Yangdi is a fishing village nestled on the banks of the Li River, between Guilin and Yangshuo. This is where one of the most photographed stretches of the Li begins: limestone karsts rise dramatically from the water, cormorants glide on bamboo rafts, and morning mist transforms the landscape into a classical Chinese painting. The village itself remains understated, making it an ideal departure point to escape Guilin's crowds.

Quick Practical Overview

• Access: Yangdi lies about 60 km south of Guilin and roughly 30 km north of Yangshuo, on the national road running alongside the Li.
• Transport: Buses from Guilin or Yangshuo bus stations; taxis and private vehicles available. No railway station in Yangdi.
• Recommended duration: Half-day for the local cruise plus village walk; full day if you combine it with Xingping.
• Dress code: No particular dress restrictions. Wear comfortable shoes for riverside trails.

What to See

Yangdi's landscape is dominated by karst formations that border the Li for several kilometres. Bamboo rafts depart from the village landing to travel upriver or downstream. Along the banks, water buffalo graze among rice paddies. The village retains a few grey-stone houses typical of rural Guangxi architecture.

History and Context

The Li River has shaped the lives of this region's inhabitants for centuries. Cormorant fishermen—an ancestral technique where the bird dives and retrieves fish—are still present in Yangdi, though the practice is now partly geared towards tourism. The Yangdi–Xingping stretch is rumoured to feature on the 20-yuan note, which has brought it international recognition.

Highlights of Your Visit

The Bamboo Raft Cruise

Motorised bamboo rafts allow you to cruise alongside the karsts at water level. Light is optimal early in the morning, when mist still clings to the peaks. The journey to Xingping is the most popular route.

The Yangdi–Xingping Trail on Foot or by Bike

A riverside path connects Yangdi to Xingping over several kilometres. By bike, the route follows the Li with open views of the karsts. It's the overland alternative to the cruise—cheaper and more flexible.

Cormorant Fishing

Local fishermen offer demonstrations at sunset. The cormorants, fitted with a ring around their necks to prevent swallowing, dive and bring fish back aboard the raft.

Photography Tips

The golden light of early morning (before 9 a.m.) is ideal for photographing the karsts through the mist. From the raft, frame the peaks with upward angles and water reflections. The riverside path offers elevated viewpoints over the Li's meanders. No known photography restrictions in public spaces.

Location and Access

Yangdi sits in Yangshuo district, on the western bank of the Li River. From Guilin, allow about an hour by bus or car. From Yangshuo, the road heads north along the Li. The village is accessible by private vehicle; parking is available near the landing. Wheelchair access to the landing is limited due to unmade riverside paths.

Nearby places accessible by raft or bike: Xingping and the Li River.

Nearby

• Xingping — Historic town a few kilometres downstream, iconic viewpoint over the Li from Fisherman's Hill.
• Li River (Lijiang) — The complete Guilin–Yangshuo cruise traverses the region's most spectacular karst landscapes.
• Yangshuo — Vibrant town to the south, the logistical base with accommodation, restaurants and bike rentals.
• Longji Terraced Rice Fields — About two hours to the north, stepped rice terraces cascading down hillsides.