Guilin Bamboo Rafting: A Completed Travel Guide

Guilin bamboo rafting is a great way to experience the essence of its karst landscape, especially popular in summer to escape the heat.

Typically, we recommend taking a bamboo raft on the Yulong River for the best scenery. However, if you're short on time, taking a motorized bamboo raft for the essence part of the Li River in Xingping is also great.

For those who are looking for adrenaline and adventurous activities, whitewater drifting experiences on the Longjing River and Longji Gorge may suit your needs.

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• Top 5 Bamboo Rafting Experiences on Yulong River
• Bamboo Rafting on the Li River
• Whitewater Drifting in Guilin
• Tips for Bamboo Rafting and Whitewater Drifting
• When Is the Best Time for Bamboo Rafting and Whitewater Drifting

Top 5 Bamboo Rafting Experiences on Yulong River

A Bamboo Rafting Experience on Yulong River, Yangshuo, Guilin

The Yulong River bamboo raft trip is a must and the most popular bamboo raft experience in Guilin. You'll float on crystal clear water with a gentle current. A local boatman poles you along while you relax and enjoy the beautiful karst mountain views along the riverbanks.

During the bamboo rafting, the fun part is when you go over the small dams, you get a quick drop that feels like a tiny rollercoaster moment, plus some refreshing splashes. This is just enough excitement for a chill experience, and perfect for families with children, active couples, and first-time visitors.

There are several route options for bamboo rafting on the Yulong River, but we definitely recommend the Shui'edi Wharf to Gongnong Bridge Wharf route.

This route has fewer and gentler dams, and a middle-duration ride that leaves time for other fun activities, which is ideal if you want to try bamboo rafting without spending half your day on the water that making up a great value for money.

The Shui'edi Wharf to Gongnong Bridge Wharf: The Most Recommended

• Duration: 3km / 40-50 minutes
• Price: $28 per raft (fits 2 people) - one way

This route is the most popular one and offers the best value in the Yulong River.

You'll float 3km along bamboo-lined banks, passing rice paddies and old villages nestled among the hills. Enjoy uninterrupted views of the karst mountains throughout the journey.

The trip ends at Gongnong Bridge, a perfect spot to admire the panoramic view of the Yulong River. After your rafting, you could continue exploring the area by bike, and ride through the Shili Gallery to discover Yangshuo's countryside.

It needs to be noted that this route gets extremely busy during peak season from June to August, and you may need to deal with longer queues and a crowded river with rafts. Consider quieter routes like the Lansheng Bridge route for a more relaxed and peaceful vibe.

Jinlong Bridge Wharf to Jiuxian Wharf: The Most Thrilling Ride

• Duration: 6km / About 90 minutes
• Price: $45 per raft (fits 2 people) - one way

This route is widely considered the classic one with an iconic karst landscape, and is very popular among youngsters.

You'll see diverse karst mountain peaks and tranquil countryside views during the trip. What's more, the trip includes 9 dams with the biggest drops of all the routes, giving you the most complete rafting experience on the river.

However, this route isn't ideal for senior travelers or families with very young children due to the excitement. But for those who want to fully immerse themselves in the karst landscape and are looking for the ultimate rafting adventure, this is our top recommendation.

Jima Wharf to Gongnong Bridge Wharf: The Quieter Route

• Duration: 6km / About 90 minutes
• Price: $45 per raft (fits 2 people) - one way

This less-crowded route offers a peaceful journey. You'll go through landscapes similar to the Shui'edi route, but with longer rafting time for about 90 minutes, which allows you to enjoy the endless karst mountains leisurely.

Like the Jinlong Bridge Wharf route, this route also includes 9 dams, but gentler with smaller drops, making it ideal for seniors. If you want to avoid crowds and have a relatively complete experience, this one could be your best choice.

Lansheng Bridge Wharf to Camels Crossing Viewpoint: Best for Families

• Duration: 3.6km / About 40 minutes
• Price: $42 per raft (fits 3 people) - round trip

This route is perfect for families with children who want to enjoy bamboo rafting together, and no need to split up.

Thanks to the fewer dams of 3 with gentle drops, this route remains quite even during the peak season. The view is great, with a signature sight called Camels Crossing the River, which is named after three limestone peaks that reflect on the water, resembling camels wading across the river.

