Guilin River Cruises: The Best Way to Experience the Landscape

The saying "Guilin's scenery is the best under heaven" lives up to its reputation, and the best way to appreciate it is from the water. River cruises allow you to soak in the stunning landscapes on both sides of the river. While Guilin city offers the Two Rivers and Four Lakes cruise, the Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is the highlight not to be missed.

Two Rivers and Four Lakes Cruise — Exploring Downtown Guilin

The Two Rivers and Four Lakes (Li River, Peach Blossom River, and four connecting lakes: Rong, Shan, Gui, and Mulong) are a symbol of Guilin. Each season paints a different picture, and both day and night cruises offer breathtaking scenery comparable to Venice. Cruising is undoubtedly the best way to fully enjoy the area.

Where to Board the Cruise?

For daytime cruises, you can board at either Yuren Wharf or Riyuewan Bridge Wharf.
For night cruises, you can board at Wenchang Bridge Wharf or Yuren Wharf.
All wharfs are centrally located and easily accessible.

Wharf Addresses

• Riyuewan Wharf : Opposite Lijiang Waterfall Hotel, Shanhu North Road, Xiufeng District, Guilin.

• Yuren Wharf (Elephant Trunk Hill) : No. 12 Binjiang Road, Xiangshan District (beside Gate 3 of Elephant Trunk Hill Park).

• Wenchang Bridge Wharf : Under the southeastern end of Wenchang Bridge (near Elephant Trunk Hill and opposite Huating Restaurant).

How to Take the Cruise?

There are day cruises and night cruises , and different route options depending on your location and schedule.

Daytime Cruise

• Operating Hours : 8:00 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00 PM–4:30 PM

• Ticket Prices : ¥80 for adults, ¥45 for children

• Departure Times (subject to staff confirmation):

  • Morning: 8:00, 8:20, 9:50, 10:40, 11:20

  • Afternoon: 1:40, 3:10, 4:30

Night Cruise

• Departure Times : 5:50 PM, 6:40 PM, 7:30 PM, 7:50 PM, 8:00 PM, 8:10 PM, 8:15 PM, 8:40 PM, 9:10 PM, 9:30 PM
  (Extra cruises added from 9:40–11:50 PM during holidays)

• Cruise Route :

  • From Wenchang Bridge Wharf to Yuren Wharf , or

  • From Yuren Wharf to Wenchang Bridge Wharf (subject to staff notification)

• Ticket Price : ¥210

• Duration : Around 90 minutes

• Booking : Tickets can be purchased online with discounts available.

Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo — A Full-Day Scenic Journey

This route covers the most beautiful section of the Li River , stretching 63 km from Guilin to Yangshuo , also known as the Hundred-Mile Li River.

The cruise route is typically divided into three scenic zones:

1. Guilin City to Huangniu Gorge

2. Huangniu Gorge to Shuiluo Village

3. Shuiluo Village to Yangshuo

As the Tang dynasty poet Han Yu once wrote:
" The river winds like a green silk belt, the mountains stand like jade hairpins."
This waterway is known as the Li River Gallery , with highlights such as Nine Horses Fresco Hill , Yellow Cloth Shoal Reflection , and Xingping Ancient Town.

Cruise Route Overview

• Elephant Trunk Hill → Li River → Nine Horses Fresco Hill → Xingping Ancient Town → Ten-Mile Gallery (Yangshuo)

Must-See Highlights Along the Li River Cruise

Elephant Trunk Hill — Icon of Guilin

A 5A-rated attraction formed from ancient limestone, this hill resembles an elephant drinking from the river. It's one of Guilin’s iconic landmarks and features over 50 cliff inscriptions, including works by famous poets like Lu You and Fan Chengda.

Li River — The View on China’s 20 Yuan Note

The scenery changes with the weather:

• On sunny days, enjoy sharp reflections of the green peaks.

• On cloudy days, admire the misty mountain ambiance.

• On rainy days, witness the poetic rain-covered river.

This area is a prime example of karst topography and features the landscape printed on the 20 yuan RMB banknote.

Nine Horses Fresco Hill — Use Your Imagination

This cliffside rock formation looks like nine horses in various poses, but it takes imagination! Premier Zhou Enlai reportedly saw 9 horses, while President Clinton saw 8.

Xingping Ancient Town — A Timeworn Riverside Gem

After the cruise, hop on an electric cart to Xingping Ancient Town , a charming place with over 1,000 years of history. Its stone-paved streets and riverside atmosphere reflect the authentic vibe of Yangshuo. Former U.S. President Clinton once visited the nearby Xingping Fishing Village.

Ten-Mile Gallery — Yangshuo’s Scenic Corridor

The Ten-Mile Gallery isn't a single attraction but a scenic stretch near Moon Hill , dotted with multiple stops:

Butterfly Spring

A stalactite formation resembling a butterfly with a spring beneath it. The park features lively performances by Miao and Dong ethnic groups. Look for the massive butterfly sculpture at the entrance, a small cave, suspension bridge, and slide — a favorite among children.

Big Banyan Tree

This ancient tree is known as a love symbol , made famous by scenes from the classic movie Liu Sanjie. In the film, Liu Sanjie throws an embroidered ball to A Niu under this tree.

Moon Hill

A unique hill with a natural arch resembling a crescent moon. As you drive by, the shape changes depending on your angle — from waxing to full moon, and then waning again. A magical sight!

Bamboo Raft or River Cruise — What’s the Difference?

Li River Bamboo Raft

Bamboo rafting covers only a short section of the river, most recommended from Yangdi to Nine Horses Fresco Hill. This route includes iconic views like the 20-yuan scenery and the Nine Horses Hill , offering the feeling of "floating through a painting."

Li River Cruise

The full cruise runs from Guilin to Yangshuo, taking about 4 hours , and includes all major scenic spots such as Yangdi , Nine Horses Hill , Yellow Cloth Shoal , and Xingping Ancient Town.

Key Differences

• Age Restrictions :

  • Children under 1.2m and seniors over 70 cannot take bamboo rafts , but are allowed on cruises.

• Safety :

  • Cruises are safer and more comfortable.

• Experience :

  • Each offers a unique experience — raft for intimacy, cruise for panorama.

  • If you have time, it’s worth trying both.