Little Li River (Yulong River)

Moreover, when the Li River water levels are lower, it can take 4 or more hours to travel by boat from Guilin to Yangshuo. During the monsoonal months of April, May and June – the Li River Cruise can take between 3 – 3.5 x hours as the water levels are generally higher with lots of rain in Guilin.

Ultimately, the choice between staying in Guilin or Yangshuo depends on your travel preferences. If you enjoy a vibrant city atmosphere with cultural attractions, Guilin is the ideal base. On the other hand, if you prefer a more relaxed, nature-focused experience with outdoor activities, Yangshuo is the perfect choice.

The Yulong River is a shallow river of around 5 meters maximum depth and an average of 25 meters across. As it is not located near any industrial areas, it is clean enough for swimming, though some brownish surface foam is visible in eddys, likely the result of agrigultural runoff from local fields.

Yangshuo's stunning karst mountains and laid-back riverside charm have made it one of southern China's most popular destinations. However, as tourism has boomed, the area has been plagued by overcharging, pushy touts, and elaborate scams targeting foreign visitors.