Li River Cruise: Scenic Beauty, Routes, and Essential Tips

Written by Clementine | Updated April 10,2026

With its transparent water, lush and green scenery, Li River presents one of the most iconic views in China, attracting millions of tourists all over the world. Stretching 160 kilometers (99 miles) from Guilin to Yangshuo, a Li River Cruise allows people to immerse themselves in the stunning karst mountains, crystal-clear waters, and traditional villages while gliding slowly.

Ideal for nature lovers and photographers, the cruise typically takes 4–5 hours (excluding transfers) and is renowned for its UNESCO-listed landscapes. Let the breeze blows your hair, then take a deep breath of the air that carries stories of the past. If you’re planning a Li River Cruise during a Guilin tour, this guide covers everything you need to know, from tickets to itineraries.

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• Fast Facts about Li River Cruise
• What to See on a Guilin Li River Cruise
• The Li River Cruise Boats (4-Star Boats Vs. 3-Star Boats)
• Docks Used in Guilin and Yangshuo
• How to Book a Li River Cruise Tickets
• Tips for Taking the Li River Cruise
• Compare the Li River Cruise vs. the Li River Bamboo Rafting
• Best Li River Cruise with Chinaxiantour

Fast Facts about Li River Cruise

• Distance: Guilin to Yangshuo (83 km / 32 miles)
• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Best time to visit: April–October (spring and autumn for mild weather)
• Departure time: 8:30-13:00 (Subject to the day’s approved sailing schedule, which is based on the Li River’s water level conditions at the scenic area.)
• Highlighted views: Caoping Village, Nine Horse Fresco Hill, Daxu Ancient Town, Luosishan Hill, Xingping Town, and cormorant fishing.
• Price Range: ¥200–¥2,000+ (3-star to luxury boats)
• Departure Piers: Zhujiang Pier (4- & 5-star boats), Mopanshan Pier (3-star boats)
• Terminal: Yangshuo Longtoushan Dock (Some cruise ships may dock in Shuidongmen Wharf.)
• Best for: Nature lovers, senior travelers, and families with kids.

What to See on a Guilin Li River Cruise

The Guilin Li River Cruise is renowned for its magnificent natural beauties on both sides of the river. From iconic peaks to hidden villages, here’s a breakdown of must-see sights along the ​Guilin to Yangshuo route.

The section from the Caoping to Yangti and then to Xingping is the most spectacular part of the 83-kilometer Li River cruise voyage. It includes attractions such as Guan Yan, Stone Man Turning the Millstone, Single Pen Peak, Nine-Horse-Painting Mountain, Luoshishan Hill, Yellow Cloth Shoal, and Tongzi Worshipping Guanyin.

Stone Figure Grinding Stone (石人推磨)

This scene is located on the left bank of the Li River in Taoyuan Village. On the opposite bank, the mountains resemble a sea of seals emerging from the water. At the top of the mountain, there is a large flat round stone resembling a stone mill. Beside the stone mill, there is a 3-meter-high inclined stone standing upright, resembling a person pushing a stone mill. Together, they are called “Stone Figure Grinding Stone”. A legend has it that a fairy pushed the “mill” to grind stones into rice, which provided food for the people in the valley below. When a wealthy person heard about this, he monopolized the rice-producing rock and carved a large rock opening. However, he was blown by a strange wind from the cave and swept into the middle of the river and drowned.

Half-Side Ferry  (半边渡)

On the section of the Li River cruise trip from Gonglai Village to Yangdi, it is known as “Here, the landscape is truly remarkable. The cliff walls form a river channel that spans half of the river.” The stone cliffs here are extremely steep, and the peaks resemble blooming lotus flowers emerging from the water. Their reflections are seen in the green waves and clear waters.

Due to the presence of a camel-shaped rock mountain on the left bank of the river, which stands out and blocks the path on the bank, the two nearby villages (Guanyan Village and Taoyuan Village) have to rely on boats to travel back and forth. Since both ferry terminals are located on the same bank, the locals call it “Half-Side Ferry”.

