Guilin · Visitor Guide
Li River Drift (Dilong Tour) (漓江漂流, Líjiāng Piāoliú)
The Li River drift (漓江漂流), commonly called "滴漏漂流" (Dilong Tour, named after the popular operator) is a bamboo raft journey through the Li River's most scenic section — the 28-km stretch between Yangdi (杨堤) and Xingping (兴坪). This is the stretch of the Li River that appears on every Guilin tourism poster: the river narrows, the karst peaks become more dramatic, and the iconic "九马画山" (Nine Horse Mountain) and "20 RMB note background" (黄布倒影) are encountered. Unlike the large cruise ships (which depart from Zhujiang Pier and carry 100+ passengers), bamboo rafts carry a maximum of 2 people and are slow and quiet enough to hear the river and the wind.
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Quick Answer
Is Li River Drift (Dilong Tour) worth visiting?
Bamboo raft drift through the Li River's most scenic stretch — the 精华河段 between Yangdi and Xingping with iconic karst peaks. ¥200–400 per raft (2-person max). 2–3 hours.
Quick facts
| Ticket | ¥200–400 per raft (2-person maximum) depending on the departure point and season. Children under 1.2m may ride free. As of June 2026: Yangdi→Xingping full section ¥350–400 per raft; half-section options (Yangdi→Liusong or Liusong→Xingping) ¥200–250 per raft. Price fluctuates by season and booking channel. |
|---|---|
| Hours | Departures from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily. Morning departures (7:00–9:00) offer the best light and calmest river. Afternoon departures are hotter and the light is harsher. Rafting is weather-dependent — cancelled during heavy rain (river becomes dangerous) or during flooding. |
| Recommended duration | 2–3 hours for the full Yangdi→Xingping section (28 km). Half sections 1–1.5 hours. |
| Best time to visit | Late April to early June (flooded season, green water, most scenic). September to November (golden autumn, harvest colors on the riverbanks). Avoid Chinese holidays (crushing crowds). Morning departures for best light. |
| How to get there | From Guilin: DiDi to Yangdi Wharf (杨堤码头), ~90 minutes, ¥150–200. Or: bus from Guilin Bus Station to Yangshuo (¥65, 90 min), tell the driver to drop at Yangdi; or take bus to Yangshuo then DiDi back to Yangdi (¥40, 40 min). Return transport from Xingping: bus to Yangshuo (¥15, 30 min) or to Guilin (¥40, 90 min). Arrange return transport before departure — it is a linear route, not a loop. |
| English signage | no |
| Wheelchair accessible | no |
| Distance | 28 km (Yangdi to Xingping) |
| Raft capacity | Maximum 2 adults (or 2 adults + 1 child under 1.2m) |
| Key landmarks | Nine Horse Mountain (九马画山), Yellow Cloth Reflection (黄布倒影), 20 RMB background |
| Season | Operates year-round; best Apr–Jun (flooded) and Sep–Nov (golden) |
| Compared to cruise | Quieter, closer to water, more scenic section, flexible timing; less commentary |
What to expect
The Li River bamboo raft is fundamentally different from the large cruise ships that most tourists take. A raft holds two people plus a poler (船夫) who uses a long bamboo pole to navigate — no engine noise, no engine vibration, just the sound of the pole hitting water and the wind off the karst. You are at water level, close enough to see fish swimming under the surface and to reach out and touch the riverbank reeds. The section between Yangdi and Xingping is narrower and more intimate than the cruise ship route (which covers a longer stretch).
The two signature moments are Nine Horse Mountain (九马画山) and the Yellow Cloth Reflection (黄布倒影). Nine Horse Mountain is a cliff face on the riverbank with natural formations that look like nine horses running — the trick is seeing all nine (most people see 3–5, the legend says only geniuses see all nine). The raft stops here and your poler will point out the horses. The Yellow Cloth Reflection is a stretch of calm water where the peaks reflect perfectly — this is the view on the back of the 20 RMB note. The raft stops for swimming here in summer.
