Yangshuo · Visitor Guide
Fuliang Yin (伏李隐, Fú Lǐ Yǐn)
Fuliang Yin (伏李隐) is a hidden karst valley and underground river system located about 25 km northeast of Yangshuo in the village of Fuliang (伏李村). The name means "hidden [among the] Fuliang" — a reference to the local village name and the secretive nature of this canyon, which is largely unknown to mass tourism. The site features a 3-km-long underground river that emerges from a cave mouth into a karst canyon with natural swimming pools, waterfall pools, and overhangs that form natural shelters. It is one of the few undeveloped natural sites near Yangshuo that remains accessible without a tour group, a guide, or a ticket — though a small ¥30 environmental fee is charged at the village entrance.
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Quick Answer
Is Fuliang Yin worth visiting?
A hidden karst valley and underground river system near Yangshuo — cave diving, kayaking, and natural swimming pools in an unspoiled canyon. ¥30. Half to full day.
Quick facts
| Ticket | ¥30 environmental fee (as of June 2026), paid at the village entrance. No online booking — pay cash to the village committee representative. |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daylight hours only. No artificial lighting in the cave sections. Best to arrive by 3:00 PM to allow enough time before sunset. |
| Recommended duration | Half-day (2–3 hours) for the canyon and river pools. Full day (5–6 hours) if you do the cave exploration and extended canyon walk. |
| Best time to visit | May to September for swimming (water temperature is comfortable). April and October are shoulder season with cooler water but fewer visitors. Avoid after heavy rain — the river can flood rapidly (the water turns brown and the current strengthens dangerously). |
| How to get there | From Yangshuo: DiDi to Fuliang Village (伏李村), approximately 40 minutes, ¥60–80. Or: bus from Yangshuo Bus Station to Pingnan (平南镇, ¥15, 45 minutes), then DiDi from Pingnan to Fuliang Village (¥20, 15 minutes). No public transport to the village — DiDi or private car is required. Arrange return transport with your driver before departing Yangshuo. |
| English signage | no |
| Wheelchair accessible | no |
| Underground river | 3 km of navigable underground river |
| Canyon | 3 km karst canyon with natural pools |
| Temperature | Water ~18–22°C year-round (underground river source) |
| Depth | Pool depths 0.5–3 m; the underground river sections are deeper |
| Cave access | Basic equipment recommended (headlamp, water shoes, life vest) |
| Local management | Managed by Fuliang Village committee; no professional tourism operators |
What to expect
Fuliang Yin is not a developed tourist attraction — it is a karst natural system that the village of Fuliang has opened to visitors on a small-scale, community-managed basis. The underground river emerges from a cave mouth at the head of the canyon and flows through a series of natural pools before disappearing into a second cave mouth at the canyon's lower end. The canyon walls are vertical karst limestone, in places over 50 meters high, covered in ferns and moss. In summer (May–September), the water is clear and swimmable — natural pool after natural pool, some with small waterfalls or rope swings. The experience is more like a jungle river than a Chinese tourist site.
The cave sections of the underground river require a headlamp and basic water confidence. The river is calm in normal conditions — sections are 0.5–2 meters deep — but total darkness inside the cave requires a light source. The cave is not fully explored; local cavers estimate several kilometers of passage remain unmapped. Basic kayaking or rubber ring rental (¥30 per person) is available from the village representative — this allows you to float through the underground river section with a headlamp.
Practical notes: this is a genuine natural site with minimal infrastructure. There are no lifeguards, no changing rooms (villagers change behind the boulders), no equipment rental shops (bring your own or rent from the village representative), and no emergency services within 30 minutes. Go with a local guide (¥50–100, available through your accommodation or DiDi driver) or with someone who knows the site. The village representative at the entrance (look for the small wooden booth) will collect the ¥30 fee and can arrange a local guide.
