Stepping into Tao Yuanming's Peach Blossom Spring

Li River Travel Guide in Guangxi: I. Must-Visit Attractions of the Li River • Nine-Horse Fresco Hill: Located 4km northwest of Xingping Town, this 400m-high, 200m-wide cliff stands majestically by the river with colorful precipitous rock faces resembling a giant painted screen. Its five interconnected peaks display a stunning palette of greens, yellows, and whites in varying shades, creating a natural masterpiece that inspired its name. • Grassland Scenic Area: Situated 35km southeast of Guilin along the Li River, this 32 sq.km area (75% limestone hills) features a 10km winding river section with breathtaking karst peaks reflected in emerald waters. • Half-Side Ferry: About 43km from Guilin on the west bank, the 400m-high Dutou Mountain blocks the river with sheer cliffs. Two villages (Guanyan and Taoyuan) separated by mountains maintain unique ferry connections - hence the name "Half-Side Ferry". • Yellow Cloth Reflection: The iconic Li River landscape near Xingping Ancient Town, where crystal-clear waters create perfect mountain reflections - a photographer's paradise. • Xingping Ancient Town: This picturesque riverside town preserves historic bridges, wharves, pavilions, theaters, temples, and traditional architecture amidst stunning mountain-and-water scenery. II. Li River Exploration Options • Cruise Tours: - Yangshuo Upstream-Downstream Cruise: Yangshuo→Puyi route (3hrs, ¥160/80) passing landmarks like Green Lotus Peak and Shutong Mountain. - Essence Cruise: 60km premium route from Guilin's Mopan/Zhujiang Pier to Yangshuo (4hrs) featuring major scenic spots. - Guilin City Cruise: Longchuanping→Mulong Cave route (¥65/33). • Bamboo Rafting: - Grassland (Guanyan Pier)→Xingping Chaobanshan Pier (90min, ¥255, includes shuttle bus). - Yangdi→Nine-Horse Fresco Hill (40min, ¥120-140, with shuttle to Xingping). - Xingping→Nine-Horse Fresco Hill round trip (40min, ¥120-140, ideal for self-drivers). • Hiking Routes: Flexible 2-3 day itineraries (e.g. Daxu Ancient Town→Gudong Waterfall→Yangdi→Xingping) with optional rafting sections. III. Local Cuisine Highlights • Yangshuo Beer Fish: Spicy river fish cooked with beer, showcasing the Li River's fresh produce. • Guilin Eighteen Stuffings: Signature dishes featuring various ingredients stuffed with seasoned minced meat. • Guilin River Snails: A local delicacy not to be missed. IV. Important Notes • Book cruise tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons. • Bamboo rafting restrictions: No children under 1.2m or seniors over 70 (alternative cruise available at Xingping Pier). • No discounts for eligible children/seniors - full seat purchase required (4 passengers per raft). • Tickets are time-sensitive - missed slots require repurchase. • Empty raft seats require additional fee payment to raft operators.