Li River

Li River

Li River is one of the most beautiful water bodies on the planet. It begins in the Mao’er Mountains and flows through Guangxi Zhuang County in China. The riverbed then takes a course southward, flowing along the communities of Guilin, Yangshuo, and Pingle. Then other streams flow into the river and it continues, changing its name to Gui. The length of the two watercourses is 437 kilometers.

Extraordinary nature

For many centuries, nature has shaped the bizarre mountains, whose names fully correspond to their colorfulness. The most famous is the peak of the Nine Horseshoes. On the steep slope of the mountain there are stone semicircular shapes. These shapes remotely resemble the tracks of wild horses. A legend about this place is popular among the locals, which tells about the Monkey King and his nine paradise stallions. One day, the horses left their master and found a wonderful refuge on the banks of the Lijiang River. Here they had the opportunity to frolic and rest. The lord discovered the fugitives quite quickly and turned them to stone for disobedience. A person who has discovered all nine horseshoes is considered to have a remarkable mind and special intelligence.

Tourists to Note

The Li River is enchanting in all seasons and in all weathers. In sunlight, the mountains are reflected in the clear waters of Lijiang, and on cloudy days, they are mysteriously covered in mist. Summer is the rainy season, so it’s best to bring an umbrella and raincoat.

A cruise on the river between Guilin and Yangshuo will be the highlight of a trip to China. There are usually two boats here, which depart at 9-00 and 9-30 am. The duration of the river cruise is 4-5 hours. A variety of cafes and hotels await tourists at the end point of the cruise, the city of Yangshuo. Further exploration of the landscape can be continued on a rented bicycle or moped. If you are going to enjoy the beauty of nature from the ship, remember that in winter, the water level of the Lijiang River drops significantly. Because of this, the duration of the cruise is significantly shortened. This time of year will be ideal for tourists who prefer to enjoy the peace and tranquility of pristine nature.

To familiarize yourself with the peculiarities of the region and the way of life of the indigenous people, you can hike along the river. The most famous trekking route is the section between the villages of Yandi and Xingping. This place is depicted on the Chinese 20 yuan banknote.

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