Attractions >> Guangxi >> Guilin Attractions

Li River, Guilin to Yangshuo

River is the most famous river Guilin, Guangxi. Li River is the mother river of Guilin. It originates in the Mao'er Mountains in Xing'an County and flows in the general southern direction through Guilin, Yangshuo and Pingle. In Pingle the Li River merges with two other streams, and continues south as the Gui River, which falls into the Xi Jiang, the western tributary of the Pearl River, in Wuzhou.

The upper course of the Li River is connected by the ancient Lingqu Canal with the Xiang River, which is a branch of the Yangtze River; this in the past made the Li and Gui Rivers part of a highly important waterway connecting the Yangtze Valley with the Pearl River Delta.

Guilin is a famous historic and cultural city in China. Because the pleasant climate, the fertile land along the Li River and the convenient water way transportation though Li River brought the prosperity to Guilin since ancient times. Scenary along the Li River also attracted people to settle down as well as tourists for long.

The most beautiful part of Li River goes from Guilin to Yangshuo about 84 km. It has become one of China's most famous scenic areas. The Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is the centerpiece of Guilin tour. Most of Guilin lies on the western bank of the Li River. Gorgeous Karst peaks give you surprises at each bend of the limpid river under the blue sky. Water buffalo patrol the fields, peasants reap rice paddies, school kids and fisherman float by on bamboo rafts. With its breathtaking scenery and taste of a life far removed from the concrete metropolis, the scenery along the Li River become one of China's top tourist destinations.

The trip starts from the Zhujiang Pier about 30 KM away from Guilin downtown area. It takes about a one-hour's drive from downtown Guilin to catch a cruise. The river trip is over 63 kilometers long and is estimated to take a little more than four hours. The natural landscape and country scenery will never disappoint you.

There are quite a lot legends and stories along the Li River. Peaks are given very imaginative names. Although some take much of your imagination to see what it is like, listening to tour guide's legendary stories behind them is a delightful experience when you are appreciating the landscapes. Most are mystical fairy and love stories.

Li River is the first one to start ecological system protection and reconstruction project on its source of a river in China. And the pollution control on Li River has made great improvements in the past decades. Environment protection revitalizes the charm of Li River eternally.

key words: Li River photos, Li River pictures, Li River map, Li River cruise, Li River cormorants, Guilin, Xingping, Hongkong

Edited By Lawrence Lao Photograph taken by Lin Wenhong