Small boats and cruise ships on the Li River surrounded by dramatic peaks

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Key Scenic Highlights

The most dramatic scenery lies halfway through the 83-kilometer journey, between Yangdi Village and Xingping Town.

Photo: tour listing on Viator

The Li River cruise takes 4 to 4.5 hours from Guilin to Yangshuo. As your boat travels downstream, you pass towering karst mountains and bamboo groves. The most recognizable landscapes are concentrated in the middle section of the route.

Person holding a 20 RMB note matching the Li River landscape behind

Nine-Horse Fresco Hill

Pass byListen for announcements

This is a towering rock face along the river. Its natural weathering supposedly resembles nine horses in different poses. Listen to the onboard announcements so you know exactly when to head to the deck for photos.

Tranquil scene of bamboo rafts on the Li River with flowers foreground

Yellow Cloth Shoal

Pass byRequires 20 RMB note

This section features a famous reflection in the water. It is the exact landscape printed on the back of the Chinese 20-yuan banknote. Have your physical 20 RMB note ready to take a comparison photo against the real mountains.

Person steering a traditional bamboo raft on the scenic Li River

Xingping Ancient Town

Pass byGo to top deck

The boat passes by this riverside town surrounded by striking karst peaks. It sits near the end of the most dramatic scenic stretch. Head to the top open-air deck for the best panoramic photos in this specific section.