Lijiang River Scenic Area – A True Gem of Natural Landscape

The Lijiang Scenic Area is a true gem of China’s natural landscape, showcasing the essence of Guilin’s breathtaking beauty. Renowned worldwide for its stunning scenery, the Lijiang River originates from Mao’er Mountain in the Yuecheng Ridge, the highest peak in South China. The river’s upper stream is known as the Liudong River, while its middle stretch is called Rongjiang. The section of the river from Guilin to Yangshuo, spanning approximately 83 kilometers, is referred to as the Lijiang River.

The Lijiang River winds like a green silk ribbon through a sea of unique peaks, creating a picturesque landscape that captivates visitors. Its crystal-clear waters, mirrored by the towering peaks, along with deep pools, springs, and cascading waterfalls, form a vibrant and enchanting painting often described as “a hundred miles of Lijiang, a hundred miles of art gallery.”

Travel Information about Lijiang River Scenic Area

Tickets and Opening Hours

The Lijiang Scenic Area does not have an entrance fee, but some attractions within the area require separate tickets. Below is a list of ticket prices and opening hours for various attractions:

Getting to Yangshuo Wharf

From Guilin: There are direct shuttle buses to Yangti Wharf departing from the bus station on Zhongshan South Road.

From Yangshuo: Regular buses run from Yangshuo to Yangti Wharf (note that it should be the Yangti Wharf, not Yangti Junction), starting around 6:40 AM, with departures every 20 minutes. The journey takes about one and a half hours (with stops along the way).

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Lijiang River is from April to October when Guilin’s mountains and rivers are at their most beautiful. The river’s high-water season, from April to November, offers the most comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Scenic Ratings

• Beauty: ★★★★★
• Relaxation: ★★★★
• Romance: ★★★★
• Cultural Significance: ★★★★
• Uniqueness: ★★★★
• Adventure: ★★★

Highlights of Lijiang River Scenic Area

Wangfu Rock

Wangfu Rock is located on the west bank of the Lijiang River. At the top of the mountain, there is a stone resembling an immortal, appearing as if a person dressed in ancient attire is gazing northward. Midway up the mountain, there is another stone that looks like a woman carrying a child on her back, gazing into the distance in search of her husband. Because of this, the mountain is called Wangfu Mountain, also known as Wangfu Rock, which translates to “Husband-Watching Rock.”

According to legend, during the Song Dynasty, the rock was said to have been transformed by a monk on a pilgrimage, hence the name “Immortal Rock.” By the Qing Dynasty, the story evolved, telling of a family of three traveling by boat. When they reached a shallow stretch of the river, they had only a small amount of rice left, and the shallow waters made it impossible for the boat to move forward. The husband went up the mountain to search for food, but when he couldn’t find any, he was so distressed that he turned into a stone figure. His wife, carrying their child, went up the mountain to look for him. Upon seeing her husband turned into stone, she was overcome with sorrow and anxiety, and she and her child were also transformed into stone figures.

Yangdi

Yangdi is a quintessential mountain area, embodying the saying “nine parts mountains, half part water, and half part fields.” Known for its simple and honest local customs, this section of the Lijiang River is characterized by its winding and meandering course, where crystal-clear waters flow serenely. The area is densely packed with scenic spots, with the reflections of the unique peaks in the water and the lush greenery of bamboo and trees creating a picturesque landscape. Yangdi offers the best experience of the poetic description: “the river flows like a green silk ribbon, and the mountains stand like jade hairpins.”

Longtou Mountain

Longtou Mountain, or “Dragon Head Mountain,” is named for its cliff that juts out over the Lijiang River, with its upper and lower sections protruding and the middle forming an arc, resembling the open mouth of a dragon. To the west of Longtou Mountain, dozens of peaks align in a formation that resembles a dragon’s head, body, and tail, stretching for several miles. This gives rise to the local saying “The Great Dragon Leaps Across the River,” as the formation looks like a giant dragon soaring eastward.

Longtou Mountain is also known for its perpetual spring, called “Dragon King’s Nectar.” The water is crystal clear, cool, and pure, making it highly refreshing to drink. The spring water gathers into a stream that flows from a deep mountain valley to the mountain’s mouth, twisting and turning like a silver hook as it cascades down the slopes.

