Yulong River (遇龙河) is the essence of Yangshuo’s picturesque landscape, renowned for its emerald mountains, crystal-clear waters, lush bamboo groves, unique bridges, and charming villages. It stands out as one of the most beautiful scenes in the Guilin region and perfectly embodies the beauty of Yangshuo.
The river originates from the Guli River in the Lingui District but flows predominantly through Yangshuo. With its clear waters, Yulong River meanders through several scenic areas, including Jinbao Township, Grape Town, Baisha Town, Xinyangshuo Town, and Gaotian Township. Ultimately, it merges with the Jinbao River at the Qinge Crossing (also known as Gaotian Sunrise) before flowing into the Tianjia River, which then feeds into the Li River (漓江). The stunning natural scenery along both banks is breathtaking and enchanting, making it a must-visit destination for travelers.
Travel Information about Yulong River
Tickets and Opening Hours
Tickets: The bamboo raft drifting from Jilong Bridge to Jiuxian Village costs 255 RMB, with multiple segments available for selection.
Opening Hours: Yulong River is open all day.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is in April and May when it is the flood season, ideal for drifting. This period also marks the revival of nature, making it a great time for hiking and enjoying the scenery.
Access to the Scenic Area
Location: Within Yangshuo County, Guilin City.
Transportation: Buses from Yangshuo Bus Station go to Yulong River (Jilong Bridge).
Scenic Rating
- Beauty: ★★★★★
- Leisure: ★★★★
- Romance: ★★★★
- Adventure: ★★★
- Culture: ★★★
- Characteristics: ★★★
Highlights of Yulong River
Gushi City in Grape Town
Gushi City (古石城) in Grape Town is nestled between Meiling in the northwest of the town, covering an area of about 10 square kilometers. It features four main city gates—east, west, south, and north—along with 18 of the original 24 smaller gates still preserved today. The site also includes remnants of military structures such as the Dianjiang Platform and the Central Military Village. Below Gushi City, there are four ancient temples, two of which have been well-preserved.
It is said that traversing all 18 city gates would take about three days, highlighting the city’s impressive scale, strategic terrain, and unique architecture. Within Gushi City, there are three main villages: Shitouzhai, Dayantou, and Xiaochongwai. Unlike other stone cities, Gushi City is uniquely surrounded by the stunning karst peaks of Yangshuo, considered the most beautiful peak forest in China. Visitors can experience the grandeur of the stone-built ancient architecture while enjoying the sweet fragrance of nature, with fields of rapeseed blooming in spring and fragrant rice paddies in autumn.
Fuli Bridge
Fuli Bridge (富里桥) is located upstream on the Yulong River, featuring a stone single-arch structure that measures 30 meters in length, 5 meters in width, and 10 meters in height. Built during the Ming Dynasty, it boasts over 500 years of history. The bridge’s elegant design creates a stunning reflection in the water, resembling a full moon.
From the bridge, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding fields, with green mountains embracing the area and clear waters flowing around the village. The riverbanks are lively with splashing waves, while the gentle stream meanders through well-organized rice paddies and intricate paths, making it an enchanting place to experience the beauty of rural landscapes. Fuli Bridge is the perfect spot for appreciating the idyllic scenery.
Yulong Bridge
Yulong Bridge (遇龙桥) is located in Baisha Town along the Yulong River, just a short walk from Fuli Bridge. Built during the Ming Dynasty, it is the largest ancient stone arch bridge in Yangshuo County. The bridge measures approximately 60 meters in length, 5 meters in width, and 9 meters in height, with a single span of 18 meters. In the ninth year of the Tongzhi reign (1870), stone railings were added, adorned with exquisite carvings of flowers, birds, fish, insects, and auspicious dragons and phoenixes.
The majestic bridge stands tall and grand, with ivy climbing its stone sides, exuding an ancient charm. Beneath it, the water flows gently, and generations of villagers have come here to fetch water and wash clothes. As the moon shifts and the stars move, Yulong Bridge has witnessed the passage of time yet remains as sturdy as ever.
Yulong Village Anti-Japanese War Victory Monument
The Yulong Village Anti-Japanese War Victory Monument (遇龙村抗战胜利纪念碑) stands atop Yulong Bridge, commemorating the heroic deeds of local residents who held their ground for nine months against the Japanese invaders at Zhuji Village (also known as Tianzuo Village) across the river, ultimately achieving victory.
