Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo plus Jiuxian Village and Yulong River
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
Admire the stunning karst scenery of the Li River and visit Yangshuo on a full-day tour from Guilin. After a convenient hotel pick up, board your cruise, listen to the commentary from your private tour guide, admiring the stunning karst peaks and watch farmers in the fields and cormorant fishing rafts. After lunch on board the boat, disembark at a small village, spend the afternoon to explore over 1000 years old Jiuxian Ancient Village, enjoy a leisure walk or cycling around to admire amazing landscape along the Yulong River. 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
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
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
What's included
Cruise Ticket
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Professional guide
Lunch
Bottled water
Transport by private vehicle
Entrance Fee
Detailed itinerary
1
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.
2
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.
3
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.
4
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.
5
Next, drive about 20 minutes to Jiuxian Ancient Village.
The history of Jiuxian village can trace back to Tang Dynasty ( 618-906). It is honored as the home of generals and successful candidates in the highest imperial civil service examination. Upon arrival, follow your tour guide to stroll around the old streets, courtyards, ancestral temples.
it still have grey brick mansions and mud brick farm houses.
6
Stop 6
From Jiuxian Village, you can choose to have a leisure walk around the countryside road and along Yulong River. You also can choose to rent to bike to explore the stunning nature landscape along the way.
After the tour finished, you can choose to end your tour in Yangshuo or return Guilin
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
CMN
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
2 reviews
5★
2
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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
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.
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
