The Yulong River is located about 8 kilometers from Yangshuo town and approximately 70 kilometers from downtown Guilin. With its gentle currents, a bamboo raft ride here offers close-up views of karst mountains and the rural life along the riverbanks. As a result, bamboo rafting on the Yulong River has become one of Yangshuo's most popular tourist activities.
However, you may have seen some negative reviews from TripAdvisor or social media. The bamboo rafts on the Yulong River can get extremely crowded during holidays or summer vacations (July and August). And there are issues like sold-out tickets, long wait times (over 40 minutes). Some raft operators even sell personal items, display poor attitudes, or deviate from the designated routes.
As a local travel agency with over 20 years of experience in Guilin tourism, we understand how these issues can affect your travel experience. Based on our extensive expertise, this article will provide practical advice on selecting raft routes and avoiding crowds.
Bamboo Rafting: Which Route is Right for You?
Yulong River Bamboo RaftingWith multiple docks along the river, there are several rafting routes to choose from. Below are the three main routes.
Our top recommendation is Route 1. This route features wider, calmer waters, making it ideal for peacefully enjoying Guilin's natural beauty. The duration is also just right - neither too long nor too short.
1. Jima Dock/骥马码头 → Gongnong Bridge Dock/工农桥码头
- Distance: 6 km
- Duration: ~1.5 hours
- Features: The middle and lower sections have wide, gentle waters, while the latter part passes through serene bamboo groves. It is perfect if you prefer a smooth, relaxing float.
2. Shui'edi Dock/水厄底码头 → Gongnong Bridge Dock/工农桥码头
- Distance: ~3 km
- Duration: ~40 minutes
- Features: Located downstream with fewer dam drops, this is the shortest route. It is ideal if you have limited time.
3. Jinlong Bridge Dock/金龙桥码头 → Jiuxian Dock/旧县码头
- Distance: ~6 km
- Duration: 1.5–2 hours
- Features: The upstream section has steeper dam drops, offering more thrills. It is great if you are seeking adventure!
Bamboo Raft Ticket Booking Guide:
Regular Season (Non-Peak Times): Tickets can be booked online (via the WeChat mini-program "I游阳朔") or purchased at the dock. The mini-program has no English version. If you book a Guilin tour with us, we'll handle the reservation for you.
Holidays & Summer Peak Season (Avoid If Possible): Due to limited capacity (rafts are manually operated), tickets sell out instantly during major holidays (Chinese New Year, May Day, National Day) and summer break (July-August).
Even if you secure a ticket, expect 1-2 hours of queueing under the scorching sun - making for a poor experience.
Alternative: Swap the raft for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) to enjoy the scenery without the hassle.
Off-Peak Travel Tip:
Book just 1 day in advance - no long waits (boarding takes ~10 minutes).
Standard rafts seat 2 people, with limited options for 4-8 passengers.
Yulong River Spectacle: The Golden Dragon Parade
The Golden Dragon ParadeDuring major holidays (Chinese New Year, Lantern Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, Labor Day, National Day), and summer weekends, the Yulong River hosts a magnificent Golden Dragon Parade. It is one of Yangshuo's most iconic traditional celebrations. The parade begins around 7:30 PM and lasts approximately 50 minutes.
Dozens of bamboo rafts are adorned with colorful lanterns. They form a shimmering golden dragon that glides along the river. It is a truly breathtaking sight. The procession is further enlivened by fireworks, Zhuang ethnic bronze drum dances, and cormorant fishing demonstrations.
Best Ways to Experience the Parade:
1) From Yulong Bridge
- Offers a full view of the dragon.
- Requires advance ticket purchase (around $15) via the WeChat mini-program "I游阳朔".
- Limited tickets (80–100), often selling out a week in advance.
2) On a Golden Dragon Raft
- Follow the parade up close on a private raft (2 people per raft).
- Ticket prices range from $50–$200, depending on proximity to the dragon's head (closer = pricier).
Our recommendation: Raft tickets are easier to book (more available) and extend your time on the water - though you'll only see sections of the dragon (not the full body).
Weather tips: The event may be canceled or rescheduled due to heavy rain or strong winds.
