1.Things to Know before You Go
That is an old saying goes, "Guilin's landscape is the finest under heaven, but Yangshuo's landscape is the finest in Guilin", the land forms in Yangshuo mentioned refers to the Li River. The Li River starts from Mao'er Mountain of the source of the Gui River, and ends at Sanjiangkou (三江口) in Pingle, with a total length of 164 kilometers. The 83-kilometre section of the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo (阳朔) is the essence of the landscape of Guilin. Many ancient poets have described the stunning scenery of the Li River.
The spring breeze lingers in Guilin throughout the four seasons.
The Li River is as thick as mellow wine.
The countless mountains on both banks are all inebriated,
Falling into a drunken stupor one after another amidst the sound of the oars.
2.Why is Li River so Special?
As a typical, the largest and most beautiful karst landscape tourism area in the world, Li River is also known as the "Hundred Miles River, Hundred Miles Gallery". It combines the four unique features of "clear mountains, beautiful waters, strange caves, and lovely rocks", and also enjoys the superiority of "green islets, dangerous shoals, deep pools, and flying waterfalls". Concentrated the essence of the landscape in Guilin, it gives people the feeling of "sailing on the blue waves in a boat and traveling in a painting". Actually, the pattern on the back of the 20-yuan banknote is exactly a section of the landscape of the Li River.
Due to the ever-changing charm of the Li River under different weather conditions, it presents a unique and enchanting landscape: the mountains are shrouded in clouds and mist on cloudy days; it is like a dreamy misty rain on rainy days, thus presenting tourists with a beautiful and hazy artistic conception of the landscape.
The main ways for tourists to visit the Li River include taking a boat, bamboo-rafting, cycling and hiking. Taking a boat can be divided into the essence tour, the water tour in Yangshuo, and the water tour in the urban area of Guilin. Considering comfort and safety factors, the best way to visit the Li River is by boat.
2.1 The Tangible Benefits Bring to Tourists
Guilin Li River offers visitors a multitude of benefits, making it a truly unforgettable destination, here’s how it enriches the experience of those who visit.
Aesthetic Pleasure and Relaxation
The Li River’s stunning landscapes, with its karst mountains, crystal-clear waters, and lush greenery, provide a visual feast that soothes the soul. The serene environment allows visitors to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse themselves in nature’s tranquility.
Cultural and Historical Insight
As one of China’s most iconic natural wonders, the Li River is deeply intertwined with local culture and history. Visitors can gain a deeper appreciation for the region’s heritage, including traditional fishing practices, local folklore, and the artistic inspiration it has provided for centuries in the poetry.
Photographic Opportunities
The ever-changing scenery of the Li River, from misty mornings to golden sunsets, offers endless opportunities for photography enthusiasts to capture breathtaking moments and create lasting memories in their life journey.
Physical and Mental Well-being
Activities like boat tours, bamboo rafting, and hiking along the river promote the physical health while allowing visitors to connect with nature and evoke their sense of happiness. What's more, the peaceful atmosphere also helps reduce stress and rejuvenate the mind.
Unique Experiences
Whether it’s cruising through the iconic karst peaks, witnessing the daily life of local fishermen, or exploring riverside villages, the Li River always provides unique and authentic experiences that are hard to find elsewhere.
Educational Value
The Li River’s ecosystem and geological formations offer educational insights into nature’s wonders, making it an ideal destination for families and curious travelers alike.
Spiritual Connection
The ethereal beauty of the Li River often arouses awareness of awe and wonder, therefore fostering a deeper connection with nature and a renewed appreciation for the world’s natural treasures.
Overall, the Li River is not just an ideal destination but a holistic experience that nourishes the mind, body, and spirit, leaving visitors with lasting memories and a profound sense of fulfillment.
