Li River on Chinese Money 20RMB

Although there are many reasons for visiting China, specifically Guilin, the Li River is probably the greatest attraction. Also known as, the Lishui River, this waterway feeds the lush, green vegetation that offers people such perfect scenery. The Li River winds through China’s countryside for more than 105 miles, moving past numerous cities to include Changde, Jushou, Lixian, Jinshi, Zhangjiajie, and Shimen.

The reflections created by the waters of the Li River are one of its finest characteristics. For instance, when traveling the river during the winter months, the river becomes mystical from droplets of rain and lingering clouds above. However, no matter the time of year you travel to Guilin, taking a cruise down the Li River should be at the top of your list for things to do. On either side of the river are sheer limestone cliffs that enhance the overall experience.

Just outside of Guilin is a place called Bamboo Wharf. From there, an official tour boat leaves every morning, traveling the Li River about five hours until the city of Yangshuo is reached. Keep in mind that if this trip is taken during the rainy season, the river flows faster so reaching the destination may only take four hours but in hot, dry months, the river moves slower, meaning the time could stretch to six hours.

One important consideration if you choose to take a Li River cruise such as this, you need to remember that the boat comes back empty. Therefore, if you want to get back to Guilin, you would need to take land transportation. Or you may spend some time in Yangshuo.

Although the entire journey down the Li River is spectacular, the most breathtaking is between Yangdi and Xingping. People who have taken a Li River cruise agree that the trip provided an opportunity to see nature in all its glory, creating a memory to be cherished for life. Because a Li River cruise is so popular, it is highly recommended that you book as far ahead as possible and then once in Guilin, confirm the location and time for boarding the boat.

Li River Cruise

Rock Climbing

Although there are many more, some of the most popular areas in Guilin for rock climbing include:

• Baby Frog
• Moon Hill
• The Egg
• White Mountain

Guilin is a simply stunning part of China known for its karst limestone scenery, winding rivers, beautiful trees and vegetation, and enticing sunrises and sunsets.  With a backdrop such as this, it is no wonder that rock climbing is so loved.  Best of all, the way in which the cliffs along the Li River hangs, a variety of foot and hand holds is offered.  In addition, beginner, intermediate, and advanced rock climbers find perfect places for this activity.

Each of the different areas in Guilin for rock climbing offers something unique and has a grade regarding intensity.  For instance, Moon Hill has a grade of 5.13, making it one of the easiest climbs but just as there are many possibilities for beginner and intermediate climbers, areas of Guilin with grades of 8 and up also exist for those who appreciate a serious challenge.  With more than 200 options in Guilin, there is something for everyone.

Bike Riding

The second outdoor activity that you would love in Guilin is bike riding.  The countryside around this part of China is stunning and with so many routes, you have your pick of where to go, level of intensity, and the amount of time you want to spend riding.  The bike routes in Guilin move in all directions from the city, some that stay closer to inhabited areas and some that venture out to small villages.

The good news is that the majority of bike trails in Guilin are flat, meaning day trips are not a struggle but actually very relaxing and enjoyable.  You will find numerous bike shops that rent a variety of bikes to include mountain, tandem, women, and kids’ bikes.  However, we suggest you consider a mountain bike in that it is an all-around choice.  Then, when you get ready to rent, check the bike out carefully prior to riding off.  Checking the tires, brakes, seat, gears, and pedals will ensure you have a fun but also safe time.

Bamboo Rafting

• Motorized Rafting – If you want to spend time enjoying the beautiful scenery around the Li River, then you might consider taking a motorized trip.  These rafts are designed to accommodate four people and depending on the raft, some have a canopy, giving you protection from rain and sun.  A motorized rafting trip lasts about two hours, giving you plenty of time to take in all the sites.

• Poling Rafting – The other type of bamboo rafting is manual, meaning everyone on the raft works together to pole the river.  If you appreciate being physical and you want a longer lasting trip, one that is peaceful, poling would be the perfect option.  Regardless of the company you choose, lifejackets are provided for safety purposes.

