Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo: The Complete Guide

The Li River is the China of ink paintings: green limestone peaks rising straight out of the water, bamboo groves, water buffalo and fishermen on narrow rafts. The view on the back of the 20-yuan note comes from here. A day on the river is the highlight of any trip to Guilin.

Big boat or bamboo raft?

• Cruise boat (Guilin to Yangshuo): about 4 to 5 hours on the most famous 83 km stretch, with indoor seats and an open deck. Relaxed, and good for families and older travellers.
• Bamboo raft (Yangdi to Xingping): a smaller, quieter boat on the most scenic section, including the 20-yuan view. About 1.5 hours. Closer to the water and great for photos.
• Yulong River rafting: a gentle, hand-poled raft on a smaller tributary near Yangshuo, with rice fields and stone bridges. The most peaceful option, and children love it.

Many travellers do the raft on the Li River and the Yulong River on another day.

When to go

• April to October: lush green hills and good water levels. Summer can be hot and humid, with short rain showers.
• Misty mornings in spring make the peaks look like a painting.
• Winter: quieter, cooler and clearer, but water can be low on some stretches.

Yangshuo: stay at least one night

Yangshuo is the place to slow down. Cycle between karst peaks and rice fields, climb to a viewpoint for sunset, and watch the evening light show on the river. Two nights is ideal.

How we help

We plan the right boat for your group, arrange the transfers at both ends so you never wait at a pier, and pick a hotel in Yangshuo with a view of the peaks. Message us on WhatsApp to plan your Guilin days.

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