cliff and remained etched there for eternity. In the past, it was said that a person who could spot all nine horses on the cliffside was destined to achieve the highest score on China’s ancient imperial exam .

lee river cruise china

Yellow Cloth Shoal (黄布滩 huáng bù tān) : Located near Xingping Town, the scenery in the area around the Yellow Cloth Shoal is certainly the most famous and arguably the most spectacular of all the breath-taking sights the Li River has to offer.

lee river cruise china

The scenery here is featured on the back of China’s 20 CNY banknote . The Yellow Cloth Shoal gets its name because of a large, yellowish rock which lies flat under the water like a piece of cloth. This part of the river is particularly well-known for the way the seven peaks on either side of the shoal cast reflections on the water.

When it isn’t raining, the water here is usually calm and flat like a mirror, making the reflections especially clear and impressive.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Chinese Language Institute (@studycli)

Third Section: Water-Dropping Village to Yangshuo

Xingping Ancient Town (兴坪古镇 xīng píng gǔ zhèn) : The ancient town of Xingping features many well-preserved Ming and Qing-era structures, including ancient houses, traditional temples, and an opera stage thought to be the oldest in Guilin.

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Xingping is one of the best places from which to take photographs of Li River scenery and it’s also a good starting point for those who wish to take a Li River bamboo raft trip. From here, it’s also possible to visit Xingping Fishing Village, which gained international recognition after former U.S. president Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary visited in 1998.

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Li River cruises usually pass Xingping without stopping, but it’s worth doubling back for a visit on your own once you reach Yangshuo.

Yangshuo (阳朔 yáng shuò) : Li River cruises end at Yangshuo , a scenic town that offers a wide range of activities for travelers, whether it’s strolling down bustling West Street, biking through the surrounding countryside, or exploring some nearby caves.

lee river cruise china

Best Time of Year to See the Li River

The best time of the year to visit the Li River is in early fall, from September through October. This is due to Guilin’s gorgeous fall weather which is usually cool and dry with some sunshine. Although cruises are also possible in late fall, they’re sometimes cut short when the water level is too low for the boats to operate.

lee river cruise china

Late summer is also a good time to take a cruise since it’s typically possible to enjoy sunny weather, but keep in mind that travelers may experience some downpours due to the monsoon season, which runs from April through August and typically peaks in May and June.

Visiting during the rainy season isn’t all bad, however. Guilin’s spring or post-rain summer is misty, so the river’s water and the karst mountain’s lush peaks will appear to be shrouded in a veil of mist as if they were part of a traditional scroll painting.

Regardless of the weather, the pictures taken while visiting the Li River are sure to mesmerize.

Booking a Li River Cruise

There are several ways to explore the Li River, but most boil down to two options: by boat or by foot. Travelers who prefer a more leisurely approach may choose to explore the Li River by booking a luxury cruise or a bamboo raft trip.

Keep in mind that both options can be booked online or in person at the departure point of Zhujiang Pier (竹江码头 zhú jiāng mǎ tóu) in Guilin. Some cruise lines also depart from Mopanshan Passenger Wharf (磨盘山客运码头 mò pán shān kè yùn mǎ tóu), but these are usually aimed at domestic tourists and may not always offer English-speaking guides.

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A Li River cruise can be either planned or spontaneous, although cruises often sell out during peak travel season. Remember to bring your passport both when booking tickets and on the day of the cruise.

For those who don’t speak Mandarin, there are many travel companies like China Highlights which offer English speaking staff. Such companies can provide detailed descriptions of each cruise package and even help you book the one most suited to your liking.

Getting advice from travel companies can be especially helpful if you aren’t sure about something like whether you should spend nearly 400 CNY (58 USD) on a morning cruise to Yangshuo or take a shorter and less expensive night cruise around central Guilin for 185 CNY (27 USD). For travelers interested in cruise options:

Four-star cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo

  • Pick-up : Zhujiang Pier (竹江码头 zhú jiāng mǎ tóu), Guilin
  • Drop-off : Shuidongmen Pier (水东门码头 shuǐ dōng mén mǎ tóu), Yangshuo
  • Average price : 400 CNY (58 USD)
  • Length : 4-5 hours
  • Amenities and notes : A four-star cruise utilizes the best and newest cruise boats. All feature modern facilities, spacious seating, and an upper deck for amazing views. This cruise type also serves a buffet lunch. Although three-star cruise options are also available, the four-star cruise is the most recommended method of transportation for travelers.

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Two Rivers Four Lakes Cruise

  • Pick-up : Jiefangqiao (Liberation) Pier (解放桥码头 jiě fàng qiáo mǎ tóu) or Riyuewan Pier (日月湾码头 rì yuè wān mǎ tóu) in the daytime plus Wenchangqiao Pier (文昌桥码头 wén chāng qiáo mǎ tóu) at night
  • Drop-off : One of the three piers listed above. Your exact drop-off pier will depend on your tour company, the time of day and your original departure pier
  • Average price : 190 CNY (27 USD)
  • Length : 1-2 hours
  • Amenities and notes : The “Two Rivers Four Lakes” cruise option, called 两江四湖 (liǎng jiāng sì hú) in Chinese, gives you the chance to see some of the best scenic spots around downtown Guilin. The “two rivers” are the Li River (漓江 lí jiāng) and the Peach Blossom River (桃花江 táo huā jiāng). The “four lakes” are Wooden Dragon Lake (木龙湖 mù lóng hú), Banyan Lake (榕湖 róng hú), Chinese Fir Lake (杉湖 shān hú) and Osmanthus Lake (桂湖 guì hú). Keep in mind that this cruise does not go to Yangshuo like the classic Li River cruise outlined above. This cruise is offered either during the day or at night.

