Yulong River Scenic Area

Historical Overview

Ancient Waterway: For centuries, the Yulong River served as a vital trade route, linking Guilin’s silk and tea merchants to coastal ports.

Cultural Hub: Home to Tujia and Yao minorities since the Ming Dynasty, the area preserves folk traditions like cormorant fishing and the “Banquet Song” ritual.

Tourism Boom: Popularized in the 1980s as a backpacker haven, it gained global fame after featuring in the 2003 film House of Flying Daggers.

Conservation: In 2010, motorized boats were banned to protect ecology, reviving traditional bamboo rafting.

Key Events: Hosts the annual Yangshuo International Climbing Festival and traditional Dragon Boat Races.

Structural Layout

• Geographical Features:

River Course: 17 kilometers from Jinlong Bridge to Gongnong Bridge, with depths of 2–5 meters.

Karst Formations: Over 30 limestone peaks, including the iconic “Moon Hill” (a 230-meter arch).

Dams & Bridges: A 1960s-era hydroelectric dam and 12 ancient stone bridges, such as the Ming Dynasty-era Fuli Bridge.

• Key Zones:

Rafting Zone: Jinlong Bridge to Gongnong Bridge, with 9 designated rafting sections.

Cultural Zone: Jiuxian Village, known for Tujia embroidery and rice wine.

Adventure Zone: Moon Hill Hiking Trail and the Yulong River Cycling Path.

• Supporting Infrastructure: 

Bamboo raft docks, bike rental shops, and riverside cafes.

Major Attractions

Bamboo Raft Ride: A 90-minute drift past karst peaks, with raftmen singing folk tunes (¥150–¥300 per raft).

Moon Hill: Hike 30 minutes to a panoramic viewpoint beneath a natural stone arch.

Jiuxian Village: Explore Tujia stilt houses, taste sanhua wine, and watch indigo dyeing.

Golden Jade River Bend: A mirror-like pool reflecting peaks, ideal for photography.

Cormorant Fishing Demo: Witness traditional night fishing with trained birds (7 PM, Fuli Town).

Yulong River Cycling Trail: A 10-kilometer path through rice paddies and lemon orchards.

Suggested Itineraries

• Classic Route (3–4 hours):

Bamboo Raft (Jinlong Bridge → Gongnong Bridge) → Jiuxian Village (lunch) → Moon Hill.

Highlights: Rafting, village culture, and Moon Hill vista.

• Cultural Route (5–6 hours):

Jiuxian Village (embroidery workshop) → Rafting → Cormorant Fishing Demo → Local Restaurant (Tujia cuisine).

Highlights: Crafts, night fishing, and rural feasts.

• Adventure Route (Full Day):

Cycling Trail → Moon Hill Hike → Rafting → Kayaking (add-on) → Riverside Camping.

Highlights: Trekking, kayaking, and stargazing.

Ticket Purchase

Online: Book via Trip.com, Ctrip, or the Yangshuo Tourism Bureau website (up to 7 days in advance).

On-Site: Tickets at raft docks and village entrances; arrive early to avoid lines.

• Prices:

Bamboo Raft: ¥150–¥300 (price varies by section; group discounts available).

Moon Hill: ¥35 (adults), ¥20 (students).

Combo Deals: ¥400 for rafting + Moon Hill + cycling.

Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors.

Transportation

By Bus: From Guilin Bus Station, take the Yangshuo-bound shuttle (¥25, 1.5 hours) to Jinlong Bridge stop.

By Taxi: Direct from Guilin (¥120–¥150) or Yangshuo (¥40).

By Bike: Rentals in Yangshuo (¥10–¥20/day) for the cycling trail.

Departure: Buses depart hourly until 6 PM; taxis available for late returns.

Best Time & Tips

Peak Hours: Avoid 10 AM–2 PM (tour groups); start rafting at 8 AM or after 4 PM.

Weather: March–June (lush greenery) and September–November (mild temperatures); avoid July–August (heatwaves).

• Essentials:

Wear waterproof shoes (rafts splash).

Bring cash for village vendors (limited card acceptance).

Learn a Tujia greeting: “Azo” (hello) or “Nyuha” (thank you).

Prohibitions: No littering, swimming without guides, or drone use in villages.

Insider Tip: Book the 6 AM “Sunrise Raft” for misty peaks and fewer crowds.