How to get there
From Yangshuo: DiDi to Fuliang Village (伏李村), approximately 40 minutes, ¥60–80. Arrange the return trip with your driver before departing. Or: bus from Yangshuo Bus Station to Pingnan (平南镇, ¥15, 45 minutes), then DiDi from Pingnan to Fuliang Village (¥20, 15 minutes). No direct public transport — private vehicle required. Driving yourself: from Yangshuo head north on the 321 national road toward Pingnan; follow the signs to Fuliang village after approximately 20 km.
Best photo spots
- Cave mouth emergence — the underground river emerging from the cave into the canyon, morning light preferred
- Natural pool cascade — a series of shallow pools connected by small waterfalls, the most photographed section
- Underground river kayak — photographed from inside the cave with a headlamp illuminating the karst ceiling
- Canyon walls at sunset — the setting sun hitting the karst walls above the canyon, best from the lower pools
Tips
- Go early in the day (arrive by 10:00 AM) — the canyon faces east so it is in shade until mid-morning; afternoon light illuminates the canyon walls beautifully
- Bring water shoes (reef shoes) — the riverbed is uneven and slippery; flip-flops will not work
- Bring a headlamp if you have one — essential for the cave sections; even if you do not enter the cave, a headlamp is useful for the darker pool sections
- Avoid after heavy rain (the previous 24 hours) — the river can flood rapidly and the water turns brown; flash flooding in the canyon is a real risk
- Arrange a local guide through your accommodation or the village representative — the site is unmarked and it is easy to miss the best pools without local knowledge
Scams to avoid
- There are no significant scams at Fuliang Yin — it is too unknown and too small-scale for commercial scam operations. The only risk is overpaying for the environmental fee — ¥30 is the standard rate; if someone asks for ¥50–100, politely decline and ask to speak with the village committee representative
- DiDi drivers who claim the road is "closed" and offer to take you to a different site instead — the road to Fuliang is a normal village road, always open; this is a pressure tactic
Frequently asked questions
Is Fuliang Yin suitable for non-swimmers?
Yes — the natural pools near the canyon entrance are shallow (0.5–1 m) and calm. You can enjoy the site sitting on the rocks or wading without swimming. The cave section of the underground river is the only part that requires swimming, and that is optional — you can walk along the riverbank through the cave section.
Do I need a guide?
Strongly recommended for first-time visitors. The site is unmarked and the best pools are not obvious from the entrance. A local guide (¥50–100) can be arranged at the village entrance or through your Yangshuo accommodation. The guide is worth the cost — they know the safe routes, the best swimming spots, and where not to go after rain.
Is it safe?
Generally yes, with precautions. The main risks are: (1) flash flooding after heavy rain — check the weather and do not enter the canyon if rain is forecast in the previous 24 hours; (2) slippery rocks — water shoes are essential; (3) the cave section — go with a local guide, bring a headlamp, and do not go deeper than your skill level. There are no lifeguards and no emergency services nearby.
What should I bring?
Water shoes (reef shoes), swimwear, towel, headlamp or waterproof torch, water (there are no shops in the canyon), sunscreen, and a dry bag for your phone and wallet. If you plan to kayak the underground river section: a life vest is available from the village representative (¥10 rental).
Can I visit in winter?
Yes, but swimming will be cold (water temperature is ~18–20°C year-round, maintained by the underground river source). Winter visits are peaceful — fewer than 10 visitors per day in December–February. Bring wetshoes rather than reef shoes — the water will feel cold and you may want to wade rather than swim.
How does Fuliang Yin compare to Yulong River rafting?
Completely different experiences. Yulong River rafting (遇龙河漂流) is a commercial, structured bamboo raft experience through a scenic but heavily visited river. Fuliang Yin is a wild, undeveloped canyon with natural swimming pools and cave exploration. Yulong is better for a relaxed, scenic raft; Fuliang Yin is better for adventurous swimmers and explorers who want to get off the tourist trail.
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