Lijiang River
Lijiang River Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a 83-kilometer stretch of the Lijiang River in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. Celebrated for its karst landscape of limestone peaks, crystal-clear waters, and rural villages, it has inspired poets and painters for centuries, including the 20-yuan banknote’s iconic vista. A cornerstone of China’s tourism, the area blends natural beauty with cultural heritage, offering boat cruises, cycling trails, and traditional minority villages.
Historical Overview
The river’s allure dates back to the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BCE), when it served as a trade route connecting central China to the south. Poets like Li Bai and Du Fu immortalized its scenery, while the 13th-century painter Huang Gongwang featured it in his masterpiece Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains. In modern times, the 1960 film Johnnie Guitar (adapted as Liu Sanjie in China) showcased its vistas globally. Designated a UNESCO site in 2007, it remains a symbol of China’s ecological and cultural richness.
Structural Layout
The scenic area spans three key segments:
Upper Reaches (Guilin to Yangshuo): Features dramatic peaks like Elephant Trunk Hill and Fubo Hill.
Middle Reaches (Yangdi to Xingping): The most picturesque stretch, with the 20-yuan banknote viewpoint at Huangbu Reflection.
Lower Reaches (Xingping to Yangshuo): Calmer waters flanked by terraced fields and minority villages.
Key structures include:Ancient Ferry Crossings: Historic sites like Bilian Ferry.
Karst Caves: Reed Flute Cave and Seven Star Cave near Guilin.
Villages: Yulong River’s stone-paved lanes and Ming-era dwellings.
Major Attractions
Elephant Trunk Hill: Guilin’s symbol, resembling an elephant sipping water.
Yangdi to Xingping Cruise: A 4-hour journey past Nine-Horse Fresco Hill and Yellow Cloth Shoal.
Xingping Ancient Town: A 1,400-year-old village with cobblestone streets and the 20-yuan viewpoint.
Yulong River: A calmer alternative for bamboo rafting, with karst backdrops.
Li River Folk Customs Center: Showcases Zhuang and Yao minority traditions.
Impression Liu Sanjie: Zhang Yimou’s outdoor light show on the river.
Seven Star Park: Guilin’s largest urban park with karst caves and pagodas.
Suggested Itineraries
Classic Route (1 Day):
Guilin → Elephant Trunk Hill → Yangdi Pier (Cruise Start) → Xingping Ancient Town → Yangshuo
Highlights: Iconic peaks, cruise, and village exploration.
Extended Route (2 Days):
Day 1: Guilin → Reed Flute Cave → Yangdi Cruise → Xingping (overnight).
Day 2: Xingping → Yulong River Bamboo Rafting → Impression Liu Sanjie Show → Yangshuo West Street.
Highlights: Caves, rafting, and cultural performances.
Comprehensive Route (3 Days):
Day 1: Guilin → Elephant Trunk Hill → Seven Star Park → Cruise to Xingping.
Day 2: Xingping → Yulong River Cycling → Moon Hill → Impression Liu Sanjie.
Day 3: Yangshuo → Silver Cave → Folk Customs Center → Guilin Departure.
Highlights: In-depth exploration of caves, cycling, and minority culture.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book cruises via Ctrip, Fliggy, or official Lijiang River websites (up to 3 days in advance).
On-Site: Tickets sold at piers (longer queues during peak season).
Prices:
Cruise Tickets: ¥210–¥400 (standard to luxury).
Attractions: Elephant Trunk Hill (¥55), Reed Flute Cave (¥60), Impression Liu Sanjie (¥198–¥648).
Combination Tickets: ¥500–¥800 for 3–4 sites.
Transportation
High-Speed Train: Guilin to Yangshuo (30 mins).
Bus: Guilin Bus Station to Yangdi Pier (1.5 hours).
Taxi: Direct to piers or towns (¥100–¥200).
Local Transport:Cruise Ships: Depart from Zhujiang Pier (Guilin) or Yangdi Pier.
Electric Scooters: Popular in Yangshuo (¥20–¥30/hour).
Shuttle Buses: Connect Guilin, Xingping, and Yangshuo.
Best Time & Tips
Peak Hours: Avoid 10 AM–2 PM for cruises; book morning slots.
Crowds: April–May and September–October are busiest; weekdays are quieter.
Weather: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are ideal. Avoid summer monsoons.
Essentials:
Wear waterproof shoes (bamboo rafts may splash).
Bring sunscreen, hats, and insect repellent.
Photography allowed (use polarizing filters for river glare).
Prohibited items: Drones without permits, littering.