lee river cruise china

Li River Bamboo Raft Trip (Xingping Village to Nine Horse Fresco Hill)

  • Pick-up point : Xingping Pier (兴坪码头 xīng píng mǎ tóu)
  • Drop-off : Xingping Pier (兴坪码头 xīng píng mǎ tóu)
  • Average price : Dependent on the raftsman, but typically 40 CNY per seat (6 USD)
  • Length : 1 hour
  • Amenities and notes : The bamboo raft (竹筏 zhú fá) trip is generally considered more intimate compared to the cruises, as travelers raft through villages alongside the Li River, occasionally stopping on the riverbank for local snacks. Though the scenery is guaranteed to be beautiful, this option is sometimes not recommended. Quality of service and pricing is not guaranteed and is decided by your individual raftsman.

lee river cruise china

Li River Hiking and Bike Tours

For visitors looking for a more adventurous way to explore the Li River, there is always, of course, the option to hike or bike between Guilin and Yangshuo. This is a lengthier trip but allows travelers the opportunity to savor more of the natural splendor of the Guangxi countryside.

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We recommend the 13.5 km (8.4 miles) hike from Quanjiazhou (全家洲 quán jiā zhōu) in Yangshuo to Xingping. Along this route, travelers are able to hike along the riverside at a leisurely pace and witness the beautiful countryside landscape. The hike takes about 3.5 hours.

Bike tours are also available through private companies and can include a three or four-star cruise with the ticket price. The most common package includes a Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, then a private bike tour in Yangshuo with a local guide.

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The bike tour experience lasts about 12 hours, but may vary with weather conditions. Ticket prices range from 760 CNY (109 USD) to 1,190 CNY (170 USD) and include hotel pickup and transportation from the cruise boat to the bike rental location with the help of your guide.

Seeing the Li River is a once in a lifetime experience

Regardless of the method of transportation, all visitors can experience first-hand the awe of standing in front of towering karst mountain peaks ready to be climbed, and of adventures yet to be had. The Li River is a beautiful destination by itself, and just visiting it and surrounding areas is enough to make any trip to China more than worthwhile.

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How to make an enchanting Li River Cruise in China

Are you visiting Guangxi soon and wondering if you should take a Li River cruise? You will find in this article my opinion and all my practical advice on this magnificent region of southern China, elected one of the 10 most beautiful aquatic wonders in the World by National Geographic.

The most famous part for the Li river cruises is the one from Guilin to Yangshuo , but I propose you a different way to discover these sumptuous landscapes.

In this article, I’ll explain:

  • where Li river is located and its most beautiful course.
  • how to organize a cruise.
  • how to hike along the river.
  • information to prepare your stay.

lee river cruise china

Note: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post at no extra charge for you.

Li River cruise China

FAQ on Li river.

The Li River is famous for its karst peaks, such as on Halong Bay in Vietnam. The National Geographic has voted it one of the 10 most beautiful aquatic wonders in the world.

Prefer February to October, when the river is at its highest.

Take a bus. You will find a link to book in my article.

Cruises on 3 and 4 star boats are only in the Guilin Yangshuo direction. From Yangshuo, you can either take the bus, take your rental car, do part of the trip by bamboo boat or/and hiking. You will find all the useful information in my article.

It is 164 kilometres long. From Guilin to Yangshuo, it is 86 km long.

Where is Li River situated?

The Li River is located in the Guangxi region of China. It flows 164kms from Xing’an county to Pingle county. The part from Guilin to Yangshuo, which measures 86kms, is famous for its landscapes of karst peaks and its cruises.

Check out this map , which shows the route from Guilin to Yangshuo and indicates the classic cruise boarding locations, 40 minutes by car from Guilin. A classic cruise is a cruise with big boats, a kind of more or less luxurious ferry. The cheapest ones, the 3 stars, have a sound system that works almost continuously. The second ones, the 4 stars, have wider seats, modern toilets and offer a buffet. They all have the crowd in common, although the 4 stars have a smaller capacity.

Their departure is between 9 and 10 am from Zhujiang port. They arrive in Yangshuo around 1:30 pm. They take about 4 hours when they make the complete route.

View of Li River's karst peaks

What is the most beautiful trip on Li River?

The most interesting part of the trip is between the villages of Yangdi and Xingping. This is where you can see the most beautiful karst peaks.

How to organize the Li River cruise?

Rather than doing the classic cruise with the crowd, I advise you to rent a bamboo raft between the villages of Xingping and Yangdi.

I advise you to leave from Xingping for practical reasons:

  • It’s closer to Yangshuo than Yangdi.
  • Yangshuo is a very pleasant city despite the tourist boom. It’s easy to move around and find your way around. Guilin is a more modern city, less welcoming, overcrowded, where it is very difficult to find your way around and where you have to move systematically by bus or taxi.
  • You can stay in Xingping to leave with the raft in the morning.
  • From Yangdi, you will easily reach Guilin, from where you can take a bus to your next destination.

Xingping is a fishing village a few kilometers from Yangshuo. It is about 50 minutes drive from Yangshuo. Leave Yangshuo in mid- or late morning and check into your hotel. This will give you time to have lunch in the village, negotiate your bamboo raft for the next morning and walk around the area.

