The “Two Rivers and Four Lakes” is a picturesque water system that forms a scenic loop around the city center of Guilin. It is composed of the Li River (漓江), the Peach Blossom River (桃花江), and four lakes: Rong Lake (榕湖), Shan Lake (杉湖), Gui Lake (桂湖), and Mulong Lake (木龙湖). This network of waterways creates a beautiful and tranquil environment that showcases the natural and cultural beauty of Guilin.
The tradition of exploring Guilin by water dates back to the Tang Dynasty and reached its peak during the Song Dynasty. During that time, the city was crisscrossed with lakes and ponds, making it possible to enjoy the city’s landscapes and attractions by simply gliding along in a small boat. Today, the “Two Rivers and Four Lakes” system has been revitalized, offering a unique and serene way to experience Guilin’s charm.
A boat tour of the Two Rivers and Four Lakes has become one of the most popular ways for both domestic and international tourists to explore the modern beauty of Guilin. The journey takes you through the serene waters, where you can admire the city’s illuminated skyline, ancient bridges, traditional pavilions, and lush greenery.
Travel Information about Two Rivers and Four Lakes
Ticket Information and Opening Hours
Tickets: Walking visits to the scenic area are free. Daytime boat tickets for the Two Rivers and Four Lakes cost 90 RMB. Night boat tickets are 210 RMB for adults.
Opening Hours: Open all day.
Best Time to Visit
All four seasons are suitable for visiting, but the best time is in spring and summer. In spring, everything comes to life, and the green plants along the rivers and lakes begin to grow, with flowers blooming everywhere—an ideal time for sightseeing. In summer, the ample rainfall makes it a great season for boat tours around the Guilin urban area.
Access to the Scenic Area
Location: No. 1 Bingjiang Road, Xiangshan District, Guilin.
Transportation: Take bus routes 16, 23, etc., to Xiangshan Park Station to reach Zhiyin Tai Wharf.
Attraction Rating
- Characteristics: ★★★★★
- Beauty: ★★★★
- Leisure: ★★★★
- Romance: ★★★
- Cultural: ★★★
- Adventure: ★★
Highlights of the Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area
Rong Lake and Shan Lake
Rong Lake and Shan Lake are located in the heart of Guilin, adjacent to the city’s Central Square. These two lakes are key components of Guilin’s famous “Two Rivers and Four Lakes” scenic area, showcasing the city’s unique blend of urban life and natural beauty. The area around these lakes epitomizes the city’s landscape, where the scenery is seamlessly integrated with the urban environment.
Rong Lake lies to the west of Yang Bridge and is named after the ancient banyan trees that grow along its shores. These trees, some over 800 years old, continue to stand proudly, offering a glimpse into the natural history of the region.
Shan Lake, on the other hand, is located to the east of Yang Bridge and is connected to the Li River. Although the fir trees (for which Shan Lake was named) are no longer present, the lake remains a vital part of Guilin’s natural beauty.
Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas: A key attraction on Shan Lake, the Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas are iconic symbols of Guilin. The Sun Pagoda stands 41 meters tall with nine stories, entirely adorned with bronze, making it the world’s tallest bronze pagoda. The Moon Pagoda is 35 meters tall with seven stories, built of glazed tiles. The two pagodas are connected by an 18-meter-long underwater tunnel that features a stunning aquarium. Inside the Moon Pagoda, you’ll find a magnificent Ming Dynasty blue-and-white porcelain mural, a highlight of the visit.
Rong Lake’s Heart Island: This small island in the middle of Rong Lake is split into two parts by a stream. The island is home to Guangxi’s largest marble dragon boat, along with the Lake Heart Pavilion, a classic structure that offers panoramic views of the surrounding waters. The island also features a number of scenic spots, including moon gates and granite sculptures, all of which contribute to the enchanting atmosphere.
Gui Lake
Gui Lake is characterized by its natural wildness, with the outlet dam of the Taohua River as the main attraction. It has become a garden showcasing famous flowers, trees, pavilions, and bridges. The scenic area integrates small landscapes into the spring lake area, emphasizing the theme of the four seasons through plant landscaping.
Along the banks of Gui Lake, various small attractions have been added, featuring stacked stones, artificial waterfalls, springs, small bridges, walkways, relief sculptures, and more. The addition of lighting further enhances its grace and picturesque charm.
Mu Long Lake
Mu Long Lake features the ancient city wall of Mu Long Ancient Ferry as its main highlight, with Diecai Mountain and Baoji Mountain providing a stunning backdrop, emphasizing the integration of natural landscapes and historical culture.
On the northern side of Mu Long Lake, historical and cultural attractions such as the Song Dynasty’s Dongzhen Gate and the ruins of the Song city wall have been developed, including scenic spots with an ancient architectural style like Song Street, Banbian Street, the Ancient Song City, Mu Long Tower, Mu Long Night Mooring, Shallow Bridge with Fish Shadows, and Tinghe Pavilion. Meanwhile, on the southern side of Mu Long Lake, between Diecai Mountain and the lake, an ecological landscape belt featuring forests, grasslands, streams, and waterfalls has been constructed.
Unique Bridges in Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area
The most distinctive feature of the Two Rivers and Four Lakes scenic area is its bridges. First, there are many of them; second, they are designed to resemble famous bridges around the world, earning it the nickname “Bridge Exhibition Park.”
