Li River, one of China's most famous scenic areas, was listed as one of the world’s top ten watery wonders by America National Geographic Magazine. It was even picked by CNN as one of "World's 15 best rivers for travellers".
The Li River, also called Lijiang, meanders its way gracefully in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China. It stretches between Guilin and Yangshuo over a distance of 83 kilometres. The river is most popular due to the scenic Karst Mountains that those who cruise the river get to see.
Originating in Mao'er Mountain in Xing'a county northeast of Guilin, the Li River winds its way southeast for about 437 km, passing through Guilin, Yangshuo, Pingle, Zhaoping and finally meets Xi River in Wulin. It boasts the largest and most beautiful scenic area in China and attracts thousands of visitors each year. The 83-km-long waterway from Guilin to Yangshuo is a masterpiece. The landscape is decorated with rolling hills, steep cliffs, fantastic caves, leisurely boats and is lined with bamboo.
Cruising on Li River is always a pleasing thing. You can breathe the fresh air, feel the gentle breeze and appreciate the fabulous landscape on both sides of Li River. In spring, tourists may stand on the front of a boat and let the mizzle falls onto their faces. It is really a wonderful experience.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT LI RIVER
- The river originates from Mao'er Mountains in Xing'a County.
- The unusual Karsts topography along the river's banks is compared to the Halong Bay in Vietnam and thus a good alternative destination to the bay.
- The Seven-Star Park - the largest park in Guilin, is part of the Li River ecosystem and thus draws a huge number of tourists who come to see the karst topography and exotic wildlife.
- The Elephant-Trunk Hill is the symbol of the city of Guilin. It is shaped like a huge elephant drinking water.
- Some of the other attractions along the river and which interest the tourists include; Pagoda Hill, Forest of Odd-Shaped Peaks, Duxu Ancient Town, and the Ox Gorge.
- The Li River is featured on the 20 Yuan note in the fifth series release. This indicates how much premium is put on the river by the Chinese government.
- The Li River has seen a huge number of artists, writers and poets canonize it in written and printed word. It is the most written about the river in China - even more than the majestic Yangtze. Note that most cruises start from Hong Kong and then docks on various other towns.
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The Best Times to Visit
April to June — Misty and Rainy
The classic picture in people's mind is the Li River in mist. This scenery appears most from April to June.
July to October — Clear and Sunny
This period is the best time to see the scenery along the river clearly. During sunny days you can see the inverted reflection of the hills on both sides in the water.
November to March — Cool and Quiet
It's quieter during this period so you can enjoy fewer crowds and lower prices, if not the weather.
Activities
Li River boat cruises and bamboo rafting are two great options. And hiking along the river from Yangdi to Xingping is a good chance to get closer to nature and local life.
The Li River Cruise
The best way to appreciate the beautiful scenery of a river is to take a cruise. The cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is one of the most popular activities in a Guilin holiday.
Li River Bamboo Rafting
Taking a bamboo raft is more traditional, and a way to get closer to the water, but more affected by the weather. It is a different way to see the beautiful scenery of the Li River.
Li River Hiking
Photography Tips
When you search the Li River on the Internet, you can see many fantastic pictures. Most of the photos are taken around Xingping, near Yangshuo.
●To shoot the whole of Xingping, climb Xianggong Hill in Xingping. You can overlook the river and take the spectacular photos of it. The multihued fields and small village houses melt nature and culture together.
●To take sunrise photos, Xianggong Hill is also an ideal site. Nine Horse Fresco Hill is also recommended.
●To take sunset shots, you may go to Xingping, which looks out west over the Li. The nearby 20 yuan banknote site is a good site to stage fishing lights on the Li River, with the help of local cormorant fishermen.
When is the best time to travel to the Li River?
The best time to travel to the Li River is between the end of April and the end of October. During this period, water capacity is good and temperatures are warmer, after the rainy season.
What is there to see on the Li River?
The Li River is famed as one of the world’s great natural wonders. Everyday people from all around the world vie to view its unique beauty. You can expect to see karstic mountains, crystal-clear water, idyllic scenery, cormorants and fishermen, the unadulterated beauty of nature and the wild.
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