Warning: the taxi and boat drivers are very insistent when getting off the bus. I advise you to go directly to your hotel or the nearby river to negotiate the boat.

When I arrived near the river, I went to a woman who was less insistent than the others to negotiate the cruise. We couldn’t understand each other. Luckily, a young Chinese man was passing by and the woman asked for his help. Lei, who would then travel with me for about ten days, negotiated the raft on my terms, then took me to eat in the village before going to my guesthouse… where he was staying too!

INFO +: When I leave for my cruise the next morning, Lei asked me if he could come with me and make the return trip. He had to return to Yangshuo to pick up some things. He had already made this cruise, but with a big boat and had not been able to take full advantage of the splendid landscape because of the crowds. He largely preferred the serenity of our raft trip.

If you still want to do the classic cruise, you can book it on Trip.com, the most important Chinese travel site.

>>> Click here to book your cruise

Sunset on Li River close to Xinping

Where to stay in Xingping ?

I recommend you stay at the Xingping Ancient Town Riverside Hotel Yangshuo. Contrary to what its name might suggest, it is located in the village of Xingping. You can book it on Trip.com website.

>>> Click here to check the availability

What to do in Xingping?

  • Visit the charming alleys in the old part of the village, with its old wooden houses.
  • Eat local specialities in one of the restaurants of the village.
  • Take the path overlooking the river to get to the 20 yuan banknote landscape. This misty and mysteriously inspiring mountain landscape is a perfect match for the romantic representation that Westerners can have of China.
  • If you want to spend two nights in Xingping and fully enjoy the karst peaks, do the 12km round trip from the village to Nine horse fresco and back. Count 4 to 5 hours.

INFO +: Observe the red papers affixed around the doors of the houses. Red is the colour of luck. On the tombs, the papers of the feast of the dead are red too, as are the fake notes and firecrackers. At the time of the Spring Festival, also called Lunar New Year (Chinese New Year), which takes place around January or February depending on the year, the Chinese arrange these papers around the doors to invite good fortune to enter the house. On the papers, one can find the symbol “Fu” which means good fortune or happiness. For the Chinese, writing the name of a thing is a way to make it happen. One can also find the representation of the God of Happiness or the representation of the gods guarding the doors, who protect the house against evil spirits and misfortune. Finally, we can find the children of happiness. This chubby little boy and girl bring protection, luck and happiness. We can also see the so-called springtime discs. These are poems presented in pairs and hung vertically to the left and right of an entrance for New Year’s Eve. They are usually four, five or seven characters long and attract wealth, good fortune and abundance, both at home and in business. A third horizontal band of four characters, which distills the essence of the disticles, is affixed to the lintel of the entrance door. The poems must be identical in number of characters, composition, syntax and structure. They can express a wish for happiness, longevity, wealth, good harvest, numerous descendants… Originally, this tradition allowed the family to show its art in writing these poems. Now the papers are pre-printed and the poems are pre-made.

Main street of old Xinping

Is it possible to make the Li River cruise and hike on the same day?

Our guide dropped us off in an old village a few kilometers from Yangdi. For me, it was the end of the cruise and the beginning of my trek through fields and rice terraces to Yangdi. We first went around the village and Lei was able to explain to me the meaning of the various objects hanging above some doors: mirrors, scissors or knives intended to keep the evil spirits away from the house.

During the cruise, we had some rain, but the mist and rain inspired poetry and added magic to these Chinese landscapes.

My walk ended with another ferry crossing and then I was accompanied to a bus to Guilin. As usual, people helped me find my way and change bus. They even told me the local fares so that no one would try to rip me off. When I gave the ticket clerk the exact amount, he had a knowing smile on his face.

When I arrived in the big city of Guilin, I was pleased not to have stayed there. There, the bus drivers were demanding exorbitant prices. I finally found a small local bus to the rice fields of the dragon’s backbone terraces in Longsheng, then another one to the village of Ping’an.

What is the best period for the Li River cruise?

From March to November, when the water level is at its highest.

The landscapes along the Li River are different in every season.

  • In spring or after the rain, the weather is foggy and the lush peaks are shrouded in a veil like a painting.
  • Summer and autumn are generally sunny and offer unobstructed views of small villages with old buildings in the green karst hills.
  • Late autumn and winter are mild to cold, serene and calm.

Portrait of an old man with a white Chines-style beard, wearing cormorant fisherman dresses

The food specialities of the area.

One night in Yangshuo, I decided to go to an original restaurant. I wanted to test the cashew nut bee larvae. Unfortunately, this speciality can only be tasted at certain times of the year, and I had to fall back on a more classic dish, because I was not at all tempted by certain specialities that I had decided not to try: dog, rat…

Here are a few culinary specialties I’ve seen: ragondin, civet (although it’s strictly forbidden to eat them), fox, snake, hedgehog, deer horns, shark fins, big black flies, beetles of all sizes, good big toad full of buttons, hundred-year-old eggs (duck eggs preserved for 100 days in a clay mixture, of chopped straw and quicklime that turn black), scorpions, dried jellyfish, bull penis, fish swim bladder, jars of drinks with various bizarre contents (snake, insects and other charming bugs).

Conclusion.

You now have all the information you need to make the most of your discovery of the Li River in Guangxi.

Have you ever visited Yangshuo and/or Guilin? What was your experience of the Li River? Tell us in the comments!

For more articles about China, visit this page.

This article contains compensated links. As an Amazon Partner, I earn on qualifying purchases. See the legal disclaimer for more information.

