If you want to explore Guilin’s countryside in ways other than just walking, a Yangshuo bamboo rafting on the Yulong River can be the best option for you. As the “Little Li River,” the 43.5 km Yulong River is a scenic waterway without high-rises but only karst peaks, rice fields, ancient bridges, and bamboo forests, making the area one of the most pristine river valleys in the world.
Unlike motorized Li River cruises, rafting on the Yulong River sticks to traditional two-person bamboo rafts guided by local boatmen using bamboo poles. It is quiet, eco-friendly, and extremely relaxing.
With 15 years of experience serving international travelers, we specifically designed this practical 2026–2027 guide to help you enjoy the most authentic Yulong River bamboo rafting experience.
Content Preview
- How to Choose the Best Yangshuo Bamboo Rafting Route
- Ticket & Booking Information for Bamboo Rafting
- Tips for Having a Yangshuo Bamboo Rafting
- How to Get to the Rafting Piers
- Best Time to Have Yangshuo Bamboo Rafting
- FAQ about Taking Yangshuo Bamboo Rafting
- What Else to Do Besides the Bamboo Rafting
- Enjoy the Yangshuo Bamboo Rafting in Guilin with China Xian Tour
How to Choose the Best Yangshuo Bamboo Rafting Route
There are multiple piers for Yangshuo bamboo rafting set along the Yulong River. Most routes share similar scenery: classic karst peaks, rice fields, and countryside landscapes. The main difference is the rafting duration, typically 40 minutes, 1.5 hours, or up to 2 hours.
Operating hours are generally 8:00–17:00. Ticket checking ends around 16:00.
Peak Season (April–October): Best Routes to Avoid Crowds
Xiatang Pier → Comprehensive Pier and Qing’e Ferry → Yangshuo Bay
These routes are the best during the peak season. Relatively speaking, there are fewer visitors so it’s easier to buy the ticket and there’s no need to wait in long lines under the sun.
Route 1: Xiatang Pier → Comprehensive Pier (40–50 min)
- Price: 200 RMB per raft (about $30 USD)
Tickets are usually available. You’ll travel through a clear section of the river, which is ideal for photography. You’ll face four gentle weirs accompanied by a consistently scenic and exciting experience. The piers are located near the Ten-Mile Gallery, and boarding queues can be rather short.
Recommended Tour:
AM: At 08:30, our English speaking tour guide and driver will pick you up from the downtown hotel. Today will be the highlight of your stay in Guilin as you will be enjoying the amazing Li River Cr...
Route 2: Qing’e Ferry → Yangshuo Bay (40–50 min)
- Price: 200 RMB per raft (about $30 USD)
This is a quieter route that fewer tour groups would choose, and it’s a great choice for travelers with limited time. You’ll be drifting down a wide river section with gentle weirs. The pier has easy access to Gongnong Bridge, and you’ll be drifting along the Big Banyan Tree Scenic Area.
Off-Peak Season (January–March, May–June): Recommended Routes
Xinglong → Dashizhai Weir and Shui’edi → Comprehensive Pier
Route 1: Xinglong → Dashizhai Weir (40–50 min)
- Price: 200 RMB per raft (about $30 USD)
This route also sees fewer tourists and offers clean river views. In spring, you can drift along rapeseed flowers, and in early summer, lush green scenery makes every moment photogenic. The weirs are gentle, and the pier is close to the Ten-Mile Gallery.
Route 2: Shui’edi → Comprehensive Pier (40–50 min)
- Price: 200 RMB per raft (about $30 USD)
This option offers great value and a chance to experience the beauty of the mirror-like green water. After going ashore, it’ll be convenient for you to visit Gongnong Bridge and the Big Banyan Tree Scenic Area.
Recommended Tour:
A 4-day Guilin cultural and scenic journey cruising the Li River through karst peaks, rafting the Yulong River, and exploring the 1000-year-old Daxu Ancient Town and Yangshuo's West Street.
For Strong Water Fun (Most Thrilling Route)
Jinlong Bridge → Jiuxian (80–90 min)
- Price: 320 RMB per raft (about $47 USD)
This full route features 9 weirs, larger drops, continuous sliding, and splashing water. This is the most adventurous and exciting bamboo rafting route.
