Li River

I was a bit skeptical about the hype, but the Li River really delivers. We cycled along the Yulong River tributary instead of the main tourist route — much quieter and just as scenic. The locals we met along the way were super welcoming, and we stopped at a small village for some homemade noodles. Best day of my trip. Highly recommend exploring off the main path!

Absolute paradise for photographers! I went in early April with light drizzle and the fog hanging over the mountains created these dreamy layers — got some of my best shots ever. The river is calm and clean, and the local fishermen in their bamboo hats completed the scene. Bring a wide lens and a lot of SD cards. This is what China's beauty is all about.

Hands down the most beautiful river cruise I've ever been on. We did the full stretch from Guilin to Yangshuo, and every bend revealed another jaw-dropping view. The limestone peaks, the reflections on calm water, the water buffalo grazing on the banks — pure magic. Our boat crew was friendly and the lunch was decent. 10/10 would do it again.

Overall a solid experience. The karst mountains rising out of the mist are something else — truly feels like a painting. We took a private boat and our guide was knowledgeable. Only complaint is that the water was a bit murky in some spots (maybe due to recent rain). Would still recommend it if you're in Guilin, just don't expect crystal-clear water.

The Li River is undoubtedly stunning, but I couldn't shake the feeling that it's become a bit too touristy. We booked a bamboo raft tour and spent most of the time stuck in a queue of other rafts. The scenery is as beautiful as the postcards, but the constant honking from motorized boats and vendors shouting at each stop really killed the peace. If you go, try to pick a weekday early morning — might be better.

Best money I spent in Yangshuo. Instead of the big boat, I took a small bamboo raft with a local boatman — way more intimate. We drifted quietly past water buffalos and farmers washing vegetables. He even let me steer for a bit. No crowds, just the river and the karsts. An unforgettable afternoon.

If you're into landscape photography, this is a must-do. I took the early morning cruise and the light was perfect — soft mist rising off the river, fishermen with cormorants in silhouette. No filters needed. The four hours flew by. Just make sure to sit on the top deck for the best views. 5 stars, easily.

Absolutely magical! The Li River float from Guilin to Yangshuo was the highlight of my China trip. Every bend revealed a new painting of limestone peaks reflected in green water. The bamboo rafts are peaceful, and our guide pointed out the 'Nine Horses' and other rock formations. Pure serenity. Would do it again in a heartbeat!

Overall a pleasant cruise down the Li River. The scenery is postcard-perfect with those misty peaks and emerald water. The crew was friendly, and the lunch was decent. My only small complaint is that the audio commentary was hard to hear over the engine noise. Still, I'd say it's a worthwhile experience — just bring good headphones if you want the full story.

The Li River itself is stunning, no doubt about that. But the boat tour felt extremely rushed — we barely had time to take photos at the famous spots before being herded onto the next bus. Also, the water level was lower than expected, so some of the classic karst views weren't as dramatic. For the price, I expected a more relaxed pace and clearer guidance.

Nice river cruise but honestly overpriced for what you get. The scenery is beautiful but the boat was packed, the food was basic, and the constant sales pitches for souvenirs were annoying. We paid extra for a VIP seat which gave us a bit more room, but I’d say it’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing, not a repeat.

I’m a landscape photographer and the Li River is a dream location. The light at sunset was unreal—orange and pink reflecting off the water with those iconic peaks. I hiked a small trail near Xingping to get that perfect shot of the fisherman with the cormorants. No complaints at all. Bring a wide lens!

We did the Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo and it was the highlight of our China trip. The weather was overcast which actually made the misty mountains look even more magical. The crew served a decent lunch and the boat was clean. Only minor downside was the audio guide was hard to hear in some spots.

Beautiful views, no doubt, but I was a bit put off by the sheer number of tourist boats and the constant honking to get people to buy photos. The Li River itself is stunning, but the experience felt overly commercialized. If you can go early morning or off-season, you’ll have a much better time.

Absolutely breathtaking! We took a bamboo raft from Yangdi to Xingping and the karst scenery felt like a painting come to life. The water was calm and the reflections of the hills were perfect. Our guide even pointed out the famous 'Nine Horses' rock. If you love nature, this is a must-do. 10/10 would come back.

Highlight of our China trip! We did the bamboo raft in the morning when the river was glassy and the mist was still rising off the water. The boatman even let me steer for a minute! The birdsong and the smell of wet earth were incredible. Brought a picnic and ate while drifting past cormorant fishermen. Only downside was a guy playing loud music on his phone, but that's not the river's fault. Pure magic.

Expected more for a world-famous river. The scenery is beautiful but you see exactly the same karst formations for hours. After 30 minutes it gets repetitive. Also our driver kept stopping at souvenir shops on the way to the dock, which wasted time. The boat itself was clean and the audio guide explained a bit, but in broken English. For the money, I'd rather hike along the riverbank — you get closer to the locals and the rice paddies.

Did the 4-hour cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo and it was worth every penny. The weather was perfect — sunny with occasional clouds that cast shadows on the peaks. I loved spotting the 'Nine Horses Fresco Hill' (even though I only saw three horses haha). The lunch served on board was basic but acceptable. The crew was helpful with photos. If you go, sit on the top deck for the best views. Unforgettable landscape.

Nice scenery but honestly overhyped and way too crowded. We went on a rainy weekday in April and there were still dozens of boats. The water was a bit murky and the constant honking of tourist boats ruins the peace. The ride itself is smooth and the hills are pretty, but for the price we paid (150 RMB each) I expected more solitude. Feels like a conveyor belt tourism experience. Okay if you have time but don't expect tranquility.

Li River is absolutely stunning. The karst peaks rising out of the mist, the emerald water reflecting the sky — it's like stepping into a Chinese landscape painting. We took a bamboo raft from Yangdi to Xingping and the guide was friendly and knowledgeable. The silence (except for the pole splashing) was magical. One of the best natural experiences I've had. Absolutely recommend to anyone visiting Guilin.