Li River

漓江

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Synopsis

The Li River is the essence of Guilin's landscape, stretching 160 kilometers in total. The 83-kilometer waterway from Guilin to Yangshuo is known as the Hundred-Mile Gallery. Karst peaks reflect in the emerald waters, and amidst the misty rain, it feels like entering a fairyland. The background image of the 20-yuan banknote is taken from the Xingping section of the Li River, representing one of China's most iconic natural landscapes.

Overview

The Li River is the upper section of the Gui River, a tributary of the Pearl River. It originates from Mao'er Mountain in Xing'an County, Guilin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, with a total length of approximately 160 kilometers. The 83-kilometer watercourse from Guilin city proper to Yangshuo County town is known as the Hundred-Mile Gallery. It represents the essence of Guilin's landscape and is one of China's most iconic natural sceneries. Karst peaks rise abruptly along both banks of the Li River in myriad forms. The clear river water reflects the green mountains and white clouds, creating a flowing ink-wash painting. "The river winds like a green silk ribbon, the peaks stand like jade hairpins" – this verse by the Tang Dynasty poet Han Yu is the most beautiful depiction of the Li River.

The beauty of the Li River changes with the weather and seasons. On sunny days, the mountains are emerald-green and the water is mirror-like. On overcast days, mist and clouds swirl, creating a dreamlike scene. The Li River in the rain holds a unique charm – amidst the misty drizzle, the peaks appear and disappear, as if one is within an ink-wash painting. For this, the Li River has earned the reputation of "Guilin's landscape being the finest under heaven."

Hundred-Mile Gallery

Scenic Section	Location	Features
Elephant Trunk Hill Section	Guilin City Proper	Symbol of Guilin, resembles an elephant drinking water
Diecai Hill Section	Guilin City Proper	Best vantage point for overlooking the entire city of Guilin
Crown Cave Section	Caoping Township	Spectacular underground river karst cave
Half-Side Ferry Section	Yangdi Township	Peculiar peaks along the river, sheer cliffs by the water
Xingping Section	Xingping Town	Scenery featured on the back of the 20 Yuan RMB note
Nine-Horse Fresco Hill Section	Xingping Town	Natural formation of nine horse patterns on the cliff face
Yellow Cloth Shoal Reflection Section	Xingping Town	The most beautiful reflection on the Li River, yellow stone slabs on the riverbed resemble cloth

Ways to Explore

The most classic way to explore the Li River is by taking a cruise ship. Departing from Guilin's Zhujiang Wharf or Mopanshan Wharf, the cruise travels downstream to Yangshuo, taking about 4 hours. Every spot the ship passes is a breathtakingly beautiful landscape painting, and the guide will explain the mountains, caves, and legends along the way.

In recent years, a more popular way to explore is by bamboo raft drifting. The raft trip starts from Yangdi and goes to Xingping, lasting about 2 hours. Sitting on the bamboo raft allows for a close-up experience of the Li River's clarity and the peculiar peaks on both banks, offering more freedom and closeness to nature compared to large cruise ships. The essence of bamboo raft drifting is the section from Yangdi to Xingping, which covers the most beautiful scenery of the Li River.

Cycling is another way to experience the Li River. Starting from Yangshuo, cycling along the country roads beside the Li River, passing through rice fields, villages, and orchards, offers a different perspective on its beauty. The recommended cycling route is from Yangshuo to Xingping, about 25 kilometers in total, with flat road conditions and picturesque scenery along the way.

Xingping Ancient Town

Xingping Ancient Town is an important stop on the Li River tour. This small town, with over 1700 years of history, retains a large number of Ming and Qing dynasty buildings. The bluestone-paved streets, old-style shops, and mottled walls exude a quaint charm. Xingping is most famous for its Li River landscape – the back design of the fifth series 20 Yuan RMB note is taken from the Li River section at Xingping. Every day, numerous tourists take photos at Xingping Wharf, comparing the actual scenery with the image on the 20 Yuan note.

Practical Information

The best season to visit the Li River is from April to October. In spring (April-May), the water level is moderate, and the mountainsides are adorned with blooming flowers. In summer (June-August), water volume is ample but occasional heavy rain occurs. Autumn (September-October) offers clear skies, crisp air, and clear river water, making it the optimal season. In winter (November-March), the water level is lower, but there are fewer tourists, offering a different kind of tranquil beauty.