Li River Cruise — Guilin to Yangshuo
🛶 Li River Cruise (漓江)
The iconic 4-5 hour cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo through one of the most beautiful landscapes on Earth — limestone karst mountains rising from the misty river.
Overview
The Li River Cruise (漓江, Lí Jiāng) is one of China's most famous scenic experiences. The 83km stretch from Guilin to Yangshuo passes through a landscape of dramatic limestone karst peaks, bamboo groves, water buffalo, and fishing villages. The scenery appears on the ¥20 banknote.
Essential Info
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Route | Guilin (Zhujiang Wharf) → Yangshuo |
| Duration | 4-5 hours |
| Ticket price | ¥216-320 (depending on boat type) |
| Departure | Usually 9:00-10:00 AM |
| Best time | April-October (April-May for mist, September-October for clarity) |
How to Book
Option 1: Hotel/Hostel (Recommended)
- Most hotels in Guilin and Yangshuo can book cruise tickets
- Often includes transport to the wharf
- Price: ¥216-320
Option 2: Trip.com
- Book online in English
- Includes pickup from hotel
- Price: ¥250-350
Option 3: Direct at the Wharf
- Buy tickets at Zhujiang Wharf (竹江码头)
- Less convenient — you need to get to the wharf yourself
What to See
The Scenery
- Elephant Trunk Hill (象鼻山) — Guilin's iconic landmark, elephant-shaped rock
- Pagoda Hill — twin pagodas on a hilltop
- Half-Side Ferry (半边渡) — a cliff that forces the river to make a sharp turn
- Mural Hill (画山) — cliff face with natural patterns resembling a painting
- Yellow Cloth Shoal (黄布倒影) — the scene on the ¥20 banknote
- Xingping (兴坪) — ancient town with the most photographed viewpoint
On the Boat
- Upper deck: Outdoor seating, best views, more expensive
- Lower deck: Indoor seating, air-conditioned, cheaper
- Snacks and drinks: Available for purchase on board
- Bathrooms: Available on all boats
Pro Tips
-
Book the morning departure — the light is best and the river is calmer. Afternoon cruises can be hazy.
-
Sit on the right side (going downstream) — most of the best scenery is on the right bank.
-
Upper deck is worth it — the extra ¥50-100 gets you unobstructed views and photo opportunities.
-
Bring sunscreen and a hat — there's no shade on the upper deck.
-
Don't expect silence — the boats are large (100+ passengers) and there's usually a guide on loudspeaker. Enjoy the scenery and tune out the noise.
-
Combine with Xingping — the small town of Xingping (兴坪) has the best viewpoints. Consider stopping there instead of going all the way to Yangshuo.
-
The bamboo raft option exists — for a more intimate experience, take a bamboo raft on the Yulong River (遇龙河) near Yangshuo instead.
FAQ
How long is the Li River Cruise? 4-5 hours from Guilin to Yangshuo, covering 83km of river.
How much does the Li River Cruise cost? ¥216-320 depending on the boat type and class. Upper deck costs more than lower deck.
Is the Li River Cruise worth it? Yes, it's one of China's most iconic experiences. The karst mountain scenery is genuinely breathtaking, especially in the morning mist.
What is the best time to do the Li River Cruise? April-October for the best weather and water levels. Morning departures have the best light. April-May offers misty, atmospheric views.
How do I book the Li River Cruise? Through your hotel/hostel (easiest), Trip.com (English), or directly at Zhujiang Wharf. Booking through your hotel is recommended.
Can I do the Li River Cruise as a day trip from Guilin? Yes, most visitors do. Take the morning cruise to Yangshuo, explore Yangshuo in the afternoon, and return to Guilin by bus in the evening.
Cost Summary
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cruise ticket | ¥216-320 |
| Transport to wharf | ¥0-50 |
| Snacks on boat | ¥20-50 |
| Bus back from Yangshuo | ¥20-30 |
| Total | ¥256-450 (~$36-63 USD) |
Last updated: 2026-06-05 · Written by Bobby, living in Chengdu since 2023