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Cruising Li River Xingping Yangshuo

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lee river cruise china

  • Deluxe Li River Cruise Tickets (4 Star Boat) ;
  • Luxury Li River Cruise Tickets (4.5 Star Boat) ;
  • Superior Li River Cruise Tickets (3 Star Boat) ;

Li River Cruise Boats & Cruises

Luxury li river cruise 4.5 star boat.

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4.5 Star Luxury Li River Cruise

Deluxe li river cruise 4 star boat.

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4 Star Deluxe Li River Cruise

Superior li river cruise 3 star boat.

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3 Star Superior Li River Cruise

Luxury li river cruise (4.5 star boat), from usd $128.00 per ticket.

The Luxury Li River Cruise (4.5 Star Boat) is the best Li River Cruise boat that travels downstream. However, they only operate on a set schedule as well as with charter cruise options so please check the corresponding dates as these boats don’t depart daily.

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The interior of the boat facilities and overall cleanliness are   at an excellent level, with larger, comfortable seats as well as clean bathrooms. The number of person’s on-board is approximately half the Superior Cruise and there is very minimal microphone usage on-board (compared to the 3-star Boat option).

Deluxe Li River Cruise (4 Star Boat)

From usd $99.00 per ticket.

The Deluxe Li River Cruise (4 Star Boat) is the only deluxe Li River Cruise boat operating on a daily basis . It’s commonly referred to as the ‘best boat available’ (although that status is reserved for the Luxury Li River Cruise (4.5 Star Boat). There are multiple 4-star boats that depart daily offering a mid-range option for visitors. 

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4 Star Deluxe Li River Cruise Exterior

These boats depart in the morning from Guilin Pier to Yangshuo (West Street) & in the afternoon from Yangshuo Pier (Xingping) to Guilin Pier, allowing visitors to take a Li River Cruise, both ways to & from Guilin! The interior of the boat facilities and overall cleanliness are at a good level, with larger, comfortable seats as well as clean bathrooms. The number of person’s on-board is approximately half the Superior 3-Star Boat Cruise and there isn’t as much microphone usage on-board.

Superior Li River Cruise (3 Star Boat)

From usd $78.00 per ticket.

The Superior Li River Cruise is the most common and popular Li River Cruise boat. It’s the most commonly booked cruise boat for foreign visitors among local Guilin tour operators. There are multiple boats (all of the same design, facilities and interior) departing daily from the Mopanshan Wharf on the outskirts of Guilin City. 

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3 Star Superior Li River Cruise Exterior

Booking your Li River Cruis e is now easy.

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  • Guilin 1 Day Tours
  • Elephant Trunk Hill
  • Folded Brocade Hill
  • Solitary Beauty Peak
  • Wave-Subduing Hill
  • Chuanshan Park
  • Daxu Ancient Town
  • Ox Gorge & Wangfu Rock
  • Half-Side Ferry
  • Yangdi Village
  • Xianggong Mountain
  • Yellow Cloth Shoal
  • Xingping Town
  • Laozhai Mountain
  • Green Lotus Peak
  • Shutong Hill
  • Big Banyan Tree

Li River Map and Scenery

The first section: guilin-ox gorge.

Elephant Trunk Hill Chuanshan Park (Cock Fighting Hill and Pagoda Hill) Jingping Hill Daxu Ancient Town Millstone Hill Ox Gorge  

The second section: Ox Gorge-Water-Dropping Village

Wangfu (Yearning-for-Husband's-Return) Rock Crown Cave Embroidery Hill Half-Side Ferry Yangdi Village Wave-Stone View Mural Hill Yellow Cloth Shoal Xingping Landscape  

The third section: Water-Dropping Village-Yangshuo

Snail Hill Green Lotus Peak (Bilian Peak) Schoolboy Hill (Shutong Hill) Snow Lion Ridge (Xueshi Ridge)

The Two Rivers and the Four Lakes

The Two Rivers and the Four Lakes

Guilin's showcase two rivers (the Li and the Taohua ) and four lakes ( Rong, Shan, Gui and Mulong ), are perhaps best seen from on the water itself. The Two Rivers and the Four Lakes (Liang Jiang Si Hu) form a continuous picturesque waterway through the center of Guilin City.

The Two Rivers:

  • The Li River (漓江 Li Jiang /lee jyang/)
  • The Peach Blossom River (桃花江 Taohua Jiang /taoww-hwaa jyang/)

The Four Lakes:

  • Chinese Fir Lake (杉湖 Shan Hu /shan hoo/)
  • Banyan Lake (榕湖 Rong Hu /rong hoo/)
  • Osmanthus Lake (桂湖 Gui Hu /gway hoo/)
  • Wooden Dragon Lake (木龙湖 Mulong Hu /moo-long hoo/)

Chinese Fir Lake and Banyan Lake

Banyan Lake (Rong Hu) and Chinese Fir Lake (Shan Hu) are the two largest and most famous of the lakes on the Two Rivers and Four Lakes cruise. They are located in the very center of Guilin City, either side of Zhongshan Zhonglu (Sun Yatsen Middle Road). The origin of both parks dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907), when they were part of a city moat. As Guilin expanded in all directions, the moat became a lake within the city area.

Chinese Fir Lake

Chinese Fir Lake was named after the Chinese fir trees growing on the shore. 