Kayaking

• The great thing about kayaking down the Li River is that you do not have to be highly skilled.  Unlike kayaking on roaring rivers, this trip is actually tranquil with a few areas that offer some challenge.  With this, you can pole when wanted and then allow the kayak to flow down the river using the natural currents.  Just as with bamboo rafting, kayaking the Li River is about a two-hour trip, one well worth making.  It is recommended that you bring a hat, wear pants and long sleeves for protection from the sun, and make sure you bring bottled water and your camera along on the trip.

Cormorants are a unique looking bird with a long neck similar to that of a reptile.  Often, this type of bird will stand with its wings spread, as a way of drying the feathers.  What makes the cormorant so vital is its ability to dive beneath the water and remain there for quite some time.  While under the water, this bird will use its keen eyesight looking for fish.

Cormorants are natural fishers, which makes this type of fishing possible.  At one time in ancient China, it was discovered that even if a ring were placed around the neck of the bird, the cormorant would still catch fish in the bill but no longer have the ability to swallow.  To reward the birds and encourage them to keep fishing, the owners let them eat every seventh fish they catch.

A fully trained cormorant will spend time on the water and after returning to the bamboo raft, the owner finds the through full of fish.  While most birds automatically come back to the raft, some are more challenging.  To allow the cormorant fishing to continue but without fear of losing a precious bird, the owner ties a piece of string to one leg so if needed, the bird could be pulled back in.

Another fascinating fact about cormorant fishing is that rather than work during the day, fishing is done as the sun sets.  This way, lanterns on the raft help attract the attention of the fish, which means a greater quantity of fish to take home.  If fish start to move toward weeds, men will use bamboo poles to beat on the water, scaring them out into the open where the cormorants can catch them.

When visiting Guilin, you can enjoy a demonstration of cormorant fishing, which involves the bird swallowing the fish and then the fish being placed back into the water.  After the demonstration, for a small fee, you can have your picture taken with one of these famous water birds.  With a maximum lifespan of 23 years, trained cormorants continue to be essential for many Chinese communities.

Yangshuo Li River cormorants fishing is an interesting add-on of your  Li River cruise

One of the things that make this production so spectacular is that it is held at the Sanjie Liu Sing Fair, the largest natural theater on the planet.  This means instead of sitting in a closed in theater, you sit in an open-air auditorium that uses the Li River water for the stage, the Twelve Mist Shrouded Hills as the backdrop, and the canopy is the sky.

Each production of Impression Liu Sanjie is unique in that the background constantly changes based on inverted reflections seen in the river, as well as the rain, mist, and light from the moon.  To see the show, you and the rest of the audience would stand on beautifully designed terraces surrounded by lush greenery.  Even the auditorium’s sound system is perfectly hidden among the natural elements.

You will be amazed how each performance of the Impression Liu Sanjie changes on a daily basis based on the weather of the four seasons.  This means if you were in Guilin in the spring and saw the show, only to return in the winter, seeing the show a second time would be an entirely different experience.

The show depicts a fairy singer associated with legends of the Zhuang community.  The fairy is a beautiful woman with a heavenly voice.  During the Impression Liu Sanjie, you gain a unique perspective of life of the Zhuang people around the Li River, seeing through impressions of the natural auditorium what the town of the fairy was like.  In all, seven chapters take you on an incredible journey that cannot be compared with any other production ever created.

This show is available only in Yangshuo, since  Li River cruise finishes in Yangshuo in early afternoon, it is suggested that you stay at least one night in Yangshuo if you are interested in the Liu Sanjie Show.

Just imagine being able to learn how to cook authentic Chinese food and being able to take your newfound knowledge home where the same foods and flavors could be replicated perfectly!  When you add cooking classes into your schedule while in Guilin, this exactly the outcome.  You could wow family and friends, giving them a look into your Guilin trip without ever leaving home.

