The Li River, the crown jewel of Guilin's landscape, is a must-visit attraction for every traveler to Guilin. Along its 83-kilometer stretch from Guilin to Yangshuo, the Yangdi to Xingping section offers the most spectacular scenery, passing iconic landmarks like Nine-Horse Fresco Hill and Yellow Cloth Shoal (featured on China's 20-yuan banknote).
The most comfortable way to experience the Li River is by cruise, though hiking along its banks, cycling nearby trails, or viewing it from mountain viewpoints each offer unique perspectives.
As a local who has lived in Guilin for over 30 years, the Li River has always been our must-visit destination for weekend getaways and holiday trips. The way we explore it varies by season. For instance, autumn is particularly ideal for hiking and cycling adventures. In this guide, I'll share practical touring advice based on firsthand experience.
1. Li River Cruise: The Most Comfortable Option with Minimal Weather Impact
Taking a cruise is the preferred choice for over 90% of visitors exploring the Li River. The boats are equipped with air conditioning, comfortable seating, and dining facilities, allowing you to enjoy the stunning scenery in comfort, rain or shine.
The entire cruise lasts about 4 hours, giving you ample time to immerse yourself in this breathtaking landscape.
From the open deck, you can take in 360-degree views of the river and admire the reflections on the water, capturing the best photo angles.
Li River cruises are mainly divided into 3-star and 4-star boats based on price and amenities.
While similar in size, the 3-star boats accommodate around 120 passengers with basic seating, while the 4-star boats offer more spacious leather sofas for only 75-80 guests.
The prices and meals also differ. The 3-star boats provide simple boxed lunches, while 4-star boats serve a buffet. For a superior experience, we highly recommend upgrading to the 4-star cruise for just $20 more.
When choosing seats, the upper deck's left side offers the best views and photo opportunities.
Both boat classes follow the same route from Guilin to Yangshuo, passing the most scenic spots. Your guide will notify you in advance when approaching key landmarks for photography.
Tips:
- The cruise terminal is about 25 km (50-minute drive) from downtown Guilin. Please allow sufficient time to reach the pier for boarding.
- Departure times range between 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM. Opt for the 9:00 AM slot for softer lighting and better photos.
- After disembarking, you can explore the countryside by bike or sidecar. Or relax with coffee at West Street. For more tour activities, try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) on the Yulong River.
- During peak seasons (summer vacation July-August, Labor Day, National Day, Spring Festival), tickets sell out quickly. To secure your spot, book at least 1 month in advance. 4-star cruises are in high demand. If unavailable, consider the 3-star option.
Ready to book a Guilin tour that includes a Li River Cruise? Read more at our 6-Day Guilin tour.
2. Bamboo Rafting Through the Li River's Most Scenic Section
For an intimate encounter with the Li River, bamboo rafting offers a serene alternative to cruise ships. Glide quietly across emerald waters aboard a traditional raft steered by local boatmen - you can even dip your feet into the cool river while soaking in the views.
The classic Yangdi to Xingping route (1.5 hours) passes iconic sights like Nine-Horse Fresco Hill, Yellow Cloth Shoal, and the 20-yuan banknote backdrop. Ask your boatman to pause briefly for photos at these landmarks.
For good photo opportunities, we recommend scheduling your rafting trip for early morning or dusk. During these golden hours, the soft natural light and calm river surface create perfect shooting conditions. Occasionally, you'll encounter local fishermen paddling their bamboo rafts across the water. These moments beautifully capture the poetic daily life along the Li River.
Your safety is our top priority. All our bamboo rafts are operated by experienced local boatmen and equipped with professional life-saving gear. We strictly navigate only in calm water areas and maintain a perfect safety record over the years.
Tips:
- Capacity: 4 passengers/raft. Pay extra to reserve empty seats for privacy.
- Transport: 1.5-hour drive from Guilin to Yangdi Pier. After rafting, 1-hour transfer to Yangshuo from Xingping.
- Life jackets are mandatory for all passengers.
- Age/Height Restrictions: Children under 7 years old or 1.2m in height, as well as seniors over 70 years old, are not permitted for safety reasons.
- Weather Advisory: During the rainy season (typically May-June), rafting may be temporarily suspended if water levels rise significantly or during flood conditions.
