01Urban Landmark
Elephant Hill Scenic Area
象鼻山景区
All Ages
Admission
Free entry with real-name reservation.
Typical Visit
30-60 minutes for classic photos; 1-2 hours with the hill paths
Quick Facts
Ticket
Adult ticket is CNY 360; child ticket is CNY 180.
Hours
Morning departures run by daily cruise schedule; arrive early for ticket pickup and security checks.
Transport
No metro. Board at Zhujiang Pier, about 40-50 minutes by car from central Guilin.
Duration
Around 4 hours on the river, plus pier transfer time
Best Time
Apr-Oct for greener river scenery; clear days are best for views
Visitors
All ages
How to Visit
1
Confirm the route and ticket
The Four-Star Cruise also runs the one-way Guilin-to-Yangshuo classic route, but it boards at Zhujiang Pier and ends at Yangshuo Longtoushan Pier.
Tip:The adult ticket is CNY 360, and the child ticket is CNY 180.
2
Check the pier carefully
Three-star cruises use Mopanshan Pier, while four-star cruises use Zhujiang Pier.
Tip:They are not the same place, so use the exact pier name for transfers.
3
Choose it for comfort and convenience
Choose the four-star cruise if you want a smoother, more comfortable trip and prefer having a meal included. Tickets usually include a buffet, and the cabin space and seats are better than on the three-star boats.
Tip:The higher price is mainly for comfort and convenience.
4
Leave enough time in the morning
The ride from central Guilin to Zhujiang Pier usually also takes 40-50 minutes. Leave enough time in the morning for ticket pickup, security checks, and traffic changes.
Tip:Pier delays are stressful because the cruise does not wait like a private car.
5
Plan after arrival in Yangshuo
After disembarking, you are still at Yangshuo Longtoushan Pier, so return transport and luggage plans are your responsibility.
Tip:If you plan to go back to Guilin the same day, check buses, cars, or private transfers in advance.
Highlights
- The Four-Star Cruise is more comfortable than the Three-Star Cruise, with better cabin space, seats, and overall onboard environment.
- The included buffet is not something to over-romanticize, but it is easier than buying a boxed meal onboard.
- Zhujiang Pier is generally calmer, and boarding often feels more orderly than at busier pier areas.
- It suits first-time visitors, families, older travelers, and anyone with a little more budget who wants fewer logistics headaches.
- The scenery follows the same broad Li River direction as the Three-Star Cruise, covering the classic Guilin-to-Yangshuo experience.
Insider Tips
✦The higher price is mainly for comfort and convenience, not because the scenery is dramatically different from the three-star cruise.
✦Buffet time is limited. If you care most about photos, plan whether to eat before or after the busiest deck-viewing moments.
✦If photography is the main goal, the three-star cruise can still work; if traveling with older visitors or children, the four-star cruise is more comfortable.
✦VIP cabins, private rooms, or higher-end boat types make more sense for groups than for one or two travelers.
✦The cruise does not automatically solve your post-arrival transport. Do not treat the end of the boat ride as the end of the day's logistics.
More Guilin Attractions
02City Guide
Two Rivers and Four Lakes
两江四湖
All Ages
Admission
Walking routes are free; cruise prices vary by route, pier, boat type, and night-cruise product.
Typical Visit
1-2 hours for walking; around 1-1.5 hours for many cruise routes
03City Guide
Reed Flute Cave
芦笛岩
All Ages
Admission
Adult ticket is CNY 90; advance online tickets may sometimes be around CNY 82.
Typical Visit
1-1.5 hours
04Historic Walk
Duxiu Peak and Jingjiang Princes' City
独秀峰王城景区
All Ages
Admission
Adult ticket is usually CNY 100; some ticket types may bundle extra activities.
Typical Visit
2-3 hours
05Historic Walk
Seven Star Scenic Area
七星景区
All Ages
Admission
Main scenic-area ticket is commonly around CNY 50-55; Seven Star Cave costs separately or as a package.
Typical Visit
2-3 hours; longer if adding Seven Star Cave and Guihai Stele Forest
06City Guide
Piled Silk Hill
叠彩山
All Ages
Admission
Adult ticket is CNY 25.
Typical Visit
1.5-2.5 hours