The long and winding Li River, meandering on its way from Guilin to Yangshuo, has been the inspirations for countless poems, paintings and songs. Poets were praising its beauty 1,000 years ago. It is the main attraction in the area around Guilin and, along with visiting the region's many ethnic minorities, is the primary reason many travelers come to Guangxi.

The 83km-long waterway from Guilin to Yangshuo is like an artists' masterpiece. The landscape is decorated with rolling hills, steep cliffs, fantastic caves, and leisurely boats and is lined with bamboo. As a poem goes: "The river is a green silk ribbon, and the hills are jade hair-pins".

Winding its way amidst the mountains and through villages, the Li River adds great charm to the picturesque landscape. Along the way, you can see the karst peaks with their unusual shapes, the pure and clean waters, and the beautiful, rustic scenery. To take a cruise doen the Li River is to step into a Chinese landscape painting.

The cruise usually departs from Zhujiang Wharf. It is about 40 minutes drive from Guilin city. The subsequent 4- to 5-hour cruise will take you to a beautiful and sedate ancient city - Yangshuo.