Huangniu Gorge

Huangniu Gorge, or Yellow Ox Gorge, is located on the west bank of the Lijiang River, south of Mopanshan, facing Bian’an across the river. The gorge is renowned for its many peculiar rock formations, resembling shapes such as green lotus flowers, lions, tigers, bats, and herds of yellow cattle. At this point, the Lijiang River makes a sharp 90-degree turn, splitting into two streams that crash against three small islets before continuing their journey southward. A local proverb captures this scene: “Nine oxen face three islets, the river flows on both sides; five horses block the river, while two lions roll embroidered balls.”

This section of the river is wide, and the peaks, shaped like lotus flowers, stretch for several miles, creating a magnificent and awe-inspiring landscape known for its dramatic and unique features.

Daxu Ancient Town

Daxu Ancient Town is one of the four major ancient towns in Guangxi. With a rich commercial and cultural heritage, the town is distinguished by its unique characteristics and historical significance. It is an important cultural attraction along the hundred-mile stretch of the Lijiang River and the eastern Lijiang River tourist route.

Gudong Waterfall

Gudong Waterfall is a series of multi-level cascades formed by underground springs. The waterfall is situated 180 meters above the water level of the Lijiang River, earning it the nickname “the Lijiang water you can touch.” Its unique formation and accessibility make it a notable natural attraction in the area.

Crown Cave Scenic Area

Crown Cave Scenic Area has recently emerged as a standout among Guilin’s many caves, offering a unique and modern tourism experience. The cave combines a tramway, boats, and sightseeing elevators with its stunning natural formations, making it a one-of-a-kind attraction in China. Visitors can explore the cave’s wonders by land, water, and air, making Crown Cave a distinctive and captivating destination.

Chaoban Mountain

Chaoban Mountain, located on the eastern bank of the Lijiang River, is a solitary peak that rises vertically from the river’s surface. The mountain has been shaped by the river’s erosion, forming a one-meter-deep groove that resembles the “Chao Hu,” a ceremonial tablet held by ancient courtiers. This distinctive feature gives it the name Chaoban Mountain, with the common name also being Zhaoban Mountain.

Chaoban Mountain stands tall and elegant, resembling fresh bamboo shoots emerging from the ground. Its unique shape, akin to a curved tusk, combined with its steep cliffs overlooking the river, creates a breathtaking and majestic sight. The mountain embodies a typical beauty characterized by its remarkable, dangerous, and graceful stone formations.

Xingping Ancient Town

Located on the eastern bank of the Lijiang River, Xingping Ancient Town is the largest town along the river, boasting a history of over 1,300 years. The Lijiang River flows through Xingping, creating an “S”-shaped bend that serves as a focal point for the area’s stunning scenery.

Xingping is characterized by its harmonious blend of mountains and water, with a dense concentration of attractions that showcase a variety of features, including uniqueness, danger, beauty, and charm. Visitors can enjoy the picturesque landscapes, ancient architecture, and rich cultural heritage that make Xingping a must-visit destination along the Lijiang River.

What to Do at Lijiang Scenic Area

Boat Tours

The primary way to explore the Lijiang Scenic Area is by boat. The essential cruise route, known for its breathtaking views, operates between Mopanshan Wharf and the Yangshuo section of the river. The journey lasts approximately 4.5 hours.

Wharfs:

• Mopanshan Wharf: Used mainly for domestic tourists; the disembarkation point in Yangshuo is Longtoushan Wharf (about a 15-20 minute walk to West Street).
• Zhujiang Wharf: Used for international visitors; the disembarkation point in Yangshuo is Shui Dongmen Wharf, which is directly connected to West Street.
• During the dry season, boats depart from Yangti Wharf instead.
• Direct Services: Some cruise boats travel directly from Guilin to Yangshuo, particularly during low water levels (focusing on the Yangti to Xingping section), with no stops along the way.

Boat Ticket Prices:

Bamboo Rafting

In addition to boat cruises, bamboo rafting is a popular way to experience the Lijiang River, especially among self-guided tourists in Yangshuo. Bamboo rafts can be taken from Yangti to Xingping, and during the summer, visitors can even enjoy dipping their feet into the river for a closer connection with the water.