01City Guide
Longtan Park
龙潭公园
All Ages
Admission
Free entry; sightseeing carts, photo services, and some small in-park experiences cost extra.
Typical Visit
1.5-3.5 hours
Quick Facts
Ticket
Standard adult night-cruise tickets commonly fall around CNY 68-118; luxury or dinner-included boats cost more.
Hours
Night departures commonly cluster around 19:30 and 20:30; boat schedules can change with weather, water levels, and holiday demand.
Transport
No direct metro; use taxi or buses to Dongdi Tourist Pier (东堤旅游码头)
Duration
40-60 minutes on the boat; allow extra time for boarding
Best Time
Clear evenings year-round; cooler months are more comfortable on deck
Visitors
All ages
How to Visit
1
Go to Dongdi Tourist Pier
Most visitors board at Dongdi Tourist Pier. Taking a taxi directly to the pier is the simplest option; buses can get you to Dongdi Tourist Pier, the military museum area, or nearby stops, followed by a short walk.
Tip:Arriving directly at the pier reduces confusion because different operators and boats may use different boarding arrangements.
2
Check the boat type before buying
Cruise types and prices vary a lot. Standard night-cruise adult tickets commonly fall around CNY 68-118, while luxury boats or dinner-included boats cost more.
Tip:Check the boat name, departure time, cruise length, and whether food is included before paying.
3
Plan around evening departures
Common night departures are around 19:30 and 20:30, with most cruises lasting 40-60 minutes. Weather, water levels, holiday demand, and operator schedules can change the actual departures.
Tip:Do not build a tight evening plan around an exact boat time unless you already have a confirmed ticket.
4
Board early if photos matter
If you want photos, arrive early for ticket pickup and boarding, then head for the second level or open deck. If you are traveling with children or dislike wind, indoor seats are more comfortable.
Tip:The open deck gives better views but can be windy, crowded, and less comfortable for young children.
5
Leave time for the next stop
You can pair the cruise with Ma'anshan Park, Yaobu Ancient Town, or Wuxing Pedestrian Street, but do not make the transfer too tight.
Tip:Night boarding, disembarking, and taxis after the cruise all take time, especially on holidays.
Highlights
- The Liujiang River night cruise is the most concentrated way to see Liuzhou's night scenery, especially if it is your first visit and time is limited.
- From the boat, you can pass Wenchang Bridge, Wenhui Bridge, Liujiang Bridge, Yaobu Ancient Town, Panlong Mountain waterfalls, and the riverside lights.
- If the music fountain and waterfall lighting are operating, seeing them from the river feels more complete than only walking along the bank.
- The night breeze, river surface, and city lights make the Liujiang River more memorable than it is during the day.
- Treat it as an easy evening activity rather than a deep cultural stop. It works well before or after dinner.
Insider Tips
✦Boat choice matters. A cheaper ticket is not always worse, and an expensive ticket is not always better for photos. Deck visibility and route length matter more.
✦The open deck can be windy. In spring, autumn, winter, or after rain, bring a light jacket.
✦Popular holiday departures can involve queues. Do not arrive right at departure time if you want a good photo position.
✦If your budget is tight, take the CNY 3 water bus during the day for a river experience, then use the evening for Yaobu Ancient Town or Ma'anshan night views.
More Liuzhou Attractions
02City Guide
Ma'anshan Park
马鞍山公园
All Ages
Admission
Park entry is free; common elevator prices are CNY 20 up, CNY 10 down, or CNY 30 round trip.
Typical Visit
1-2 hours
03Historic Walk
Liuhou Park
柳侯公园
All Ages
Admission
Park entry is free; Liuhou Shrine may require a separate low-price ticket.
Typical Visit
1-2 hours
04Food District
Yaobu Ancient Town
窑埠古镇
All Ages
Admission
Free entry; costume rental, photography, food, and boat tickets cost extra.
Typical Visit
1-2 hours
05Historic Walk
Liuzhou Industrial Museum
柳州工业博物馆
All Ages
Admission
Free entry.
Typical Visit
1-3 hours
06Historic Walk
Liuzhou Museum
柳州博物馆
All Ages
Admission
Free entry.
Typical Visit
2-3 hours