Taohua River

Taohua River

The Taohua River, formerly known as the Yang River, originates from Enmo Mountain and Weiluo Ridge in Lingchuan County to the northwest of Guilin City. It flows from north to south along the western side of Guilin and joins the Li River to the southeast, stretching approximately 25 kilometers in total. It is the most famous tributary of the Li River.

The Taohua River has narrow and winding waterways, featuring dozens of large bends and hundreds of small ones, and is renowned for its “nine twists and eighteen turns.” In the Guilin section, the river forms one large “S” shape and two smaller ones, resembling green ribbons meandering through the karst basin of northern Guangxi.

The area through which the Taohua River flows is limestone-rich, with clear and calm waters. The surrounding peaks are reflected on the water like paintings, making it a popular spot for boat cruising throughout history. From Feiluan Bridge to Shengli Bridge, the water is especially tranquil and mirror-like. Along the banks of the Taohua River, oleanders blaze with color, fields look like embroidered silk, and the hills Zhongyin, Lion, Qingshu, and Jiashan stand majestically.

The scenery is even more enchanting under the moonlight. Since the Tang and Song dynasties, poets, scholars, noblewomen, and high-ranking officials have traveled up the Yang River to sail and admire the views, creating romantic tales of playing in the waves. “Autumn Moon over the Yang River” was one of the ancient Eight Scenic Spots of Guilin. A poem praises the Taohua River: “It is not the Li River, yet it surpasses the Li River.” Today, the second phase of Guilin’s Two Rivers and Four Lakes project has opened a waterway connecting the Taohua River to Fanglian Pond, further developing the area. The original embankments have been transformed into ecological shorelines, with numerous trees and ground cover plants planted, as well as stacked stones, artificial waterfalls, fountains, small bridges, boardwalks, walking paths, and reliefs, all illuminated by lighting that enhances their graceful and picturesque beauty—bringing back the charm of the beautiful Taohua River of the past. Food · Accommodation · Shopping Accommodation:

Guilin Taojiang Hotel (formerly the Li Zongren Mansion), located on the picturesque banks of the Taohua River and just a five-minute drive from the city center, offers a peaceful retreat amid the hustle and bustle. Nestled against the mountain and beside the water, the hotel boasts pleasant scenery.