Yangshuo Yulong River


  • yangshuo yulong river
  • yangshuo yulong river
  • yangshuo yulong river
  • yangshuo yulong river
  • yangshuo yulong river
  • yangshuo yulong river
  • yangshuo yulong river
  • yangshuo yulong river
  • yangshuo yulong river
  • yangshuo yulong river
  • yangshuo yulong river
  • yangshuo yulong river
  • yangshuo yulong river
  • yangshuo yulong river
  • yangshuo yulong river
  • yangshuo yulong river
  • yangshuo yulong river
  • 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

  • exporetgeworld

    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.

  • Kirsten_M_Scott

    Kirsten_M_Scott

    Reviewed 2ndAugust2018

    Visited Guilin, South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, during my summer holiday. Had a ride along Yulong River and enjoy the beautiful mountains there.

  • BSinPNS

    BSinPNS

    Reviewed 13thApril2017

    The beauty of this area is most impressive. Even on a damp, dreary day, it was stunning. Carst mountains line the river valley. One area is even pictured on the 20 Yuan note. The boat tour is interesting. Although a meal is included it makes...More

  • Shaz1000

    Shaz1000

    Reviewed 11thNovember2017

    The tour was worth while taking along the river, though it is mass tourism with up to 70 boats a day leaving. The scenery was great even though the day was over caste. On a sunny day it would be magnificent. Would consider taking a...More

  • Artep1969

    Artep1969

    Reviewed 22ndSeptember2018

    It was 30 degrees celsius and a humidity of 82 percent, but we rented a bike to see the Yulong river. It was harsh but we had a great morning. Lovely views on the river and not much people along our road. Nature is beautiful...More

  • BestLambert

    BestLambert

    Reviewed 20thFebruary2018

    Viewing the scenery from a bamboo raft was fun. The trip cost 300 CNY per raft and its duration was 30 minutes or so. It charged by the number of raft rather than people. Due to the weight limit of bamboo raft, however, larger groups...More

  • Yuehuai C

    Yuehuai C

    Reviewed 3rdMay2017

    Yulong River is small but beautiful. Along the river there is a green road for bicycle. Hire a bike and enjoy the beautiful country scene is a pleasant journey.

  • TheOExpress

    TheOExpress

    Reviewed 14thApril2017

    The views may not be as spectacular as the nearby Li River but being punted down, past karst hill, ancient bridges and over small rapids, is a lovely way to spend two hours.

  • harrytrekking

    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

  • theadventuregoeson

    theadventuregoeson

    Reviewed 24thApril2017

    As part of a relaxing day biking around the Yangshuo area we found this river and spent a few hours exploring the paths that run parallel to the water. Many people opt for the bamboo ride which is a good option, but we prefer to...More

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