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

  • harrytrekking

    Reviewed 23rdAugust2017

    As part of our tour we did a bicycle tour along the Yulong river from to centre of Yangshuo ending up with a view of Moon Mountain. It is about 16km in distance but it's all flat. So it's easy to do. If you have...More

  • Sunny C

    Reviewed 10thDecember2018

    Haven't been to Yangshuo for years and it changed a lot in both good way and bad way. West street is very commercial this day. Too many fancy shops and missing the humble little oriental county town feeling. The river side of Yulong has changed...More

  • Goldfish1048576

    Reviewed 6thAugust2018

    This was very relaxing, and I think it is better than Venice! Beautiful scenery everywhere which make you very relax. To get the best experience, visit in autumn or spring, since visiting in summer will be too hot and visiting in winter will be too...More

  • SthAustVisitors

    Reviewed 10thApril2017

    As we were cycling between GuiLin and Xing Ping we needed to cross / travel down the river on several occasions. Rafts were able to accomodate 3 people and three cycles with 2 panniers each. The views were spectacular. Highly recommended.

  • ryanaA3251VW

    Reviewed 3rdOctober2018

    Opted to stay in yangshuo as opposed to Guilin as the Yulong is meant to be more picturesque than the Li. It certainly didn’t disappoint! Some stunning scenery and cycling beside it in the warm late summer sun has been the highlight of our trip....More

  • Amy L

    Reviewed 17thJune2017

    Wish I knew how to meditate. Must see! Biking was amazing. Saw 100 things easily that I've never seen before!

  • 411craigg

    Reviewed 13thFebruary2018

    The bamboo rafting down the Yulong River is really a must-do trip when visiting Yangshou. We did the longer trip from the Jin Long bridge to close to Jiu Xian village. The scenery is beautiful!

  • exporetgeworld

    Reviewed 11thApril2017

    The river is surrounded by mountains, breathtaking views! Recommend to take a cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo - 4 hours of unforgettable experience.

  • Angela P

    Reviewed 16thApril2018

    We paid 200 yuan for the half-hour rafting trip, passing through a few mild rapids. It is best to remove the shoes as the feet get wet in the rapids unless you lift them up. I think the high price is due to all the...More

  • beachgoer1000

    Reviewed 27thAugust2018

    We took the stroller for the baby and walked with our toddler for a near 3 hours along the river. It was absolutely breathtaking. Our toddler had so much fun just watching the little creatures(snails, fish etc) in the nearby rice and vegetables fields. There...More

Top Attractions in Guilin