Li River Cruise - The Best Way to Experience Li River
The Li River, adorned with dramatic karst mountains and breathtaking scenery, is often hailed as the “Glorious Pearl of Guilin.” As you journey along the river, the landscape unfolds like a living painting—idyllic and ever-changing.
Along the way, you’ll see water buffalo grazing by the riverbanks, farmers tending their rice fields, and fishermen gliding across the water on bamboo rafts. Every moment offers a picture-perfect view, making it hard to resist capturing countless photos—and perhaps a few selfies as well.
Li River Facts
- Source: Mao’er Mountain (Mountain Cat), North Guilin
- Length: 437 kilometers
- Best Seasons to Visit: Spring, Summer, Autumn
- How to Visit it: Boat Cruise, Bamboo Rafting, Hiking
The most scenic section of the Li River stretches from Yangdi to Xingping, covering about 18 km and resembling a true artist’s masterpiece. Along this stretch, crystal-clear waters wind through a landscape of uniquely shaped karst hills, steep cliffs, mysterious caves, and lush rice paddies, all framed by graceful bamboo groves.
A cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo offers the perfect opportunity to take in these iconic highlights and fully appreciate the river’s timeless beauty. Feel free to contact us for booking the Li River cruise tickets.
Highlights Along the Li River
As you cruise along the Li River, you’ll be surrounded by magnificent karst peaks, lush bamboo groves, tranquil countryside, and crystal-clear waters dotted with rocks and shoals. The scenery changes with every turn, offering a series of unforgettable views.
Some of the most iconic highlights include Nine Horses Fresco Hill, Yellow Cloth Reflection, the famous 20-Yuan Bill Hill, and Xingping Ancient Town.
Yangdi Scenic Area
Often described by the saying, “The river winds like a ribbon, while the hills rise like jade hairpins,” the stretch from Yangdi to Xingping is widely regarded as the most beautiful section of the Li River. Here, the landscape reaches its most dramatic and picturesque form.
Nine Horses Fresco Hill
Standing about 400 meters high and 200 meters wide, Nine Horses Fresco Hill is one of the river’s most fascinating sights. The cliff face resembles a natural mural, where visitors can spot shapes of horses in various poses—running, grazing, playing, or resting—formed by the patterns in the rock.
Yellow Cloth Reflection
This spot is famous for its calm, turquoise waters and stunning reflections. The mirror-like surface of the river perfectly reflects the surrounding hills, creating a scene of remarkable beauty. A yellowish rock formation in the water resembles a piece of cloth laid across the river, giving this attraction its name.
The Scenery on the 20-Yuan Banknote
One of the most recognizable views along the Li River, this location is featured on the back of China’s 20-yuan note. The still water acts like a mirror, reflecting the dramatic karst peaks and creating a picture-perfect scene—making it a must-stop spot for photography enthusiasts.
How to Book a Li River Cruising Ticket
The Best way to explore the Li River is of course to take a Li River cruise boat from Guilin to Yangshuo. Please book a Li River cruise ticket on our tickets booking website Train Spead.
Li River Cruise Schedule
| 4-Star Cruise | 3-Star Cruise | Remarks | |
| Departure time | 9:00-9:30 am | 9:00-9:30 am | The exact time is not fixed, but it’s normally during this timeframe. |
| Duration | 4-5 hours | 4-5 hours | The duration of the cruise depends on the water speed. |
| Boarding point | Zhujiang (竹江) Pier | Mopanshan (磨盘山) Pier | There’s no public bus to these two piers; you can get there by taxi. |
| Drop-off point | Shuidongmen (水东门) Pier, closer to West Street | Longtoushan (龙头山) Pier | Both in Yangshuo. |
| Travel Tips | 1. The two boarding piers are about 25 km southeast of downtown Guilin. It takes one hour by car or bus to get there, and it is recommended that you leave your hotel for the pier before 8 am. 2. Longtoushan Pier is 1 km northeast of West Street. You can walk around 15 to 20 minutes or take a local electric scooter there. 3. Cruises can be canceled during the rainy season, when the Li River may be flooded. Please check the weather forecast three days before you want to depart. |
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A Four-Star Boat is Recommended
There are three-star and four-star boats. A four-star boat is recommended.
Why to take a four-star boat cruise
A four-star cruise provides a more comfortable travel experience.
