The Li River in Guangxi Province is one of China’s most spectacular natural wonders. Flowing 83 kilometers between Guilin and Yangshuo, it is famous for its breathtaking karst mountain scenery, shaped over millions of years.
Recognized as a scenic treasure by the Chinese government and celebrated globally by National Geographic and CNN, the Li River offers a peaceful journey through stunning landscapes. Modern Li River Cruise float past towering limestone cliffs, lush bamboo groves, and rural landscapes where water buffalo graze along the banks.
This serene panorama has inspired Chinese poets for centuries, with one describing it as: “The river is a green silk ribbon, and the mountains are jade hairpins.” Today, it remains one of the world’s most unforgettable natural destinations.
Li River Facts
- Name: Li River (漓江, Lí Jiāng)
- Alternate Names: Upper section of the Guijiang River
- Location: Originates at Mao’er Mountain, Xing’an County，Guangxi, flowing through Guilin
- Length: 164 km
- Classic tourist section (Guilin – Yangshuo): 83 km
- Best Time to Visit: April – October (Avoid July – August floods)
- Best way to explore the Li River: Li River Cruise. Trip.com Discount
- Recommended Visiting Time: 4~5 hours
Take a Li River Cruise Around the Li River
A cruise is the best way to experience the beauty of the Li River. In fact, over 90% of visitors choose this relaxing option. Modern, comfortable boats make the journey enjoyable in any weather, with air conditioning, cushioned seating, and even dining options available.
A typical Li River cruise covers over 40 miles (64 kilometers) of stunning scenery, taking about four to five hours to complete. While different cruise companies may have slightly varied starting points, the journey is generally divided into three distinct sections, each offering unique views of the river’s breathtaking landscapes.
First Section: Guilin to Ox Gorge
You can see famous attractions such as Elephant Trunk Hill and Daxu Ancient Town along the first stretch of the Li River.
Elephant Trunk Hill: Standing proudly on the Li River’s western bank, Elephant Trunk Hill lives up to its name. The rock formation resembles an elephant dipping its trunk into the water, creating one of Guilin’s most recognizable sights. The natural tunnel between the elephant’s trunk and body produces a magical “moon-on-water” reflection. This is an excellent photo opportunity when traveling up the Li River.
Daxu Ancient Town: As one of Guangxi’s four major ancient towns, Daxu boasts a rich history dating back to the Northern Song Dynasty. This well-preserved town flourished as a bustling commercial hub during the Ming and Qing dynasties, and still retains its original flagstone streets and black-tiled wooden houses.
While visible from passing cruise ships, the town’s true charm is best discovered through an independent visit, when visitors can fully appreciate its historic architecture at leisure.
Second Section: Ox Gorge to Water-Dropping Village
The middle section presents the Li River’s most spectacular concentration of natural wonders, passing Wangfu Rock, Crown Cave, Half-Side Ferry, Yangdi Village, Mural Hill, Xianggong Mountain, Yellow Cloth Shoal, and Xingping Town.
Nine Horse Fresco Hill, also called Mural Hill or The Painted Hill of Nine Horses, is one of the most famous natural attractions along the Li River. The steep cliff face looks like a painted canvas, with mineral patterns resembling nine running horses, which gives the site its name.
As a key highlight of the Li River’s most scenic section, it features not only magnificent natural views but also carries many folk legends and poetic charm, attracting countless visitors.
The clear waters of the Li River and the surrounding karst peaks complement the wonder of Nine Horse Fresco Hill, creating an unforgettable landscape.
Yellow Cloth Shoal earned its name when the reflection of its yellow cliff face on the water’s surface created the appearance of a vast yellow cloth laid across the river.
Here the river water is exceptionally clear and green, surrounded by emerald bamboo and dramatic karst peaks. The mountain reflections create a dreamlike scene where reality and illusion blend together. Known as the most beautiful spot along the Li River, Yellow Cloth Shoal is famous for having the most stunning reflections.
Qing Dynasty poet Yuan Mei wrote poems praising its beauty. The shoal’s reflection appears on the 20-yuan note of China’s fifth currency series and was selected as the background for the Chinese embassy’s large landscape painting.
Xingping Ancient Town: This ancient town features many well-preserved Ming and Qing-era structures with its historic streets, bridges, opera stage and temples. The area encompasses numerous scenic attractions including the renowned Nine Horse Fresco Hill and Yellow Cloth Shoal within its boundaries.
