Li River cruise Guilin to Yangshuo: 50-mile boat tour

Drift past limestone peaks and bamboo groves on the water

A group cruise down the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo covers 50 miles of the Guangxi region's most dramatic landscape, with an English-speaking guide, Chinese lunch on board, and hotel pickup from central Guilin. The tour runs 8 to 9 hours and includes a stroll through Yangshuo's West Street before return transport to your hotel.

Step-by-step itinerary

Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo

• Pick up from central Guilin hotels
• Travel to Zhujiang Pier
• Board Li River cruise
• Enjoy lunch on board
• View Reed Flute Cave and Seven-Star Park
• Admire Mountain of Splendid Hues
• Disembark at Yangshuo
• Stroll West Street in Yangshuo
• Return to Guilin hotel

The experience

The boat leaves Zhujiang Pier in the early morning after pickup from your central Guilin hotel. You'll join a group on the cruise and spend the main part of the day on the water, gliding past the Reed Flute Cave, Seven-Star Park, and the Mountain of Splendid Hues as the Li River valley unfolds around you. Your seat is on the first floor of the boat, and lunch, Chinese cuisine, is served on board while you watch the karst peaks rise from the water.

The route covers the river's most impressive stretch, the 50-mile passage that draws the tour's reputation. An English-speaking guide provides live commentary throughout, so you understand what you're seeing as the landscape changes. After disembarking in Yangshuo, you have time to walk West Street, the town's main pedestrian area, before the driver takes you back to your Guilin hotel.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup from central Guilin hotels and return transport.
• Li River cruise with first-floor seating.
• Chinese lunch on board.
• live English-language guide commentary.
• time to explore West Street in Yangshuo.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to20h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 60

Live guideEnglish and Chinese

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 12 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Private China Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full day on the water with a guide explaining the landscape as you float. You'll need to commit 8–9 hours and be comfortable sitting on a boat for several hours straight.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Chinese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

How far is the Li River cruise from Guilin, and how long does the boat ride take?

The Li River valley sits about 47 miles from Guilin city. The full tour runs 8 to 9 hours, with the cruise itself as the centerpiece of the day.

What's included in the Li River cruise tour?

Hotel pickup from central Guilin hotels, the boat cruise with a first-floor seat, Chinese lunch on board, English-language guide commentary, and return transport to your hotel are all included. Souvenir photos are available to purchase separately.

What time does the tour start, and when will I be back at my hotel?

Pickup happens between 7:30 and 8:00 am from your hotel lobby. With the full day running 8 to 9 hours, you'll return to your Guilin hotel in the late afternoon.

What should I bring on the day of the tour?

Bring your passport with you. Be ready in your hotel lobby 5 minutes before your booked start time, and provide your full passport details and hotel information at least 24 hours in advance to confirm your reservation.