Li River Facts

Li River, located in the eastern part of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, was selected as one of the world's top 10 watery wonders by America's National Geographic magazine. Originating in the Mao'er Mountains in Xing'an County northeast of Guilin, the Li River snakes its way southern direction through Guilin, Yangshuo and Pingle for about 437 km, and finally meets Xi River in Wulin, the western tributary of the Pearl River, in Wuzhou.

It boasts the largest and most beautiful scenic area in China and attracts thousands of visitors each year. Known as the peal of China and the soul and heart of Guilin, Li River is flanked by green hills, and its smooth water exquisitely mirrors the magical scenery. Boating on the charming Li River is worthwhile to explore. Most cruises go down river to Yangshuo and then back to Guilin by bus. The meandering 65km cruise lasts 5 hours and takes you past a panorama of a fairy-tail landscape with smooth waters, bamboo groves and karst peaks. Spring and autumn are the best time for visiting, summer is overwhelmingly hot and sultry and the winter has low water levels.