The Mysterious Nine Horse Fresco Hill​

Nine Horse Fresco Hill (九马画山) is located along the Li River near Yao Mountain Pier, known as an owe-inspiring natural masterpiece that has been carved into a 136-meter limestone cliff. This site is famous for its intricate rock formations, which resembles nine wild horses galloping across the mountainside. Local legends claim that spotting all nine horses at once predicts good fortune. Such legends have added some cultural charms to this wonder. Nearby Yao Mountain Village offers visitors insights into traditional rural life, making the Nine Horse Fresco Hill a perfect stop for history and nature enthusiasts alike.

Yellow Cloth Shoal

Yellow Cloth Shoal (黄布倒影), a must-visit destination near Xingping Ancient Town in Yangshuo, is one of the Li River’s most beautiful and photographed spots. Named for its yellowish sandbanks resembling a piece of cloth, this serene stretch of water is framed by towering karst peaks and crystal-clear reflections on the surface of river. As a key site along the Li River, it’s greatly celebrated for its role as the backdrop on China’s ¥20 banknote.

Xingping Ancient Town

Nestled in Yangshuo County, Xingping Ancient Town (兴坪古镇) is a 1,700-year-old riverside settlement steeped in history and natural beauty. As it’s location is near the confluence of the Li River and Yulong River, this charming town has long served as a key port along ancient trade routes. And it also remains a quintessential stop for travelers exploring Guilin’s karst landscapes. The iconic marks of this town includes cobblestone streets, Ming-era architecture, and the 20-yuan banknote viewing spot, making it a cultural and photographic highlight of the Li River Cruise.

Luoshishan Hill (螺狮山)

Another highlight of the Cruise down Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo, it is located beside Xingping Ancient Town. The mountain shape spirals upwards, with a pointed top and a round base. From a distance, it looks like a large green snail that has just emerged from the water, hence the name.

Cormorant Fishing

Apart from the Karst peaks and primitive villages, there’s more to see when taking a cruise on the Li River – the cormorants catching fish. Local fishermen have been making a living through this special fishing method with well-trained cormorants for 1300 years. If you are a photography enthusiast, we even recommend that you watch the fishermen light a gas lamp on a bamboo raft at night and let the cormorants catch fish by the faint light.

The Li River Cruise Boats (5-Star Boats Vs. 4-Star Boats Vs. 3-Star Boats)

Take a Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo will be the best way to explore the landscapes mentioned above. And there are three types of cruise boats for your options.

3-Star Cruise Boats

For travelers prioritizing affordability, 3-star Li River cruise boats offer a cheaper yet unforgetable  experience. Departing from Mopanshan Pier in Guilin between 8 AM–10:30 AM, these boats are destined for Longtoushan Pier in Yangshuo. Don’t worry about missing any important attraction, the journey would cover the same iconic stretch as higher-tier options.

All the cabins have basic equipment, with bathrooms and outdoor seating areas for fresh air and better sightseeing. Meals include simple and common Chinese dishes like fried rice and stir-fried vegetables. The 3-star boats offer an excellent balance of cost and access to the Li River’s highlights, making them ideal for backpackers or families on a budget.

4-Star Cruise Boats

For travelers  seeking comfort and convenience, the 4-star Li River cruise boat is an excellent choice. Cruises usually depart from Zhujiang Mountain Pier and arrive at Longtoushan Pier in Yangshuo. However, subject to the Li River’s water level conditions, the boats sometimes may dock at Shuidongmen Pier in Yangshuo. Compared to the 3-Star ones, the 4-Star boats offer closer proximity to key attractions.

The cabins have more luxurious equipment, like single sofa, delicate decoration and high-standard wooden table, and also with better service, while onboard commentary enhances cultural insights. Buffet meals on the boat feature regional specialties like beer fish and bamboo shoots. With fewer passengers and priority boarding, these boats are perfect for couples, luxury seekers, or those with mobility needs.

5-Star Cruise Ships

The 5-star luxury Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is highly recommended for international families with children, elderly travelers, and romantic couples. By taking this cruise, you will also depart from Zhujiang Mountain Pier but arrive at Shuidongmen Dock in Yangshuo.

Let’s take a look at the facilities of the 5-star ships – VIP Cabin, Private Suite, Upper Deck Seating are available. The excellent catering team, in combination with local characteristic ingredients, creates unique and distinctive flavors of cuisine. While you are enjoying the beautiful scenery of Li River on board, you also experience the gourmet food from the river.

