Yulong River Travel Guide
Here is a travel guide for Yulong River:
Pre-Trip Preparation
- Documents: Bring valid IDs like your ID card for ticket purchase and entry.
- Clothing: Pack lightweight, breathable clothes according to the season. Bring sun-protective clothing in summer and warm layers in winter. Also prepare swimwear, sandals, or flip-flops.
- Other Items: Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, an umbrella or raincoat, a waterproof bag, a power bank, and common medications.
Transportation Guide
- External Transport: From Guilin, take a high-speed train to Yangshuo Station, then transfer to a bus to Fengming Tourist Center, and finally take a shuttle to Yulong River Scenic Area. Alternatively, take a bus from Guilin Bus Station to Yangshuo, then transfer to a Yulong River-bound vehicle.
- Internal Transport: Rent an e-bike or bicycle in Yangshuo County (rental spots are concentrated near Gongnong Bridge), or opt for a taxi or scenic area shuttle.
Activities
- Bamboo Rafting:
- Jinlong Bridge → Jiuxian: 6 km, 90 mins, ¥320/raft (2 people), passing 9 dams with karst peaks and pastoral views.
- Shui’edi → Gongnong Bridge: 3 km, 40 mins, ¥200/raft (2 people), 4 dams, ending near West Street—ideal for time-pressed travelers.
- Fuli Bridge → Sanchakou: 2 km, 40 mins, ¥358/raft (4 people), no dams, round-trip route, great for families with cars.
- Cycling: Recommended route: Jiuxian Dock → Gongnong Bridge, featuring ancient bridges and rice fields.
Food Recommendations
- Beer Fish: Try the tender beer fish at "Li Zi Nongjia Fan" in Jiuxian Village.
- Other Local Dishes: Snail stuffing, Lipu taro pork, etc. Riverside farmhouses offer authentic rural flavors.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury: Yangshuo Banyan Tree, Yangshuo Sugar House Resort—luxurious facilities and stunning settings.
- Family-Friendly: Mango Holiday·Mitang Family Resort, Julong Town Resort Hotel—perfect for families with kids.
- Budget: Affordable B&Bs or chain hotels in Yangshuo County.
Tips
- Rafting Safety: Wear life jackets, lift feet during dam crossings, store electronics in waterproof bags, and deposit valuables.
- Ticketing: Book online in advance; scan IDs onsite. Children under 1m and seniors over 70 are not advised for double rafts.
- Sun & Bug Protection: In summer, pack sunscreen and hats. Mosquitoes are common—bring repellent.
- Eco-Travel: Swimming and water play are prohibited. Help preserve the environment.