3. How to Get to Li River
3.1 Traffic Information
By Air
Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (桂林两江国际机场) offers flights to numerous domestic and international cities. From the airport to the city center, visitors can take the airport shuttle bus (fare approximately RMB 20) or a taxi (costing around RMB 80-100) to arrive the destination. Alternatively, public buses are available, though they take significantly longer.
By Train
There are several railway stations in Guilin, including Guilin Railway Station, Guilin North Railway Station, and Guilin West Railway Station. Guilin Railway Station is closer to the city center and offers convenient transportation options for travelers to Li River. Guilin North Railway Station has a higher frequency of trains, while Guilin West Railway Station is relatively farther away. Visitors can choose the most suitable train based on their departure location.
3.2 Opening Time & Ticket Information
Address: Mao'er Mountain, Xingan County, Guilin City, China
Opening time: April to November: 8:40 – 22:40 ; December to March: 8:40 – 21:40
Time needed: 4 hours
Best Time: Autumn, especially September to October
Suited to: Travel lovers, boating enthusiasts, mountain climbing enthusiasts, cycling enthusiasts, bamboo rafting enthusiasts, photographers
4. Highlights of Li River
4.1 Upstream Tour of the Li River in Guilin Urban Area
Ticket price: RMB 88
How to get there: The boarding location is at Longchuanping Wharf (龙船坪码头), next to the Guilin Art Museum. Tourists who want to take the upstream tour of the Li River should board the boat at this Wharf.
Bus routes: Take Bus No. 11, Bus No. 99 and get off at the Guiqing Road Station (桂青路站) on Zhongshan South Road (中山南路), then walk 800 meters towards Longchuanping Wharf (龙船坪码头).
How to get fun: The cruise ship is with two floors, the lower floor is the passenger cabin with seats for sitting. The upper floor is an open-top canopy without seats, but tourists can stand on it to enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view.
Tourist attractions : Nanxi Mountain(南溪山), Tashan Mountain (塔山), Elephant Trunk Hill, Qixing Mountain (七星山), Fubo Mountain, Diecai Mountain(叠彩山)
Notes: There is no air conditioning on the ship. When it's cold, you need to wear more clothes before boarding. When it's hot, remember to bring a fan and a sunshade.
It is suitable for travelers who don't have enough time to take a whole tour of the Li River.
4.2 Panoramic Cruise Tour of the Li River
A. Ordinary Cruise Ship on the Li River
Boarding location: Mopanshan Wharf (磨盘山码头)
Time: 60 minutes
Sightseeing tool: Double-deck cruise ship
Sightseeing features: Rich in scenic spots, allowing for a comprehensive appreciation of the scenery of the Li River
Sightseeing time: 4 hours
Cost: RMB 245 per person
Scenic spots: Immortal Pushing the Millstone (仙人推磨), Carp Hanging on the Wall (鲤鱼挂壁), Misty Rain over Langshi (浪石烟雨), Yangdi Waterfall (杨堤飞瀑), Nine-Horse Fresco Hill (九马画山), Reflection of Huangbu Shoal (黄布倒影), the mountains in the 20-yuan Bank Note, Beautiful Scenery in Xingping (兴坪佳境), Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea (八仙过海), Xingping Fishing Village (兴坪渔村).
B. Luxury Cruise Ship on the Li River
Boarding location: Zhujiang Wharf (竹江码头)
Time: 60 minutes by car from Guilin
Sightseeing tool: Double-deck cruise ship
Sightseeing features: Rich in scenic spots, with a relatively better environment, and it receives a large number of foreign friends.
Sightseeing Time: 4 hours
Cost: RMB 360 per person
Scenic spots : Immortal Pushing the Millstone, Carp Hanging on the Wall, Misty Rain over Langshi, Yangdi Waterfall, Nine-Horse Fresco Hill, Reflection of Huangbu Shoal, the mountains in the 20-yuan Bank Note, Beautiful Scenery in Xingping, Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea, Xingping Fishing Village.
