The Li River arguably offers visitors some of the most stunning landscapes in Chine. A Chinese proverb is even dedicated to it, affirming that "the landscapes of Guilin, made of mountains and rivers, are the most beautiful that exist under heaven". Cruising down the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo is the primary tourist attraction in the region. Your stay in Guilin will inevitably fall under the spell of the natural charms of these magical places.

Geography

The Li River originates in the Mao'er Mountains in Guangxi and travels 437 km before emptying into the Xijiang River at Wuzhou. Its course runs through Guilin, Yangshuo, and Pingle, a small village not far from Chengdu in Sichuan. It is in this small village that the Li River merges with the Lipu and Gongcheng rivers and continues its path southward until reaching the Gui River, which then flows into the Xijiang.

The upper course of the Li River is connected to the ancient Linqu Canal and the Xiang River, which flow northward into the Yangtze. This section was once an important navigable waterway linking the Yangtze valley to the Pearl River delta.

Cruising the Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo

All manner of cruises are available on the Li River. From large air-conditioned tour boats to small bamboo rafts, everyone will find something suited to discovering the magical landscapes that the journey offers.

Often compared to the famous Halong Bay in Vietnam, you can appreciate the panorama of the Li River, built by mountains and karst peaks, representing a magnificent tableau that has long inspired China's greatest painters and poets.

At sunset, the journey is well worth the detour, leaving you enchanted by the play of shadows reflected in the water.

Beyond the poetic landscape, you can immerse yourself in local life by observing workers in the rice fields, children playing in the water while women wash clothes, and water buffalo cooling off by partially submerging themselves along the riverbank. You will certainly encounter the famous fishermen accompanied by their cormorants on small bamboo rafts or other small boats navigating in all directions.

A cruise on the Li River is the best way to discover the splendor of the place. Boats depart mainly in the morning from the Zhujiang Wharf, located about 30 km from Guilin, to reach the small town of Yangshuo. 54 km will be covered in 4 hours, enough time to enjoy the views and capture unforgettable photographs.

Hiking along the Li River

For those wishing to escape the tourist crowds and not attempt the cruise experience, it is entirely possible to appreciate the landscapes of the Li River with a beautiful hike.

Venturing into the fishing villages and meeting locals who will flash broad smiles can be an equally enriching experience. The hike starting from the village of Yangdi to reach the small town of Xingping will keep you occupied for at least 5 hours of walking. You will be able to admire the most beautiful landscapes of the Li River and encounter the Hill of the Fresco of Nine Horses and the Golden Cloth Sandbank, which rank among the picturesque sites to see along the Lijiang.

Best times to visit

During high season from April to October, the weather is favorable for discovering the Li River and its karst landscapes. However, you will need to contend with large crowds of tourists.

The rainy season spans June to July, but showers are often brief, followed by sunny afternoons. Heat and humidity are at their peak, which can sometimes be oppressive.

The low season, extending from November to March, is marked by cool but pleasant temperatures. However, during this period, the river is relatively low and cruises become less frequent and shorter (around 2 hours instead of 4 hours).

From Guilin, you can reach the Zhujiang Wharf by taxi for approximately 100 CNY or by minibus booked through your hotel or a small local agency. Plan for about 40 minutes of travel from Guilin.

Li River Cruise Schedule and Prices

Departures occur around 9 a.m., arriving in Yangshuo around 2 p.m. Various rates are available:

– 275 CNY: includes the cruise + meal provided

– 285 CNY: includes the cruise + buffet