Yang Bridge (阳桥): Located at the junction of Shanhu and Ronghu along Zhongshan Middle Road, this bridge was originally built in the Song Dynasty. The current Yang Bridge is modeled after the Emmanuel II Bridge in Vatican City, featuring a dignified, elegant, and streamlined design.
Crystal Glass Bridge (水晶玻璃桥): Situated west of Yang Bridge, this is the first practical landscape bridge in China constructed using special crystal glass structures. Its exterior, rain awning roof, and load-bearing sections are all made from exquisitely crafted crystal glass products. The bridge’s columns, railings, and other components are also specially cast from crystal glass. There is an entrance fee to visit the bridge.
Rongxi Bridge (榕溪桥): Located south of the ancient South Gate, this bridge is modeled after the famous Zhaozhou Bridge.
Yingbin Bridge (迎宾桥): Positioned at the intersection of Ronghu and Guilin Lake, west of the Guilin Library, this bridge is primarily constructed from white Han marble and steel cables. The design emphasizes the characteristics of a suspension bridge, closely aligning with its welcoming function. The center of the archway features a carving of the Guilin city emblem, while the top relief showcases the history of Guilin.
Lize Bridge (丽泽桥): Located on Lijun Road and spanning Guilin Lake, this bridge is designed to resemble the Golden Gate Bridge in the United States. It is the first self-anchored steel truss flexible suspension bridge in China. The bridge is painted a vibrant red, with its cables creating a beautiful arc, making it an impressive sight under the sunset or scenic lighting.
Xiqing Bridge (西清桥): Found in the middle section of Xiqing Lake, beneath Laoren Mountain, this bridge is modeled after the Mathematical Bridge at Cambridge University in England. Legend has it that the original bridge embodies the ideas of the great scientist Newton. The assembly of the bridge’s railings reflects both the randomness of ancient bridges and geometric precision. This pedestrian bridge features a double-arched design and a warm red hue. It is constructed and decorated with precious Northeast red pine wood, exhibiting a rural style in its railings.
Mulong Bridge (木龙桥): Located between Mulong Lake and the Song Dynasty Town, this bridge is inspired by the wooden bridges depicted in Zhang Zeduan’s painting “Along the River During the Qingming Festival,” aiming to recreate the elegance of the Northern Song Dynasty.
Visitor Guide for Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area
Boat Tour
Boarding Locations:
- Riyuewan Dock: Located opposite the Lijiang Waterfall Hotel on Shanshui Road, Xiufeng District.
- Elephant Trunk Fisherman Dock: Located at 12 Binjiang Road, Xiangshan District (next to the No. 3 entrance of Elephant Trunk Hill).
- Wenchang Bridge Dock: Located at the southeast end of Wenchang Bridge (near Elephant Trunk Hill, in front of Huating Restaurant).
Boarding Times:
- Day Cruises:
- Morning departures: 8:00, 8:20, 9:50, 10:40, 11:20
- Afternoon departures: 13:40, 15:10, 16:30
- Night Cruises:
- Departures: 17:50, 18:40, 19:30, 19:50, 20:00, 20:10, 20:15, 20:40, 21:10, 21:30
- During holidays, additional cruises from 21:40 to 23:50
- Cruise duration is approximately 90 minutes.
Cruise Routes:
- From Riyuewan Dock to Elephant Trunk Fisherman/Wenchang Bridge Dock;
- From Elephant Trunk Fisherman/Wenchang Bridge Dock to Riyuewan Dock.
Tips: To avoid missing the boat, it is recommended to arrive at the dock 20 minutes in advance. If you miss your boat, dock staff will assist you in taking the next available cruise, but a rescheduling fee of 20 yuan per person will apply. If you wish to change to the next day, a rescheduling fee of 40 yuan per person will be charged.
Dining Options
Chunji Roasted Goose (Zhongshan Branch) (椿记烧鹅中山店):
Located at No. 2 Zhongshan Middle Road, near Taohua River, this is a well-known chain restaurant in Guilin, featuring a rich selection of Cantonese cuisine. Recommended dishes include their signature roasted goose, Lijiang beer fish, stir-fried goose intestines, and steamed taro with abalone sauce.
Elephant Trunk Fisherman Dock (象山渔人码头):
With an excellent location at the entrance of No. 3 Elephant Mountain Park and next to the ticket office for the Two Rivers and Four Lakes, this restaurant offers a great view of Elephant Trunk Hill. The menu features fusion dishes such as crispy Dongpo pork, fruity guobao meat, Hakka white-cut chicken, and golden soup braised Dalian abalone.
Guilin Porridge City (Shanhu Branch) (桂林粥城杉湖店):
One of Guilin’s local old brands, located opposite the Lijiang Riyuewan Dock and near the Twin Towers scenic area of the Two Rivers and Four Lakes. This restaurant specializes in various types of porridge and barbecued dishes, making it a great spot for late-night snacks. Popular choices include Lijiang sword bone fish and boat porridge.
Yizhu Fei Scenic Restaurant (亿助啡观景餐吧):
A trendy and popular restaurant located on the 6th floor of the Vienna Hotel on Binjiang Road, offering excellent views of Elephant Mountain Park and the Twin Towers. The menu features afternoon tea and steak sets, providing a relaxed environment to enjoy Guilin’s scenery.