Guilin is famous for its dramatic limestone karst landscapes and winding rivers that carve through the countryside. It’s the kind of scenery that makes a boat tour not just a mode of transport, but a highlight of any visit. Whether you want a luxury cruise with all the bells and whistles or a public boat ride that immerses you in local life, Guilin has options for every traveler. We particularly love the private Li River cruise that combines comfort with insider commentary and the chance to explore Yangshuo’s vibrant streets (link). It’s a great way to see the landscape slowly unfold.
For those pressed for time, the 1-Day Guilin Tour to Reed Flute Cave, Xianggong Hill, Bamboo Boat and Night Show (link) offers a well-rounded taste of Guilin’s highlights. If you prefer an adventure-focused day, the Li River Bamboo boat Cruise & Yangshuo Village (link) combines a scenic boat ride with a leisurely bike ride through quaint villages. Whichever style appeals most, this list is designed to help you pick the right boat experience based on your interests, schedule, and budget.
1. 1 Day Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo with Private Guide & Driver
At number 1, this private full-day tour offers a seamless way to enjoy the most iconic part of Guilin’s scenery. Starting with a pickup from your hotel around 8:30 am, you’ll drive to Zhujiang Dock to board a luxury cruise that lasts around four hours. The cruise features informative onboard commentary and a Chinese buffet lunch as you float past jaw-dropping limestone peaks. The highlight is arriving in Yangshuo, where you can explore West Street, soak in the atmosphere, and then be transferred back to Guilin.
Guests consistently praise this tour for its personalized service and stunning scenery. The guide will help you capture the best photos of the karst landscapes, and the leisurely pace makes it ideal for travelers wanting a relaxed yet immersive experience. The combination of a private guide, scenic cruise, and time in Yangshuo makes it a top choice for those who value comfort and insider knowledge. The price is $219 per person, which is a fair deal considering the full-day private service.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a luxurious, private experience that combines scenic cruising with a guided tour of Yangshuo’s countryside.
2. 1-Day Guilin Tour to Reed Flute Cave, Xianggong Hill, Bamboo Boat and Night Show
At number 2, this comprehensive day trip is ideal for those who want to cover a lot in one day. Starting early, you’ll visit the Reed Flute Cave, a spectacular limestone cavern filled with stalagmites and stalactites. Next, you’ll head to Xianggong Hill for panoramic views of the Lijiang River, where photographers love to capture the winding waterway. After lunch, enjoy a bamboo raft cruise along Xingping River, providing a peaceful yet scenic float. The day ends with the Liu San Jie Impression Light Show, a spectacular outdoor performance set against Guilin’s hills.
This tour has excellent reviews for its well-paced itinerary and clear guide service. It’s perfect for travelers with limited time who want a full taste of Guilin’s natural beauty and cultural highlights. The price is just under $90 per person, making it a budget-friendly option that offers high value given the variety of sites visited.
Bottom Line: A great choice if you want diverse scenery and cultural highlights in one organized day without sacrificing comfort.
3. Private day tour :Guilin-LiRiver bamboo boat-Yangshuo Highlights
Number 3 on our list is a personalized tour that focuses on the scenic beauty of the Li River and nearby attractions. Starting with a pickup from your hotel, you’ll visit the Reed Flute Cave, then head to Daxu Ancient Town for a glimpse of local history. The highlight is the Li River bamboo rafting, which offers an authentic experience of drifting through the landscape. The tour wraps up with a visit to Impression Sanjie Liu, a famous outdoor performance.
Guests love this tour for its flexibility and the chance to ask questions. The guide’s local knowledge makes it easy to customize your day, and the bamboo boat ride provides a peaceful way to see the karst scenery close-up. The price is $135 per group, making it an affordable private option.
Bottom Line: Ideal if you want a personalized, flexible day exploring Guilin’s caves, ancient towns, and river scenery.
4. 3-Day Private Guilin Tour with Li River Cruise and Yangshuo
Number 4 features a comprehensive three-day experience that covers Guilin’s highlights at a relaxed pace. You’ll visit caves, parks, and iconic landmarks like Elephant Trunk Hill and Fubo Hill. The centerpiece is a scenic cruise along the Li River, ending in Yangshuo, where you’ll explore the local markets and countryside. The tour includes private guiding, transport, and flexible scheduling.
This tour is perfect for travelers who want to immerse themselves fully. Reviewers appreciate the detailed itinerary and attentive guides. The trip costs $629 per person, which offers great value considering the private service and multiple activities included.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers wanting a comprehensive, multi-day experience with flexible options and in-depth exploration.
5. 1 Day Private Tour: Li River Cruise from Guilin & Yangshuo Biking
Number 5 combines the scenic Li River cruise with a biking adventure in Yangshuo. Starting with hotel pickup, you’ll enjoy the 4-hour river cruise, taking in karst peaks and rice paddies. Afterward, you’ll disembark in Yangshuo to explore on a bicycle or e-bike, riding through villages, bamboo groves, and scenic farmland. The tour includes a simple onboard lunch and a walking tour in Yangshuo.
This tour is praised for its balance of boat and land experiences. Reviewers mention the friendly guide and the fun biking route as highlights. It’s priced at $172 per person, offering great value for those wanting both boat and active exploration.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want an active day combining scenic cruising with rural biking.
6. Private Day Tour of Yangshuo Xianggong Mountain and Yulong Bamboo Boat
Number 6 offers a personalized exploration of Yangshuo’s countryside with Xianggong Mountain for panoramic views and a bamboo raft cruise on the Yulong River. The flexible itinerary allows you to ask questions and enjoy the scenery at your pace. The entrance to Xianggong Mountain and bamboo boat cruise are included, making it a cost-effective option at $125.66 per person.
Guests love the customized experience and beautiful landscapes. The tour provides a peaceful alternative to busier guided outings, perfect for those wanting a relaxed day in nature.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking a personalized, scenic escape from Guilin’s urban areas.
How to Choose Your Guilin Boat Tour
When selecting the right boat tour or cruise in Guilin, consider your budget, schedule, and interests. If you prefer a luxurious, private experience, the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo (link) is hard to beat. For a quick yet complete overview, the 1-Day Guilin Tour to Reed Flute Cave and Light Show (link) offers excellent value.
If you’re interested in active exploration, pairing the Li River cruise with biking (link) is perfect. For those wanting a multi-day immersion, the 3-Day Guilin Highlights tour (link) is ideal.
Finally, remember to book early during peak seasons (spring and fall), and tailor your choice to whether you prioritize comfort, adventure, or culture.
Guilin’s boat tours cover an impressive range—from private luxury cruises to short guided day trips. Whether you want a romantic glide down the Li River, a family-friendly adventure, or an immersive multi-day experience, there’s a tour tailored for you. For most travelers, combining a scenic cruise with a local walk or bike ride offers the best balance of comfort and authenticity.
No matter which you choose, these experiences are your ticket to witnessing one of China’s most iconic landscapes. Be sure to reserve your spot early, especially for popular tours like the Li River cruise, to avoid missing out on this unforgettable scenery.