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Li River on a sunny day. Photo By Charlie fong –

Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Li River 

Li River is a green-blue coloured river located in Asia, in the Guangxi region in southern China, and is a popular tourist destination. 

The most popular spot in Li River Cruise ranges 83 kilometers from Guilin to Yangshuo and is famous for the Karst Mountain and river sights. It was selected as one of the world’s top 10 watery wonders by America’s National Geographic magazine. 

Tourists can hire a wide variety of boats along the Li River, from small rafts to bigger crafts, and most cruises depart from Zhujiang Wharf, which is 40 minutes by car from Guilin. 

Here are 10 fascinating facts about the Li River.

1. The River is Beautiful 

The Li River is one of the most beautiful bodies of water on the planet. It starts in the Mao’er Mountains and flows in China’s Guangxi Zhuang district.

The channel then goes south, passing through the villages of Guilin, Yangshuo, and Pingle. In addition, other streams flow into the river and it continues, changing its name to Bill.

The length of the two streams is 437 km. The features that are found along the Li River, include mountains, ancient villages, Half Side Ferry Crossing, and groves of bamboo. 

Li River is commonly visited on rainy days, as the silhouette of the hills against the sky and mist and fog contribute to the enchanting scenery. 

2. The Nine Horseshoes Figures are Hard to Find

 The stones along Li River. Photo By No machine –

On the steep slope of the mountain, there are semicircular forms of stone. These figures vaguely resemble the tracks of wild horses. 

A legend about this place, which is popular with the locals, talks about the Monkey King and his nine stallions of paradise. One day, the horses left their master and found a wonderful refuge on the banks of Lijiang.

Here they had the opportunity to play and relax a lot. Vladyka quickly discovered the fugitives and turned them into stone for disobedience.

A person who has discovered all nine horseshoes is considered to have an extraordinary mind and a special intellect. 

3. The River’s Water Is Very Clear

The River’s green-blue coloured water is incredibly clean and clear. The Li River originates in the Mao’er Mountains in Xing’an County and flows in the general southern direction through Guilin, Yangshuo, and Pingle.  

In Pingle the Li River merges with the Lipu River and the Gongcheng River and continues south as the Gui River, which falls into the Xi Jiang, the western tributary of the Pearl River, in Wuzhou. 

The upper course of the River Li is connected by the ancient Lingqu Canal with the Xiang River, which flows north into the Yangtze.

In the past, this made the Li and Gui Rivers part of a highly important waterway connecting the Yangtze Valley with the Pearl River Delta. 

4. This River is Very Important to Natives   

Li River is the mother river for the natives especially the people in Guilin. Not only is this river the main source of water for most people here, but also a source of income for residents.

Thousands of Guilin natives work in the tourism sector, which is developed based on the river. Some rely on fishing for a living.

5. The Hills and the Trees Blend in Very Well

Beautiful Scenery. Photo By Luca Boldrini –

The hills and trees along the Li River look like traditional Chinese paintings. They are combined so beautifully and perfectly that tourists may think it was done by human beings, but it was combined by the nature.   

The hills and trees along the Li River are not tall, but exquisite. When the unique shape of the hills and trees are reflected in the green water of the Li River, it looks like they are painted on the river.   

6. There are Ancient Villages  Along This River

The Fuli and Xingping are two very popular ancient villages along the Li River. These ancient villages along the Li River are renowned for their ancient buildings, foods, and local cultures.  

Most villagers are senior people or children because most young adults are working in big cities. Their lifestyle is almost the same as it was a century ago. Some of the buildings in these villages are around 100 years old.  

The decorations in these buildings tell a story of the development of these villages. The villagers will usually promote their homemade foods or sauces to tourists. These local delicacies can never be found in the cities. 

7. Hiking Along the Li River is Very Popular

The most popular hiking section along the Li River is between the Yangdi Port and Xingping Village. It is only 20 kilometers long, but all the attractions along the cruise section can be seen more clearly and longer when hiking.

Most energetic tourists chose to hike rather than cruise along the Li River. For tourists who are always willing to challenge themselves, the 50-kilometer-long hiking itinerary from Guilin City to Yangshuo County is the best option.

It takes two days to finish this itinerary. Tourists will spend a night in a tent beside the Li River. Both ancient villages and natural views on this itinerary are excellent tourist attractions. 

8. Yangshuo Has Some of the Most Beautiful Scenery in the World

The town of Yangshuo. Photo By Ericbolz –

Located in the heart of beautiful mountain ranges, Yangshuo is a picturesque city and a popular tourist destination. Being on the banks of the world-famous Li River, the city is well-known for its stunning natural scenery.

It is also known for its many eating establishments and other social hubs that include bars and cafes. The pure fresh waters of the river are a popular destination for river cruises and other water activities.

With beautiful mountains and a lush green landscape, Yangshuo has maintained its sense of charm and the quaintness of a small town.

This has resulted in a delightful destination that offers fresh air and freedom from the air and noise pollution that is so plentiful in other cities in China. 

9. Get to Experience a Motorized Raft 

Taking a traditional water vehicle down the Li River makes your tour to Yangshuo fulfilled. The motorized raft is made of plastic piping in the shape of bamboo, bigger and steadier than the traditional bamboo raft.  

A maximum of four passengers occupy one raft, which is open around the sides but has a cover on the top protecting passengers from the sun or rain. Life jackets are necessary for safety.  

10. There is a Hill That Looks Like a Giant Elephant

Guilin section of the Li River. Photo By Haha169 –

There are other interesting attractions along this river. A good example is a hill that looks like a giant elephant drinking water with its trunk. It is a symbol of the city of Guilin. 

There is also Reed Flute Cave, which is a limestone cave with a large number of stalactites, stalagmites, staccato-stalagmites, rocky curtains, and cave corals. 

Other attractions include the Seven-Star Park, The Mountain of Splendid Hues which is a mountain consisting of many layers of variously colored rocks, Duxiu Peak, Nanxi Park, the Taohua River, the Giant Banyan, and the Huashan-Lijiang National Folklore Park.