Yangshuo: Xianggong Mountain & Yulong Bamboo Boat Day Trip

Summary

Yangshuo mountain views, ancient bridges, bamboo boat rides

You’ll climb Xianggong Mountain for wild views over Yangshuo’s peaks, wander across ancient Yulong Bridge with locals nearby, then drift down the Yulong River on a private bamboo boat. Expect slow moments: misty air on your face, laughter with your guide, glimpses of village life along the banks—this day trip is less about rushing and more about soaking it all in.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re not scared of heights, right?” That’s what our guide, Li, asked as we started up the steps of Xianggong Mountain. I laughed — more out of breath than brave — but honestly, I didn’t expect the climb to feel like this. The air was thick with humidity and something sweet, maybe osmanthus? Halfway up, I could hear a rooster somewhere below and the river curling through the haze. When we finally reached the top, Li just grinned at me and pointed: all those jagged karst peaks lined up like a painting. I tried to take a photo but it doesn’t really work — you have to see it with your own eyes.

The drive from Yangshuo was only about half an hour (Guilin folks had it longer), but it felt like we’d landed in another world by the time we got to Yulong Bridge. There were old women selling steamed buns under faded umbrellas, and kids daring each other to jump off stones into the water. Li told us the bridge dates back to the Ming Dynasty and then showed me how locals rub their hands along one particular stone for luck — so of course I did too, though I probably looked ridiculous. There’s no tourist gloss here; just people living their lives beside this “little Li River,” as they call Yulong.

The bamboo boat ride is slower than I thought — in a good way. Just two of us per boat (weight limit’s real; Li joked about my breakfast choices), drifting past water buffalo and ducks that seem totally unimpressed by tourists. The river smells faintly green, if that makes sense. Every now and then you pass an old man fishing or a couple washing vegetables at the edge. It’s quiet except for paddles knocking against bamboo poles and someone singing softly downstream. At one point I just lay back and let my hand trail in the water — cold and smooth — thinking I wish days could last longer out here.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Yangshuo highlights and Yulong River

• Meet guide and driver at hotel
• Drive to Yulong River
• Explore Yulong River scenery
• Pass by Yulong Bridge
• Climb Xianggong Mountain viewpoint

Top questions

How long does it take to reach Yangshuo from Guilin for this tour?

It takes about 90 minutes by car from Guilin hotels or stations to Yangshuo for this day trip.

Is hotel pickup included for both Guilin and Yangshuo?

Yes, pickup is included from hotels in either Guilin or Yangshuo (and also from airport/train station).

How many people fit on each bamboo boat?

Each bamboo boat fits two people with a combined weight limit of 160KG.

Can children join the bamboo boat ride?

Children must be over 5 years old to join the bamboo boat ride; infants are not allowed on board.

What are some highlights included in this day trip?

The tour includes Xianggong Mountain climb, visiting Yulong Bridge, and a private bamboo boat ride on Yulong River.

Is lunch included in this tour?

No lunch is mentioned as included in this tour package.

Are entry tickets covered?

Yes, entrance tickets for Xianggong Hill and one bamboo boat ride are included.

If our group exceeds 160KG combined weight for two people on a boat, what happens?

You’ll need to purchase an extra bamboo boat ticket yourself if over 160KG per boat.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup from either Guilin or Yangshuo (or airport/train station), entry tickets for both Xianggong Hill and one bamboo boat ride down the Yulong River, plus your own English-speaking local guide throughout—no need to worry about logistics or language while you soak up those mountain views before heading back in comfort.