The Two Towers

Standing in the water of Shan Hu are the Sun Tower (Ri Ta 日塔 /rrr taa/) and the Moon Tower (Yue Ta 月塔 /youair taa/). The Sun Tower is painted gold and the taller of the two. In the night it is lit with bright yellow lights. The Moon Tower has deep brown beams and aqua eaves. It outshines the moon at night, with its artificial white lights.

The two towers are open to the public and there is an underground aquarium-like viewing tunnel linking the pair. The towers are in the style of Buddhist pagodas and Buddhist music can sometimes be heard emanating from them during the day.

Banyan Lake

Banyan Lake got its name from a large banyan tree standing on the lake shore near the 1,000-year-old South City Gate (Gu Nan Men 古南门 /goo nan mnn/).

A zigzag bridge leads to Mid-lake Isle, which is dotted with long open-sided corridors, waterside pavilions and ancient buildings. Built in the Song Dynasty (960-1279), Blue Ribbon Bridge, now called Sun Bridge, separates the lakes. The two lakes together were often referred to as Round Lake.

  • 3-Day Guilin and Yangshuo Tour
  • 5-Day Dynamic Guilin and Yangshuo Tour - Summer Fun

The Two-Rivers-Four-Lakes Cruise

The 1.5-hour cruise is well worth the price as it offers a chance to view Guilin's tranquil mountain and water scenery, along with traditional Chinese architecture, ancient inscriptions on the bridge arches and well-maintained park-style lake frontage, from the best vantage point: on the water itself.

The cruises run during the daytime and in the evening, affording the opportunity to see the scenery or the fantasy nighttime illuminations.

The Cruise Boat

Two kinds of cruise boats are available — standard and luxury — the cruise is far cheaper in the daytime and some cruises do not cover the entire area, so make sure you get the cruise you want.

The Cruise Route

The cruise usually begins from a pier near Liberation Bridge (Jiefang Qiao) opposite Seven Star Park. The cruise boat heads up the crystal clear Li River past a verdant green island to Folded Brocade Hill (Diecai Shan). Round the back of the hill there is a system of lock gates, which lift the boat up to the level of the city lakes.

The cruise then proceeds round the movie set quality recreated Chinese architecture of Wooden Dragon Lake . If the tour is taken at night this and all the other lakes are beautifully lit to bring out the shapes of the trees and architecture. On a good day, under the light of the sub-tropical Guilin sun, the tour is a chance to go sightseeing from the coolest place in the city: on the water.

Next is Osmanthus Lake , where one can appreciate the luxuriant and well-tended osmanthus foliage surrounding the water. On the boat goes, under bridges decorated with pictures and Chinese script telling stories of long ago, to Banyan Lake . There one can see a musical, spotlit (at night) show of fountains, rising and falling from the lake itself.

The boats then make a circuit of Chinese Fir Lake , which is not only surrounded by Chinese Firs, but also bamboo, osmanthus and many other trees and flowers. The main attractions of Chinese Fir Lake are the Sun Tower and the Moon Tower, twin pagoda-style towers that are majestic in the day and iridescent at night. Opposite is the looming shape and red neon letters of Guilin's exclusive Waterfall Hotel. The whole other side of the hotel becomes a manmade waterfall, lasting for about half an hour from 8:00pm.

From Shan Hu the cruise continues to the Peach Blossom River , via a return to Rong Hu. Most cruises finish at the lock gates by Elephant Trunk Hill (Xiangbi Shan), where one branch of the Peach Blossom River joins the Li River. However, the boat could descend in the lock gates with passengers and return to the Liberation Bridge pier past the front of Elephant Trunk Hill.

  • 6-Day Guilin Photography Tour
  • 5-Day Guilin Tour with Moderate Hiking - Summer Fun

Walking Around the Lakes

Another way to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the lakes is to take a walk on its banks. The walk can be done both for daytime and the evening, as the lake colorfully lit. See our recommended Two Rivers and Four Lakes Circuit Walk .

Travel Essentials

  • Prices: From 60 RMB for a child taking the shorter daytime cruise in a standard boat to 215 RMB for an adult taking the full cruise at night in a luxury-class boat.
  • Docks: Shan Lake departures are from Wenchang Bridge near Shan Lake North Road and the Riyuewan dock near the Sun and Moon towers; Li River departures leave from the Jiefang Bridge.
  • Departure times: 8.30am–9.45pm
  • 4-Day Guilin, Longsheng and Yangshuo Tour
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Li River Cruise

Travel tips you can trust

Why the Li River Cruise is special

The Li River boat trip is one of our planet's most stunningly beautiful journeys. The smooth water exquisitely mirrors a fairy-tale landscape of conical peaks reaching for the sky (see photo). These limestone peaks are the vestiges of eroded ancient sea beds.

Li River tips and insights

The word Li is pronounced lee.

There's something interesting to see from your Li River cruise boat along the banks of almost every bend of the river. You view graceful bamboo groves, farmers tending rice paddies, and lumbering water buffalos pulling carts or cooling off in the river.

Another interesting sidelight is seeing fishermen gliding on the Li River on narrow bamboo rafts. Some use tethered cormorant birds to catch fish.

The Li River vista is particularly mystical when flowing mists weave themselves around the peaks. The vapor hides then exposes the peaks in moments of surprise.

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' class=

Does anyone know roughly how much the Li river cruise from Guillin to Yangshou costs and is it worth it?

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I advise against it. From the Guilin airport just go directly to Yangshuo. There is nothing that you will see on this fast and noisy boat that you cannot see quietly on a bamboo raft around Yangshuo.

Friends did it recently and loved it, which surprised me as everything I've read says don't do it.

