Bamboo rafting in Guilin and Yangshuo is one of the most iconic ways to explore the breathtaking karst landscapes of Guangxi. The two most popular options are bamboo rafting on the Li River, known for its grand, wide-open views of towering mountains, and Yulong River bamboo rafting, which offers a slower, more intimate journey through serene countryside and charming villages. Whether you’re looking for fast-paced sightseeing or a leisurely, hands-on adventure, this guide will break down the differences between these two unforgettable experiences to help you choose the perfect one for your trip.
Overview of the Two Bamboo Raftings
Yulong River Bamboo Rafting: A Slow-Paced Retreat
- Location: Yulong River Scenic Area, near Yangshuo. Approximately a 2-hour drive from Guilin.
- Type of Rafting: Traditional bamboo rafts propelled by manual paddling.
- Capacity: Options include two-person, four-person, and eight-person rafts.
- Experience: The Yulong River flows gently, offering a serene and slow-paced journey. You’ll drift through tranquil waters, passing picturesque mountains, fields, and rural scenery.
Highlights of Yulong River Bamboo Rafting: Yulong River rafting is perfect for those who appreciate a relaxed, close-to-nature experience. With its narrow and meandering waterways, the scenic charm is intimate and delicate, making it ideal for couples, families, or anyone seeking a leisurely adventure. Additionally, the human-powered bamboo rafts align with the natural surroundings, creating an authentic and peaceful atmosphere.
Li River Bamboo Rafting: A Scenic Power Ride
- Location: Li River Scenic Area, starting from Xingping. Approximately a 1-hour drive from Guilin and 40 minutes from Yangshuo.
- Type of Rafting: Motorized bamboo rafts with faster speeds.
- Capacity: Four-person rafts.
- Experience: The Li River offers a broader and faster-flowing river. Rafting here takes you through Guilin’s main scenic corridor, known for its towering karst mountains and sweeping vistas. You’ll also witness the unique sight of a “fleet” of Li River bamboo rafts.
Highlights of Li River Bamboo Rafting: Li River bamboo rafting focuses on grandeur, with vast open spaces and breathtaking views of iconic landmarks such as Nine Horses Fresco Hill (九马画山). The motorized rafts allow you to cover more ground quickly, making this option ideal for travelers who prioritize sightseeing over leisurely activities.
Pricing Comparison
Yulong River Bamboo Rafting
- Two-person raft: ¥180–320
- Four-person raft: ¥358
- Eight-person raft: ¥45/person (minimum 5 passengers)
Li River Bamboo Rafting
- Yangdi to Nine Horses Hill (杨堤-九马) (one way, ideal from Guilin): ¥255/person + ¥15 for an electric cart
- Chaoban Mountain to Nine Horses Hill (朝板山-九马) (round trip, ideal from Yangshuo): ¥140/person + ¥30 for an electric cart
Key Differences Between the Two Experiences
- Scenery and Routes
- Li River Bamboo Rafting: Highlights the main waterway of the Li River, offering grand and majestic karst mountain views.
- Yulong River Bamboo Rafting: Focuses on the Yulong River, a smaller tributary known for its graceful and charming countryside beauty.
- Raft Type and Speed
- Li River Bamboo Rafting: Motorized rafts with faster speeds, emphasizing efficiency and panoramic views.
- Yulong River Bamboo Rafting: Manually propelled rafts with a slower pace, ideal for relaxation and connecting with nature.
- Activities
- Li River Bamboo Rafting: Primarily a sightseeing activity with fewer interactive elements.
- Yulong River Bamboo Rafting: Includes thrilling dam drops, adding excitement to the scenic experience. Popular routes offer either 4 or 9 dam crossings.
Yulong River Bamboo Rafting Tips
- Short Routes with 4 Dam Crossings: Popular sections like Shui E Di (水厄底) or Xia Tang (夏棠) are bustling with visitors but offer high value.
- Long Routes with 9 Dam Crossings: Longer routes such as Jinlong Bridge to Jiuxian (金龙桥-旧县) or Jima to Gongnong Bridge (骥马-工农桥) take around 1.5 hours, perfect for those who want an extended adventure.
- Group or Solo Travel: Two-person rafts are best for couples. If traveling alone, you can share a raft with others or opt to book a private one.
- For Seniors and Kids: Choose the eight-person rafts at ¥45/person for a safer and more stable option, especially for elderly passengers (above 70 years old) or children under 1 meter tall.
Which Should You Choose?
To sum it up, Li River bamboo rafting is all about the “scenery” — vast and majestic landscapes, while Yulong River bamboo rafting focuses on “fun” — a mix of natural beauty and interactive enjoyment.
If time allows, it’s highly recommended to pair a Li River cruise with Yulong River bamboo rafting for a comprehensive experience. However, if you’re deciding between the two, Yulong River bamboo rafting is a must-do for its peaceful atmosphere and thrilling activities.