Li River

漓江

The Li River cruise between Guilin and Yangshuo is one of China's most celebrated scenic journeys, featuring dramatic karst mountains, traditional bamboo rafts, and ancient villages. This day trip or overnight cruise is the quintessential Guangxi experience and appears on countless travel bucket lists.

Things to do

• Li River Bamboo Raft Cruise — Float downstream on traditional bamboo rafts from Guilin to Yangshuo, passing iconic karst peaks and cormorant fishermen at dawn or dusk.
• Cormorant Fishing Show — Watch elderly fishermen use trained cormorants to catch fish by torchlight, a 1,300-year-old technique still performed nightly for tourists.
• Elephant Trunk Hill — Hike to this iconic limestone peak shaped like an elephant drinking from the river, offering panoramic views of Guilin's karst landscape.
• Moon Hill Climb — Trek up this natural arch-shaped mountain near Yangshuo for stunning valley views and access to local hiking trails through rice paddies.
• Ancient Xingping Town — Explore this 1,400-year-old riverside village with traditional Ming and Qing architecture, local markets, and unobstructed views of the Li River's most photographed section.
• Yangshuo West Street — Stroll this lively pedestrian alley in Yangshuo filled with local shops, cafes, and street vendors selling crafts, souvenirs, and traditional snacks.

Food to try

• Li River Snails (螺蛳粉 Luosifen) — Tangy rice noodles in a pungent broth made from freshwater snails, lemongrass, and chili, a beloved Guangxi specialty that defines the region's bold flavors.
• Cormorant-Caught Fish — Fresh river fish prepared simply grilled or steamed, often sourced from the same cormorant fishermen performing on the river.
• Bamboo Tube Rice (竹筒饭) — Sticky rice cooked inside hollowed bamboo with beans, mushrooms, and sometimes meat, imparting a subtle bamboo aroma.
• Oil Tea (油茶) — A savory soup made from roasted flour, oil, and broth, served with crispy wonton strips and peanuts, eaten as breakfast throughout Guangxi.
• Guilin Rice Noodles (桂林米粉) — Thin rice noodles topped with a complex broth of mixed pork and offal, served with pickled vegetables and chili oil for heat and tang.

Local customs & good to know

• Best Light at Dawn or Dusk — The dramatic karst peaks are most photogenic and misty during sunrise or evening hours; plan your raft or cruise for early morning or late afternoon departures.
• Respect Cormorant Fishermen — Cormorant fishing is dying out; if photographing, ask permission respectfully and consider the birds' welfare—some operations treat animals poorly.
• Bamboo Raft Etiquette — Wear water shoes and dress in layers as mornings are cool on the water; avoid standing suddenly or leaning far over the side to maintain balance on the relatively unstable rafts.
• Bargain Mindfully at Markets — Haggling is expected at street markets and souvenir stalls in Yangshuo and Xingping, but remain good-natured and accept final prices respectfully.