Every travel brochure shows bamboo rafts floating beneath misty karst peaks. But what tourists rarely realize is that the Li River (漓江) and the Yulong River (遇龙河) are completely different experiences. Choosing the wrong one can turn your day into a noisy disappointment.
| Feature | Li River Cruise (漓江游船) | Yulong River Bamboo Raft (遇龙河竹筏) |
|---|---|---|
| Vessel Type | Large 80–120 passenger twin-deck cruise boats | 2-person traditional bamboo raft, hand-poled |
| Duration & Route | 4 hours (Guilin to Yangshuo, ~54 km) | 50 to 90 minutes (~4–8 km section) |
| Price (Approx) | 3-Star: ¥245 ($35) / 4-Star: ¥360 ($50) | ¥160–320 ($23–$45) per 2-person raft |
| Iconic Landmarks | 20 RMB banknote view, Nine Horses Fresco Hill | Ancient Fuli Bridge, small spillway drop dams |
| Vibe | Grand scale, comfortable, air-conditioned | Quiet, intimate, zero engine noise, rustic |
Should You Book 3-Star or 4-Star on the Li River?
If you choose the Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, always pay the extra ¥110 for the 4-Star boat. Here is why:
- Pier Location: 4-Star boats depart from Zhujiang Pier (竹江码头), which has far better facilities and cleaner VIP boarding channels.
- Seating & Space: 3-Star boats cram passengers tightly onto 6-person shared bench tables. 4-Star boats feature spacious airline-grade seating with large panoramic windows and an expansive open-air rooftop deck with uncrowded 360° photo vantage points.
- Food Quality: 3-Star serves a grim boxed lunch; 4-Star includes a decent hot buffet.
Official Li River 4-Star Luxury Cruise E-Ticket (Guilin to Yangshuo)
From $52 USD · Hot Buffet & Rooftop Deck Access Included
The Magic of the Yulong River: Jinlong Bridge to Jiuxian
The Yulong River is a tributary of the Li River where motorized boats are strictly forbidden. The rafts are poled manually by local villagers using long bamboo poles.
The best section: Book the route from Jinlong Bridge (金龙桥) to Jiuxian (旧县). This 90-minute stretch floats beneath 600-year-old stone bridges, glides over 9 thrilling mini-dams (water drops where your raft splashes down), and drops you off right near rural cafes where you can rent bicycles to ride back through the pomelo orchards.
Yulong River Authentic Bamboo Rafting Ticket (Non-Motorized)
From $24 USD / Raft · Hand-Poled Scenic Splash Route