Yangshuo Yulong River


The Yulong River (Chinese: 遇龙河; pinyin: Yùlóng Hé) is a small tributary of the larger Li River in Southeastern Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region that runs through the major city of Guilin to Yangshuo. The Yulong starts in Northern Yangshuo County near Litang and runs for over 35 kilometres (22 mi) through small villages of the Yulong River Valley, including  Litang, Chaolong, Yima and Gaotian town, before emptying into the Li around the town of Ping Le. The Yulong is a shallow river of around 5 meters (16 ft) maximum depth and an average of 25 meters (82 ft) across. As it is not located near any industrial areas, it is clean enough for swimming, though some brownish surface foam is visible in eddys, probably the result of phosphate runoff from local villages.

Unlike the busy Li River, it has no motorized boat traffic and relies completely on bamboo rafts to ferry passengers downriver. This has become a popular tourist activity, with passengers beginning their journey at the Yulong Bridge, a 400-year-old stone bridge. As the local government has improved local roads through the Yulong River Valley, biking has also become a popular tourist activity, as there are many quaint villages along the river, some offering bed and breakfast accommodation.

The Yulong is prone to sudden flooding, which is one of the reasons why there are not more places to stay close by. Local people have built breakwaters (weirs) every kilometer or so to allow their animals to cross the river, though many have fallen into disrepair. During the dry season (November–March), it is possible for people to walk across some of these weirs; otherwise it is necessary to hire local people to ferry passengers across for about RMB 10 per person.

The Yulong River Valley is very fertile, and its low-lying terrain is excellent for rice fields. In recent years, farmers have planted more cash crops such as pomelos, tangerines and mandarin oranges, which bring in more income than rice. The valley is still agricultural, with few services or businesses outside of the small villages. The valley is accessible from the main Yangshuo highway through the village of Yi Ma, north at the Yulong Bridge and south at the Gong Nong Bridge. The river is approximately 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) south of Yangshuo town proper.

Client’s Reviews

  • Siknotes

    Reviewed 3rdApril2019

    I took a solo bamboo river rafting and although there were some ok sights it got quite repetitive and boring. Its definitely not a solo thing and wouldn't say i got anything over and above the much more comfortable li river cruise.

  • Thomger

    Reviewed 25thJuly2018

    We took a bamboo raft ride on the river and it was the highlight of our stay in Yangshuo. The raft was perfect for my wife and I. A must do

  • Destination455230

    Reviewed 1stJanuary2019

    We cycled along the river and it is very beautiful! Must see this gorgeous scenery. Water is clear and pure, the park is well maintained and feels safe.

  • cavediver1

    Reviewed 19thAugust2018

    Many people go for a boat ride but its too crowded! Take the river road to the end to find an inexpensive quiet place!

  • sandyyouyou

    Reviewed 19thMarch2017

    With all the wonderful scenery and fresh air it is a good place for relaxations vacation. remember to give some tips to the raft boatman, he will slow down speed and introduce the scenery to you 😅 We have more then 2 hr floating on...More

  • Baruskas

    Reviewed 10thJune2018

    Escape the crowds, rent a bike in Yangshuo and cycle along the Yulong River. It is very much worth it rather than being on the river with 1 more billion more boats.

  • Lyberg

    Reviewed 4thJanuary2019

    The limestone? hills sticking proudly upright from the flat farm landscapes, with the river running through that area, are I believe possibly one of the great natural wonders of this world. the absolute beauty and quiet cannot be missed. We did a raft trip on...More

  • redflapper

    Reviewed 4thApril2019

    We have done this bamboo raft ride several times, and have several pieces of advice. If you want a quiet experience, go in off season, ie. winter, late autumn, early spring, and go very early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Any other...More

  • PushExplore

    Reviewed 23rdMay2018

    The River Yulong is really gorgeous. We really enjoyed cruising down this river on a beautiful winter morning.

  • iheartnuevo

    Reviewed 2ndDecember2017

    Loved the bamboo rafting. Views were gorgeous. The river was serene on the day we were there but I could see how this place would be super crowded in the summer. Only wish the weather was better when I visited because I would have opted...More

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