Five-Pai River Rafting

Five-Pai River Rafting

The Five-Pai River Rafting Resort is located in Ziyuan County, northern Guilin, at the southwestern foot of Mao'er Mountain—the highest peak in South China. Originating from Jinzishan Mountain at an altitude of 1,883 meters, it is the second-largest river in Ziyuan County. Flowing through the three ethnic minority towns of Chetian, Lianshui, and Hekou, the river surges westward, merging into the Liujiang River and eventually flowing into the Pearl River, as part of the Pearl River system. With a total length of 51.03 km within the county and a natural drop of 1,310 meters, it has become a major highlight of Ziyuan’s tourism. The Five-Pai River is renowned for its treacherous waters, unique rocks, secluded forests, and beautiful waterfalls. Towering peaks, dense forests, and ethnic Miao and Yao mountain villages line its banks, and the phrase “the river twists like a coiled intestine” perfectly captures the essence of the Five-Pai River.

Due to its high elevation, the Five-Pai River Rafting Resort enjoys an average annual temperature of only 16.4°C, with humid conditions and abundant rainfall year-round—creating ideal conditions for rafting activities. According to environmental tests, both the air and water quality at the resort meet national first-class standards, making it an excellent destination for leisure, vacation, and eco-tourism. The outstanding natural conditions of the Five-Pai River have not only attracted thousands of tourists but also drawn the attention of officials and experts from the Water Sports Administration Center of the General Administration of Sport of China, who were searching nationwide for a suitable training and competition base for whitewater kayaking slalom events. After inspecting the Five-Pai River, they confirmed that it is currently the most comprehensively suitable site in China—and the only one capable of meeting all six levels of international whitewater kayaking slalom training and competition requirements. In August 2001, the General Administration of Sport of China successfully hosted the “2001 Guilin Five-Pai River National Rafting Invitational Tournament” here, laying a solid foundation for future international competitions.

After multiple inspections by relevant departments and experts, it was determined that the most valuable section of the Five-Pai River for tourism development is the approximately 30-kilometer stretch from Chetian (where the town government of Chetian is located) to Hekou (where the town government of Hekou is located). With deep gorges, serene valleys, perilous rapids, fast-flowing waters, towering peaks, unique rocks, and stunning scenery on both banks, along with rich ethnic customs, this section leaves a profound impression on visitors exploring the river.

The Five-Pai River Rafting Resort is not only a great destination for tourism and sports but also holds significant importance in the history of the Red Army’s Long March. The first high mountain crossed during the Long March—Laoshanjie (Old Mountain Pass)—is situated right by the Five-Pai River. Currently, the Ziyuan County government is planning to build a patriotic education base commemorating the Long March at Tangdong, at the foot of Laoshanjie. Once completed, this base is expected to attract a large number of visitors to the Five-Pai River every year.

Rafting the Five-Pai River in a bamboo raft or rubber boat is like embarking on a journey into the heart of a secluded valley. With numerous bends, steep mountains, dense forests, and tranquil valleys, all worldly noise fades away, and the river carries you into a primitive, untouched natural realm. Numerous rapids and fast-flowing waters, surrounded by dense forests and rugged rocks, together with the simple and traditional Miao and Yao mountain villages, create a series of pristine, majestic, and breathtaking landscapes that leave visitors in awe and reluctant to leave. The Five-Pai River is about 5 to 30 meters wide, with a drop of nearly 300 meters from upstream to downstream. What meets the eye are one rapid after another, almost forming a continuous chain. During the rafting adventure, as the rubber boat speeds down the torrent, facing walls of foamy white water, the boat tosses and turns, darting left and right. Before entering the rapids, you may be completely dry—but once out, you’ll be soaked. The mighty Five-Pai River is like a wild horse breaking free, galloping through the deep mountains and valleys. As long as you face the challenges fearlessly and press on bravely, you will eventually tame this untamed steed and become its master.

The approximately 30-km river section from the Chetian Wharf to Hekou Town features a drop of over 200 meters, with a uniform steep gradient and local drops of less than 2 meters. There are no hidden undercurrents or whirlpools, making it both thrilling and safe. The Five-Pai River Rafting Resort is located in the heart of the “Golden Triangle” where Ziyuan, Longsheng, and Xing’an counties meet, offering extremely convenient transportation. It is connected to downtown Guilin by three highways, with the closest distance being 100 km. Visitors from the city can return on the same day.

Exploring the Five-Pai River, with its ancient, wild, and untamed beauty and heart-pounding thrills, is enough to turn ordinary people into heroes and cowards into warriors—while also allowing one to enjoy the endless joy of conquering nature.

Address:

At the foot of Mao'er Mountain, Ziyuan County, Guilin City

Opening Hours:

All day

Ticket Price:

168 RMB

The Five-Pai River Rafting Resort is located in the heart of the “Golden Triangle” where Ziyuan, Longsheng, and Xing’an counties meet, offering extremely convenient transportation. It is connected to downtown Guilin by three highways, with a distance of 138 km. An asphalt road leads directly to the Chetian Rafting Wharf, making transportation very convenient. City tourists can return on the same day. From Guilin, it takes about two hours to reach the county town, and about one hour from the county town to the rafting wharf. The rafting experience is thrilling. Direct express buses from downtown Guilin to Ziyuan County Town (106 km, about 2 hours) run seven times a day at 23 RMB per person. Regular buses cost 21 RMB per person, run every 20 minutes (6:40–18:00), and take about 1.5 hours to arrive. After arriving in Ziyuan, you can rent a car to the wharf (30 RMB per person round trip).

Transportation to Five-Pai River Rafting:

The Five-Pai River Rafting site is 33 km from Ziyuan County Town. Direct express buses from downtown Guilin to Ziyuan County Town (106 km, about 2 hours) run seven times a day. Regular buses run approximately every 20 minutes (6:40–18:00). Take the Guilin–Ziyuan express bus from Guilin Bus Terminal (seven daily) and rent a car upon arrival (round trip).

Take the Guilin–Ziyuan express bus from Guilin Bus Terminal, then rent a car upon arrival (30 RMB per person round trip).