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Li River

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River
—°18
Li River (China)

Weather…

The Li River, or Li Jiang, meanders for approximately 83 kilometers between the cities of Guilin and Yangshuo in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It is world-renowned for its spectacular karst topography, featuring steep limestone peaks formed by millions of years of water erosion and chemical weathering. This region is often cited as one of the most beautiful natural wonders in China, frequently described by poets as 'the finest scenery under heaven.' Along its banks, one can find ancient villages, verdant rice paddies, and dense bamboo groves that evoke a sense of timelessness. A unique cultural highlight is the traditional cormorant fishing, which is still demonstrated by local fishermen today. The landscape near Xingping is so iconic that it is featured on the back of the Chinese 20-yuan banknote. Most visitors experience the river's grandeur via scenic cruises that offer panoramic views of the karst mountains.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Aug–Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C691318222426252318137
Rain mm727915720228836020414184589257

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Access to the Li River is primarily through the city of Guilin or the town of Yangshuo, where numerous river cruises and bamboo raft tours begin.
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Best season
Autumn and late spring are considered the finest times to visit, providing a pleasant balance of mild weather and clear views of the famous karst hills.
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Terrain & paths
The river meanders through a striking landscape of sheer limestone karst peaks, creating a dramatic and highly photographed natural scenery along its banks.
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What to bring
Comfortable layered clothing, sun protection, a good camera to capture the scenery, and mosquito repellent are standard essentials for a river excursion.
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Parking
If driving, tourists usually park their vehicles at designated lots near the main cruise terminals in Guilin or Yangshuo before boarding their vessels.
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Safety
When embarking on bamboo rafts or smaller boats, always ensure that a life jacket is provided and listen strictly to the safety instructions of the crew.
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Time needed
A standard cruise taking in the most famous sections of the karst scenery, including the segment shown on the banknote, usually lasts around three to four hours.

Geography

Coordinates
25.27000, 110.29000

Facts

  • The most scenic stretch of the river spans approximately 83 kilometers.
  • The river originates at Mao'er Mountain, the highest peak in South China.
  • The karst peaks were formed about 200 to 300 million years ago.
  • The scenery near Xingping is depicted on the reverse of the 20-yuan note.
  • Traditional cormorant fishing has been practiced on the river for centuries.
  • Elephant Trunk Hill is a landmark formation at the confluence with the Taohua River.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Longji Rice TerracesLongji Rice Terraces26 km · SWExplore →
YangshuoYangshuo30 km · NEExplore →
FenghuangFenghuang128 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Li River (18)

South China pearl museum🏛 museum

This museum in Guilin showcases the cultivation of saltwater pearls and the history of pearl diving.

Ancient South Gate📍 landmark

Built during the Tang Dynasty, this ancient city gate stands next to a thousand-year-old banyan tree.

Elephant Trunk Hill🌿 nature

This iconic landmark resembles a giant elephant drinking water from the Li River with its trunk.

Guilin Stele Forest Museum🏛 museum

Located in Seven Star Park, it houses over 2,000 stone inscriptions dating from the Tang to Qing dynasties.

🕒 09:00-17:00

Lijiang Folk Customs Park📍 landmark

This cultural park features performances and architecture of the Zhuang, Yao, and Miao ethnic minorities.

Guilin fine-arts Museum🎭 culture

The museum exhibits traditional Chinese paintings and modern works by celebrated artists from the Guangxi region.

Zizhou Island📍 landmark

This river island provides the best land-based panoramic view of the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill.

Qixing District Firefighting Culture Theme Park🎡 recreation

This educational park explores the history and techniques of fire safety through interactive exhibits.

Museum of Mausoleums of Jingjiang Princes🌳 park

This vast cemetery contains over 300 tombs belonging to the Ming Dynasty royalty of Guilin.

Zengpiyan National Archaeological Site Park🏺 historical

This Neolithic cave site preserves prehistoric remains and early pottery dating back over 10,000 years.

Guangxi Guilin National Forest Park🌿 nature

A large ecological reserve featuring diverse subtropical flora and scenic walking paths through limestone hills.

West Hill Park🌳 park

Known for its Tang Dynasty Buddhist carvings and the Hidden Dragon Cave, it is a historic site of worship.

Chongshan Street Mosque⛪ religious

Built in 1735, this is Guilin's largest mosque, featuring a fusion of Islamic and traditional Chinese architecture.

Guilin Old Zoo🎡 recreation

Located within Seven Star Park, the zoo is home to giant pandas and various rare species native to China.

Guilin Zoo🎡 recreation

Located within Seven Star Park, the zoo is home to giant pandas and various rare species native to China.

🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-18:00💶

Lijiang Theatre🎭 culture

This modern venue hosts the 'Mirage Guilin' show, featuring acrobatics and traditional folk performances.

Yu Hill Park🌳 park

Legend says the ancient Emperor Yu visited this spot; the park features historic steles and scenic caves.

Guilin Wujiao electromechanical wholesale market🎭 culture

A bustling wholesale marketplace specializing in a wide range of mechanical and electrical hardware.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where does the classic boat trip start?
Most tours start in Guilin and end in Yangshuo.
What makes the landscape so special?
The cone-shaped karst mountains are world-famous for their beauty.
How long does the trip take?
A typical cruise takes about 4 to 5 hours.
Are there bamboo rafts?
Yes, on smaller tributaries like the Yulong, they are very popular.
Which banknote features the Li River?
The panorama of 'Yellow Cloth Shoal' is featured on the 20-yuan note.
Li River: where is it located?
Li River is located in China.
Li River: what is there to see?
Highlights include South China pearl museum, Ancient South Gate, Elephant Trunk Hill.
Li River: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Oct.
Li River: why is it worth visiting?
The Li River, or Li Jiang, meanders for approximately 83 kilometers between the cities of Guilin and Yangshuo in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
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Nearby cities

Qiaogang — Li River (China)
Qiaogang
Qiaogang is a lively coastal town in Beihai, famous for its Vietnamese-influenced culture and superb seafood.
🗺️
Wan'ou
Wan'ou is an emerging coastal destination in Fangchenggang, known for its beautiful bays and proximity to the Vietnamese border.
Longji Rice Terraces — Li River (China)
Longji Rice Terraces
Spectacular, centuries-old rice terraces shaped like a dragon's backbone, combined with rich ethnic culture.
Yangshuo — Li River (China)
Yangshuo
Yangshuo is the picturesque heart of the karst landscape, offering a paradise for cyclists, climbers, and nature lovers.