Ticket & Booking Information for Bamboo Rafting
Yangshuo bamboo rafting tickets can be booked via the “Wo You Yangshuo (我游阳朔)” WeChat mini program or purchased directly at the pier.
During summer holidays and public holidays, it is important to avoid peak hours. Bamboo rafts are not motorized but manually operated with very limited capacity, so during public holidays like Spring Festival and July–August, tickets often sell out really quickly.
However, the platform is only available in Chinese. If you need more help, contact us and we’ll be more than happy to help.
Another thing to remember is that when traveling in summer, even if you secure the tickets, you may still wait 1–2 hours under the intense sunlight to get on the raft. Thus, the experience may not be as pleasant as you’d expect.
In peak season (April–October), we suggest you book 1–3 days in advance. New slots are released daily at 20:00 for the next day.
In low season, things can be better as same-day tickets are usually available, and shoulder season requires only 1-day advance booking.
Choosing our customized itinerary can make things much easier. We can help monitor ticket availability and handle your booking. We’ll inform you of all changes related to your ticket in time.
In case of weather suspension, it’ll be our job to reschedule your trip free of charge or provide a full refund. Throughout the whole process, you won’t need to worry about arrangements yourself.
Tips for Having a Yangshuo Bamboo Rafting
- Children under 1m and seniors over 70 can only take the gentle Wanjing Pier 8-person raft. They are not allowed on the two-person bamboo rafts.
- Pregnant women are not allowed to take the bamboo rafting.
- All tickets require real-name registration, so please bring your passport.
- Guests over 100kg must take a single raft.
- People with high blood pressure, heart disease, or limited mobility are not allowed to participate.
- Life jackets must be worn at all times. Standing or walking on the raft is strictly prohibited.
Recommended Tour:
Experience two iconic China cruises in one 7-day trip: a Li River cruise through Guilin's karst landscapes followed by a 4-day Yangtze River voyage through the Three Gorges.
How to Get to the Rafting Piers
Ride-hailing services are inexpensive in Yangshuo. This is the most recommended and you can either take taxis or use Didi (an app similar to Uber). The fare to each pier is usually between 10–35 RMB (about $1.5–$5 USD).
Riding electric scooters is also a popular way to explore the Yulong River area. Normally, one charge allows you a 60-km trip, and you can have flexible stops at piers, rice fields, and ancient bridges. For self-driving travelers, most piers also provide free parking.
Best Time to Have Yangshuo Bamboo Rafting
Best Season
Late September to mid-November is the most suitable time for Yangshuo bamboo rafting. The weather is cool, with temperatures around 20–28°C. Scenery is also unquestionably beautiful: rice fields turn golden, water levels are stable, reflections are glimmering, and there are fewer tourists.
From April to June, the landscape is lush and green with higher water levels, creating better splashing effects on the weirs.
From December to March, the river is clear and quiet with fewer crowds. Mornings and evenings can be cool, so always bring a light jacket during this period.
Best Time of Day for Photos
- 7:30–9:00 AM is best for those who want to frame the river under soft light and morning mist in the mountains.
- 4:00–5:00 PM provides the best sunset lighting over the karst peaks.
- Midday should be avoided due to strong sun exposure.
FAQ about Taking Yangshuo Bamboo Rafting
Q1: Will I get wet during bamboo rafting?
Probably. This depends on the intensity of the weir drops in the trip. There can be some water splashes, but no need to worry too much about it, your upper body is usually not wet.
Q2: How to protect my phone or camera?
The most secure way is to put them in a waterproof dry bag that has a seal and strap. This protection is really necessary, since any damage from water is at your own risk. Such bags are also available for purchase at the pier (around 10 RMB/1.4 USD).
Q3: Do foreigners need to show a passport for check-in?
Yes, you must bring it. And it requests the original passport, not a photocopy.
Q4: Do I need to prepare cash before the trip?
Piers accept cash, WeChat Pay, and Alipay. If the apps are not an option for you, then you’ll have to prepare cash. Or you may consider booking with us. We offer one-stop payment, and there will be no currency exchange issues.
Q5: Can solo travelers share a raft?
The scenic area doesn’t provide official shared rafting services. That means if you’re doing a solo trip, you’ll have to pay for the full raft. We can help match you with other travelers to split the cost when possible.
Q6: What is the minimum age for children?