The town gained international fame when President Clinton visited in 1998, with many travelers now following his route to explore both the ancient fishing village and Xingping’s remarkable natural-cultural heritage.
Third Section: Water-Dropping Village to Yangshuo
This final stretch of the Li River showcases idyllic scenery with green mountains, bamboo groves, forests, farmland, villas and fishing villages along both banks. Notable sights include Snail Hill, Green Lotus Peak and Shutong Hill, each offering equally breathtaking views.
The Li River cruise ends in Yangshuo, a charming ancient town that offers various activities for visitors.
- Explore the historic West Street with its well-preserved Ming-Qing architecture, artisan shops, and cozy cafés.
- Cycle through picturesque countryside paths winding past rice fields.
- Challenge yourself on world-class rock climbing routes.
Whether drifting down the Li River on bamboo rafts or soaking in the laid-back atmosphere, this enchanting town offers unforgettable experiences for every traveler.
Best Time to Visit Li River
The ideal period to visit the Li River is during autumn (September to October). These months offer pleasant temperatures between 18-28°C, abundant sunshine, and minimal rainfall – perfect conditions for outdoor exploration. The crisp air and comfortable weather allow visitors to fully enjoy the stunning karst landscapes without summer’s heat or winter’s chill.
By November, the dry season begins reducing water levels significantly. Shallow waters restrict boat navigation, often causing congestion. While still scenic, the limited water access diminishes the experience compared to earlier autumn months.
Spring (March to May) serves as a good alternative, when blossoming flowers and lush greenery create vibrant scenery. However, this is also the start of the rainy season, bringing frequent drizzles that create the iconic “misty Li River” effect. While atmospheric, travelers should pack rain gear and expect occasional disruptions.
The rainy season peaks in summer (June-August) with heavy downpours that may cause flooding or murky waters. Though the misty landscapes can be poetic, safety concerns and limited water activities make this less ideal. For optimal views of the crystal-clear river against the limestone peaks, autumn remains the undisputed best choice.
Booking a Li River Cruise
A Li River cruise is one of the most iconic experiences in Guilin, offering breathtaking views of karst mountains, serene waters, and traditional fishing villages. To ensure a smooth journey, it’s best to book in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Li River Cruise Comparison Table
| Feature | 3-Star Cruise (Budget) | 4-Star Cruise (Premium) | 5-Star Cruise (Luxury) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | ~4.5 hours | ~4.5 hours | ~4.5 hours |
| Departure Pier | Guilin Mopanshan ➡ Yangshuo Longtoushan | Guilin Zhujiang ➡ Yangshuo Longtoushan | Guilin Mopanshan ➡ Yangshuo Longtoushan |
| Dining | Boxed meal (¥30, optional) | Buffet included | Gourmet buffet (10+ local dishes, desserts) |
| Seating | Fabric/leather seats (random assignment) | Soft leather seats | VIP cabins/business class seating |
| Deck Access | 2 floors + open deck | 3 floors + large photo deck | 3 floors + premium viewing deck |
| Best For | Budget travelers, students | Comfort seekers, photographers | Discerning travelers seeking VIP treatment |
| Key Advantage | Same views, lowest cost | Balance of comfort & value | Exclusive amenities |
| Price | CNY215 – CNY255 | CNY320 – CNY390 | CNY1100 – CNY7500 |
The cruise departs from either Zhujiang Pier or Mopanshan Pier, arriving at Yangshuo Pier after approximately 4.5 hours of scenic journey. Pricing varies by cabin class across all star-rated vessels – upper deck cabins are more expensive than lower deck ones. Additionally, both 4-star and 5-star cruises feature exclusive VIP cabins at premium prices.
How to Book a Li River Cruise
You can book your Li River cruise through either of these methods:
- Official channel: Make reservations via the authorized WeChat public account “Lijiang Ticketing Office” (漓江售票处)
- Online travel platforms: Secure your tickets through trusted booking sites such as Trip.com.
How to Get to Zhujiang & Mopanshan Piers
The dedicated “Mopanshan Pier Shuttle” departs from Tiexi Bus Terminal downtown, stopping at Guilin Station, Central Cross Street, and Sanlidian Plaza before reaching both Mopanshan and Zhujiang Piers.
After disembarking at Yangshuo’s Longtoushan Pier, take the “Li River Scenic Return Bus” back to Guilin. This service runs from the disembarkation pier to the original boarding piers, making multiple stops for convenient return travel.
