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 215; child ticket is CNY 108.
Hours
Morning departures run by daily cruise schedule; arrive early for ticket pickup and security checks.
Transport
No metro. Board at Mopanshan 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 one-way route
The Three-Star Cruise runs the classic one-way route from Guilin to Yangshuo, usually boarding at Mopanshan Pier and ending at Longtoushan Pier in Yangshuo.
Tip:The adult ticket is CNY 215, and the child ticket is CNY 108.
2
Decide where you sleep that night
This is a one-way cruise and does not return to Guilin. Before booking, decide whether you will stay in Yangshuo that night or travel back to Guilin after disembarking.
Tip:This decision affects luggage and evening transport.
3
Leave enough time for the pier
The ride from central Guilin to Mopanshan Pier takes about 40-50 minutes, and you still need time for ticket pickup and security checks.
Tip:Do not cut the morning schedule too tight, especially on holidays or rainy days.
4
Prepare for a long exposed deck visit
The cruise takes around 4 hours and does not stop midway. Three-star seating is basic, and the best views are usually from the deck.
Tip:Prepare sun protection, a hat, and water before boarding.
5
Plan the Yangshuo arrival
You disembark at Yangshuo Longtoushan Pier, which is still some distance from West Street and many hotels.
Tip:Sort out shuttle, taxi, or luggage plans first before starting your Yangshuo visit.
Highlights
- The Three-Star Cruise is the better-value option on the classic Guilin-to-Yangshuo Li River route.
- The route covers the Li River's core scenery, including karst peaks, river bends, villages, and the area near the famous RMB 20 backdrop.
- It costs less than the Four-Star Cruise and suits travelers who want the full river journey on a tighter budget.
- Deck access matters more than the assigned seat, especially for travelers who are happy to move around for views.
- Arriving in Yangshuo lets you continue directly to West Street, Shili Gallery, or your Yangshuo hotel without returning to Guilin first.
Insider Tips
✦Three-star cruises usually do not include a proper lunch. Do not expect much from onboard boxed meals or snacks; bringing simple food is safer.
✦The seat assignment is usually not the thing to worry about most, because passengers go to the deck when the scenery is best.
✦If you wait for the broadcast at Yellow Cloth Reflection or Nine Horses Fresco Hill, you may be late to the deck. Watch the river direction and move early.
✦Check pier-transfer services carefully. Some low-priced transfers may include shopping stops or take longer than expected.
✦Sun protection is essential. The Li River deck is exposed, and you can burn even on cloudy days.
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