Practical notes: each raft has one poler who handles navigation, provides basic commentary in Mandarin, and may offer to take photos with your phone (¥10–20 tip expected). The poler poles standing at the rear of the raft for the entire journey — it is physically demanding work. Tipping is customary (¥20–30 per raft is appropriate). The raft has a small sunshade but you will get sun. Wear a hat and sunscreen. Bring water and snacks.
How to get there
From Guilin: DiDi to Yangdi Wharf (杨堤码头), approximately 90 minutes, ¥150–200. From Yangshuo: DiDi to Yangdi Wharf, approximately 40 minutes, ¥40. Bus from Guilin Bus Station to Yangshuo (¥65, 90 min) then DiDi to Yangdi. Return from Xingping: bus to Yangshuo (¥15, 30 min) or to Guilin (¥40, 90 min). Arrange your return transport before departing — this is a one-way route.
Best photo spots
- Nine Horse Mountain (九马画山) — the cliff face from the raft; try to count all nine horses
- Yellow Cloth Reflection (黄布倒影) — the iconic 20 RMB note background, calm water, perfect peak reflections
- Xingping old town — the small riverside town at the end of the drift, with a 600-year-old banyan tree
- Swimming stop (summer) — knee-deep entry point with karst peaks all around
Tips
- Book through your hotel or a local contact rather than the app — the ¥350–400 online price is often negotiable to ¥250–300 when you book directly with the poler station
- Go in the morning (7:00–8:00 AM departure) — the river is calm, the light is soft, and you have a good 3 hours before the afternoon winds pick up
- The raft gets wet — spray from the poler's bamboo pole, water splashing at the stern; bring a dry bag for phones and cameras (a basic dry bag is usually provided but your own is better)
- Do not confuse this with the Elephant Trunk Hill bamboo raft (a 30-minute city loop) or the Yulong River rafting in Yangshuo (a different experience, on the tributary river)
- The 20 RMB note background view at Huangbu (黄布) is best photographed in the morning when the water is mirror-still
Scams to avoid
- Online platforms (携程/Trip.com) charging ¥380–420 for the full Yangdi→Xingping raft when ¥250–300 is negotiable directly — book through your hotel or a local guide to get the real rate
- "VIP raft" upgrades sold at the dock for ¥500+ — there is no VIP raft; all rafts are the same
- Raft touts at Xingping offering a "second section" back upstream — the upstream section is less scenic and the price is inflated; take a bus instead
- Waterproof phone bag rentals (¥20) at Yangdi — bring your own or accept the basic one provided free
Frequently asked questions
Bamboo raft vs. large cruise ship — which is better?
For scenery and experience: the bamboo raft wins. You are closer to the water, quieter, and the raft passes through the most scenic narrow section that the large cruise ships also traverse. For comfort and English commentary: the cruise ship wins. The large ships (¥210–260) have air-conditioning, a cafeteria, English audio guides, and a bar. The rafts have a sunshade and nothing else. If you are visiting in peak summer heat, the cruise ship is more comfortable. If you want the authentic experience, take the raft.
Is the raft safe?
Yes, generally. The polers are experienced and the river in the Yangdi→Xingping section is Class II–III at most (mild rapids, no waterfalls). The river is closed during heavy rain or flood conditions (brown, fast-moving water) — poler stations will not send rafts out. Life vests are provided and must be worn. Children under 1.2m ride free but must still wear a life vest. The polers are licensed and registered with the tourism bureau.
Can I take the raft if I cannot swim?
Yes — life vests are mandatory and the raft is stable. Even if you fall in (unlikely), the life vest keeps you afloat. The water depth in the scenic section varies from 1–3 meters.
What happens if it rains?
Light rain: the poler will ask if you want to continue — most people do (you are getting wet anyway on the water). Heavy rain: the river rises, currents strengthen, and the poler stations close the route. You will be offered a full refund or a partial refund to take a shorter section if water levels permit.
How do I book? Do I need to book in advance?
In low season (weekdays, non-holiday): you can book the same morning at the Yangdi dock or through your hotel. In high season (weekends, Chinese holidays): book a day ahead through your hotel or a local guide. Some online platforms add a significant markup — direct booking through a hotel or local guide is cheaper.
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