Li River Cruises: Map, Best Routes & How to Book

The Li River Cruise is one of the most iconic experiences in Guilin, offering breathtaking views of dramatic karst mountains, tranquil waters, and picturesque riverside villages. Whether you're looking for a classic full-length cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo or a shorter scenic trip, choosing the right route can make your journey even more memorable.
In this article, we will introduce the most recommended routes with suggestions to help you choose the one that best suits your travel style, budget, and schedule.

Map of Li River Cruises

Recommended Routes for Li River Cruises

Guilin to Yangshuo

The beautiful view of Li River

• Recommendation: ★★★★★
• Duration: 4 to 4.5 hours
• Ticket Price: From 215 RMB (28.6 USD) for a single trip (fee varies based on different star-rated cruises)
• Boarding Hours: 9 AM to 12 AM for 3-star cruises; 8:40 AM to 9 AM for 4- and 5-star cruises

This is the most common and popular way to enjoy the Li River. If you prefer a relaxed, comfortable experience and want to enjoy the entire stretch of the Li River's famous scenery, consider a cruise trip.

All these cruises are air-conditioned, keeping the temperature comfortable year-round, and the seats are spacious. If you have a higher budget, consider choosing a 4-star or above cruise, which features more elegant interiors and offers a buffet lunch.

Xingping to Yangdi (by Bamboo Raft)

See the view on 20-yuan Banknote in Xingping

• Recommendation: ★★★★☆
• Duration: 80-100 minutes
• Ticket Price: 225 RMB (31.25 USD) for a single trip
• Boarding Hours: 8 AM to 4:20 PM

This is the essential section of the Li River, and you can visit Xingping Ancient Town first before taking the bamboo raft.

Unlike the cruise, this trip is on an electric bamboo raft. Each raft has four seats, and you can choose to book the entire raft, making it a more private experience compared to the large cruise boats.

Xingping to Fishing Village

Xingping Ancient Town

• Recommendation: ★★★☆☆
• Duration: 70-90 minutes (including round-trip boat ride and visit to the fishing village)
• Ticket Price: From 85 RMB (11.8 USD) for a round trip
• Boarding Hours: 8 AM to 5 PM

Along the way, you can enjoy beautiful scenery and pass by iconic spots such as the view featured on the 20 Yuan banknote, though Nine Horse Fresco Hill is not visible on this route. After disembarking, you can explore Xingping Fishing Village, a small village visited by Bill Clinton during his 1998 trip to Guilin. The village is known for its ancient houses with simple yet distinctive designs, showcasing Chinese architectural styles from the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

Best Time to Take Li River Cruise

The scenic Li River Cruise view

The best time to take a Li River cruise is generally from April to early November, when the weather is warm and the lush greenery enhances the beauty of the karst mountains. However, it's worth noting that there will be more rainfall from June to August, which may cause the Li River's water level to rise, and cruises might be suspended if the water level gets too high. Summer vacation (July to August) is the peak season, offering the most stunning scenery, so if you plan to visit Guilin during this time, make sure to plan ahead and book tickets in advance.

In winter, the water level drops, and the scenery may not be as impressive as in other seasons. However, it's much less crowded, and accommodation and other expenses are lower, making it ideal for travelers who prefer a quieter environment or are on a lower budget.

How to Choose the Best Li River Cruise Route?

1. It depends on whether your Li River tour starts in Guilin or Xingping. If you plan to visit attractions in Guilin city first, such as Elephant Trunk Hill and Reed Flute Cave, we recommend staying one night in Guilin. The next morning, our private car will take you to the pier in Guilin to board a cruise to Yangshuo. If you arrive in Yangshuo first, we suggest staying in Xingping Ancient Town. After exploring the town, you can take a bamboo raft to enjoy the most beautiful section of the Li River before heading to your next destination.

2. Choose between a cruise or a bamboo raft based on your preference. The experience of taking a Li River cruise and riding a bamboo raft is quite different, so you can choose the one that best suits your travel style. Apparently, the Li River bamboo raft is more leisurely, which means you don't need to get up early for a cruise in the morning. However, taking a cruise is the most common and popular option for visiting Li River. And it's more suitable for traveling with families, especially for elders that have mobility issues. Cruises are easier to embark on.

How to Book a Li River Cruise Ticket?

Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo

You may enter the official website or visit the ticket booking platform on WeChat if you have an account. Our tour packages cover everything you need for a smooth journey, including ticket bookings, transfers, and a private local guide.

Credit cards and Paypal are accepted if you book tickets on the official website. If you book it via WeChat, you will need to link your Visa, Mastercard, or JCB card and then pay for your ticket.

However, since the Li River cruise is quite popular among tourists, you may need to book in advance to get a VIP ticket, which ensures you the best seat for admiring the view of the Li River.

Plan Your Guilin Tour With Us

You don't want to miss the Li River cruise if you love natural watery scenery, and it's the perfect way to explore the beauty of Yangshuo in Guilin. Let us help you plan a seamless trip, from booking the best cruise to arranging transfers and guides, all at a pace that suits you. All you need to do is bring your luggage and passport - we'll take care of everything else. Feel free to contact us or write to trip@odynovotours.com for your exclusive itinerary.