Guilin and Yangshuo: Li River, rafts and bikes

The karst peaks of Guilin and Yangshuo are China’s classic landscape. Two or three days lets you see them from the river, the saddle and the fields.

The Li River

The most famous stretch runs from Guilin to Yangshuo, a cruise of about four hours past the peaks. Around Xingping you can also take a bamboo raft to the view printed on the 20-yuan note.

Yangshuo countryside

Cycle the flat roads of the Ten-Mile Gallery between peaks and rice fields, then drift down the Yulong River on a bamboo raft.

Evenings

Watch Impression Liu Sanjie, an outdoor show on the river with the peaks lit up behind it, and try beer fish in town.

When to go

April to October is the main season. Summer is hot with the fullest river, and autumn brings settled weather and golden fields.

Getting there

Fly into Guilin or take the high-speed train to Guilin North or Yangshuo station.