- Suitable for: People who want high-quality and a comfortable travel experience
- Facilities: Luxury boats with traditional decorations, a mini-bar, more legroom, and comfortable seating
- Service: English-Speaking Guides
- Seating capacity: Approximately 80 passengers
- Dining: Chinese/Western-Style Buffet Lunch, including Beverages
Features of a three-star boat
- Suitable for: Budget travelers who don’t care about details
- Facilities: Medium-Size Boats with standard facilities
- Service: Presentations only in Mandarin Chinese
- Seating capacity: 120-150 passengers
- Dining: One box lunch per passenger, comparable to a standard airline meal
Tips for Booking and Taking a Li River Cruise
- Travel Documents - A valid passport is required when booking your cruise tickets and for boarding.
- Stay Overnight in Guilin - Since the cruise departs early in the morning, it’s recommended to stay at least one night in Guilin before your trip.
- One-Way Journey - The cruise runs one way—from Guilin to Yangshuo—with no return trip and no stops along the route. After arriving in Yangshuo, you can take a bus back to Guilin if needed.
- Onboard Souvenirs - Souvenirs such as postcards, photos, and local specialties are available for purchase on board, though prices may be higher than usual.
- Weather Considerations - Guilin experiences its rainy season from May to September, when the Li River’s water level is at its highest. Be sure to check weather conditions in advance and avoid traveling during storms or severe weather.
- Luggage - You can bring your luggage on board the cruise without any issues.
- Explore Yangshuo - To make the most of your trip, consider spending time in Yangshuo after the cruise. This charming town is known for its beautiful landscapes, relaxed atmosphere, and unique local culture.
Li River Bamboo Rafting
A bamboo raft is a great way to explore the Li River. The bamboo rafts on the Li River are made from PVC pipes, each with 4 seats, an outboard motor, and a sunshade.
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
2. Xingping Pier to Nine-Horse Fresco Hill (round trip)
- Boarding time: from 8:00-9:20 and after 12:30, but closed from 9:30-12:30
- Duration: about 1 hour
- Price: CNY 92/raft
Hiking along the Li River
- Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
- The time needed: 3.5 hours
- Hiking route: Quanjiazhou village → pass small villages and fields → Nine-Horse Fresco Hill → cross the river by ferry → Xingping Ancient Town
- Highlights: non-touristy journey, see local lifestyles close-up, take deep breaths and enjoy the impressive Li River backdrop, breathtaking Karst Mountains, and peaceful rural villages.
Where to Take Photos of Li River
The Fishing Lights on the Li River
One of the most iconic scenes along the Li River is the famous “Fishing Lights on the Li River,” often captured at sunrise or sunset. In the past, local fishermen would paddle their bamboo rafts and head out to fish as night fell. As lanterns lit up across the water, the river transformed into a magical, dreamlike scene.
This timeless image beautifully reflects the harmony between humans and nature. Today, to recreate this classic view for photography, visitors can arrange for local fishermen to pose on bamboo rafts with traditional fishing lights. Want to meet the fisherman in the photo? Feel free to contact us.
The Panorama of Li River
Xianggong Hill is one of the best viewpoints for a panoramic view of the most գեղեց beautiful section of the Li River. From the summit, you can admire countless uniquely shaped karst peaks, with the winding river gracefully weaving through the valleys below.
The ever-changing interplay of light and shadow, the sea of clouds after rain, and the stunning sunrises and sunsets create truly breathtaking scenes. It’s no wonder Xianggong Hill is a favorite spot for photographers seeking the perfect shot of Guilin’s iconic landscape.
The Best Time to Visit the Li River
Generally speaking, April to October is the best time to take the Li River Cruise. Vistas along the river vary in different types of weather conditions. On sunny days you can view the clear and splendid reflections of mountains, buildings, and azure skies on the river; while the rain and mist will add to the beauty of the Karst landscape in cloudy weather.
Enjoy the Scenery of the Li River with China Travel
The China Travel Team is a group of Native Guilin Travel Experts. They know every nook and cranny in Guilin and can provide you with a private tour and a local guide, which will take your tour experience over the top! Perhaps one of the following Tour Itinerary will pique your interest:
- Guilin Essence Tour: Li River Cruise, Reed Flute Cave, local market, Yangshuo West Street
Continue to read: The Best Three Ways to Explore the Li River