Bamboo Rafting on the Li River
Experience an intimate connection with the Li River through traditional bamboo rafting, a serene alternative to cruise ships. These hand-poled rafts seating four passengers glide along the iconic Yangdi-Xingping route, passing landmarks like Nine-Horse Fresco Hill and the 20 Yuan Note scenery during the 1.5-hour journey.
While more affordable than cruises, rafts require full occupancy – you’ll need to purchase empty seats or share. Life jackets are mandatory, which may affect photos. Optimal viewing times are dawn or dusk when calm waters and soft light create perfect conditions for capturing local fishermen at work.
Rafting Route Options & Prices
Book your ticket now| Route | Type | Price (per adult) |
|---|---|---|
| Xingping Chaobanshan ↔ Nine-Horse Fresco Hill | Round trip | ¥120 |
| Xingping Chaobanshan → Yangdi | One way | ¥225 |
| Yangdi → Nine-Horse Fresco Hill | One way | ¥120 |
| Yangdi → Xingping Chaobanshan | One way | ¥225 |
| Yangdi ↔ Laocuntou | Round trip | ¥150 |
Li River Bamboo Rafting Opening Hours
| Pier | Operating Hours | Last Ticket Time |
|---|---|---|
| Xingping Chaobanshan | 8:20-11:00, 11:30-16:30 daily | 16:00 |
| Yangdi | 8:00-10:00, 10:30-16:30 daily | 16:00 |
Hiking Along the Li River
Discover three curated hiking routes showcasing the Li River’s breathtaking landscapes. The full 12km Quanjiazhou-Xingping trek reveals riverside villages and rice paddies, while shorter 6km options suit families. For a perfect blend, combine bamboo rafting from Yangdi with a 2-hour hike to Xingping, passing karst peaks and local farms.
- 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
Wear sturdy shoes for pebble paths and countryside trails. Local guides enhance the experience with cultural insights, from chatting with fishermen to observing harvest activities (October). For extended adventures, consider multi-day hikes or cycling between Guilin and Yangshuo to fully immerse in Guangxi’s rural beauty.
Cycling along the Li River
Cycling enthusiasts can discover the Li River’s breathtaking landscapes through two spectacular routes.
- Option 1: The classic 47km route (5 hours) begins at Daxu Ancient Town, following well-maintained paved paths along dedicated bike lanes to Xingping, passing ancient villages and vibrant rice paddies.
- Option 2: For a condensed experience, the 30km Xingping-Yangdi route (3 hours) offers equally stunning landscapes with riverside views, ideal for time-conscious travelers or leisure cyclists seeking picturesque vistas.
For a more structured experience, operators combine cycling with river cruises – typically pairing a morning cruise to Yangshuo with an afternoon guided bike tour through picturesque countryside lanes and local villages.
Li River Panoramic Photography Spots
For breathtaking aerial views of the Li River’s winding waters and karst peaks, three vantage points stand out:
Xianggong Mountain
The most accessible and iconic viewpoint, Xianggong Mountain offers a postcard-perfect panorama of the Li River’s first bend. Located between Huangbu Beach and Nine-Horse Fresco Hill, its observation decks attract photographers at dawn for dreamy sunrise shots over mist-clad peaks reflected in the river.
Laozhai Mountain
A 30-minute hike from Xingping Pier, this beginner-friendly summit rewards visitors with sweeping sunset vistas over the river’s curves. Though rocky underfoot, its proximity to town makes it ideal for spontaneous golden-hour shoots.
While Laozhai Mountain offers spectacular sunset views over the Li River, visitors should begin descending before the sun fully sets. The trail becomes dark and hazardous after twilight, with uneven steps and no lighting.
Damian Mountain
Adventurous photographers tackle this remote 1.5-hour climb (best with local guides) for unobstructed 360° views. East-facing platforms capture ethereal sunrise clouds, while west slopes glow with dusk’s alpenglow – a favorite among pros willing to brave its rugged trails.
Timeless Beauty: The Li River Experience
A journey along the Li River is an unforgettable encounter with nature’s grandeur. Whether by boat, bike or foot, every moment here reveals why these karst mountains and emerald waters have inspired poets and painters for centuries.
The Li River experience transcends mere sightseeing. Every viewpoint unveils new magic, every journey carves lasting memories. This is landscape photography at its most sublime, adventure at its purest, and China at its most breathtaking.