The Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is the centerpiece of any trip to northeastern Guangxi Province. Gorgeous Karst peaks give you surprises at each bend of the limpid river under the blue sky. Water buffalo patrol the fields, peasants reap rice paddies, school kids and fisherman float by on bamboo rafts. With its breathtaking scenery and taste of a life far removed from the concrete metropolis, the scenery along the Li River become one of China’s top tourist destinations.
It is a Chinese tradition to divide the long trip into sections (just as the Three Gorges along the Yangtze River) and give each peak an imaginative name. Although some take much of your imagination to see what it is like, listening to tour guide’s legendary stories behind them is a delightful experience when you are appreciating the landscapes. Most are mystical fairy and love stories. The river trip is over eighty kilometers (52 miles) long and is estimated to take seven to eight hours. The eye-feasting landscape and country scenery will never disappoint you.
The 84-km Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo has three distinct sections.
First Section-Guilin City to Yangdi (46 km)
The scenic spots here are a bit away from the waterway. The most famous and nearby Guilin is the Elephant Trunk Hill. In the first section, which is from Guilin to Ox Gorge, you can enjoy the following scenery: Elephant-Trunk Hill, Rooster Fighting Hill, Pagoda Hill, Forest of Odd Shaped Peaks, Daxu Ancient Town , and Ox Gorge.
Second Section-Yangdi to Xingping (17 km)
This section has Li River’s most beautiful landscape of waters and hills. You’ll cruise on an extremely picturesque waterway. Shapes of the peaks are just miraculous. A flying waterfall suspends highly at the Erlang Gorge. Here are the two most scenic spots. In the second section, which is from Ox Gorge to Water-Dropping Village, the charming scenery awaiting you include: Wangfu Rock (Yearning-for-Husband’s-Return Rock), Crown Cave, Half-Side Ferry, Yangdi Village, Mural Hill, Yellow Cloth Shoal, and Xingping Landscape.
Third Section- Xingping to Yangshuo (20km)
The third section goes from Water-Dropping Village to Yangshuo where you can see Snail Hill, Green Lotus Peak (Bilian Peak), and Schoolboy Hill (Shutong Hill). The scenery is equally beautiful.
Arriving Yangshuo on a Li River Cruise
A Li River cruise has dual purposes. It is the best way to admire the beautiful scenery of Guilin. It is also the best way to reach Yangshuo. Lunch is usually served on board and the journey takes about four to six hours. If you are on a day trip, you can come here on cruise and return by bus.