The problem is that it eats up a whole day, from hotel pickup to bus return to Guilin, and better scenery and touring can be had from Yangshuo. When I took the boat ride, the pickup was almost two hours before the actual departure, then the boat trip includes a meal which is best described as economy class airline food. When you get to Yangshuo you go through the tourist trinket shopping stalls, the exact same things I saw in Yunnan! So much for local indigenous items.

You can take the bus to Yangshuo and then catch smaller and more intimate river boats to go up river to villages and return, seeing most of the best scenery and having a more worthwhile day. Besides, most recommend you stay in Yangshuo, a much smaller place with most places within walking distance or bike rides. Much less air pollution too.

Generally speaking it is just more pleasant to stay in Yangshuo, especially if you want to stay in the top-rated places slightly out of town, the Mountain Retreat and the Li River Resort. See http://www.yangers.com for more details.

Agree. Spend the hours in Yangshuo. Rent a bike.

lee river cruise china

Also agree, go from Yangshuo to Xingping for the Li River cruise. Guilin is more expensive.

Thanks everyone for you input

lee river cruise china

Close to 300 RMB pp including lunch (pretty good) , departure time is about 09:00 to 10:00, boat rides 4 hrs and stops at West Street. Taxi to port at Guilin is about 100 RMB, 40 mins.

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China River Cruises

China has enjoyed an illustrious history and sports a colourful culture, and now you can take it all in along with its undulating landscapes on a China River cruise adventure. Take to the waters for the best in river cruise prices and experience this beautiful country from a unique vantage point.

24 river cruises through China with 14 reviews

Yangtze River Cruise from Yichang to Chongqing Upstream in 5 Days 4 Nights Tour

Yangtze River Cruise from Yichang to Chongqing Upstream in 5 Days 4 Nights

Thank you for a fantastic cruise, all the staff were very welcoming and really helpful. The shore excursions were great, the local tour guides were excellent, great English and very knowledgable.

Tailor-Made Cultural China Trip with Yangtze Cruise, Daily Departure Tour

Tailor-Made Cultural China Trip with Yangtze Cruise, Daily Departure

  • 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Yangtze River Deluxe Cruise 5D/4N from Yichang to Chongqing: Yangtze Gold Cruise Tour

Yangtze River Deluxe Cruise 5D/4N from Yichang to Chongqing: Yangtze Gold Cruise

China Group Tour to Beijing, Xi\'an, Yangtze River Cruise and Shanghai Tour

China Group Tour to Beijing, Xi'an, Yangtze River Cruise and Shanghai

Tour was good. Had various tour guides in different cities. Would have liked more free time though. Accommodation was good except Great Wall Bejing wasnt good. Broken toilet seat cuboards and v shabby. The air seats were not booked previously so had to sit apart. Yangtze river bit disappointing. Room v musty. Paid for upgrade. But overall we enjoyed the tour

Iconic China with Yangtze Cruise (12 Days) Tour

  • River Cruise

Iconic China with Yangtze Cruise (12 Days)

Best of China with Yangtze Cruise (15 Days) Tour

  • Sightseeing

Best of China with Yangtze Cruise (15 Days)

  • €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Yangtze River Cruise from Chongqing to Yichang Downstream in 4 Days 3 Nights Tour

Yangtze River Cruise from Chongqing to Yichang Downstream in 4 Days 3 Nights

Great experience in general. Would recommend to friends and family!

Yangtze River Deluxe Cruise 4D/3N from Chongqing to Yichang: Yangtze Gold Cruise Tour

Yangtze River Deluxe Cruise 4D/3N from Chongqing to Yichang: Yangtze Gold Cruise

14-Day Impression China Group Tour Tour

14-Day Impression China Group Tour

Well organised and stress free trip with fantastic guides and drivers!

China The Super Tour Tour

China The Super Tour

Highlights of China & the Yangtze (2021) (Beijing to Shanghai, 2021) Tour

Highlights of China & the Yangtze (2021) (Beijing to Shanghai, 2021)

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Imperial Jewels of China Chongqing to Wuhan

Imperial Jewels of China Wuhan to Chongqing Tour

Imperial Jewels of China Wuhan to Chongqing

Yangtze River Cruise with Three Gorges Dam Tour

Yangtze River Cruise with Three Gorges Dam

The Cruise itself was great, climbing or descending the stairs to the boat could be improved

Pandas & Palaces Tour

Pandas & Palaces

River cruises in china reviews.

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Yangtze Cruises

About the yangtze river.

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A Yangtze cruise is the only way to experience the legendary Yangtze River. The heart of China and the third longest river in the world (after the Nile and Amazon), the 3,915-mile Yangtze plunges from the Tibetan plateau to flow through the exquisitely beautiful and dramatic Three Gorges region on its way to Shanghai and the East China Sea. Your river cruise will take you through a variety of beautiful areas in the region, giving you a closer look at the many faces of China. As will be explained on your cruise, the Yangtze has long supported—and sometimes threatened—the people who live along its banks. Find itineraries for our Yangtze river cruises.

Yangtze River cruise travelers will be happy to learn that the Yangtze’s Three Gorges region boasts some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes, with misty mountains, breathtaking gorges, lush green bamboo groves and serene riverbanks. Along its long and winding course lie some of China’s greatest cultural treasures and natural wonders—unforgettable destinations on any Yangtze cruise.