Wanjing Wharf Leisure Float: Most Budget-Friendly for Whole Family

• Duration: 2km / About 90 minutes
• Price: $7/person (8-person raft) - round trip

* Note: Minimum charge for 5 people if under 5 passengers.

This route has the gentlest currents, and is the only route permitted for children under 1 meter and seniors over 70 years old. There are no dams during the trip, since the whole point is relaxation.

To create happy memories, you could rent some water guns for your children and enjoy the clear, refreshing water together.

Important Booking Tips:

• Normally, the bamboo rafting reservations are open 1 day in advance only.
• No reservation? Try buying tickets at the wharf at 7:30 AM on your visit day. Keep in mind that hot routes sell out within minutes during peak season, like the Shui'edi route and Jinlong Bridge route.
• Keep an open mind if your travel dates fall in the peak season, and have backup route options ready to ensure your bamboo raft dream comes true.

Beyond These Routes...

The Yulong River offers many rafting routes that could be difficult to choose from.

How about skipping the research hassle and traveling with us? Your guide will recommend your ideal route based on real-time crowd and weather conditions, resulting in a stress-free experience.

Bamboo Rafting on the Li River

Bamboo Rafting on the Li River

• Duration: 8km / About 50 minutes
• Price: $17 per raft (fits 4 people) - round trip

We would only recommend the Xingping Pier to Nine Horses Fresco Hill route for Li River bamboo rafting, while other routes either offer less iconic views or take too long to complete.

If you're skipping the Guilin cruise and heading straight to Yangshuo, this rafting route lets you quickly admire the Li River's most stunning views and snap photos at the iconic 20 Yuan bill backdrop spot, which offers great value.

However, unlike the peaceful artificial bamboo rafts on the Yulong River, Li River rafts normally have noisy motors. You'll also hear and encounter passing cruise ships, so it's less tranquil. Plus, a raft trip requires 4 people, which means you will share with others if your group is smaller, or you pay extra for a private raft.

Whitewater Drifting in Guilin

Experience an Adrenaline Rush While Whitewater Drifting

This adrenaline-pumping activity is popular with adventure-seeking young travelers, especially non-swimmers wanting to experience Guilin's cool waters in summer.

You'll gear up with a life jacket, hop into a two-person inflatable rubber raft, and ride down lively rapids. The water here is shallower than the Yulong River, but moves faster, with staff pushing you down the fun mini-waterfalls at the dams. Enjoy the bounce over smooth rocks that give your raft playful bumps along the way.

It needs to be noted that children shorter than 1.4 meters and people over 55 years old are not allowed to participate in this activity. Remember, always hold tight to the raft handles so you don't take an unexpected swim. And since getting wet is inevitable, bring a dry change of clothes before you catch a cold.

Longjing River Drifting

• Location: Within the Dayuanlin F orest Farm, Xingping Town, Yangshuo County
• Departure Times: Daily at 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 4:30 PM
• Duration: 4.5 kilometers; approximately 1.5 hours
• Ticket Price: About USD 21 per person

Located about an hour's drive from Yangshuo West Street, Longjing River Drifting is one of Guilin's most famous whitewater drifting experiences. If you plan to stay 2 days or more in Yangshuo and enjoy exciting water activities, this is perfect for you.

Prepare for an exhilarating ride! The route winds through a stunning valley framed by karst mountain peaks and vast forests. You'll navigate crystal-clear waters, encounter over 10 rapids with drops ranging from 3 to 6 meters, and twist through 108 bends in the fast-flowing river channel. After your rafting, you can get warmed up with complimentary ginger tea provided at the end point. Shower facilities are also available for changing dry clothes.

What's more, if you finish drifting with time to spare, consider stopping at Xingping Ancient Town on your way back. Your guide will show you the perfect spot to witness the iconic views of fishermen at dusk against the backdrop of the setting sun.

Mao'er Mountain Body Drifting

• Location: Mao'er Mountain National Nature Reserve, Xing'an County
• Scenic Area Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily
• Rafting Time: Start anytime during operating hours
• Ticket Price: Approximately USD 14 per person

Located about a 2-hour drive from downtown Guilin, this national nature reserve is the source of the Li River, renowned for its exceptionally pure, crystal-clear waters often described as "jelly-like".