Your children must be over 1 meter in height to experience the two-person rafts that drift through stronger weir sections.
Q7: How long is the rafting experience? Can I stop for photos?
Most routes take about 40–50 minutes, some may take longer. And stops during the trip are prohibited, so it’ll be helpful to prepare your cameras all the time.
Q8: What should I bring?
- Things you must prepare: passport, waterproof bag, non-slip sandals, high-SPF sunscreen, and a sun hat.
- The following items ensure a better experience: light jacket, insect repellent, and drinking water.
Q9: What if I don’t speak Chinese?
Some local staff and rafting operators speak basic English. That is usually enough for simple communication, but it cannot handle more specific questions. We recommend downloading a translation app such as Youdao Translate, DeepL, or Papago before your trip.
If you’re still worried about it, get in touch with us. Our trips are all accompanied by bilingual guides.
What Else to Do Besides the Bamboo Rafting
1. Golden Dragon Night Cruise
- Ticket Prices: Public viewing seat: 108 RMB (~$15 USD); Local-style dinner + viewing package: 168 RMB (~$23 USD).
- How to Buy Tickets: The VIP on-bridge viewing tickets can be purchased on-site in the scenic area. A more convenient way is to book with us. Our one-day tour package already includes the VIP ticket, which can free you from the booking process.
This cruise takes place every Saturday at 19:00, and it lasts for about 50 minutes. Traveling on holidays can enjoy extra sessions.
The whole bamboo raft parade is about 100 meters long. It’s led by a huge dragon-like raft and all rafts are lit by colorful LEDs. Zhuang ethnic folk songs are rising from the river, while colorful light reflections dance on the river. Everything is immersive and dynamic in this beautiful night.
I saw the cruise once in 2025 and I chose the dinner package. The local dishes and beer in the riverside restaurant were really fulfilling. The beautiful moment of the golden dragon slowly passing through the karst landscape deeply impressed me. And that’s why I’d trongly recommended this activity.
2. Countryside Cycling Tour
- Route: Yulong Bridge → Jiuxian Village (~13 km). A cycling tour takes 1.5 hours
- Rental Cost:Bicycle: 10–20 RMB/day (~$1.4–2.8 USD), Electric bike: 30–50 RMB/day (~$4–7 USD)
Most visitors plan their cycling tour between 4-6 pm after experiencing bamboo rafting.
Since it’s approaching sunset time, the rice fields are gradually being embraced by a golden hue. This route winds through a lot of attractive sites, like rice fields, ancient stone bridges, and small countryside cafés. Don’t hurry, just travel at your own pace and enjoy the peaceful scenery.
3. Yulong River Cave Adventure
- Ticket Price: 80–150 RMB (~$11–21 USD)
The cave exploration lasts around 3 hours and you’ll explore:
- Stalactites and underground rock formations
- A crystal-clear subterranean lake
- Light rope descents and indoor paddleboarding sections
It’s a unique and exciting adventure, ideal for a summer escape since the cave stays around 20°C even in the hottest days. It’s designed for people who are fond of hidden natural landscapes and karst geology.
4. Yangshuo Rock Climbing (World-Class Climbing Destination)
As one of the world’s top rock climbing destinations, there are over 1,200 established climbing routes in Yangshuo. Both beginners and advanced climbers find things interesting here.
Moon Hill and White Mountain are popular among visitors. After climbing to the top, the panoramic views over the Yulong River valley will wipe away your tiredness.
Price
Beginner package: 150 RMB (~$21 USD). Full equipment and a professional instructor are included.
Best Time
Make your journey between late September and mid-November. 4:00–5:00 PM is the best slot of the day (no midday heat).
Highlights
Panoramic views of the entire Yulong River landscape.
Enjoy the Yangshuo Bamboo Rafting in Guilin with China Xian Tour
Now we have gone through everything you need to know about bamboo rafting on the Yulong River, including rafting routes, ticket tips, and more outdoor experiences you can combine in your trip.
Still worried about things like tickets or language? Well, how about planning a Guilin tour with China Xian Tour to ensure a stress-free experience? Our bilingual guides and professional team can help arrange bamboo rafting, Golden Dragon Night Cruise, transportation, and everything along the trip. Contact us right now, and we are always here waiting to help you enjoy Yangshuo’s landscape with ease.