Compared with the fixed itineraries of three-star and four-star cruise ships, the routes of five-star ships can be customized according to the needs of tourists, allowing you to enjoy ethnic dance performances, Liu Sanjie singing competitions, and fishing with cormorants, etc.

5-Star Boats Vs. 4-Star Boats Vs. 3-Star Boats

Docks Used in Guilin and Yangshuo

3-Star and 4-Star Li River cruises have distinct departure and arrival points tailored to different traveler needs. Getting more detailed information of these docks is essential for planning your journey.

Docks for 3-Star Cruise Boats

For travelers looking for budget-friendly experience, 3-star cruises would be suitable. This route typically depart from Mopanshan Pier to Longtoushang Pier. Mopanshan pier is located 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) northeast of Guilin’s city center, accessible via a 30-to 40-minute taxi ride or a one-hour local bus trip. It offers scenic views of karst peaks but rather limited amenities.

Docks for 4-Star Cruise Boats

Luxury 4-star cruises depart from Zhujiang Mountain Pier. The pier is situated 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) southeast of Guilin’s downtown area, a 20-minute taxi ride can easily connects you between the city center and the pier. The cruises usually sail toward Longtoushan Pier, which is about a 10-minute walk to Yangshuo Town. The pier is also a gateway to cultural sites like Fuli Town and the Longji Rice Terraces.

During dry seasons, 4-star boats may also use Shuidongmen Dock if water levels are too low.

Docks for 5-Star Cruise Ships

So you’ve known, the most luxurious Li River cruise sets sail from Zhujiang Dock. The price of the seats usually includes the hotel pick-up service. When disembarking at Shuidongmen Dock of Yangshuo, you will find that it’s only about a 10-minute walk from the West Street.

Please note: During the rainy season (from May to June), if the water level goes too high, the 5-star boat will then dock at Longtoushan Pier.

How to Book a Li River Cruise Tickets

1. Official Websites

You can book directly via official website (liriver.com.cn). You can select boat type, date, cabin you favor. However, you may have to pay via Alipay/WeChat.

2. Third-Party Platforms

Booking via third-party websites like Trip.com to compare ticket prices and bundles (e.g., cruise + hotel). The good thing is most of these platforms support global credit cards but may cost more during peak seasons. Check reviews and cancellation policies before booking.

3. On-Site Booking at Docks

Last-minute tickets at Shanhu Pier or Zhujiang Mountain Pier (cash only) are riskier and pricier. Missed meals/commentary may apply.

Tips for Taking the Li River Cruise

The Guilin Li River Cruise is a magical experience, but proper preparation ensures you don’t miss a moment. Here are practical tips to enhance your journey:

Timing Matters

• Best Months: April–October (especially spring and autumn) are the best months to plan a Li River cruise, as you’ll travel with mild weather, clear skies and best scenery. Avoid summer time, such as June–August, as there could be heavy rain, less pleasant weather and excessive crowds.
• Golden Hours: Sunrise (6–8 AM) and sunset (5–7 PM) offer soft lighting for photos of the site. You can visit Nine Horse Fresco Hill or Yellow Cloth Shoal during these times.
• Low-Water Seasons: November–March are the time which may limit boat routes or even cancel some, confirm with operators before going.

Pack Smart

• Essentials: Sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, reusable water bottle, and waterproof phone case.
• Comfortable Shoes: Hiking-friendly trainers for exploring villages like Xingping Ancient Town or Fuli Town.
• Binoculars: With this, you can see distant karst peaks like Elephant Trunk Hill from the river with a clearer view.
• Power Bank: Long cruises (4–5 hours) may have limited charging points.

Compare the Li River Cruise vs. the Li River Bamboo Rafting

For those in the know, taking the bamboo raft is another ideal way to enjoy the Li River. Yet, it has different routes and departure & arrival docks, with different prices and durations. You can compare the two and choose your favorite.

Best Li River Cruise with Chinaxiantour

To explore Guilin’s Li River by cruise, our private Guilin tours & trips offer sole Li River cruise booking, as well as a Guizhou travel package. From uncovering the landscapes of Guilin Karst to delving into Yangshuo’s countryside, our travel experts will tailor-make holidays for you that combine sightseeing and soft adventure.