Li River Hiking
Click the map to view a larger and clearer hiking map.
Li River, in Guilin, is considered as one of the most beautiful rivers in China. There are two ways to tour the Like, taking a cruise boat and hiking. While cruise is the most popular way to explore the river, hiking is taken by an increasingly number of travelers. The beauty of Lijiang River cannot be fully appreciated on a boat. Instead, hike slowly along the river, stopping here and there by the river, and emerge your feet in the water. Follow the trail in the bamboo forest, tramping over golden rice fields and camp for one night to experience the sunrise and sunset. This is how to fully appreciate the beauty of Lijiang River.
The entire hiking route is about 22 kilometers long, divided into two sections: Yangdi–Jiumahua Mountain (10 km) and Jiumahua Mountain–Xingping (12 km). There are three choices for visitors planning to travel this section of Li River.
- Only hike. If you do not want to continue hiking after arriving at Jiumahua Mountain, you can take a battery car to Xingping for free.
- Hike half of the route. You can choose each of the two sections: Yangdi-Jiumahua Mountain, or Jiumahua Mountain–Xingping to hike, and for the rest section, you can take a raft for replacement, but be prepared for extra fee.
- No hiking. You can take a raft to visit this section of Li River. It costs a little bit more than hiking.
Yangdi to Xingping Route
The route from Yangdi to Xinping
There are several trails to do the hiking, and the most popular hiking route is from Yangdi to Xingping. The 22 km route from Yangdi to Xingping covers the essence of Lijiang River. It crosses Lijiang River three times and passes six nature villages. The entire trip takes five to six hours by foot. Hikers come across many scenic spots, such as Langshi Scenery, Nine Horse Mural Hill and Yellow Cloth Shoal.
This route is rougly divided into two parts, Yangdi-Jiumahua Mountain part and Jiumahua Mountain–Lengshui Ferry–Xingping part.
Yangdi-Jiumahua Mountain (10 km)
Yangdi Ferry
Yangdi is 46 km from Guilin, about one hour by bus. Hikers can enjoy Guilin rice noodles (a bowl costs only 2 Yuan) in many small restaurants at Yangdi ferry while waiting for boats. Many villagers sell items with bamboo baskets, including taros, Zongzi, chicken and duck eggs, rain gear, and other delicacies. Prices are slightly higher, but such items are still very reasonable. You can also buy food and daily necessities here. The beautiful Yangdi ferry is surrounded by a bamboo forest.
There is a public toilet near the ferry which is of great significance for you, as you won't find a more decent on the way. Toilets indeed are available in some villages you will pass but you may consider to avoid them. There are several crossings that you have to take. The first one is right at the Yangdi ferry.
Li River hiking trip
After crossing the river at the ferry, there is a fairly long section of dirt path, which may became very muddy after heavy rains. About 30 minutes walk further leads to a riverside village, called langshi Village. Scenery around this area is marvelous. The river has its way southward calmly, pinnacles lining in the other side. There came the second crossing point. Be noticed that this point is often very busy and crowded, and expect to see long queues. Many locals taking opportunity of the developed tourism industry in the area; they have their small bamboo rafts stopped at the ferry for business. Travelers are suggested to avoid this local means of transportation for safety concern.
Nine Horses Mural Hill
The road condition after the crossing is a bit tough with many slope sections. Many venders offered their services in this part. Steamed red skin potatoes, a kind of vegetable widely planted in the area, fried peanuts, and steamed eggs were available on sale.
Along the bank further downstream. the road reaches the Nine Horses Mural Hill which is one of the highlights along the river. It was so named because of the naturally shaped image of nice horses in different positions on the cliff.
Jiumahua Mountain–Lengshui Ferry–Xingping
Yellow Cloth Shoal
When almost at Xingping, you will come across a famous sight, Yellow Cloth Shoal, that serves as the pattern on the 20 Yuan RMB bill. After landing at Lengshui village and walking straight through it, take a boat in front of Jiumahua Mountain to cross the river. Then, you only need to walk along the field path for three hours to reach Xingping.
Xingping is around 5o minutes' drive away from Yangshuo, and there are regular buses from Xingping Bus Station to Yangshuo.
China Highlights is your China travel expert. We can help you customize a trip to hiking along the Li River, or just see our Li River Hiking Tour.
Useful Information
Best Hiking Time: Spring; visitors can see large field of rape flowers in full blossom.
Road Condition: the road along Lijiang River consists mostly of rice field trails and footpaths. Hikers do not need to climb mountains, and will not get lost since there is only one way.
wear good walking shoes.
Bring an umbrella or a rain coat in rainy seasons, and a hat in sunny days. Sun scream should be prepared to protect your skin.
Prepare enough water and food.
Prepare small changes if you want to buy water or other snack en route&
Bamboo rafting on the Li River is not recommended as it is illegal.
Chinese lunch can be arranged at simple local restaurants along the way or when you get to Yangshuo.
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