C. Essence Cruise on the Li River
Boarding location: Xingping Wharf (兴坪码头)
Sightseeing vehicle: Li River Cruise in Xingping (兴坪漓江游船)
Sightseeing features: This cruise covers the last section of the Li River
Time: 60 minutes
Cost: RMB 85 per person
Scenic Spots: The Reflection of Huangbu Shoal, the mountains in the 20-yuan Bank Note, the Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea, Chaoban Mountain (朝板山), Snow - lion Ridge, and Xingping Fishing Village.
How to book tickets: As the wharf is about 20 kilometers away from the urban area of Guilin (there is no direct bus, and it costs about 100 yuan by taxi), the cruise tickets are generally not sold separately. Tourists who want to take the cruise to visit the Li River can book the one - day Li River cruise tour with transportation included through our travel agency. The one - day Li River cruise tour includes the cost of transporting guests from urban hotels to the cruise wharf.
How to get there: The boarding wharf for the three - star cruise ship is Mopanshan Wharf (磨盘山码头) and Zhujiang Wharf(竹江码头) for the four - star cruise ship. The disembarking wharf for the three - star cruise ship is Longtoushan Wharf (龙头山码头), and Shuidongmen Wharf in Yangshuo (阳朔水东门码头) for the four - star cruise ship.
Scenic spots: Lawn Scenery, Yangdi Scenery (杨堤风光), the Nine - Horse Fresco Hill, the Reflection of Huangbu Shoal, and the Beautiful Scenery of Xingping.
Notes: Those who are prone to seasickness can prepare seasickness medicine in advance.
4.3 Li River Bamboo-Rafting
Boarding location: Xingping Wharf (It takes about 50 minutes by car from Yangshuo.)
Sightseeing tool: Bamboo raft
Sightseeing time: 60 minutes
Sightseeing features: The bamboo raft can accommodate four people, making it suitable for those who love getting close to the water.
Cost: RMB 140 per person
Scenic Spots: Nine-Horse Fresco Hill, Reflection of Huangbu Shoal, the Background of the 20-yuan Note, Beautiful Scenery in Xingping, Seven Fairies Descending to the Mortal World, Arhat Sunning His Belly (罗汉晒肚), Beauty Looking in the Mirror, Carp Showing Its Fin, Camel Crossing the River
Special Reminder: Taking the safety into consideration, the Li River Scenic Area stipulates that children under 7 years old and the elderly over 70 years old are prohibited from taking bamboo rafts.
4.4 Hiking along the Li River
Recommended route (about 15 kilometres): Yangdi (杨堤)— Wangfu Mountain (望夫山)— Nine-Horse Fresco Hill — Xingping Ancient Town
Scenic Spots: Langshi Stone Forest ( 浪石林), Nine-Horse Fresco Hill, Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea, Reflection of Huangbu Shoal, Goddess Peak, etc.
How to play: First, take a bamboo raft from Xingping to Quanji Zhou (全家洲). Start the hiking from Quanji Zhou and then return to Xingping. It is advisable to arrive at Xingping one day in advance to find accommodation. The innkeeper will be very enthusiastic to arrange a bamboo raft and a hiking route for you.
Notes: When hiking, it is best to wear soft shoes with soft insoles, because there are many stones on the road and it is quite difficult to walk.
4.5 Aerial Tour of the Li River
Scenic Spots(25 minutes): Xingping Fishing Village - Camel Crossing the River - Li River - Nine-Horse Fresco Hill - Xingping - Xianggong Mountain (相公山)- Fishing Village - Gongnong Bridge
Time: 25 minutes
The cost is approximately around RMB 2,600 per adult and around 2,300 yuan per child.
Passenger Capacity: The helicopter can carry a maximum of three tourists. If the number of passengers is insufficient, an empty seat fee needs to be paid.
How to get there: The boarding location is the Yangshuo Gaotian Aerial Base (阳朔高田空中游览基地), it is beside the exit of the Gaotian Expressway in Yangshuo County.
