Li River Cruise

Li River Cruise

The Li River originates from Mao'er Mountain in Xing'an County. The 83-kilometer waterway from Guilin to Yangshuo sees the Li River meandering like a jade ribbon through emerald peaks, forming the world’s largest and most picturesque karst scenery. A boat ride lets you admire reflected peaks, crystal-clear waters, green hills, shepherd boys singing, fishermen at ease, rustic farmsteads, and fresh air—everything is poetic.

Here, the Li River sharply changes course, splitting into two streams that divide the riverbank into three small islets. Waves lap against the islet heads, where lush green grass and intertwined reeds grow, occasionally dotted with carefree shepherds. Nine rocks in the river, legend says transformed from nine oxen, form the scenic spot "Nine Oxen Playing in Water."

After passing through Huangniu Gorge, on the western bank of the Li River lies Wangfu Mountain. At its summit stands a "fairy rock" resembling a person in ancient attire gazing north; midway up, another rock looks like a woman carrying a baby and looking into the distance. Many legends surround Wangfu Mountain.

About 2 kilometers from Xiushan, on the left bank of the river, lies a camel-shaped rocky hill. With steep cliffs and peaks like lotus flowers rising from water, their reflections shimmer in the green waves—"Here, the landscape is truly unique, cliffs form the riverbanks for a halfway crossing."

Located on the eastern bank of the Li River, 29 kilometers south of Guilin, this was historically a riverside post station. Towering peaks encircle a flat valley. Walking along the sheer cliffs on the western bank around the valley reveals extraordinary scenery.

On the western bank of the Li River, downstream from Yuanyang Beach, about 46 kilometers from Guilin. Willow-lined banks stretch for miles like a green screen, swaying between green mountains, clear waters, waterfalls, and shallow rapids, offering a serene and tranquil atmosphere.

Viewed from Renzai Mountain behind Yangdi Village, the panorama is even more vibrant: fields crisscross the islets, crops lush; villages nestled among bamboo groves with curling smoke; fishing rafts drift on the water, cormorants diving; mountain streams echo with bleating livestock and shepherd’s flutes. On rainy days, witness the famed "Yangdi Misty Rain" scene—like a traditional Chinese ink painting, where peaks and green waters blend into a hazy, dreamlike vista.

Amid the lush greenery on the left bank of the Li River stands Langshi Village, with its blue-brick, dark-tiled houses nestled by the water. This marks the heart of the Li River’s most breathtaking scenery: dramatic peaks line both shores, the waterway narrows, and the right bank features peaks like Dahuang Mountain, Wenbi Peak, Bijia Mountain, and Lion Mountain, rising in layers; the left bank has Guanyin Mountain, White Rabbit Mountain, and Golden Rooster Ridge, each uniquely shaped. Here, boats glide seamlessly with the mountains, as if the peaks themselves shift with the waves. Ahead, waters cut through gorges; nearby, sails frame the cliffs; sometimes mist veils the landscape, shrouding peaks in mystery, creating naturally surreal scenes.

Nine-Horse Mural Hill is near Huashan Village on the eastern bank of the Li River, about 60 kilometers from Guilin. Five connected peaks feature a colorful cliff face with shades of green, yellow, white, and more, vividly painted in varying intensity, resembling a majestic horse painting—hence its name, abbreviated as Mural Hill. The nine horses appear lifelike, each with distinct poses: standing, lying, galloping, leaping, drinking from the river, or neighing at the clouds—"A mural of nine steeds, wonders upon this earth." Qing Dynasty poet Xu Yun once praised: "Since ancient times, mountains have resembled paintings, but now paintings resemble mountains. A mural of nine horses, wonders upon this earth."

Huangbu Shoal gets its name from a large, beige stone slab at the bottom, resembling a "yellow cloth." The beauty of the Li River lies in its reflections, and nowhere are they more stunning than at Huangbu Shoal. The water here is mirror-flat, crystal-clear, with green bamboo lining the banks and graceful shadows dancing. Peaks, bamboo, blue sky, and white clouds all reflect in the azure waters, blending mountain and water, water and sky. Qing Dynasty poet Yuan Mei captured it best: "Clearly seeing the mountaintop, yet the boat sails atop the green peak."

Xingping Ancient Town sits against mountains and beside water, a hub of Li River scenery. Surrounded by uniquely beautiful peaks, it boasts rich landscapes: to the east are Sengni Meeting, Lion Gazing at the Sky, and Arhat Sunbathing; to the north, Shouxing Riding a Donkey and Camel Crossing the River; to the west, Bijia Mountain and Beauty Peak; to the south, open terrain features Luosi Mountain, Carp Mountain, and distant peaks, varying in height and density.

Here, the Li River winds deeply and clearly, painting the surrounding scenery onto the water’s surface. Sparse woods, new bamboo, red sails, and farmhouses seem inlaid in an ink painting. The beauty is beyond brush or pen. Xingping’s scenery even graced Chinese currency—the reverse of the 1999 version 20-yuan note depicts the Li River here. A cruise near Xingping’s left bank reveals this view.

Li River Scenic Area

Guilin Elephant Trunk Hill

Li River Guanyan Scenic Area

Nine-Horse Mural Hill Canyon Rafting Scenic Area

Daxu Ancient Town

Huangniu Gorge

Langshi Scenery

Father-Son Rock

Guilin Tashan

Xingping Ancient Town

Yangdi

Yangshuo Landscape Garden

Huangbu Reflection