Yu Long River

Yu Long River

The Yu Long River is a national geopark.

The Yu Long River Scenic Area is an emerging destination that has only attracted visitors in the past three years. Inconvenient transportation has been one of the obstacles to its promotion, but it is precisely this inaccessibility that has helped preserve its most pristine natural landscape: unpolluted, crystal-clear waters, the sounds of chickens and dogs echoing everywhere, and children chasing after tourists shouting “Hello”… Most sections of the Yu Long River within the scenic area still have no road access to this day, and can only be explored through hiking, cycling, or bamboo rafting—the three most reasonable ways to tour the area.

The Yu Long River refers to the section from Baisha Shangri-La to the Dagongshu Gongnong Bridge, stretching approximately 16 kilometers in length, with a width of 38–61 meters and a depth of 0.5–2 meters. The water remains clear year-round, flowing gently.

The mountains on both sides of the Yu Long River are graceful and undulating, with diverse and picturesque forms. The riverbanks are covered with lush green grass, dense bamboo groves, and shady trees. The water of the Yu Long River is as clear and translucent as emerald jade, where fish leisurely swim and bamboo rafts drift by—all visible to the naked eye. A gentle breeze ripples the surface, creating tiny waves like the notes played on a violin—quiet and soft. It is so pure and naturally beautiful, untouched by wastewater or exhaust pollution, free from the stains of worldly dust. Standing on the riverbank, let the breeze caress your face and the clear waters cleanse your soul; all worries will melt away, replaced by tranquility, openness, and a comforting sense of peace. The Yu Long River is like a gentle maiden, gliding lightly and gracefully. Truly, it is a scene where “the water reflects the peaks and the peaks play with the water,” full of poetry, painting, and emotion.

At the foot of the green mountains, villages dot the landscape with wisps of cooking smoke; by the riverside, village women call to each other, laughing and washing clothes, fishermen gently paddle their bamboo rafts, casting nets to catch fish, while ducks gather in groups, either resting, wandering, or playing—exuding a rich rural charm.

The pastoral scenery of the Yu Long River is truly exceptional. On both banks, the fields are flat and expansive, bursting with greenery and the fragrance of rice flowers. Being here instantly lifts the spirit and transports you beyond the mundane. This view, this feeling, cannot even be found along the Li River, known as the finest under heaven.

Legend has it that long ago, a dragon from the East Sea wandered here and, upon seeing such breathtaking scenery, felt the East Sea had lost its luster. So, it chose to stay hidden. The dragon would rise to the surface at night to greedily admire the beautiful views, and eventually couldn’t resist occasionally sneaking out in daylight—sightings were reported by many villagers. Thus, the river was named Yu Long, meaning “Meeting the Dragon.”

Major attractions along the Yu Long River include Yu Long Bridge, Fu Li Bridge, the Scenic Beauty of Shuang Liu, Xia Tang’s Best Views, the Greater and Lesser Five-Finger Mountains, Lion Mountain, Eight Immortals Rock, Xian Gui Ancient Bridge, and the former site of Guiyi County, among others. Of course, there’s also the nationally rated four-star attraction upstream—Shangri-La. Whether hiking or riding a mountain bike, getting close to nature and immersing yourself in the boundless beauty bestowed by the landscapes, while also experiencing the delightful simplicity of local life, will delight your senses and leave you lingering with no desire to leave.

Address:

Yulong Village, Baisha Town, Yangshuo County, Guilin City

Phone:

0773-8883118

Opening Hours:

8:00–16:00; Jinlong Bridge & Jimǎ Pier: 8:00–16:30; Yu Long Bridge, Jiuxian, Shui’edi, Wanjing: 8:00–17:00; Yu Long River rafting: 7:00–16:30; Jinlong Bridge & Jimǎ Pier: 8:00–16:30.

Ticket:

Free admission. Activities within the scenic area are subject to additional charges.