Instead of drifting by rubber boats, Mao'er Mountain offers a truly unique form of rafting: body drifting. This experience involves simply floating on your back down gentle streams. After putting on a helmet and a life vest, you'll enter the cool, clear water, relax your body, spread out comfortably, and let the gentle current carry you downstream. Safety staff patrol the banks and will alert you if you approach any shallower sections.

After your refreshing float, the scenic area provides complimentary water guns and sand toys, plus a free 1-hour SUP (stand-up paddleboard) rental, perfect for enjoying further water fun with your family. If you have more time to spare, consider staying overnight at the resort's hotel. Besides exploring the natural scenery, you could participate in the scenic area's evening activities, including campsite gatherings and live music events.

Longji Gorge Drifting

• Location: Near the Longji Rice Terraces scenic area, Longsheng County
• Departure Times: Daily at 10:00 AM, 1:30 PM, and 4:00 PM
• Duration: 4.8 kilometers; approximately 1.5 hours
• Ticket Price: Approximately USD 14 per person

* Note: Does not include admission to the Longji Rice Terraces

Situated about a 2-hour drive from Guilin City, Longji Gorge Drifting offers a thrilling adventure near the renowned Longji Rice Terraces area. If exploring these magnificent terraces is already part of your travel plans, this rafting experience makes for a perfect complementary activity.

Navigate crystal-clear waters flanked by karst peaks and untouched forests. Experience exhilarating rapids where you can't help but scream with excitement, then find moments of peace on gentler stretches. Here, you can relax and lie back, feeling the warm sunlight filter through the gap of leaves overhead, making up a refreshing and utterly delightful escape.

After your whitewater drifting adventure, you could head to the hot spring hotel nestled at the mountain's base for a soothing soak to warm up before returning to your accommodation within the Longji Rice Terraces area. Alternatively, a quick shower is available if you prefer to board the direct return bus to Guilin city center, allowing you to recharge comfortably for the next exciting chapter of your journey.

Tips for Bamboo Rafting and Whitewater Drifting

• Passengers weighing more than 100 kg or 220 pounds need to inquire with the scenic spot in advance whether they can participate in rafting or drifting activities.
• Avoid drifting in May. Normally, the water level rises quickly in this month as it tends to have more heavy rains.
• UV rays are strong in summer, and there is usually no shelter when rafting or drifting, so you need to pay attention to sun protection in case you get burned.
• Remember to take spare clothes, as it is inevitable that you will get wet when drifting.
• If you wear glasses or sunglasses, remember to take a rubber band and tie your glasses up at the back of your head in case they slip into the water.

When Is the Best Time for Bamboo Rafting and Whitewater Drifting

Generally, the period from April to October (excluding May) is Guilin's high-water season and is recommended for both bamboo rafting and whitewater drifting activities.

Among these months, April and September to October are particularly ideal for bamboo rafting. During this time, rainfall is less frequent and the climate is pleasant, offering the chance to experience the mist-shrouded Li River and its ink-wash painting-like karst mountains in spring, or witness golden rice fields in autumn.

July and August are less recommended for bamboo rafting due to the intense heat. Most rafts lack shade, making the one-hour journey uncomfortably hot. Additionally, the summer tourist peak leads to long queues and crowded river scenes. As alternatives, choosing less frequented rafting routes or opting for paddleboarding and whitewater drifting activities are worthwhile considerations.

Conversely, June through August is the most recommended period for whitewater drifting. Guilin experiences its most humid and sweltering weather during these months. Since you are inevitably going to get soaked, the cooling effect of the water becomes the simplest way to escape the summer heat, which might cause chills in other seasons.

However, this period also coincides with Guilin's rainy season. It is crucial to monitor weather forecasts and attraction announcements in advance to avoid arriving only to find activities suspended, which could disrupt your travel plans and bring disappointment.

For more detailed information, read on: Best Times to Visit Guilin.

Discover Guilin with a Local Expert

Planning a great trip to Guilin is time-consuming and difficult, especially before you know the area well. Many tourists ask for exclusive experiences yet find out they're on a second-rate Li River cruise among large Chinese tourist groups.

You will be in good hands with our native Guilin tour guides, who have explored every corner of the area.

Please let us know your interests and needs. One of our travel experts will give you insider recommendations and tailor-make your unique Guilin tour.