Li River Cruise Tour English Travel Guide

• General Introduction
  • The Li River is located in the northeastern part of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It originates in Mao'er Mountain at Xing'an County about 80 kilometers northeast of Guilin23. The river winds and meanders for 170 kilometers, passing through Guilin and Yangshuo before reaching the outlet of Gongchen River in Pingle County and then joining the Xi River, which is the upper reach of the Pearl River.
  • The 83-km-long section from Guilin to Yangshuo is the most renowned part, often hailed as a masterpiece. It is decorated with rolling hills, steep cliffs, fantastic caves, leisurely boats, and lined bamboos, constituting a captivating hundred-kilometer picture gallery.

• Attractions Along the Way
  • Crown Cave: Located at the eastern bank of the river. The cave gets its name from a rock formation inside that resembles a crown when viewed from a certain angle. It is adorned with stalactites and stalagmites in various shapes, illuminated by colorful lights, creating a magical and mysterious atmosphere. Visitors can take a boat ride into the cave to explore the natural wonders within4.
  • Xingping Ancient Town: An ancient town with a history of over 1,400 years. It is characterized by traditional architecture, cobblestone streets, and a laid-back atmosphere. Surrounded by karst peaks, it offers a stunning backdrop for visitors to explore the local culture and experience a slower pace of life. The scenery here has attracted many photographers and artists4.
  • Nine-Horses Mural Hill: This peculiarly shaped hill gets its name from a naturally formed image that resembles nine horses galloping through the greenery. The image has become a symbol of good luck and prosperity in Chinese culture. Visitors often try to spot this natural wonder while cruising along the river4.
  • Yellow Cloth Shoal: Famous for the reflection of the surrounding hills on the water's surface, creating a stunning mirage that resembles a piece of yellow cloth laid out on the river. This phenomenon occurs under specific weather conditions and is a sight to behold.

• Cruise Experience
  • The Li River cruise is a wonderful way to experience the beauty of the river. Depending on the season and water level, the boats depart from piers downstream from Guilin and disembark passengers in Yangshuo, a journey of about four hours23.
  • On the cruise, you can enjoy the panoramic views from the open-air deck of the boat, take in the fresh air, and appreciate the changing scenery along the river. There are also boats with different levels of comfort and facilities available, such as luxury boats with VIP seats, upper deck seats, and lower deck seats.

• Tips for Travelers
  • Weather: Check the weather forecast before your trip. The scenery of the Li River can vary in different weather conditions. On sunny days, the sky and the river form a vast bright green world; on foggy days, the water is wreathed in mist, adding a touch of mystery1.
  • Photography: Bring your camera to capture the beautiful scenery. The best shooting times are in the morning and evening when the light is softer.
  • Food and Drinks: You can bring some snacks and water with you, but please don't throw garbage into the river.
  • Safety: Follow the safety instructions on the boat. Don't stand up or walk around casually when the boat is moving to avoid accidents.