Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo: West Street, Silver Cave and Moon Hill

Guilin , China

Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo: West Street, Silver Cave and Moon Hill

Active

8h - 10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Cruise down the Li River to experience the timeless landscapes on a leisurely boat ride from Guilin to Yangshuo. With commentary from your private tour guide, admiring the stunning karst peaks, have lunch on board the boat, then disembark at a small village, explore village and continue to Yangshuo. Stroll around the West Street to shop for your souvenirs, discover the Silver Cave which is millions of years old and brilliantly illuminated with multicolored lights, admire the Moon Hill and stop for photos. Enjoy leisure time to drive pass-by or walk through the charming town. This private tour including entrance fee, lunch ,cruise ticket and door-to-door hotel transfers. You can choose to end your tour in Yangshuo or return Guilin.

Available options

4 Star Cruise+End Yangshuo

Pick up time: 8:00am in your Guilin hotel's lobby, 4 star cruise down from Guilin to Yangshuo, after tour, ends in Yangshuo<br/>Pickup included

3 Star Cruise-End Yangshuo

Pick up time: 8:00am in your Guilin hotel's lobby, 3 star cruise down from Guilin to Yangshuo, after the tour, end Yangshuo<br/>Pickup included

3 Star Cruise-End Guilin

Pick up time: 8:00am in your Guilin hotel's lobby, 3 star cruise down from Guilin to Yangshuo, return Yangshuo after tour<br/>Pickup included

4 Star Cruise+End Guilin

Pick up time: 8:00am in your Guilin hotel's lobby, 4 star cruise down from Guilin to Yangshuo, return Guilin after the tour <br/>Pickup included

What's included

Cruise Ticket

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Professional guide

Lunch

Bottled water

Transport by private vehicle

Entrance Fee

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Your private English-speaking guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel's lobby at 8:00am and you will be transferred to Zhujiang Pier, where you will embark and start the boat cruise down the Li River to Yangshuo County. The Li River Cruise is considered as the highlight of any visit to Guilin.

Along the river, enjoy breathtaking views of peaks and pinnacles, crystal-clear water and picturesque pastoral countryside scenery. The river generally has three sections. Various attractions like peaks and villages along the river have interesting descriptive names, which calls for much of your imagination to see what it is like. Listening to tour guide's legendary stories about the attractions is a delightful experience when you are appreciating the landscapes. Most are mystical fairy and love stories. The cruise usually takes around 3.5 to 4 hours, depends on water condition.

Li River takes a big turn at Xingping and endowed with beautiful and poetic scenery. It has been reproduced in many Chinese landscape paintings. Even the newly-issued 20 RMB note has the scenery on its back. A photographer once said: 'Shots from any perspective for this place turn to be impressive and stunning'.

You will enjoy a simple lunch on the boat.

Stop 4

Arrive Yangshuo at 1:30 pm, stroll around West Street with your tour guide, explore various shops, craft-works shops, painting and calligraphy stores, backpack shops, cafes, your tour guide will help you to negotiate price if you want to purchase any souvenir.

Then, hop on your private air-conditioned vehicle, drive about 30 minutes to Silver Cave. (If you want to skip the Silver Cave, feel free to discuss with your tour guide on where you want to go in Yangshuo)

Silver Cave fully shows the charm of the typical karst landform in south China. Numerous crystal stalactites extend from the roof of the cave like stars in a falling Milky Way. The majestic, other-worldly features make the cave an outstanding example in the world of karst landscape. Follow your tour guide, to explore 28 scenic spots inside the Silver Cave including 'The Three Wonders' and 'The Three Treasures'.

Stop 6 Pass by

Driving pass by Moon Hill, let your tour guide know if you want to stop to take photos along the way. Enjoy beautiful countryside sceneries along the way.

After the tour, you can choose to end your tour in Yangshuo or return Guilin.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

CMN EN

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Guilin

Guilin is renowned for its stunning karst landscapes, with the Li River meandering through picturesque peaks and lush greenery. This city offers a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant local culture, making it a must-visit destination in southern China.

Top Attractions

Li River Cruise

A scenic cruise along the Li River, offering breathtaking views of karst peaks, lush greenery, and traditional villages. The cruise typically starts from Guilin and ends in Yangshuo, covering a distance of about 83 kilometers.

