Overview
The Li River is the heart of Guilin's landscape, hailed as "China's most beautiful river." The karst peaks on both banks are reflected in the clear water, and the scene depicted on the 20 RMB note is from this river. The scenic area is open all day with no entrance fee; however, separate tickets are required for bamboo rafts or cruise boats.
The best time to visit is between 7:00 and 9:00 AM, when a light mist shrouds the river, creating a scene reminiscent of an ink painting. April, with its misty rain, is particularly poetic, while September to November offers clear skies and crisp, clear water.
How to Get There
High-speed rail (fastest): Take the high-speed rail from Guilin Station or Guilin North Station to Yangshuo Station (approximately 25-30 minutes, fare around 30 RMB). After exiting the station, transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus (approximately 20 minutes) directly to the Li River pier.
Bus: Take a dedicated bus from Guilin South Bus Station to Yangdi Pier or Xingping Bus Station (approximately 1-1.5 hours, fare 25 RMB).
Driving: Navigate to "Yangdi Pier" or "Xingping Ancient Town," approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Guilin city center.
Cruise: Departs from Guilin Mopanshan Wharf (3-star boat, 215 RMB/person) or Zhujiang Wharf (4-star boat, 360 RMB/person, including buffet lunch), the journey takes approximately 4 hours directly to Yangshuo. The cruise is a one-way trip; there are no boats returning to Guilin from Yangshuo.
We recommend choosing the scenic section from Yangdi to Xingping, either by bamboo raft (approximately 1.5 hours) or by full-journey cruise (approximately 4 hours).
What to Expect
Restrooms are available at all docks and major viewpoints along the Li River. Cruise ships (three-star and above) are equipped with air conditioning, private restrooms, and spacious decks. Gift shops and souvenir shops selling Li River stone paintings, round fans, refrigerator magnets, and other cultural and creative products are located in Xingping Ancient Town and around the docks. Electric carts are available at the docks for tourists to travel back and forth (approximately 15 yuan per person). The hiking trails are mainly along the river, with gentle terrain, but some sections along the riverbank are slippery; please be careful where you step.
Practical Tips
- Children under 1 year old or under 1.2 meters tall are not allowed to ride bamboo rafts on the Li River.
- The weather along the Li River is unpredictable, so it's recommended to carry rain gear and sun protection. There are many mosquitoes along the riverbank, so it's advisable to take precautions against them.
- Foreign tourists are required to complete real-name registration when purchasing cruise tickets. Please prepare a clear electronic copy of your passport's information page.