The great Yangtze River rises in the Tibet Plateau and flows east across the entire width of China until it empties into the East China Sea near Shanghai, one of the many destinations on your China cruise tour. It bisects the country and has historically marked the division between north and south China.

The most dramatic part of the River is the Three Gorges region; all Viking’s Yangtze cruise itineraries include a cruise along this 150-mile stretch. The three larger gorges on the Yangtze are the Qutang Gorge, the shortest and narrowest of the three with the most spectacular scenery; the Wu (Witches) Gorge, noted for its magnificent lush green mountains frequently shrouded in mist, and the Xiling Gorge, at 47 miles the longest of the three, with narrow, precipitous cliffs. In addition to the three large gorges, you will take a special cruise boat up the Daning through the Lesser Three Gorges. Narrower than the great gorges, the canyon scenery is even more dramatic, and Yangtze River cruise travelers can see a number of historical sites along the way like hanging coffins and the ancient plank road carved into the cliffside. The Three Gorges experience on your Yangtze cruise also includes a visit to the dramatic 12-story red Shibaozhai Temple perched alongside the Yangtze, and a tour of the immense Three Gorges Dam project site and museum.

The Three Gorges Dam, originally envisioned by China’s first president Sun Yat-sen, will help control flooding along the Yangtze River, which has been a major problem for people living nearby. The rainy season in China is May and June south of the Yangtze River and July and August north of it, creating a four-month flooding season. Disastrous flood seasons in 1911 killed around 100,000; in 1931, 145,000; in 1935, 142,000; and in 1954, 33,000—this last flood covered the city of Wuhan for over 3 months. In 1998, flooding resulted in several thousand deaths, 14 million left homeless and $24 billion in economic losses. Touring the Three Gorges Dam is one of the highlights of any Yangtze River cruise; because of the monumental scale and ambitious nature of the project. In addition to flood control, the Dam is expected to produce 22,500 MW of hydroelectric power and to facilitate shipping by raising the water level. The specifics of the dam will be furthered explained by your knowledgeable local guide as you cruise through the dam’s five-level locks and tour its museum.

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IMAGES

  1. 5-five-5: Li River Cruise (China)

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  2. Li River Official Cruise

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  3. The Li River: One of Earth’s Most Beautiful Wonders

    lee river cruise china

  4. Li River Cruise One Day Private Tour from Guilin with Lunch tours

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  5. Li River Cruise, Guilin and Yangshuo, China 漓江

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  6. Liver River Cruise, Guilin

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COMMENTS

  1. Li River, Li River Cruise Guide from a Local Travel Expert

    The Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo boasts the most beautiful scenery. Along the 86-kilometer waterway, you will see karst peaks, grazing water buffalo, farmers working in the fields, and traditional villages nestled at the bases of the hills. Chinese: 漓江 Lí Jiāng /lee jyang/. Scenic Area: Guilin-Yangshuo.

  2. Li River Cruises: Official Li River Cruises Tickets in Guilin, China

    Luxury Li River Cruise 4.5 Star Boat. There are 4 x different types of seats available for the Luxury 4.5 Star Li River Cruise: Adult = USD $177 per adult. Adult = USD $139 per adult. Adult = USD $128 per adult. Private Cabin = USD $492 per cabin. Please note, maximum of 2 x person's are permitted in the Private Cabin.

  3. Li River, Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo

    4 Star Li River Cruise Booking. Our Group Tour to the Li River. 3-Day Private Guilin Tour from $409. 4-Day Guilin/ Longsheng/ Yangshuo from $559. 1-Day Private Guilin Tours. More Guilin Tours. The Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is the centerpiece of any trip to northeastern Guangxi Province. Gorgeous Karst peaks give you surprises at ...

  4. Li River Cruise

    Li River 3 star cruise usually departs from 09:30 at Mapanshan Dock at the southeast suburb of Guilin, which needs about 40-60 minutes from train stations in Guilin by car. So it will be very hurry if you plan to take the cruise on your arrival day in Guilin. And if there are some traffic jam, it may be easy to miss the cruise.

  5. Li River Cruise in Guilin, China

    These piers are located approximately 40 minutes' drive from Guilin city. Thereafter, a 3.5 x hour cruise will take you to the beautiful and fascinating county town of Yangshuo. Li River Facts. The Li River is the main river system of Northeast Guangxi. The 83-kilometer section between Guilin andYangshuo is the most beautiful part.

  6. Li River, Guilin Li River, Li River Guilin to Yangshuo

    The route for cruise boat is the essence of Li River, also called as full-section Li River Cruise. The whole cruise is about 4.5 hours, and all cruise boats provide free lunch, toilets, hot water service and places to store luggage. The cruise will start from Zhujiang Pier or Mopanshan Pier and end at Yangshuo Pier. Zhujiang Pier and Mopanshan ...

  7. The Ultimate Li River Cruise Guide

    Typical Li River Cruise Itinerary: 08:00 am Pick up from your hotel, with a private or group transfer to Guilin Pier (depending on the option you choose) 09:00 Arrive at Guilin Pier, collect your tickets and check in with your passport. 09:30 am Li River Cruise departs from Guilin Pier. 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Chinese Buffet Lunch is typically ...

  8. Li River

    We visited Yangshou, China (Guangxi Province) for four nights in September 2008. We flew from LAX to Guilin via Hong Kong, then hired a car to Yangshou. The car ride itself, although frighteningly memorable, makes the Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshou reason-enough. There are several options for Li River boat cruises.

