Li River Cruise Guilin to Yangshuo: 4-Hour Boat Tour

Four hours on the Li River, then a 20-minute climb to see the whole valley

A full-day tour from Guilin that combines a 4-hour Li River cruise to Yangshuo with a visit to West Street and a climb up Xianggong Hill. Your driver-guide picks you up from your hotel, assists with boat tickets at the pier, then meets you in Yangshuo after the cruise. You explore West Street on your own, climb Xianggong Hill for a bird's-eye view of the karst landscape, and return to Guilin by early evening. Boat tickets and hill entry are separate purchases. Pickup is included within 20 kilometers of Guilin city.

Step-by-step itinerary

Li River cruise and Xianggong Hill visit

• Pick up from hotel at 8:00 am
• Drive 50 minutes to pier
• Collect boat tickets at pier
• Enjoy 4-hour Li River cruise to Yangshuo
• Leisurely visit West Street
• Climb Xianggong Hill for views
• Transfer back to Guilin hotel

The experience

The day starts with a 50-minute drive from your Guilin hotel to the pier, where your driver-guide handles the boat ticket logistics. You then board independently for a 4-hour cruise down the Li River to Yangshuo, passing the grotesque karst peaks and bamboo groves that appear on the 20 Yuan note. The river winds like a green ribbon while the peaks rise like bamboo shoots, and you'll see water buffaloes wading in the shallows and quaint villages along the banks. Lunch is served on board: a lunch box on the 3-star boat or a buffet on the 4-star option, both at separate cost.

After arriving in Yangshuo around 1:30 pm, you have time to wander West Street at your own pace. The street is lined with gray-brick buildings now housing souvenir shops, bars and coffee shops, so you can browse or rest before the next part of the day. Your driver-guide meets you there to take you to Xianggong Hill, where a 20-minute climb leads to a bird's-eye view of the Li River valley surrounded by towering peaks. This vantage point is one of the most photographed views in the region.

The return drive to Guilin takes about 90 minutes, and you'll arrive back at your hotel around 6:00 pm. The tour works for groups up to 15 people and is accessible to all fitness levels, though the Xianggong Hill climb does involve stairs. If you're staying in Yangshuo or Xingping instead of Guilin, a private transfer back costs an extra USD 40.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off within 20 kilometers of Guilin city.
• an English-speaking driver-guide for the full day.
• assistance with boat ticket purchase at the pier.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (5 to 80 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Guilin Private Tours

Is this one for you?The 8-to-9-hour commitment leaves room for an early dinner in Guilin or a relaxed evening, but not for a second major activity. Book this if you want the Li River and Xianggong Hill in one day without arranging separate transport between them.

Traveler reviews

4.94★★★★★★★★★★

69 verified traveler reviews

5 ★66

4 ★2

3 ★1

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

How long is the actual boat ride on the Li River?

The Li River cruise lasts about 4 hours, departing from the pier after your 50-minute drive from Guilin and arriving in Yangshuo around 1:30 pm.

What's included in the boat ticket, and do I need to buy it separately?

Boat tickets are not included in the tour price. The 3-star boat costs 245 Yuan per person and comes with a lunch box. The 4-star boat costs 360 Yuan per person and includes a buffet lunch. Your driver-guide will help you purchase tickets at the pier.

Is the Xianggong Hill climb difficult, and how much does entry cost?

Xianggong Hill entry costs 60 Yuan per person. The climb to the top takes about 20 minutes and is suitable for all fitness levels, though it does involve stairs and a steady ascent to reach the viewpoint overlooking the valley.

Do I stay with my guide during the boat cruise?

Your driver-guide does not accompany you on the boat itself. They assist you with tickets at the pier and meet you again when the boat arrives in Yangshuo, then guide you through West Street and Xianggong Hill for the rest of the day.

What if I'm staying in Yangshuo instead of Guilin? Does the tour still work?

Yes, but you'll need a private transfer back to Yangshuo or Xingping at the end of the day, which costs an extra USD 40 on top of the tour price. If you're staying in Guilin, the return transfer is included.