Unlike other cities in China, Guilin is known for cuisine that is a wonderful balance of Sichuan, Hunanese, and Cantonese, which means dishes are sweet and spicy all rolled into one.  One of the most intriguing aspects of taking cooking classes while in Guilin is that many classes include a trip to the local market so you can learn about and be involved in choosing raw ingredients.  However, cooking there are also all-inclusive schools in Guilin where needed ingredients are provided.  The following are a few options for you to consider.

•  Yangshuo Cooking School – Classes taught at this Guilin school includes five mouth-watering dishes.  The instructors speak great English, have amazing talent, and they enjoy teaching and answering questions.  You would have a choice of locations for learning to cook authentic Chinese food, in a traditional farmhouse or on the Li River.  What makes this school so unique is that the concept is based on having students actually make the dishes rather than just watch.

• Cloud 9 Restaurant – At this restaurant, half-day classes are offered, with each class taught in English.  In addition to learning a number of specialty dishes, you would also gain knowledge about the Chinese culture and customs.  These classes offer teaching of three dishes and at the end of everything being made, you get to enjoy the delicious food.  This cooking school can accommodate as few as two people or as many as eight people.

Also check out Li River Cruise

Hot Air Balloon Rides

For the best view of the rice terraces, the Li River, ancient villages, temples, and pagodas, and the limestone cliffs, a hot air balloon ride is the perfect solution.  From this vantage point, you can see just how beautiful Guilin is, something that will mesmerize.  One company offers hot air balloon rides, which offers two trips every day with the first leaving just after sunrise and the second ride later in the afternoon.

 You will have the option of choosing a 40 or 60 minute ride, with both being a wonderful experience and affordable.  Although hot air balloon rides are not for everyone, for people with an adventurous spirit and those that want to look over the changing landscape of Guilin from above, this is a fun trip.

Hiking in Guilin

Another popular outdoor activity that can be done throughout the year and with little to no skill is hiking.  From the city, you will find routes that take off in all directions.  You can rent equipment and get maps to venture out on your own or take a guided tour, which is what we recommend, especially if you have never been to Guilin and do not know much about the area.

With a guided tour, you will have the chance to walk along hidden pathways that wind their way along the water and mountains, giving you a firsthand look at Guilin’s beauty.  Companies that offer tours also have all the equipment needed but we suggest you bring some type of protection for the sun, as well as unexpected downpours.

You will also need bottled water, some high-protein snacks, a camera, and you might even take a little bit of money in that some trails go into charming villages.  Of course, if you plan to hike as a part of your trip to Guilin, be sure to bring good walking shoes.  Otherwise, you can purchase shoes there.

For a romantic evening, you have a multitude of opportunities but taking a Guilin night cruise is sure to impress.  Remember, Guilin is not only home to the beautiful Li River, but many other waterways all connected to include the Taohua River, Ronghu Lake, Shahu Lake, Guihu Lake, and the Mulong Lake.  With this unique layout, a night cruise would take you and your partner around this water system, which is fondly called “Two Rivers and Four Lakes”.

This complete moat river system has been a vital part of Guilin’s history for more than 1,000 years.  Unfortunately, time took its toll on many areas of the water system due to high silt levels in the rivers and lakes, buried cultural relics, and poor water quality.  However, at the start of the 20^th century, the waterway was dredged, which helped tremendous so when taking a night cruise, the experience is unrivaled.

By taking a Guilin night cruise, you will have the opportunity to enjoy vast waters but also the surrounding landscape.  The entire area has been transformed into a natural park, featuring several bridges spanning the lakes, a wide array of vegetation, and even charming pavilions resting on the banks.  For the night cruise, you would float along on a yacht through the four lakes while stopping at some of the main tourist attractions to include Fubo Hill, Folded and Brocade Hill, and Elephant Hill.

The gentle movement of the water, illuminated sky, and breathtaking scenery along the journey is the perfect combination for creating romance.  You will find several companies that charter these cruises, some smaller and more intimate than others so we recommend you consider various options and then choose the one that would enhance the overall experience.

Also see Li River Cruise from Guilin