  9. Li River, Li River Cruise

    There are two rafting routes on the Li River: 1. Yangdi Pier to Nine-Horse Fresco Hill (optionally move on to Xingping Old Town by Electric Vehicle (EV) Boarding time: from 7:40-8:20 and from 12:30-16:00, closed from 8:30-12:30. Duration: From 1 to 1.5 hours (depending on the water speed) Price: CNY 118/raft.

  10. Li River in Guilin China, Up to Date Travel Guide Open Source to Li

    Taking a Li River Cruise is the most popular way of seeing a spectacular stretch of the river. Boats operate all year round, leaving between 9:00 and 9:30am every day from Zhujiang/Mopanshan Wharfs in Guilin. The 69km cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo highlights the unique world famous karst landscape on both sides of the river.

  11. The Only Guide You Need For a Li River Cruise

    6 Highlights of a Li River cruise. 1. Yellow Cloth Shoal. People gave this place the name "Yellow Cloth Shoal" due to a large cream-colored flagstone lying under the water that looked like a new yellow cloth. Around 60 kilometers from Guilin City is one of China's most famous landscapes, Yellow Cloth Shoal.

  12. The 3 Best Ways to Visit the Li River

    The Li River, one of the most beautiful rivers in China, is the soul of Guilin. There are three top ways to explore the beauty of the river: the Li River cruise, the bamboo raft, and hiking. Boating and rafting, blending into the picturesque scenery, are more popular. For security reasons, there is only one road segment good for hiking, from ...

  13. The Li River: One of Earth's Most Beautiful Wonders

    The Li River runs through the heart of Guangxi, China, connecting beautiful downtown Guilin with the riverside town of Yangshuo. Contact Us (+1) 888-781-8383 (+49) 0179-612-4100 (+86) 0773-759-9367; WeChat ID: Study-CLI; ... A Li River cruise can be either planned or spontaneous, although cruises often sell out during peak travel season. ...

  14. Li River Cruise China from Xingping to Yangdi

    The Li River is located in the Guangxi region of China. It flows 164kms from Xing'an county to Pingle county. The part from Guilin to Yangshuo, which measures 86kms, is famous for its landscapes of karst peaks and its cruises. Check out this map, which shows the route from Guilin to Yangshuo and indicates the classic cruise boarding locations ...

  15. Book Now Official Li River Cruise Tickets

    from USD$99.00per ticket. The Deluxe Li River Cruise (4 Star Boat) is the only deluxe Li River Cruise boat operating on a daily basis . It's commonly referred to as the 'best boat available' (although that status is reserved for the Luxury Li River Cruise (4.5 Star Boat). There are multiple 4-star boats that depart daily offering a mid ...

  16. Guilin Li River Map and Scenery

    Only bamboo raft between Yangdi and Xingping is available. That is only a part of the river. Meanwhile, from Yangshuo North Railway Station, there are also buses back to GL. Guilin Li River map of the attractions and scenery along the Li River cruise which starts from Guilin to Yangshuo, China, plan your tour with the useful map.

  17. The Two Rivers and the Four Lakes

    3-Day Guilin and Yangshuo Tour; 5-Day Dynamic Guilin and Yangshuo Tour - Summer Fun; The Two-Rivers-Four-Lakes Cruise. The 1.5-hour cruise is well worth the price as it offers a chance to view Guilin's tranquil mountain and water scenery, along with traditional Chinese architecture, ancient inscriptions on the bridge arches and well-maintained park-style lake frontage, from the best vantage ...

  18. Li River cruise

    The Li River vista is particularly mystical when flowing mists weave themselves around the peaks. The vapor hides then exposes the peaks in moments of surprise. Location in China. Learn More. for next Li River Cruise page. Know these China tips and insights. Wonders of China - Top 10 rankings China Wonder location map Chinese cuisine guide

  19. Li River

    Standard Mandarin. Hanyu Pinyin. Lí Jiāng. IPA. [lǐ tɕjáŋ] The Li River or Li Jiang ( Chinese: 漓江; pinyin: Lí Jiāng) is the name for the upper reaches of the Gui River in northeastern Guangxi, China. It is part of the Xijiang River system in the Pearl River basin, flowing 164 kilometres (102 mi) from Xing'an County to Pingle County .

  20. Li River Cruise

    You can take the bus to Yangshuo and then catch smaller and more intimate river boats to go up river to villages and return, seeing most of the best scenery and having a more worthwhile day. Besides, most recommend you stay in Yangshuo, a much smaller place with most places within walking distance or bike rides. Much less air pollution too.

  21. 10 Best River Cruises in China 2024/2025

    Yangtze River Cruise from Chongqing to Yichang Downstream in 4 Days 3 Nights. 4.5 (1 review) Great experience in general. Would recommend to friends and family! Destinations. Chongqing, Yichang. Age Range. up to 80 year olds. River.

  22. About the Yangtze River

    A Yangtze cruise is the only way to experience the legendary Yangtze River. The heart of China and the third longest river in the world (after the Nile and Amazon), the 3,915-mile Yangtze plunges from the Tibetan plateau to flow through the exquisitely beautiful and dramatic Three Gorges region on its way to Shanghai and the East China Sea.

  23. China Cruises

    Call Viking at. 1-866-984-5464. *Free airfare on select departures of Grand European Tour, Capitals of Eastern Europe, Lyon Provence & the Rhineland and European Sojourn, plus select China, Panama Canal, Hawaii, Canada, Mississippi River, Great Lakes and Antarctica itineraries. Experience China's rich history, scenic beauty and Buddhist ...