CityBuddy
Li River Cruise
Best time to visit
Early morning (7am-9am) or late afternoon for the golden light and fewer boats. Between April and October the waters are fuller and the green of the mountains is more intense.
Budget tips
The tourist boat tour costs around 300-500 yuan per person; the bamboo raft version with a local boatman is cheaper, around 150-200 yuan. Book online in advance or buy a one-way ticket in Yangshuo to save on the return trip.
Recommended for
Landscape photographers, Couples traveling, Nature lovers, Those seeking local culture
Plan your visit
4-5 hours
About
Quick facts: The Li River boat ride offers views of unusual karst mountains stretching for hundreds of kilometers, creating a magnificent mountain landscape. The water surface, calm as a mirror, reflects the blue sky and distant mountains, as if you were in a fairy tale world.
Highlights: Near the Li River mountains, many shapes can be found, such as the "elephant trunk" and the "yellow earth reflection." On the water surface, small bamboo boats with fishermen often float, creating a peaceful and lively picture. From the boat, you can also hear sounds showing traditional fishing skills where fishermen demonstrate falcons displaying the ancient art of fishing in harmony with nature.
Insider tips
- Bring a 20 yuan note in your wallet to compare the real landscape with the image printed on it, the exact spot is near Xingping village.
- Arrive early and sit on the left side of the boat if you want the best photos of the peaks at dawn.
- Skip the big boat and choose the bamboo raft that sails through the shallow waters, you can touch the water and feel the atmosphere up close.
- Protect your camera and phone with a waterproof cover, because splashes are frequent on the tightest curves of the river.
Practical info
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