Choose between a cruise and a raft first
If you are traveling from Guilin to Yangshuo, a Li River cruise from Mopanshan or Zhujiang Pier to Yangshuo gives you the fuller route. If you are already staying in Yangshuo, focus on the Yangdi, Xingping, Nine Horses Mountain, and 20-yuan banknote viewpoint area, which puts less pressure on transport and timing.
Book the cruise or raft ticket ahead
Li River tickets vary by pier, route, and boat type, so prices can differ a lot. In peak season, on holidays, or on clear-weather days, arriving at the pier without a ticket can leave you with fewer options.
Use Xingping as the main stop for the Yangshuo Li River section
Xingping Ancient Town, the 20-yuan banknote viewpoint, and Nine Horses Mountain are in the same general area, so they work well on the same day. After a cruise or raft ride, you can eat in Xingping, walk the old street, and then continue to the riverside viewpoints.
Travel light on the boat
Many Li River routes are one-way or route-based, so large luggage makes pier access and onward transport harder. A phone waterproof pouch, hat, sun protection, and a little drinking water are more useful than a heavy bag.
Avoid low-price street offers
Around piers, old towns, and parking areas, you may meet people selling boat tickets, private transfers, or "shortcuts." First-time visitors are better off using regular ticket channels or confirming details through a hotel or licensed travel agency.
✦Decide first whether you are starting from Guilin or Yangshuo. The transport logic is different.
✦Li River rafts are not the same as Yulong River hand-poled bamboo rafts. The experience, boat type, and pier rules are different.
✦Clear weather is good for reflections and layered hills. Rainy weather can look atmospheric, but boat operations are more likely to be affected by water level and weather.
✦There are many steps at boats and piers, so older travelers, children, and visitors with suitcases should allow extra boarding time.
✦If you only want the 20-yuan banknote viewpoint, you do not have to take the full cruise route. A shorter Xingping-based plan can work.
遇龙河
All Ages
Admission
Common two-person raft prices include CNY 320 per raft for Jinlong Bridge-Jiuxian and CNY 200 per raft for Shui’edi-Wanjing; use the live booking page for final route prices.
Typical Visit
2-4 hours including transfers
十里画廊
All Ages
Admission
The scenic corridor is free; stops such as the Grand Banyan Tree, Moon Hill, and Butterfly Spring charge separately.
Typical Visit
Half day; 3-5 hours for a relaxed ride
阳朔西街
All Ages
Admission
Free entry; food, shops, bars, and nearby experiences cost separately.
Typical Visit
1-2 hours; longer for dinner or nightlife
兴坪古镇
All Ages
Admission
Free entry to the old town; bamboo rafts, parking, ferries, sightseeing vehicles, and nearby sights charge separately.
Typical Visit
Half day; full day with Xianggong Mountain or river routes
相公山
All Ages
Admission
Common entrance ticket is CNY 60; transfers and day-tour products may charge transport separately.
Typical Visit
1-2 hours, plus transport time
九马画山
All Ages
Admission
Viewing from public riverside areas can be free; Li River rafts, boats, ferries, sightseeing cars, and transfers are charged separately.
Typical Visit
1-2 hours if visited from Xingping