Scenery to Serene Waters Li River and Bamboo Raft Day Tour
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9h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Explore the Two Most Breathtaking Places in Guilin & Yangshuo
Li River Cruise (Guilin to Yangshuo) – Marvel at the stunning karst peaks stretching over 100 miles along the serene river.
Bamboo Rafting on the Yulong River – Relax on a traditional raft and soak in the peaceful rural life of the locals.
Your Private Day Tour Includes:
✔ A private driver-guide for personalized escort throughout the day.
✔ Hassle-free, door-to-door transportation to the port and back from Guilin
✔ Unforgettable views of Guilin’s iconic hills extending endlessly into the horizon.
Available options
Li River Cruise Yangshuo Countryside Tour
Pickup included
What's included
Private transportation with driver guide services
3 star Boat tickets with lunch box
Air-conditioned vehicle
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Li River is major tourist attraction
At 8:00 AM, the driver guide picks you up at the lobby of Guilin hotel and drive to the dock where you will embark, the driver guide will collect boat tickets for you.
9:30am - 1:20pm
The cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo for about 4 hours, you will feast your eyes with seemingly never-ending karst mountains and rivers.
You can walk up to the top deck and see dreamy scenery of winding Li River for about 3 hours. If you prefer, you may stay at your seat and enjoy the relaxing journey. As your cruise boat sailing through hundreds of thousands Karst towering peaks.
You will arrive at Yangshuo at about 1:30 pm and then enjoy your free time to explore Yangshuo center, the west street for about 1 hour.
2
Yangshuo boasts some of China's most gorgeous scenery, You will visit famous West Street on your own where you can see old-style buildings with gray bricks and tiles that have been turned into souvenir shops, bars, and coffee shops...etc.
Yangshuo counrtyside tour, the driver guide will take you to one of the most beautiful places in Yangshuo, where you can see gorgeous limestone pinnacles, small old villages, rice paddies, Yulong river, etc. Then visit Jiuxian old village to experience the locals’ daily life and culture, there are some old style buildings which has experienced much wind and rain, is still well preserved, revealing the resplendence of past days.
3
Stop 3
Yulong river
flows through the heart of Yangshuo and acting as a natural border between the bustling urban area and the serene countryside. Its waters, once clear and teeming with life, have seen better days. And the popular activity in this yulong river is taking bamboo boat down on the river to enjoy the idyllic life as well as the beauty of the nature. If you want to do the rafting you can buy the tickets on your own.
4
After a beautiful day tour in Yangshuo, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Guilin or Yangshuo for 1.5 hours.
Or you can choose the optional tour, watch Sanjie Liu Light Show in Yangshuo in the evening.
What's not included
Gratuities
Personal expenses
Yulong River bamboo rafting
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
The driver or guide that will pick up travelers is holding a board with the lead traveler's
name.
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
