Li River
Many visitors to the Li River are amazed, feeling like the scenery can’t possibly be real. The beauty here is just too incredible to believe.
Li River (漓江) is the most famous tourist destination in Guilin. It is the largest and most scenic karst landscape area in the world. The river stretches for about 80 kilometers, connecting downtown Guilin with Yangshuo. The area remains largely undeveloped, preserving its original natural beauty.
There are many activities for visitors to enjoy along the river. You can take a boat cruise to admire the stunning views on both sides, or hike the Yangdi to Xingping trail, which is known as one of the most beautiful hiking routes in China. For a more unique experience, try drifting down the river on a bamboo raft to take in the peaceful scenery.
Li River Guilin also offers aerial tours, including helicopter rides, hot air balloons, and paragliding, giving visitors a chance to see the river’s breathtaking views from above.
Table of Contents
Scenery of Li River
Yellow Cloth Reflection
The Yellow Cloth Reflection is named after a large, light-yellow stone at the riverbed that resembles a yellow cloth spread out over the river floor. The water here is so clear and emerald green that you can easily see the stone beneath, creating a unique scene. The Yellow Cloth Reflection is not only a natural wonder, but it also has a connection to China’s currency design. The image of Yuanbao Mountain, featured on the new 20-yuan banknote, is inspired by this very view.
Nine Horses Painted Hill
The Nine Horses Painted Hill is famous for its steep cliffs that resemble nine galloping horses. There’s a beautiful local legend about the hill: it is said that the nine horses were once the Emperor of Heaven’s royal steeds, but due to a mistake by the Monkey King, they descended to earth and became enchanted by the beauty of Li River Guilin. They decided to stay on earth, never returning to the heavens. Geologically, the hill is composed mainly of carbonate rocks, shaped by millions of years of weathering and erosion, giving it its unique appearance. Additionally, Nine Horses Painted Hill is a paradise for rock climbers, offering a range of routes suitable for climbers of all skill levels.
Fishermen of Li River
In addition to enjoying the scenery, you can join local fishermen for a fishing trip on the river and experience traditional fishing techniques. The fishermen use traditional tools like nets, fish baskets, and bamboo poles, showcasing their skill and knowledge. You can even ask them to help cook your catch, and enjoy fresh fish and shrimp from Guilin River Li, such as beer fish, pan-fried fish, or steamed shrimp. The taste is absolutely delicious.
Cormorants
One of the unique traditions of Li River is the ancient art of cormorant fishing, which has been passed down for thousands of years. Trained cormorants are used to catch fish; after diving into the water, they are forced to release their catch. The cormorant fishing performances usually begin around 7:30 PM, when fishermen paddle their small bamboo rafts, lighting a bright lantern in front to attract the birds. You can even take photos with the cormorants on the bamboo rafts to capture the moment.
Crown Cave
The Li River area is also home to many stunning limestone caves. These caves are full of intricate formations and unique scenery, with some looking like otherworldly realms, making visitors feel as if they’ve stepped into a dream. The most famous of these is Crown Cave, located in Caoping Township on the east bank of the river. It is named after its mountain shape, which resembles an emperor’s crown. Crown Cave is a massive underground river system, stretching over 12 kilometers. Inside, you’ll find stalactites, stalagmites, and other limestone formations, all in fascinating shapes and colors. Exploring the cave feels like entering a mysterious world, leaving visitors in awe.
The Water of the Li River
The water in Li River China is crystal clear, with an exceptionally high level of transparency. You can easily see the pebbles and small fish swimming at the riverbed. The water comes from natural rainfall and melting snow from the high mountains, remaining free from human pollution, and preserving its pristine purity. This clean water makes Li River Guilin an ideal habitat for many aquatic species. Whether you’re drifting along the river on a boat or walking along its banks, you can enjoy the beautiful reflections of the landscape on the water’s surface.
Ways to Tour the Li River
River Cruise
The Li River cruise, which runs from Mopan Mountain to Yangshuo, takes about 4 hours. Along the way, you’ll pass famous landmarks like the Yellow Cloth Reflection, Nine Horses Painted Hill, and Yangdi. The boat is stable, making it a good option for those who are prone to seasickness. It’s recommended to choose the upper deck for a better view, which is perfect for taking photos. The boat also offers a paid lunch service. As you sit on the cruise, you’ll be surrounded by lush green mountains, one peak after another, as if a painting is slowly unfolding before your eyes.
Bamboo Raft
A bamboo raft ride lasts about 50 minutes, with four people per raft. If your group is smaller, you can either join a shared raft or book a private one. Though the rafts may look like plastic and are motorized, visitors can stand on the raft to take photos and enjoy the iconic karst mountain scenery of Guilin. If you’re worried about getting your feet wet, you can move the first row of seats back a bit to stay dry.
Activities on the Li River
Swimming
Shuangtan, located upstream on the Li River Guangxi, has calm waters, making it ideal for swimmers, especially beginners and families with young children. The water in the Li River Yangshuo is crystal clear, and even on overcast days or when there’s no sunlight, you can clearly see the smooth pebbles beneath the surface. Swimming here while surrounded by the stunning karst landscape of Guilin offers a truly unique experience.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
You can enjoy stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) on different sections of the Li River, gliding through the clear waters. The paddleboarding route takes about 30 minutes one way, making it a fun activity for both adults and children. There will be a guide accompanying you the whole time to ensure your safety on the water.
