Li River

The 83-km-long waterway from Guilin to Yangshuo is the masterpiece of Li River, decorated with rolling hills, steep cliffs, fantastic caves, leisurely boats and lined bamboos. A poem says: "The river is a green silk ribbon, and the hills are jade hair-pins."

Originaing in Mao'er Mountain in Xin'an county northeast of Guilin, the Li River winds its way southeast for about 437 km, passing through Guilin, Yangshuo, Pingle, Zhaoping and finally meets Xi River in Wulin. It boasts the largest and most beautiful scenic area in China and attracts thousands of visitors each year.

The Li River winds through the rising and falling hills and peaks like a colored silk ribbon. A cruise on the river brings visitors in touch with the unique scenery around Guilin, which is considered to be a fine art gallery as natural scenic wonders unfold on both banks of the river.

Li River Cruise
Li River is by far the main reason to visit Guilin. Double-decker and triple-decker river boats which weigh anchor from a pier at Zhujiang, about 40 minutes from Guilin by bus, and meander through the sleepy countryside are relaxing way to enjoy the superlative river scenery and life along its banks. In contrast to the burgeoning cities of the north, it is quiet here; the rural scenery is magnificent. You will enjoy the picturesque mountains, peaceful green fields, farms and villages with water buffalos, cows wondering around on both sides of the river bank.

After about 4.5 hours, the one-thousand-year-old town - Yangshuo, the disembarking point, comes into sight. It is well-worth browsing around this quaint town and its environs. Explore the old town freely for the rest of the day.