Li River Cruise (Guilin to Yangshuo)

The Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is the signature excursion in Guangxi, China, a roughly 83-kilometre stretch of water winding through limestone karst peaks. Boats depart from Zhujiang Pier or Mopanshan Pier in the Li River Scenic Area, with 3-star boats usually leaving from Mopanshan and 4-star boats from Zhujiang, between about 9:00 and 11:30 AM. The journey takes four to five hours on the water, plus transfers of about an hour from Guilin hotels to the pier. Along the route the boats pass Nine Horses Fresco Hill, whose cliff face is said to show nine horses, the Yellow Cloth Shoal, and the village of Xingping, where the karst scenery matches the image on the back of the old 20-yuan note. Passengers sit on the open upper deck or in air-conditioned cabins, and lunch is typically served on board, with fish from the river a common dish. Cormorant fishers on bamboo rafts, water buffalo and small riverside villages are frequent sights. A 3-star boat ticket costs about 215 yuan and a 4-star about 360 yuan, with resellers adding service fees, so prices should be confirmed on Trip.com. Children under 1.2 metres travel free, and reduced prices apply from 1.2 to 1.4 metres. The cruise ends at Yangshuo, from where visitors return to Guilin by bus in about 1.5 to 2 hours for 25 to 35 yuan or by Didi. Spring from March to May and autumn from September to November offer the clearest views, while low water in winter can shorten the route. Mist adds atmosphere but reduces visibility, and summer rains can swell the river. Boats are crowded at peak times, and the top deck seats fill quickly, so boarding early helps. The best photographs come from the upper deck between Yellow Cloth Shoal and Xingping.