3. Hiking Along the Li River
If you enjoy hiking, the trails along the Li River offer fantastic options. Based on multiple field surveys, we recommend the following three routes to suit different preferences:
- Option 1: Quanjiazhou to Xingping – 12 km (4 hours)
- Option 2: Quanjiazhou to Nine-Horse Fresco Hill – 6 km (2 hours)
- Option 3: Bamboo Raft + Hike (Yangdi to Nine-Horse Fresco Hill by raft for 1 hour, then hike to Xingping for 2 hours) – 6 km
Option 1 is ideal if you can walk 20,000–30,000 steps a day and want to explore more riverside scenery and village life.
Option 2 is great for families with kids or those preferring a shorter hike. (I've personally taken this route with my 7-year-old!)
Option 3 is perfect for first-time visitors who want to experience both rafting and hiking. Travelers who have experience cruise may prefer Option 2 for a relaxed yet immersive walk.
Along the Way, you'll pass through ancient villages, vibrant rice paddies, and stunning karst peaks. Your guide will share insights into local culture, and you might even chat with fishermen and villagers. If visiting during harvest season (October), you can witness farmers working in the fields - cutting rice, harvesting peanuts.
Tips:
- The trails consist of pebble riverbanks and countryside paths. It is better to wear comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes.
- Best seasons: Autumn (September–November) brings crisp air and golden rice fields, while May offers mild temperatures with less rain.
4. Enjoy Panoramic Views from Mountain Vistas
Guilin's karst landscape features accessible mountains (mostly under 300m) connected by roads, making hiking relatively easy. For breathtaking overlooks of the Li River and karst peaks, don't miss these three summit viewpoints I've personally explored:
1. Caoping Dashawan Viewpoint
- Features: Primarily showcases mountain ranges with distant Li River views
- Access: About 1.5-hour drive from Guilin.
- Hike: Easy 20-minute stone stair climb.
- Best Time: 5-6PM for softer light and sunset
- Tips: The top stone platform offers prime photography spots but may have queues due to professional photoshoots
2. Yangshuo Thousand-Mile Landscape Gallery
- Features: Tiered peaks fading into the horizon, with the Li River visible afar
- Access: About 1.5-hour drive from Guilin. Requires winding mountain roads – not ideal for motion sickness
- Hike: Moderate 20-minute ascent with steeper sections
- Best Time: 5-6PM for sunset
3. Xianggong Hill
- Features: Direct overhead views of the Li River's "First Bend" and Nine-Horse Fresco Hill
- Access: About 2-hour drive from Guilin; most visitors depart from Yangshuo or Xingping (about 50-minute drive)
- Hike: Steeper 20-minute stone staircase climb
- Best Time: 5-6AM for sunrise – a photographer's paradise
Both Dashawan and the Thousand-Mile Landscape Gallery primarily offer views of mountain ranges, with the Li River visible only in the distance. If you want a closer view of the Li River, we recommend hiking Xianggong Mountain - the river scenery lies right at its foothills.
5. Biking from Daxu to Xingping along the Li River
For cycling enthusiasts, the Li River route offers some of the most breathtaking rural landscapes in Guilin. The classic itinerary begins at Daxu Ancient Town, follows a professional cycling racetrack, and concludes in Xingping. This route covers approximately 47 km (5 hours) on well-maintained, mostly paved roads.
As you pedal along riverside village paths, you'll pass ancient hamlets, vibrant rice paddies and serene riverbanks.
For shorter option, try the Xingping-Yangdi route (30 km, 3 hours). It also delivers equally stunning scenery with less effort - ideal for time-crunched travelers or casual riders.
With our customized Guilin tours, all cycling gear is provided. Your guide will supply water and snacks along the way, while our support vehicle transports luggage directly to your hotel.
Tips: The best season for biking is in Autumn (Sept–Nov), with cool and dry weather. Spring (Mar–May) is also good with pleasant temps but higher rain chances.
Explore Li River with China Highlights
Whether you prefer a leisurely cruise, an immersive hike, or panoramic mountain views, China Highlights crafts personalized itineraries to match your travel style. Enjoy private tour service that handles all transfers and logistics seamlessly - so you can focus solely on soaking in Guilin's beauty. Why wait? Contact us now to design your perfect journey!
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