Info updated · 2026-10-23
Guilin, Guangxi 漓江
"Guilin's scenery is the best under heaven" — Li River cruises and bamboo rafts wind through karst peaks; the backdrop of the 20-yuan banknote.
📍 Location
Guilin, Guangxi
🎫 Tickets from
Li River cruise from ¥215
⏱ Suggested stay
Li River essence ~ half a day; Guilin + Yangshuo 2–3 days.
🌤 Best season
Apr–Oct high-water season is best
About
The Li River rises north of Guilin and flows past Karst peaks through Guilin and Yangshuo, a living scroll of 'green hills, clear water, fantastic caves and pretty rocks'. Cruising or rafting downstream, you pass the very scenery printed on the back of the 20-yuan note.
📍 Guilin, Guangxi (Li River scenic area; the essence is Yangdi–Xingping)
🔗 Official booking ↗
Highlights
1
Yangdi–Xingping essence
The classic stretch: Nine-Horse Fresco Hill and the Yellow Cloth Shoal (the 20-yuan backdrop) are both here.
2
Cruise vs raft
Guilin–Yangshuo 3/4-star cruises are comfortable; Xingping electric rafts sit lower on the water and feel freer.
3
Yangshuo West Street
The pedestrian old street at the cruise terminus — food, lodging and nightlife in one place.
Hours & Tickets
🕒 Opening hours
Cruise / raft ticketing roughly 8:00–17:00, adjusted by season and water level — follow the day's official notice.
🎫 Tickets
Li River 3-star cruise (Guilin–Yangshuo) from ~¥215; 4-star from ~¥360; Xingping–Yangdi electric raft ¥140–255. Prices vary by class and season.
Re-check before you go：Ticket prices and opening hours may change with season, holidays and policy. Always confirm the latest on the official website or official mini-program before departure.
🚆 Getting there
Shuttles from downtown Guilin to Mopanshan / Zhujing piers; Xingping (the essence) is reachable via high-speed rail to Yangshuo station plus a transfer.
🧭 Combine with
Yangshuo West Street, Yulong River, Elephant Trunk Hill, Longji Rice Terraces.
FAQ
Do foreign visitors need to book in advance?
Yes. 漓江 uses real-name timed reservation; foreign visitors must provide a passport number. Book via the official website or mini-program before you travel to avoid sold-out days.
Do ticket prices and opening hours change?
Ticket prices and opening hours may change with season, holidays and policy. Always confirm the latest on the official website or official mini-program before departure.
How do I get there?
Shuttles from downtown Guilin to Mopanshan / Zhujing piers; Xingping (the essence) is reachable via high-speed rail to Yangshuo station plus a transfer.
How long should I plan to stay?
Li River essence ~ half a day; Guilin + Yangshuo 2–3 days.