How to Choose a Li River Bamboo Raft Tour: A Comprehensive Guide

Li River is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, and taking a bamboo raft tour is one of the best ways to experience its beauty. Unlike the manually powered rafts on the Yulong River, the Li River bamboo rafts are motorized, either by gasoline or electricity. With several sections to choose from, including the Longmen and Xingping highlights, selecting the right route can be a bit confusing. Here’s a detailed guide to help you decide which segment suits you best:

1. Xingping Highlights (Essence Section)

• Route: Yangdi Pier to Xingping Chaoban Mountain Pier (One-way, two-way) 杨堤码头—兴坪朝板山码头（单程，双向）
• Distance: Approximately 14 km one-way
• Duration: About 90 minutes
• Cost: 225 CNY per person ($35 USD)
• Highlights: Enjoy stunning views of the 20 RMB note scenery, Nine Horse Fresco Hill, and Yellow Cloth Reflection. This section captures the essence of Li River's beauty.
• Recommendation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

2. Yangdi Pier to Maling Pier (Nine Horse Fresco Hill) 杨堤码头—马山码头(九马画山)

• Route: One-way
• Distance: Approximately 10 km
• Duration: About 50 minutes
• Cost: 120 CNY per person ($19 USD)
• Highlights: Affordable option to view the highlights like Nine Horse Fresco Hill and picturesque landscapes.
• Recommendation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

3. Yangdi Pier to Laocun Pier (Round-trip) 杨堤码头—老村头

• Route: Round-trip
• Distance: Approximately 15 km
• Duration: About 90 minutes
• Cost: 150 CNY per person ($23 USD)
• Highlights: Experience the beautiful and less crowded downstream scenery.
• Recommendation: ⭐⭐⭐

4. Xingping Chaoban Mountain Pier to Maling Pier (Round-trip) 兴坪朝板山码头—马山码头(九马画山)

• Route: Round-trip
• Distance: Approximately 8 km
• Duration: About 50 minutes
• Cost: 120 CNY per person ($19 USD)
• Highlights: Travel upstream to enjoy half of the essence section’s beauty. Popular route with many options.
• Recommendation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

5. Xingping Chaoban Mountain Pier to Yangdi Pier (Round-trip) 兴坪朝板山码头—杨堤码头

• Route: Round-trip
• Distance: Approximately 14 km one-way
• Duration: About 90 minutes
• Cost: 225 CNY per person ($35 USD)
• Highlights: Travel upstream from Yangdi to enjoy the 20 RMB note scenery.
• Recommendation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

6. Longmen Section 龙门段

• Route: Longmen Bridge to Liufangzhou (Round-trip) 龙门大桥—六坊洲
• Distance: Approximately 10 km
• Duration: About 50 minutes
• Cost: 120 CNY per person ($19 USD)
• Highlights: Starting from Longmen Bridge, enjoy views of Bailuzhou, Fuzishan, and the picturesque Longmen scenery. The sunset view from Longmen Bridge is a must-see.
• Recommendation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

7. Shijiadu Bridge to Liufangzhou (Round-trip) 石家渡大桥—六坊洲

• Route: Round-trip
• Distance: Approximately 10 km
• Duration: About 50 minutes
• Cost: 120 CNY per person ($19 USD)
• Highlights: Travel upstream to view the Shiyin Corridor, Shiba Peak reflections, and beautiful grassland scenery. The sunset view from the bridge is unmissable.
• Recommendation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tips for Traveling in Yangshuo:

Using an electric scooter is highly recommended for exploring Yangshuo’s scenic spots. Search for "哈啰租电动车" on Alipay or WeChat to rent a long-range scooter, making your trip more enjoyable and convenient. 🚴‍♂️✨

Final Thoughts:

1. The Caoping and Longmen sections are mostly frequented by group tours.
2. The essence section is the most scenic part of the Li River, featuring the 20 RMB note scenery, Nine Horse Fresco Hill, and Yellow Cloth Reflection.
3. The Yangshuo section is ideal for self-driving tourists due to its proximity to the county town.

For any questions or more information, leave a comment or contact our website. Getting a Chinese SIM card can also enhance your travel experience by simplifying communication and access to various services. Welcome to China, and enjoy your trip! 🇨🇳✨

Estimated Total Budget: If you choose to experience all the highlighted routes, the estimated total cost would be:

• Xingping Highlights: 225 CNY
• Yangdi Pier to Maling Pier: 120 CNY
• Yangdi Pier to Laocun Pier: 150 CNY
• Xingping Chaoban Mountain Pier to Maling Pier: 120 CNY
• Xingping Chaoban Mountain Pier to Yangdi Pier: 225 CNY
• Longmen Section: 120 CNY
• Shijiadu Bridge to Liufangzhou: 120 CNY

Total: 1080 CNY (approx. $167 USD)