Later, the monument was destroyed and thrown into the river. In 1987, the government dispatched personnel to retrieve the lower half of the broken monument and managed to restore it to its original position on the bridge for people to pay their respects. Due to the bridge’s convenient location and its fame, many domestic and international tourists visit this site daily.
Baxian Rock
Baxian Rock (八仙岩) is nestled among the peaks near Yulong Village along the Yulong River. During the Ming Dynasty, someone inscribed “Huai’an Territory” on the stone wall. The rock features a spacious stone cave, wide enough to accommodate several people, with layers of rocks resembling floors.
Inside the cave, there is a flat stone door shaped like a crescent moon, along with seven small holes that are unfathomably deep. It can truly be said that there are caves within caves, and realms beyond realms.
Xiangui Bridge
Xiangui Bridge (仙桂桥) is located in the middle and lower reaches of the Yulong River. It was originally built in the fifth year of the Xuanhe era during the Northern Song Dynasty (1123 AD) and is currently the oldest single-arch stone bridge discovered in Guangxi. The bridge measures 25.8 meters in length, 4.16 meters in width, and 2.2 meters in height, with a clear span of 5.5 meters.
Its arch is constructed from nine rows of interlocking single stone arches, showcasing a unique and ingenious structure. Although the bridge is not large, it offers picturesque scenery and is a notable landmark along the Yulong River.
Jiuxian
Jiuxian Village (旧县) is located in the lower reaches of the Yulong River and was established as the county seat of Guiyi County during the fourth year of the Wude era in the Tang Dynasty (621 AD), boasting a history of over 1,400 years. The village features ancient city walls from the Tang Dynasty, traditional residences from the Ming Dynasty, and a scholar’s manor from the Qing Dynasty.
The ancient architecture in Jiuxian Village is diverse, spanning multiple historical periods, and showcases exquisite craftsmanship that reflects the architectural art of various Chinese dynasties. Compared to ordinary residences in Guangxi, the ancient houses of Jiuxian Village may appear slightly worn but still convey a sense of grandeur and sophistication. The gray brick and tile structures, along with ancient wells in the courtyards, highlight the style and stature of a distinguished estate.
What to do:
- Viewing Ancient Architecture: The luxurious old residence at No. 118 is an ancient building worth visiting. This luxury reflects the standards of bygone times, featuring intricately carved ventilation windows, stone columns, and elegantly curved eaves. These elements signify the extraordinary status of the family that once lived here and the architectural masterpiece’s high artistic value.
- Strolling the Back Street: In Jiuxian Village, there is a serene and elegant back street. The path is paved with stones, and the houses are built from compacted earth, creating an idealized escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life—a secluded paradise. Visitors can explore the back street to admire the ancient architecture and experience the tranquility of this old-fashioned area.
Hiking Ancient Stone City
Hiking through the Ancient Stone City offers a serene and leisurely experience as you wander among the hills behind the Li River. Completing the entire hike takes a full day and requires a good level of fitness due to its challenging nature.
Getting There:
- From Guilin or Yangshuo: Take a bus to Grape Town (葡萄镇).
- Transfer: From there, you can take a farmer’s vehicle or hire a motorcycle to reach Xiaoyaomen Village (小耀门村).
- Guides: Local farmers are available for hire as guides.
Route Overview:
- To explore all four gates of the Ancient Stone City takes about 2 to 3 hours.
- After visiting the city, you will pass through Shitouzhai (石头寨), Dayantou Village (大岩头村), and Xiaochongwei Village (小冲崴村).
If you’re hungry, you can enjoy a meal at a local farmhouse before continuing your journey to Xianggong Mountain (相公山), one of the best photography spots in the Li River Scenic Area. Photography enthusiasts can hike to the top for breathtaking views. After crossing Xianggong Mountain, you will reach He Bao Mountain Village (荷苞山村) and subsequently arrive at Jiuma Huashan (九马画山).
Hiking Routes
- Route A: Xiaoyaomen Village → Shitouzhai → Dayantou Village → Xiaochongwei Village → Daping Village → Shuiyanmen Village → Xianggong Mountain → Huangnitian Village → Liandao Bay Village → Dahebei Village → Yucun Village → Xingping Town (Total distance: approximately 19 km).
- Route B: Xiaoyaomen Village → Shitouzhai → Dayantou Village → Xiaochongwei Village → Daping Village → Shuiyanmen Village → Xianggong Mountain → He Bao Mountain Village → Lengshui Village → Huashan Village → Xingping Town (Total distance: approximately 18 km).