The Li River and surrounding waterways offer the best vantage points for experiencing Yangshuo’s dramatic limestone peaks and rural scenery. Small bamboo rafts and modern cruise boats provide varying perspectives of this stunning landscape. I’m especially fond of the 3-day private tours combining Guilin highlights with the Longsheng Rice Terraces – they deliver great value and fascinating cultural insights. The VIP Li River cruise stands out for its excellent buffet lunch and prime viewing spots, while avoiding the typical tourist crowds. For a shorter but memorable outing, the classic Li River day cruise with lunch hits all the major photo stops. Check out these top-rated water tours that showcase the best of Yangshuo’s natural wonders.
Key Points
- The Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is a popular attraction, offering scenic views of limestone peaks, rice paddies, and water buffaloes.
- For a luxury cruise experience, the Li River Cruise with Buffet Lunch and VIP Room provides the best vantage points to admire the karst hills and bamboo groves.
- Visitors can also enjoy a 1-hour motor bamboo boat cruise and the Impression Liusanjie show as part of a combined tour package in Yangshuo.
- Private tours of the Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo are available, featuring a 3.5-5 hour cruise and free time in Yangshuo West Street.
- The Li River cruise options include 3-star boats with boxed lunches or 4-star cruises with buffet meals, with overall positive reviews from travelers.
Guilin: 3-Day Private Tour With Longsheng&Cruise to Yangshuo
This 3-day private tour in Guilin offers an immersive experience, showcasing the region’s stunning natural landscapes and cultural highlights. Priced from $328 per person, the tour includes a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, private transfers, and various inclusions depending on the package selected.
On the first day, visitors will explore Guilin’s city landmarks, such as Elephant Trunk Hill, Fubo Hill, Reed Flute Cave, and Seven Stars Park.
The second day takes them to the Longsheng Rice Terraces, where they can choose to ride a cable car or hike to admire the picturesque landscape. The tour also includes a visit to the Huangluo Long Hair Village.
The highlight of the tour is the Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo on the third day. Travelers can opt for a 4-star or 3-star cruise with a buffet or simple lunch.
Upon arrival in Yangshuo, they can further explore the countryside, Ten-Mile Gallery, or Moon Hill. With a maximum group size of 12 and wheelchair accessibility, this tour caters to a wide range of travelers.
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Yangshuo Xingping Li River Cruise& Impression Liusanjie Show
Visitors to Guilin often extend their journey to the scenic town of Yangshuo, where they can embark on a captivating Li River cruise and witness the awe-inspiring Impression Liusanjie show.
Priced from $220 per person, the 6-hour experience includes a private transfer, an English-speaking guide, and a 1-hour motor bamboo boat cruise along the Li River, renowned for its striking karst landscapes.
Guests will also explore the historic Xingping town, with its quaint buildings, shopping, and dining options. The highlight of the day is the Impression Liusanjie show, a 70-minute extravaganza featuring over 600 actors performing against a backdrop of breathtaking karst mountains.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, this tour offers a seamless and flexible way to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Yangshuo region.
Read our full review: Yangshuo Xingping Li River Cruise& Impression Liusanjie Show Review
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Gullin: Li River Cruise With Pickup and Yangshuo
Setting out on a captivating Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, travelers can enjoy the region’s breathtaking natural beauty. Priced from $78.98 per person, this 4- to 8-hour journey offers a chance to witness the iconic karst mountains and enjoy a leisurely stroll in Yangshuo.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, travelers can book with peace of mind.
The cruise departs from Guilin, with a 50-minute car transfer to the Zhujiang pier. Passengers can choose between a 3-star boat with a boxed lunch or a 4-star cruise with a buffet. Inclusions vary, but may include air-conditioned transportation and a 30 RMB fee for infant lunch.
Despite the lack of English-speaking personnel, the Li River cruise has received positive feedback, with an overall rating of 4.1/5 from 25 reviews. Travelers praise the scenic experience, though the value for money rating is slightly lower at 3.6/5.
This tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues, so visitors should plan accordingly.
Read our full review: Gullin: Li River Cruise With Pickup and Yangshuo Review
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Private Tour to Guilin Li Ver Cruise Start From Guilin
Frequently, travelers looking to experience the natural beauty of Guilin opt for the private tour to the renowned Guilin Li River cruise.
This 8-hour adventure offers a comprehensive journey, including a 3.5-5 hour cruise along the scenic Li River. Priced at $200 per person, the tour includes a private transfer, an English-speaking guide, and a cruise ticket.
Along the way, guests will witness the stunning limestone peaks, lush groves, and vibrant rice paddies, as well as encounter water buffaloes, all while enjoying a simple lunch box.
After the cruise, the tour concludes with free time to explore the famous Yangshuo West Street.
Travelers can take advantage of the reserve now and pay later option, as well as the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
This private tour provides a seamless and immersive experience, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the breathtaking landscape of Guilin.
Read our full review: Private Tour to Guilin Li Ver Cruise Start From Guilin Review
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Guilin: Li River Cruise With Buffet Lunch and VIP Room
One of the most captivating ways to experience the breathtaking landscapes of Guilin is through the Li River Cruise with Buffet Lunch and VIP Room. This 6-hour private tour takes visitors from Guilin to Yangshuo, offering scenic views of karst hills, bamboo groves, and traditional villages.
Travelers can relax in the luxury VIP room, which boasts the best vantage points, while indulging in a delectable buffet lunch. The tour includes visits to notable sights, such as Nine Horse Fresco Hill and 20-Yuan Bill Hill, as well as the historic Xingping Town and West Street in Yangshuo.
With a private guide and transportation, the experience is both convenient and informative. However, it’s important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility impairments.
Read our full review: Guilin: Li River Cruise With Buffet Lunch and VIP Room Review
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The Sum Up
The Yangshuo area offers a variety of cruise and boat tour options for visitors to experience the stunning Li River and its surrounding natural beauty. From private tours and shared cruises to VIP experiences, there’s something to suit different preferences and budgets. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely journey or an immersive cultural experience, Yangshuo’s boat tours provide an excellent way to explore this picturesque region.