Li River Cruise Guilin to Yangshuo: Reserved Seat & Transfers

Summary

Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo with reserved seat and transfers

You’ll float down the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo with a reserved seat and local guide handling tickets and transfers. Watch farmers by the riverbanks, enjoy a simple lunch on board (or bring your own), then explore lively West Street before heading back or staying overnight. The scenery lingers long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the hush that settled over our group as the boat slipped away from Mopanshan Pier — mist curling around those wild, jagged hills you see in old ink paintings. Our guide, Mr. Chen, handed out our paper tickets (had to swap them at the dock, which he handled for us), and I ended up next to a window that still had a faint scent of river water and something like bamboo. There’s this moment when you realize the Li River really does look like all those postcards — except there are water buffalo standing knee-deep in the shallows, and you can hear someone laughing faintly from another boat. I didn’t expect it to feel so quiet.

The cruise itself took about four hours, drifting past villages where kids waved from the banks and farmers worked fields right up to the water’s edge. Lunch was simple — rice, vegetables, nothing fancy — so if you’re picky or just hungry early (like me), maybe bring something extra. The air was warm but not sticky; sometimes a breeze would catch the scent of mud and green things. At one point Mr. Chen tried to teach us how to say “karst” in Mandarin — Li laughed when I tried it, which honestly made my day.

We landed at Longtoushan Pier in Yangshuo sometime after lunch, sun higher now and everything busier. You get about three hours to wander West Street or check out the market stalls (I bought a weird little snack that tasted like peanuts and sugar). It’s crowded but lively — people from everywhere mixing languages and bargaining over trinkets. If you’re meeting your driver for the return trip, they’ll wait near Green Lotus Hotel with your name on a sign; otherwise, if you’re staying overnight in Yangshuo, just let your hotel know ahead so they can help with pickup. I still think about that first glimpse of those limestone peaks behind the town — almost unreal.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Li River cruise and Yangshuo visit

• Hotel pickup in Guilin (if selected)
• Transfer to Mopanshan Pier
• Board Li River cruise boat
• Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo
• Enjoy simple Chinese lunch on board
• Arrive in Yangshuo in afternoon
• Explore local market and West Street
• Driver pickup at Green Lotus Hotel (if selected)
• Transfer back to Guilin hotel (if selected)

Top questions

How long is the Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo?

The cruise takes about 4 hours depending on weather and water level.

Is hotel pickup included for the Li River cruise?

Yes, hotel pickup in central Guilin is included if you select that option during booking.

Where does the boat arrive in Yangshuo?

You’ll get off at Longtoushan Pier, about 15 minutes’ walk from West Street.

Can I stay overnight in Yangshuo after the cruise?

Yes; contact your Yangshuo hotel for directions or arrange pickup from Longtoushan Pier.

What kind of lunch is served on board?

A simple Chinese lunch is provided; taste may be basic so bringing snacks is recommended.

Are e-tickets accepted for boarding?

No; all passengers must exchange e-tickets for paper tickets at Mopanshan Pier before boarding.

If I book round-trip transfer, where will my driver meet me in Yangshuo?

Your driver will wait at Green Lotus Hotel near West Street at 5pm holding your name sign.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Yes; children under one year board free (on an adult’s lap), child tickets available for ages 1–13.

What’s included

Your day includes e-ticket delivery before departure, seat reservation on a 3-star standard Li River cruise boat from Guilin to Yangshuo, plus optional hotel pickup and round-trip transfer service between your Guilin hotel and both piers. Lunch is provided on board (though bringing snacks isn’t a bad idea), and you’ll have free time to explore West Street before returning or staying overnight in Yangshuo.