Overlooking the Li River from the peak, three famous mountains by the Li River are highly recommended: Xianggong Mountain (相公山), Cuiping Mountain (翠屏山), and Lao Zhai Mountain (老寨山).
4.5.1 Xianggong Mountain 相公山
Entrance Ticket: RMB 20 per person.
Geographical location: It is between the two scenic spots of Huangbu Shoal (黄布滩) and Nine-Horse Fresco Hill, about 28 kilometers away from Yangshuo.
How to play: The sea of clouds, sunrise, and colorful clouds here are stunningly beautiful, all of these make it very suitable for photography.
How to get there: Start from Yangdi Wharf (杨堤码头) in Guilin or take a vehicle in Yangshuo to Putao Town (葡萄镇), and then transfer to a motorcycle or hire a car to proceed.
4.5.2 Cuiping Mountain 翠屏山
Entrance Ticket: Free
How to play: Cuiping Mountain is also known as Wuzhi Mountain (Five-Finger Mountain). Hiking trails and viewing platforms have been built in the scenic area, which is very suitable for photography, since many famous photography works have been created here. When climbing the mountain and looking westward, you can see a vast expanse of peak forests at the distance, and the waters of Turtle River converge at the foot of the mountain, thus presenting a magnificent view.
Geographical location: It is situated in the southwest of Putao Town (葡萄镇), Yangshuo County.
How to get there: First, take a vehicle to Putao Town, and then change to a motorbike to Cuiping Village, and it takes about 30 minutes to reach the top of the mountain.
4.5.3 Lao Zhai Mountain 老寨山
Entrance Ticket: Free
How to play: This place is where the "U"-shaped bend of the Li River is located, and many shooting spots for Li River photography works are just right here. The Li River winds gracefully, with the continuous green peaks on both banks reflected in the water. The wind-swaying bamboo along the banks and the egrets flying low over the river surface all outline an incomparable landscape painting. Standing on the top of mountain, you can spot the famous Xingping Sunset Glow (兴坪夕照) and overlook the mountains and rivers in the distance.
How to get there: You can take an electric cart in the ancient town and ask the driver to drop you off at the Banyan Tree Pool Station (榕树潭). There are several typical signboards at the entrance of the mountain climbing steps, which show a lot of English words. Then, following the arrows all the way to the top of the mountain and the pavilion on the top of the mountain is the best place to take photos.
4.5.4 Xingping Ancient Town 兴坪古镇
Xingping Ancient Town has a time-honored history for more than 1,700 years, it not only preserves a large amount of cultural heritages such as ancient streets, ancient bridges, ancient opera stages, and ancient temples, but also has rich natural landscapes, such as the Nine-Horse Fresco Hill and the Reflection of Huangbu Shoal, which is one of the core areas of the Li River Scenic Area.
Nine-Horse Fresco Hill: It is located on the east bank of the Li River. Starting from Yangdi, it takes about an hour by boat to reach there. There are patterns of nine horses on the cliffs, each in a different shape and they are faintly visible in the cloudy days.
Reflection of Huangbu Shoal: It is situated near the Chaoban Mountain Wharf (朝板山码头) in Xingping Town, Yangshuo County. The Li River here is very broad so that the water surface is as smooth as a mirror, which makes the reflections of the green peaks extremely splendid.
4.5.5 Daxu Ancient Town 大圩古镇
Daxu Ancient Town sits on the east bank of the Li River, about 23 kilometres away from Guilin. Originally, the ancient town was built in the early years of the Northern Song Dynasty and has a history of more than a thousand years. The residential buildings are constructed along the river with very distinctive architectural styles and the streets are paved with bluestones, and on both sides of the stone-paved roads are well-preserved old houses. The main scenic spots include Wanshou Bridge, the Mosque, the stone-paved road, Daxu Wharf, Gudong Waterfall (古东瀑布), and the ancient tombs in Daxu.
