Li River Cruise & Yangshuo Biking: 4-Hour Karst Tour

Four hours on the Li River, then choose between countryside biking and a hilltop view

A full-day private tour from Guilin that combines a 4-hour Li River cruise to Yangshuo with your choice of a countryside bike ride or a hike up Xianggong Hill for panoramic views. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with onboard lunch and a local guide or driver-guide. You pick the boat class and the afternoon activity at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Li River4h
2. West Street30m

Li River cruise and Yangshuo tour

• Hotel pickup in Guilin
• Drive to Guilin Zhujiang or Mopanshan Pier
• Board Li River cruise to Yangshuo
• Cruise past karst mountains and villages
• Arrive in Yangshuo and visit West Street
• Choose bike ride or hike Xianggong Hill
• Return to Guilin by private vehicle

The experience

The day starts with hotel pickup around 8am and a 50-minute drive to Guilin Zhujiang Pier or Mopanshan Pier, where you board the Li River cruise. For the next 4 hours, the boat winds downstream through some of southern China's most recognizable landscape: limestone peaks in shapes that resemble a brush, a crown, a goat's hoof; bamboo-lined riverbanks; rice paddies; and villages that appear untouched by the city you left behind. You'll pass the Nine-Horse Fresco and the Yellow Cloth Shoal, the karst formation featured on the back of the 20 RMB note. A simple lunch is served onboard.

The cruise arrives in Yangshuo around 1:20pm. You have free time to walk West Street, a pedestrian lane packed with shops selling embroidered silk, wax-painted weaving, calligraphy, and cafes: a mix of traditional craft and international backpacker culture. After that, you choose: either bike a classical route through ancient villages along the Yulong River, passing water buffalo and karst hills, or hike up Xianggong Hill with your guide for a vantage point over the Li River and surrounding peaks (a popular spot for sunset photography). Both activities take roughly the same time and are included in the tour price.

You can either return to your hotel in Yangshuo or be driven back to Guilin, a 1.5-hour transfer. If you book the Experienced Tour Guide option, your guide stays with you throughout the day. If you choose the Driver-Guide option, your driver meets you at Yangshuo Dock and continues from there, since drivers do not accompany passengers on the boat itself.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup around 8am and drop-off at the end of the day.
• Li River cruise ticket (standard or deluxe boat, your choice).
• simple onboard lunch.
• free time on West Street in Yangshuo.
• either a guided countryside bike ride through ancient villages or admission to Xianggong Hill with a hike for panoramic views.
• comfortable air-conditioned private vehicle.
• local guide or driver-guide with English language support.

Options for this experience

2 options

Driver GuideGuide in English · 08:00A dependable driver guide who speaks Chinese, offering trip assistance and basic communication with help from a translation app. Highlights: See the famous Li River, then ride a bike through the scenic Yangshuo countryside or hike up Xianggong Hill. Return transfer is flexible, to either Yangshuo or Guilin. Pickup is included.

Experienced Tour Guide+DriverGuide in English · 08:00A local guide brings useful insight and cultural background, making the whole tour feel more personal. Highlights: See the famous Li River, then ride a bike through the scenic Yangshuo countryside or hike up Xianggong Hill. Return transfer is flexible, to either Yangshuo or Guilin. Pickup is included.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (3 to 90 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Trippest Travel

Is this one for you?Book the Experienced Tour Guide option if you want someone with you throughout the day to explain the landscape and lead both the cruise and your chosen afternoon activity. Choose the Driver-Guide option if you prefer a smaller group and are comfortable exploring the cruise independently, with your driver meeting you in Yangshuo to handle the rest of the day.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

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

The Li River cruise takes approximately 4 hours, departing from Guilin Zhujiang Pier or Mopanshan Pier and arriving in Yangshuo around 1:20pm. You'll pass karst peaks, bamboo groves, rice paddies, and villages along the way.

What's included in the tour price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, the Li River cruise ticket, onboard lunch, and your choice of either a countryside bike ride or Xianggong Hill admission are included. You select your boat class (standard or deluxe) and afternoon activity when you book.

Do I have a guide with me the whole day?

That depends on which option you choose. The Experienced Tour Guide option includes a guide throughout the day. The Driver-Guide option provides a driver-guide who meets you at Yangshuo Dock after the cruise and continues with you for the afternoon activity and return journey.

What can I do on West Street in Yangshuo?

West Street is a pedestrian shopping area lined with traditional craft shops, calligraphy stores, embroidered silk vendors, cafes, and backpack shops. You have free time to explore it after the cruise arrives, before choosing your afternoon activity.

Can I return to Guilin the same day, or do I have to stay in Yangshuo?

You can return to either your hotel in Yangshuo or your hotel in Guilin. If you choose to return to Guilin, the transfer takes about 1.5 hours and is included in the tour.