Why Visit Yulong River Instead Of The Li River?
When most people think of Guilin and Yangshuo, they immediately picture the famous Li River cruise. But if you ask me, the most beautiful part of this whole region isn’t the busy Li River—it’s the smaller, quieter Yulong River that runs parallel to it, just a few kilometers west.
The Yulong River is often called the “Little Li River,” and it’s easy to see why. You get all the same stunning karst peaks rising straight out of the green water, but without the huge crowds of tourist boats that you find on the main river. It’s perfect if you want to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and really take in the beauty of Guilin.
I’ve been here several times, and every time I come back I’m just struck by how peaceful it is. The water is crystal clear, the banks are covered in bamboo, and the only sounds you hear are the birds singing and the gentle splash of your raft moving through the water. It’s the perfect place to escape the crowds of Yangshuo town.
A Little Bit Of History
The Yulong River is about 35 kilometers long, and it’s been the lifeblood of local communities here for hundreds of years. Before tourism came to Yangshuo, local villagers used the river for irrigation, fishing, and transportation. Even today, you’ll still see traditional bamboo rafts used by local fishermen, though most of the rafts these days are for tourists.
The river gets its name from a legend about a dragon that once lived here. The story says that a golden dragon came down from the mountains and decided to stay in this beautiful river, bringing good luck to the people who lived along its banks. So they named it after the dragon.
How To Get There
Yulong River runs right through the northern part of Yangshuo, so getting there is really easy:
- From Yangshuo town: It’s only about 5 kilometers from the center of town. You can rent a bicycle or an electric scooter and ride there—it’s a beautiful ride along the river, and it only takes about 20 minutes.
- By taxi: A taxi from Yangshuo town to the main starting point at Jinlong Bridge will cost you about 30-40 yuan.
- By bus: Local buses run from Yangshuo bus station to the villages along the river for just 5-10 yuan per person.
- As part of a bike tour: Most bike tours from Yangshuo include a stop along the Yulong River, so it’s easy to add it to your itinerary.
What To Do Along The River
Bamboo Rafting
This is the most popular thing to do here, and for good reason. Unlike the big motorized boats on the Li River, the rafts on Yulong River are still mostly traditional bamboo rafts (though many now have small motors for getting back upstream). You just float gently downstream for a few hours, taking in the scenery. It’s incredibly relaxing.
The most popular route is from Jinlong Bridge down to Dragon Bridge, which takes about 2-3 hours. It’s long enough to really enjoy the river, but not so long that you get bored.
Biking Or Walking Along The Banks
There are dirt paths and small roads along both sides of the river, and it’s absolutely beautiful to bike or walk along them. You’ll pass through small villages, past rice fields, and through bamboo groves. Every turn gives you a new view of the karst peaks reflecting in the water.
Stop For Lunch At A Riverside Restaurant
There are several small restaurants right along the river that serve fresh fish caught that morning from the river, along with local vegetables. Eating outside with a view of the water and the mountains is one of my favorite things to do here.
Go Swimming
In the summer, the water is warm and clear, and there are plenty of quiet spots where you can stop for a swim. Just be careful of the current in some places.
Best Time To Visit
- Spring (March-May): This is my favorite time. Everything is green, the weather is cool, and the wildflowers are blooming along the river.
- Autumn (September-November): Another great time. The weather is still warm, the air is clear, and you get beautiful golden light in the morning and evening.
- Summer (June-August): It can be hot and humid, but it’s perfect if you want to go swimming. Just go early in the morning to avoid the heat.
- Winter (December-February): It’s cool, and some days can be foggy, which actually creates really beautiful, moody scenery. There are almost no tourists this time of year.
Practical Information
- Bamboo Raft Price: About 200-300 yuan per raft, and each raft can hold two people. So it’s about 100-150 yuan per person.
- Best Time Of Day: Go early in the morning (before 9 AM) to avoid the crowds and get the best light for photos.
- What To Bring: Sunscreen, a hat, water, and some cash. Wear comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting a little wet—sometimes the water splashes a bit.
- How Long To Spend: Most people spend between half a day and a full day here. If you’re just doing the rafting, it’s 2-3 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it safe to go rafting if I can’t swim? Yes, absolutely. You wear a life jacket, and the water is pretty calm almost everywhere along the route.
- Should I do Yulong River or Li River? If you only have time for one, I’d say do the Li River cruise because it’s the classic Guilin experience. But if you have time for both, definitely add Yulong River for a more peaceful experience.
- Can I do it in the rain? Yes, actually the rain can make the scenery even more beautiful with the mist on the mountains. Just bring a rain jacket.
- Are there crocodiles in the river? No, there are no crocodiles here. The biggest thing you’ll see is fish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re tired of the crowded tourist spots in Yangshuo and you want to experience the real beauty of Guilin’s karst scenery in peace, you have to come to Yulong River. It’s the kind of place that really helps you slow down and appreciate where you are. Whether you’re floating down the river on a bamboo raft or biking along the banks, it’s just beautiful.
