Travel Plan
Li River Cruise

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ATTRACTION GUIDE · GUILIN & YANGSHUO

Li River Cruise

A river journey between Guilin and Yangshuo through dreamlike karst peaks, as seen on the 20-yuan note.

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps
Time needed
4–5 hours
Entry
Paid
Best time
April–October
Area
Guilin to Yangshuo

A boat trip through the famous karst scenery.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: Mopanshan Pier, Guilin, Guangxi

  • Route: Most cruises run from Guilin (Mopanshan pier) to Yangshuo, about 4 hours.
  • Bamboo rafts: Shorter raft trips run around Xingping.
  • Return: Buses take you back from Yangshuo to Guilin.

The story of the Li River

The Li River winds through some of the world's most famous karst scenery: limestone peaks rising straight out of green fields and water. Chinese poets and painters have praised it for centuries.

Near Xingping, the scene of hills reflected in the river appears on the back of the 20-yuan banknote.

Best time to visit

Best season

April–October; misty days are atmospheric.

Best time of day

Morning departures.

Low water

In dry winters, cruises may be shortened.

Tips before you go

  • Sit on the open deck for photos.
  • Bring a 20-yuan note to compare with the view at Xingping.
  • Sit on the upper deck for photos.

Best hotels near the Li River

Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.

Banyan Tree Yangshuo

Riverside resort among karst peaks.

See prices

Alila Yangshuo

Design hotel in a former sugar mill.

See prices

Shangri-La Guilin

Hotel on the Li River.

See prices
All hotels near the Li River

What's around the Li River

  • Xingping20-yuan view.
  • YangshuoTown at the end of the cruise.
  • Reed Flute CaveLit cave in Guilin.
  • Elephant Trunk HillGuilin landmark.

Questions travellers ask

How long is the cruise?

About 4 hours from Guilin to Yangshuo.

Is it on a banknote?

Yes, the 20-yuan note.

When is the best season?

April to October.

More in Guilin & Yangshuo

Yulong River Bamboo Rafting

Yulong River Bamboo Rafting

Read the guide
Longji Rice Terraces

Longji Rice Terraces

Read the guide
Back to the Guilin & Yangshuo guide
Travel Plan · Li River Cruise Travel times, prices and opening hours change. Check official sites before you go. Photos: Unsplash. Privacy & disclosure