Yulong River (遇龙河), the second-largest river in Yangshuo after the Li River, stretches approximately 43.5 kilometers. Known for its picturesque landscapes, the river features numerous dams that prevent navigation, making it a prime location for cultural sites and serene pastoral scenery. It’s an ideal spot for both hiking and leisurely bamboo rafting.
Rafting on Yulong River is more about relaxation than adventure. While passing over the dams, the moment when the front of the bamboo raft dips into the water can feel thrilling, but most of the time, you can recline comfortably in your raft, soaking up the sun and enjoying the melodious chirping of birds, the fragrant flowers, and the lush green mountains in the distance. The scenery includes fields teeming with life during the spring plowing season, making it a delightful experience.
Rafting Route
The river is divided into two sections with a total of 28 dams, and the entire rafting experience lasts about six hours.
Upper Section: Starting from Fu Li Bridge, passing through Jin Long Bridge, Qi Feng Mountain, Tian Zuo Zhai, Yu Long Bridge, Shi Long Mountain Villa, Ba Xian Rock, Shuang Shi Jiao Zhu, and finishing at Gui Yi Ancient City (Jiu Xian).
Lower Section: From Xian Gui Bridge to Mo Gu Mountain, Ba Jie Yang Yue, Wu Gui Sai Pao, Zhu Lin You Dao, Shui Che Mountain Villa, Qing Wa Yue Jiang, Wu Zhi Feng, Luo Tuo Guo Jiang, Yue Liang Mountain, Ju Shu Fei Tian, Pan Zhuang (Xu Beihong Painting Residence), and Gong Nong Bridge (Liu Sanjie Ancient Banyan Village).
Reverse Rafting:
For a unique experience, consider reverse rafting from Jin Long Bridge back to Fu Li Bridge. This segment is particularly valuable, offering crystal-clear waters where you can see underwater vegetation up to 3 to 5 meters deep.
Pricing
The total rafting distance is about 12 kilometers, costing approximately 240 RMB per raft (for two people).
The upper section costs 150 RMB per raft (for two people), while the lower section also costs 150 RMB per raft (for two people).
Dining
Along the banks of Yulong River, you’ll find many affordable farm restaurants serving local dishes, along with vendors selling tea eggs and fruits.
Accommodation
Yulong River Yushan Country House (阳朔遇龙河遇山乡舍): Located at No. 164 Chaoyang Village, Jima Brigade (all rooms have balconies and large windows with mountain views).
Yulong River Moonlight Mountain Water Qinglan Inn (遇 龙河月色山水青岚民宿): Located at No. 72-5, behind Yulong Bridge Village (offers 180-degree river views and serves exquisite meals prepared by the owner, who studied cooking in Fujian).
Getting to Yulong River
To Chaoyang Dock:
- Option 1: Cycle from Yangshuo, entering via a small path next to Yangshuo Riverside Resort or from the gas station towards Jima.
- Option 2: Hire a motorcycle or car.
To Jin Long Bridge Dock:
- Option 1:
- From Yangshuo: Take a bus from Yangshuo Bus Station to Jin Long Bridge, alighting at the stop near the Yangshuo County Government Service Center next to the Aquatic Wholesale Market.
- From Guilin: Take a bus from Guilin to Yangshuo, then transfer to a bus heading to Jin Long Bridge.
- Option 2: Rent a bicycle in Yangshuo West Street and cycle to Jin Long Bridge (approximately 70 minutes on the main road or 120 minutes on a smaller path from Chaoyang Dock).
Rafting on the Yulong River offers a perfect blend of relaxation and stunning natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination in Yangshuo.