As a tourist destination that combines history, culture with natural scenery, people will be indulged in the beautiful ancient streets, unique buildings, and wonderful folk culture here, while enjoying the beautiful views on both sides of the Li River. Maozhou Island (毛洲岛) within the ancient town is acclaimed as "the largest island in the Hundred-mile Li River" and it is planted with various crops, thus making its pastoral scenery very enchanting.
In addition to the above-mentioned ways of sightseeing, one can also go cycling.
If choosing to cycle, they can ride along the Li River beside Mopanshan Mountain (磨盘山), and then appreciate the beautiful views of fields and country estates along the way, and finally reach Daxu Ancient Town.
4.6 Eternal Love of Guilin 桂林千古情
It is said that the Eternal Love of Guilin is one of the three most famous shows in China and is hailed as a performance that one must see in a lifetime. It is tourist-oriented shows with the No. 3 Secret Realm Tourism Complex, which covers an area of tens of thousands of square meters and is fully air-conditioned indoors, as well as a covered walkway.
The show "Eternal Love of Guilin" utilizes advanced high-tech means such as huge sound, light, and electricity, as well as stage machinery. In the three-dimensional space of land, water, and air, it sings the legendary stories of truth, goodness, and beauty that have spanned through time and space in the Guangxi region. It brings the culture of Guangxi, which has been hidden beneath the landscapes of the Li River stretching eight hundred li (400km), into people's view and reproduces an unforgettable love story of Guilin that spans three lifetimes. The statue of the Fairy of Songs is imposing and integrates perfectly with the landscapes of Guilin, therefore representing the embodiment of the sons and daughters of truth, goodness, and beauty in the Guangxi region.
Duration of the performance: Approximately 1 hour
Ticket price: VIP Seats, RMB 310 per person
Performance sessions: There are a total of six sessions from 13:00 to 14:00, 14:30 to 15:30, 16:00 to 17:00, 17:30 to 18:30, 19:00 to 20:00, and 20:30 to 21:30.
Highlights of the scenic area: In addition to the indoor performance, there are also various activities outdoors such as ethnic flash mobs, haunted houses, bumper cars, etc. It caters to people of all ages for eating, drinking, having fun, and entertainment, and the performance is not affected by the weather.
Performance characteristics: It mainly showcases the Guangxi culture along the landscapes of the Li River. From the Call of the Ancient Times to the Search for Third Sister Liu, there are a total of five plays. Acrobatics and dances are used to set off the stories and express emotions, a moving and passionate romantic love story is truly touching.
4.7 Impression · Liu Sanjie 印象·刘三姐
As the largest live - action theater in the world, it sings out the most time - honored folk songs of Guilin and vividly presents the landscape and customs of the Li River. In "Impression · Liu Sanjie", the appearance and disappearance of mountains, the reflection on the water mirror, the embellishment of misty rain, the gentle chanting of bamboo forests, and the moonlight shining, they may all enter the performance at any time, becoming wonderful chapters.
Performance mode: Outdoor live performance
Performance duration: About 1 hour
Performance sessions: 19:30 and 21:05
Highlights of the performance: Using 12 mountains and a 2 - kilometer - long water area on the Li River as the stage background, there are more than 600 specially - trained actors. The performance costumes are extremely colorful, and different ethnic minority costumes such as those of Zhuang, Yao, and Miao ethnic groups are selected for different scenes. Through lighting, smoke, and unique artistic expression forms, a dream - like performance landscape is created, which is very visual appealing.
Target Audience: Art lovers
Ticket Price: RMB 268 per person for the VIP seats.
5. Suggested Tour Routes and Attractions
The following is the itinerary for one-day tour of Guilin.
