Li River Cruise

The Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is China's most famous river journey, a four-hour drift through a dreamscape of karst peaks, bamboo groves and riverside villages. The scenery — limestone towers rising straight from the water — is so iconic it appears on the back of the ¥20 note.

Boats run the 83-kilometre route daily, departing in the morning and arriving in Yangshuo early afternoon. The deck is where you want to be, camera in hand, as the landscape unfolds peak after peak. Meals are served on board.

The cruise is the comfortable, scenic option; the alternative is to skip the boat and cycle or raft sections around Yangshuo, which many travellers prefer for the intimacy and pace.

The cruise departs from Zhujiang Pier, about 40 minutes from Guilin city. Book through your hotel or an agency, which usually includes transfer to the pier. Independent travellers can take a taxi or the local shuttle bus. Return from Yangshuo is by bus (about 90 minutes) or private car.

Board in the morning, claim a deck spot, and enjoy the four-hour cruise downstream to Yangshuo. After docking, spend the afternoon cycling or walking along the Yulong River, then either stay in Yangshuo or bus back to Guilin. If you prefer, skip the boat and raft a scenic section instead.

Rather than returning to Guilin the same day, many travellers stay in Yangshuo, which has the better base for exploring the karst countryside by bike or raft. Guilin itself is a larger city with more transport options. Staying in Yangshuo's West Street area is lively; the riverside villages are calmer.

• Book the cruise a day or two ahead, especially in peak season.
• Sit on the upper deck for the best views (and be ready to move for photos).
• Bring a light jacket — it can be cool and breezy on the water.
• Stay overnight in Yangshuo rather than rushing back to Guilin.
• Bring the ¥20 note to line up the iconic view from the deck.