The Lijiang River (漓江), one of China’s most iconic waterways, is famous for its breathtaking karst landscapes, clear waters, and enchanting rural scenery. Stretching from Guilin (桂林) to Yangshuo (阳朔), it offers an unparalleled experience of nature’s beauty, attracting countless visitors. When planning a visit, travelers face the choice between two popular ways to explore the river: cruising by boat or floating on a traditional bamboo raft. Each option has its own unique charm and caters to different travel preferences. This guide will help you choose the best way to experience the Lijiang River, comparing the various boats and bamboo rafts available, and detailing the routes, facilities, and experiences each offers.
Lijiang River Boat Cruise Options:
1. Three-Star, Four-Star, and Five-Star Cruises: The most common river cruises are classified as three-star, four-star, and five-star cruises. While all three options follow a similar route and provide identical scenic views, the level of comfort and onboard dining differs, much like the difference between economy class and first class on a plane.
- Three-Star Cruise (三星游船):
Departing from Guilin’s Mopanshan Pier (磨盘山码头) and arriving at Yangshuo’s Longtoushan Pier (龙头山码头), this option provides a basic cruise experience. Passengers can enjoy a light meal on board (available for purchase). The boat features two decks: a lower cabin and an upper cabin (on the second floor). The boat’s rooftop deck offers a 360-degree view of the surrounding scenery, making it a great choice for photography enthusiasts. - Four-Star Cruise (四星游船):
Setting off from Guilin’s Zhujiang Pier (竹江码头) and also arriving at Yangshuo’s Longtoushan Pier (龙头山码头), the four-star cruise offers a more luxurious experience. The interior is elegantly decorated, and passengers are treated to a Chinese buffet onboard. The boat has three cabin options: lower deck, upper deck, and VIP seats located at the front of the second floor, which provide the best view of the river. Once you disembark, you can walk about 15 minutes to reach Yangshuo’s famous West Street (西街). - Five-Star Cruise (五星游船):
Like the three-star cruise, the five-star option departs from Mopanshan Pier (磨盘山码头) and docks at Longtoushan Pier (龙头山码头) in Yangshuo (阳朔). This cruise includes a high-end buffet and boasts a premium onboard environment. The first floor has a dining area and two rest lounges with beds for passengers to relax in. The second floor houses a multifunctional hall, and at the bow of the boat, there is a VIP room with the best view. The top deck is open, allowing visitors to soak in the full grandeur of the river’s scenery from all angles.
2. Xingping Boat (兴坪游船): The Xingping Boat (兴坪游船) offers a shorter, more budget-friendly option. It departs from Xingping Pier (兴坪码头) and travels to Xingping Fishing Village (兴坪渔村) and back, covering a distance of 8 kilometers in about 60 minutes. This option does not include a meal and is often chosen by budget-conscious tour groups.
Lijiang River Bamboo Raft:
For those seeking a more intimate and adventurous experience, bamboo rafts (竹筏) offer a closer connection to the river. There are three main piers where you can board the bamboo rafts for the most scenic sections of the river.
1. Yangdi Pier (杨堤码头):
Located 39 kilometers from Yangshuo (阳朔), Yangdi Pier (杨堤码头) serves as the starting point for many bamboo raft journeys. It is known for its peaceful and picturesque surroundings. Travelers can take a bus from Yangshuo to the Yangdi intersection and transfer to a local bus that takes them directly to the pier. The entire trip takes about two hours.
2. Jiuma Pier (九马码头):
Jiuma Pier (九马码头) is situated in the middle section of the Lijiang River (漓江). It is often a stopover for bamboo raft trips, providing a convenient break for passengers to enjoy the surrounding views.
3. Chaoban Mountain Pier (朝板山码头, also known as Xingping Pier 兴坪码头):
Also known as Xingping Pier (兴坪码头), Chaoban Mountain Pier (朝板山码头) is the endpoint for many bamboo raft routes. It’s one of the most popular piers, located near the ancient town of Xingping (兴坪古镇). This pier is easily accessible by bus or taxi from Yangshuo High-Speed Train Station (阳朔高铁站), located 8.6 kilometers away.
How to Reach the Piers
Mopanshan (磨盘山码头) and Zhujiang Piers (竹江码头, for the river cruises): Both piers are about a 40-minute drive from Guilin city center (桂林市区). You can get there by taxi or take a shuttle bus that runs directly to the scenic area.
Yangdi Pier (杨堤码头):From Guilin South Railway Station (桂林南站), take a bus heading towards Yangshuo (阳朔) and get off at the Yangdi intersection. From there, transfer to a local bus to Yangdi Pier (杨堤码头). The trip takes approximately two hours.
Xingping Pier (兴坪码头):
Take a high-speed train from Guilin Station (桂林站) to Yangshuo Station (阳朔站), and from there, you can take a bus or taxi to Xingping Pier (兴坪码头), which is around 8.6 kilometers away.
Recommended Itineraries
1. Full River Cruise (Three-Star, Four-Star, or Five-Star Boats):
Choose the cruise based on your budget and preference for onboard comfort and dining options. The full cruise experience is perfect for travelers of all ages and has no height or age restrictions, making it an excellent option for families with children or elderly travelers.
2. Bamboo Raft Experience (漓江竹筏):
- Xingping Chaoban Mountain Pier (兴坪朝板山码头) to Jiuma Pier (九马码头, round trip): This is the most popular bamboo raft route and is suitable for most travelers.
- Yangdi Pier (杨堤码头) to Jiuma Pier (九马码头)/Chaoban Mountain Pier (朝板山码头, one-way or round trip): Best for self-driving tourists, this route covers a longer distance and offers more flexibility. Bamboo rafts are not suitable for children under 1.2 meters or elderly travelers over 70 years old due to safety concerns.
3. Xingping Boat (兴坪游船, Budget Option):
For those looking to save money, the Xingping boat (兴坪游船) offers a scenic yet affordable way to enjoy the river. Self-driving tourists can park their vehicles in the nearby Xingping Ancient Town (兴坪古镇) parking area. This option is perfect for travelers seeking a cost-effective experience that is also suitable for families, including seniors and young children.
Which One is Better?
The Li River cruise moves forward slowly and steadily, so you won’t feel seasick. The viewing deck on the top of the boat offers a 360° panoramic view of the mountains and water, and there’s no need to worry about crowded spaces. It’s suitable for traveling with elderly people and children, or for those prone to motion sickness who prefer a leisurely experience without walking too much.
On the other hand, the Li River bamboo raft is ideal for those who want to visit Xingping Ancient Town and explore more attractions along the way. If you can’t secure cruise tickets, the bamboo raft is a great alternative. During peak seasons, traffic jams often occur in Xingping Ancient Town, so it’s recommended to take the cruise to Yangshuo instead.
Personally, I recommend you to take boat cruise on Li River and then try bamboo rafting on Yulong River in Yangshuo.