Fishing
The natural beauty and rich ecosystem of Li River not only attract tourists but also make it a paradise for fishing enthusiasts. If you want to fish along the river, you can try casting your line in the rocky crevices along the shore, in the calm backwaters, or near the thick water plants—these are common hiding spots for lotus fish. Using a flexible fishing rod, thin but strong fishing line, and small, sharp hooks will help you handle the pull of the lotus fish more effectively.
Performances on the Li River
Impression Liu Sanjie
“Impression Liu Sanjie” is China’s first outdoor mountain-and-water performance, directed by the renowned filmmaker Zhang Yimou. The show uses the 12 peaks and 2 kilometers of water on the Li River Yangshuo as its stage, creating a dreamlike spectacle with lights, mist, and other artistic effects. The performers act on the water’s surface, with their voices blending with the interplay of light and shadow, telling the story of Liu Sanjie and her love for Aniu. It’s an immersive experience that transports the audience through time and space, allowing them to feel the deep emotions between the two characters.
Hours & Fees
Hours
Every day from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Best Time
Spring and autumn (April to October)
Fees
- Scenic Area Ticket: 54 CNY (approx. 7 USD) per person
- Three-Star Cruise: 215 CNY (approx. 28 USD) per person (includes entrance ticket)
- Four-Star Cruise: 360 CNY (approx. 47 USD) per person (includes entrance ticket)
- Electric Bamboo Raft: 170 CNY (approx. 22 USD) per person (includes shuttle bus ticket)
FAQ About Li River
1. Where is the Li River?
The Li River Guangxi originates from Mao’er Mountain, the highest peak in South China, at an altitude of 2,141.5 meters. It is considered one of the 15 most beautiful rivers in the world. The river stretches for about 164 kilometers, flowing through cities and towns such as Xing’an, Lingchuan, downtown Guilin, Yangshuo, and Pingli.
2. How Long is the Li River Tour?
The Li River China is about 164 kilometers long, but the cruise route covers roughly 60 kilometers, with the entire tour taking around 4 to 5 hours. There are two main ways to explore the river: by boat or bamboo raft. The boat options include three-star and four-star cruises, offering different prices and levels of comfort.
3. Can You Travel Directly from Guilin to Yangshuo Li River Cruise?
Yes, the Li River cruise offers a one-way trip from Guilin to Yangshuo. You can choose to depart from either the Mopan Mountain Pier or the Zhujiang Pier in Guilin, and arrive at either the Longtou Mountain Pier or the Shui Dongmen Pier in Yangshuo. The journey takes about 4 hours, with no stops along the way.
How Do Local Visitors Rate the Li River?
Translation:
When you visit Guilin, taking a Li River cruise is a must. We chose to take a four-hour cruise directly from Guilin to Yangshuo, with a four-star boat ticket. The weather in November was perfect—clear skies and temperatures around 20°C, not too hot or too cold, making it ideal for travel. The luxury cruise boat was very stable, offering tea and a buffet. The staff were friendly and attentive, even serving tea and refilling water. The sofas were comfortable, and overall, we were very satisfied. I highly recommend it.
Translation:
The bamboo raft ride covers a shorter distance, while the cruise can take you directly from Guilin to Yangshuo. The full cruise route is about 60 kilometers long, passing by many scenic spots. There are cruises ranging from three-star to five-star options. Whether it’s sunny or rainy, the Li River offers different views. On the three-star cruise I took, the first half of the trip was under clear skies, allowing us to enjoy famous sights like Nine Horses Painted Hill and the Yellow Cloth Reflection. In the second half, it rained heavily, but the river in the rain had its own charm. Overall, the experience in Guilin was great. The local food is quite spicy, and the air is fairly humid.
Translation:
Our whole family recently visited Guilin, Yangshuo, and Xingping. The boat ride from Guilin to Yangshuo was very relaxing, and the scenery along the Li River was incredible. The entire journey takes about four hours, with beautiful views the entire way. The karst landscape is truly magnificent, and the water is refreshingly cool. The deck of the boat was always packed with people taking photos, and if you arrive late, there won’t be any good spots left.
Translation:
I chose to take an electric bamboo raft on the Li River. The raft only sets off once there are at least four people. To be honest, the one-hour ticket really only gives you about 40 minutes of cruising time. But it’s so relaxing—this river, these mountains. You can comfortably lie back on the bamboo chair and just enjoy the view. If you sit at the front, though, water occasionally splashes up onto your feet, so it’s a good idea to wear flip-flops and shorts. The scenery of the Li River is truly breathtaking. One thing to note, though: if someone offers to take a photo of you with a bird along the way, don’t go for it, because each photo costs 20 yuan.
Translation:
I did some research online and found tips saying there’s no need to buy the four-star or five-star cruise tickets because the scenery is the same for all boats. The only difference is the dining options and the sofas. The scenery on the Li River is indeed beautiful, and I even got to check off the famous spot featured on the 20-yuan bill. However, the staff on the boat kept trying to sell things to me, from start to finish. It really took away from the experience. The fish on the boat is quite expensive, and the staff claimed it was freshly caught from the Li River and delicious. I didn’t order it, but the couple sitting across from me did. They barely touched it, and they told me, “Thank goodness you didn’t order it. It was terrible.”