Beyond bamboo rafting, the Yulong River offers many alternative ways to explore, such as swimming, paddleboarding, or water jumping, as well as cycling or hiking along the river. Below, I've categorized these activities based on the most suitable groups and the best seasons to enjoy them.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) on Yulong River
Yulong River Stand-Up PaddleboardingTo avoid the holiday crowds on bamboo rafts, we recommend trying stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) on the quieter upper reaches or tributaries of the Yulong River. With guidance from our professional instructors, even beginners can quickly master balancing techniques. Safety is ensured with life jackets and other necessary equipment provided.
Last summer, I took my 10-year-old child for their first SUP experience. At first, we were hesitant, but after some coaching, we confidently stood up and paddled on our own. Along the way, we could stop anytime to wade in shallow waters, take photos, or simply lie on the board to soak up the sun and relax.
Compared to bamboo rafting, SUP offers more freedom and flexibility while also providing a light workout. For the best experience, we suggest going later in the afternoon (around 4–5 PM) when the sun is less intense. During sunset, the river glows golden, creating perfect photo opportunities!
The ideal time for SUP is between June and September when the warm weather makes water activities especially enjoyable.
Yulong River Cycling/Hiking: Explore Yangshuo's Beautiful Countryside
Yulong River Cycling While water activities like SUP are best enjoyed in summer (June-September), what about other seasons? We highly recommend exploring Yulong River's landscapes by bike or on foot! The flat, well-maintained paths let you stroll at your own pace, with gentle breezes and endless photo opportunities along the way.
You'll pass golden rice fields, ancient villages, and water buffalo grazing by the river. Each turn reveals new perspectives of karst mountains, like walking through a living painting. Stop at Xiatangzhai Village to try farm activities (plowing, fruit/veggie picking) or local traditions like making rice cakes and oil tea.
Visit during rice harvest season (mid-October) for a special treat. Join farmers in the fields to cut rice stalks! It's a fantastic hands-on experience for families. My child still asks when we can return when they see photos of us harvesting together.
Main Route (Bike/Hike): Yulong Bridge → Jiuxian → Xiatangzhai → Yangshuo Mountain Retreat (hotel)
- Distance: 13km
- Cycling: ~1.5 hours
- Hiking: 4-5 hours
Shorter Options:
- Yulong Bridge to Jiuxian (6km)
- Jiuxian to Yangshuo Mountain Retreat (7km)
Prefer less effort? We also arrange e-bikes for a relaxed alternative.
Travel Tip: The best time is late September to mid-November - pleasant temps (~28°C), minimal rain, and golden rice fields perfect for photos!
Yulong River Cave Exploration
Yulong Cave ExplorationSummer is the perfect season for water play and cave exploration along the Yulong River. At its upper reaches near ancient bridges like Fenghuang Bridge, the crystal-clear waters - free of boats or rafts - invite you to swim freely or try thrilling bridge jumps.
The surrounding area boasts spectacular karst caves waiting to be explored. The renowned Yulong Cave, located about 14km from Yangshuo, offers an unforgettable underground experience. Professional guides will safely lower you into the cavern using ropes and equipment, where you can:
- Paddle across pristine underground lakes on a SUP board.
- Marvel at extraordinary stalactite formations with your guide.
- Discover hidden chambers of the karst cave system.
All activities are conducted with professional equipment and guidance.
Best time to visit: June-September when water temperatures are most comfortable.
How to Get to Yulong River and Where to Eat
Getting to Yulong River's main docks (like Jima Dock) from Yangshuo West Street takes about 30 minutes by car for the 7km journey. However, during summer holidays and peak seasons, the heavy traffic often extends travel time to 1+ hours. During May Day/National Day holidays, traffic restrictions may limit access to shuttle buses only.
To save on travel time, you can choose to stay in the villages around the Yulong River. There are several scenic accommodations here, such as: Yangshuo Moondance Hotel and Yangshuo Mountain Retreat.
These options allow you to enjoy the picturesque surroundings while keeping your itinerary efficient.
For authentic local dining near the river, try these village options:
Jiuxian Village & Xiatangzhai: Farm restaurants serving specialties like:
- Bamboo-tube chicken
- Beer fish
- Stuffed river snails
And there are Café bars near Jima Dock: Perfect coffee break spot.
Explore Guilin with China Highlights
Are you planning a drifting down the Yulong River on a bamboo raft? Or want a stand-up paddleboarding through karst landscapes? Or cycling through rice terraces, spelunking in mysterious caves, or hiking along scenic trails - China Highlights crafts your perfect Guilin itinerary! Contact us now.
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