Guangxi, China
Travel 83 kilometers down the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo. Boats pass karst mountains and rural villages over a 4.5-hour journey.
4.9 from 193 traveller reviews on Viator
Tickets & tours
Find boarding assistance, private drivers, or guided packages.
Most bookedThe locals sometimes refer Guilin as the "Paradise on Earth" in view of its stunning natural beauty and Li River cruise is a highlight among all the Guilin tours. Take...
Embark on this Li River cruise and feast your eyes on the stunning scenery of bamboo groves, towering karst peaks, water buffaloes wading in the river, and quaint...
Top ratedAmidst your busy schedule, enjoy the scenery of Guilin China, We will customize a perfect itinerary for you, English speaking guide & driver will take you to multiple...
Explore
Key sights along the 83-kilometer route.
3 spotsDeparture PiersThe starting points for the cruise, 30km southeast of downtown.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
3 spotsScenic HighlightsThe most famous and recognizable spots viewed from the boat.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
3 spotsArrival in YangshuoThe conclusion of your 83-kilometer cruise down the Li River.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
The exact landscape on the 20-yuan note.
Yellow Cloth Shoal is the route's most famous sight.
Plan your visit
The one-way cruise takes 4 to 4.5 hours. Boats depart between 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM.
April to October offers the best water levels. The scenery is lush and green.
Departure piers sit 30 kilometers from downtown Guilin. A taxi takes about 45 minutes.
Official 3-star fares cost roughly 215 RMB. 4-star boats cost roughly 360 RMB.
The cruise connects Guilin to Yangshuo via an 83-kilometer route. Boats depart from Mopanshan and Zhujiang piers between 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM. Passengers spend four hours observing karst peaks and bamboo groves.
Yellow Cloth Shoal is the exact landscape printed on the back of the Chinese 20-yuan banknote. The most scenic section sits halfway between Yangdi Village and Xingping Town. Scenic Highlights
All standard cruises travel one way. You arrive at Longtoushan or Shuidongmen pier in Yangshuo. From there, you can walk to West Street or return to Guilin by road. Pier Transport Options
We highlight tours that handle hotel pickups and pier drop-offs.
We clarify if the tour books a 3-star or 4-star boat.
We note when boat tickets are excluded from the tour price.
From Viator
193 reviews of the private guided cruise tour on Viator
The cruise by Li River was a memorable journey. The Mountain View, the landscape was so relaxing, and joyful.
We enjoyed the day in Guilin with our guide visiting the Reed Flute cave and ElephantTrunk Hill. She was knowledgeable, articulate and attentive. We also followed her advice and walked along the lake to see the twin pagodas at night and watch people dancing and singing.
Fantastic 4.5 hour boat trip with Beautiful views, and great tips and advice from our guide 我是Li
Wow! Mind is still blown by the natural beauty of Guilin! Jack took care of us all day! Very knowledgeable about every stop we made. He was kind and patient with us. Took all the pictures we wanted him to with no problem. Knew all the best angles and viewpoints. This was definitely the highlight of our trip to Guilin. Very long day but well worth the time and money spent.
Jerry was an excellent guide. We felt verysafe in his driving. He was full od useful information during our tour. We did not feel rushed at all throghout the day. He also took us to a very nice restaurant for lunch. Lunch was delicious and cheap. The show at the end of the tour was very colourful and memorable. Thank you Jerry.
Just marvelous tour. We included the pickup at the hotel since we were traveling individually. Perfect timing and save ride to the cruise ship. The trip it selves was marvelous. The weather was perfect even though it was fully in Chinese. The served box lunch was, as all food we got, was super. Just recommend this trip!
I visited Guilin for 3 days with friends, and this tour was certainly the highlight of our time here. Our driver-guide Sundy was fantastic! He was very professional, knowledgeable, and flexible with our preferred pacing. He spoke great English as well, which made communication easy. The whole day was seamless from our pickup in the morning to our return in the evening.
Lilly was excellent. We really enjoyed having her as our guide. She was extremely attentive. We recommend her highly.
It is nice tour.We really enjoyed ourselves. Cycling was a particularly great experience. We also saw a couple of villages.
Travel tips
Tickets & PricesCurrent official fares and inclusions for 3-star and 4-star cruises.Read 
Pier Transport OptionsOptions for reaching the Li River cruise piers from Guilin.Read 
Best TimeFind the best months for optimal water levels and weather.Read 
Packing ListPack a physical passport, a 20 RMB note, and standard day-trip items.Read 
Luggage RulesWhat you need to know about bringing bags on the Li River cruise.Read 
Boat Class DifferencesCompare seating, food, and capacity between 3-star and 4-star cruises.Read The total journey takes approximately 4 to 4.5 hours. Time varies depending on water levels and boat speed.
Official published adult fares start around 215 RMB for 3-star cruises. 4-star cruises cost roughly 360 RMB. Tickets & Prices
3-star boats seat roughly 120 passengers and serve a basic boxed lunch. 4-star boats accommodate 75 to 80 passengers, feature wider seats, and include a buffet lunch. Boat Class Differences
You can take a taxi or a private transfer. The drive from downtown takes 45 minutes and costs roughly 100 to 150 RMB.
All standard cruise boats terminate at Longtoushan Pier or Shuidongmen Pier. From there, you can walk or take an electric cart into Yangshuo.
Large luggage may be restricted on some 3-star boats. Check with your operator beforehand or hire a luggage delivery service. Luggage Rules
Book your tickets early, as standard morning departures fill up quickly.