Nature 4-5 hours for the full cruise Moderate (¥150-300 depending on the type of cruise)

Elephant Trunk Hill

A famous landmark in Guilin, shaped like an elephant drinking water from the Li River. The hill offers hiking trails, a scenic cave, and panoramic views of the city and river.

Nature 1-2 hours Budget (¥30-50)

Reed Flute Cave

A stunning limestone cave with a history of over 1,800 years. The cave is known for its intricate rock formations, colorful lighting, and ancient inscriptions.

Nature 1-2 hours Budget (¥80-100)

Longji Terraced Fields

A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring stunning terraced rice fields carved into the hillsides. The fields are a testament to the ingenuity of the local Zhuang and Yao ethnic minorities, who have cultivated the land for centuries.

Nature Full day trip Moderate (¥100-200 for transportation and entrance fees)

Yangshuo

A picturesque town along the Li River, known for its stunning karst landscapes, outdoor activities, and vibrant nightlife. Yangshuo is a popular destination for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation.

Nature Half day to full day trip Budget to Moderate (depending on activities)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Guilin Rice Noodles (Guilin Mifen)

A local specialty made from rice, served with various toppings and broths. The noodles are thin, chewy, and often served with ingredients like pickled vegetables, peanuts, and meat.

Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian options available

Beer Fish (Pijiu Yu)

A local delicacy featuring fish marinated in beer and deep-fried, served with a spicy sauce. The dish is known for its crispy texture and unique flavor.

Dinner Contains fish and gluten (beer)

Liangpi (Cold Noodles)

A refreshing and light dish made from rice flour, served cold with a variety of toppings and sauces. It is a popular street food and a great option for hot summer days.

Snack/Lunch Vegetarian options available

Osmanthus Cake (Guihua Bing)

A traditional sweet made from glutinous rice flour, osmanthus flowers, and sugar. The cake has a unique fragrance and a soft, chewy texture.

Dessert Vegetarian and vegan options available

Popular Activities

Rock climbing Rafting and kayaking Hiking Li River cruise Tea house visits Spa and wellness Visiting ethnic minority villages Attending local festivals

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to November

These months offer pleasant weather with moderate temperatures and lush greenery, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

20°C to 30°C 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Chinese (Mandarin)
Widely spoken: Cantonese, Zhuang (local dialect)
English: Limited

Currency

Chinese Yuan (CNY)

Time Zone

GMT+8

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Guilin is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's essential to take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps like Didi
• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas
• Bargain for souvenirs and street food, and be cautious of overpriced or fake goods

Getting there

By air

Guilin Liangjiang International Airport • 27 km from city center

By train

Guilin Railway Station, Guilin West Railway Station

By bus

Guilin Long-Distance Bus Station, Guilin South Long-Distance Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is affordable and convenient, with routes covering most of the city and connecting to popular tourist spots.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Zhengyang District Xiangshan District Qixing District

Day trips

Yangshuo

65 km from Guilin • Half day to full day trip

Yangshuo is a picturesque town along the Li River, known for its stunning karst landscapes, outdoor activities, and vibrant nightlife. The town offers a variety of adventures, from biking and rock climbing to rafting and kayaking.

Longji Terraced Fields

70 km from Guilin • Full day trip

Xingping Ancient Town

25 km from Guilin • Half day trip

A well-preserved ancient town along the Li River, known for its traditional architecture, historic sites, and scenic views. The town is famous for its appearance on the back of the 20 RMB note.

Festivals

Li River Festival • September Guilin Tea Culture Festival • March Zhuang Ethnic Minority Festival • Varies (usually in spring or autumn)

Pro tips

Take a Li River cruise at sunrise or sunset for the best lighting and fewer crowds
Hire a local guide for a more informative and immersive experience, especially when visiting ethnic minority villages or historic sites
Learn a few basic Chinese phrases to enhance your interactions with locals and show respect for their culture
Carry small denominations of cash for street vendors, tips, and small purchases
Use ride-hailing apps like Didi for convenient and affordable transportation, but ensure you have a local SIM card or eSIM