Although there are many reasons for visiting China, specifically Guilin, the Li River is probably the greatest attraction. Known as, the Lishui River, this waterway feeds the lush, green vegetation that offers people such perfect scenery. The Li River winds through China's countryside for more than 105 miles, moving past numerous cities to include Changde, Jushou, Lixian, Jinshi, Zhangjiajie, and Shimen.
Cruising on the Li River is enjoyable no matter what the weather is like. During sunny days, tourists can see the inverted reflection of the hills on both sides clearly in the water. During cloudy days, the hills are surrounded by mist and tourists may feel they are cruising in a mystical paradise. And when the rain comes, drizzle is like a vale, which covers the hills and river, and tourists may feel the poetic connotations of this too.
Originating from Maoer Shan (Cat Mountain) in Xing'an county, north of Guilin, the Li River winds its way south for about 437 km, passing through Guilin, Yangshuo, Pingle and Zhaoping, and finally meets the Xi (West) River at Wuzhou. It boasts the largest and most beautiful scenic area in China and attracts thousands of visitors each year.
The 83-kilometer-long waterway from Guilin to Yangshuo is like an artist's masterpiece. The landscape is decorated with startling hills, steep cliffs, fantastic caves and farming villages, and is lined with bamboo. In a Chinese poem it is written: "The river is a green silk ribbon, and the hills are jade hairpins".
On this full day sightseeing tour from Guilin you'll be cruising upriver for four hours, sitting in cushioned comfort in the main cabin or enjoying the open-air viewing platform. Bring lots of film because this cruise along the Li River is a photographer's dream, and you'll want to capture the dramatic landscapes that Chinese artists have been painting for centuries.
Lunch will be served onboard, with local favorites and fresh catches from the Li River. Your destination is the village of Yangshuo, where you'll disembark and stroll amid the colorful, bustling marketplace of local street vendors.
After you stretch your legs and see the sights, it's a bus trip back to Guilin to see the farms and countryside away from the river. The trip doesn't end here, because you also get a choice of shopping stops and some real bargains in pearl and jade, or fine Chinese paintings.
Li River Cruise is actually one of the most scenic cruises on earth. You must be thrilled by this stunningly beautiful journey.