Yangshuo High-speed Railway Station (阳朔高铁站) - Xingping Ancient Town - The Scenery on the Back of the 20-yuan Note - Reflection of Huangbu Shoal (黄布倒影) - Nine-Horse Fresco Hill - Huashan Ferry (by ferry) - Xianggong Mountain (相公山) - The Scenery of Xiajiang (下江风光) - The Opposite Bank of Yangdi (by ferry) - Yangdi (杨堤)
6.What Experience You may Get
Asking for directions: The people living along the Li River that you meet are all very friendly and kind during the journey. When you ask for directions, several people will compete to tell you the way.
Diet: If you spend RMB 10 to have a bowl of rice noodles, and they will even offer to add more for free if you ask.
Pleasures of the journey: I met some local people who were gathering snails, when they learned that I wanted to wade in the water, they took the initiative to tell me the location of the shallow water area.
7. Best Time to Go
The best time to visit the Li River is from September to November every year. During this period, there is relatively less rainfall with moderate water level, plus the climate is very pleasant, thus it is highly suitable for boating.
The following are the best months for traveling on the Li River in different months.
April to May: Although there is a relatively large amount of rainfall, you can still witness the scenery of the "Li River in Misty Rain", and the temperature is not high.
September to November: In autumn, the climate is very pleasant with moderate water level, which makes it extremely suitable for boating.
June to August: It is the period from the middle to the end of the rainy season, with high humidity and high temperature, so it is not very suitable for a visit.
Precautions for traveling on the Li River
Avoid the Golden Week: During the "May Day" and "National Day" , these golden weeks, accommodation and transportation tend to be in high demand, and prices also rise.
8. Nearby Attractions
Elephant Trunk Hill 象鼻山
Entrance ticket: Free
Location of Elephant Trunk Hill: It stands at the confluence of the Taohua River (桃花江) and the Li River in Guilin City, near Dongxi Alley in the city center of Guilin and beside the Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas.
Origin of the name: It gets its name because the shape of the hill resembles a giant elephant standing by the river, stretching out its trunk to drink the sweet spring water of the Li River, so it is regarded as a symbol of the landscape of Guilin.
Spectacular scenery of the scenic spot: As a landmark in Guilin's tourism, it is famous for the wonderful scenery of "Elephant Trunk Hill with the Moon over the Water", which is formed by a bright moon over the water between the legs of the "elephant".
Poems in the Ming Dynasty: The elephant trunk clearly drinks from the Jade River, when the west wind blows, a sip of water should create ripples, the green mountains naturally possess unique charm. One will never be tired of looking at them in the daytime.
Transportation: Since it stands in the city center of Guilin, the public transportation is very convenient. Meanwhile, there are all sorts of hotels nearby, and some of them even offer fantastic angles overlooking the Li River, thus providing a quite shocking visual experience for the visitors.
Travel Tips: When most tourists climb Elephant Trunk Hill and stand on the peak, they will see numerous forest-covered hills. As the wind changes, the hills heave up and down for a while and then disappear into the clouds and mist. When the sun sets and the afterglow covers the mountains, everything is quiet and it is really intoxicating. In addition, there is a small pagoda on Elephant Trunk Hill, the Samantabhadra Pagoda, which is used to enshrine the Bodhisattva "Samantabhadra".
9. The Possible Advantages of Visiting with Yes! CN Tour
Assisting you to enjoy a time-saving and convenient visit for Li River, we highly recommend you to travel with us Yes! CN Tour.
Guided tours are led by knowledgeable and experienced tour guides who provide valuable insights into the history, culture, and significance of the places you visit. Therefore, joining a guided tour offers a hassle-free, enriching, and socially engaging way to explore the world.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-timer, a guided tour can provide you with a memorable and rewarding experience.
What's more, our local experienced drivers will serve you wholeheartedly from the beginning you arrive in the airport of tourism destinations to the last moment you want to leave, we focus on each detail and make tailor-made itineraries based on your group size, physical conditions and budgets. What you need to do is to concentrate on the highlights in the scenic spots.
