Yangshuo is famous for its stunning karst mountain scenery, and exploring it by boat offers a unique window into this breathtaking landscape. Whether you’re drifting along the Li River, climbing Ruyi Peak, or enjoying a combo tour with cooking classes and light shows, Yangshuo’s waterways provide some of the most memorable ways to experience the region. Many travelers love the Li River cruise from Guilin because it captures the essence of the area’s natural beauty, while private tours like the Yangshuo Yulong bamboo boat and cable car give a more personalized adventure. If you’re after an all-in-one day of exploring, the Yangshuo full-day tour with mountain climbing, cooking, and a light show delivers a well-rounded experience. Whatever your style, there’s a boat tour in Yangshuo to suit your interests.
Quick Overview
This list includes a variety of boat cruises and guided tours: from the classic Li River cruise that highlights the famous karst peaks, to private Yangshuo tours that combine boat rides with hikes, cable cars, and cultural experiences. Some tours feature full-day itineraries with activities like cooking classes and light shows, while others focus mainly on the scenic river cruise itself. Check out the full options below to find the perfect way to see Yangshuo from the water.
1. Guilin: Li River Cruise with Transfer to Yangshuo
At number 1, the Guilin: Li River Cruise with Transfer to Yangshuo offers a classic experience perfect for those wanting to see the iconic karst mountains without a complicated itinerary. Starting from Guilin, this 4-hour cruise takes you along the Li River to Yangshuo, a route famous for its towering limestone peaks, bamboo groves, and traditional fishing villages. You can opt for a cozy 3-star boat with a boxed lunch or upgrade to a 4-star cruise with a buffet lunch, making the experience both scenic and comfortable. The boat’s large windows and open decks allow you to soak in the views while relaxing.
This tour is highly ranked with a 4/5 based on 49 reviews, and many travelers appreciate its value for money at $79 per person. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who want a stunning, laid-back cruise with flexible options for departure points—either Guilin or Yangshuo. The self-guided Li River section offers plenty of time for photos and quiet reflection amid the towering peaks.
Bottom line: This tour balances comfort, scenery, and affordability, making it a top pick for first-time visitors and those short on time.
2. 1-Day Tour: Yangshuo Yulong Bamboo Boat and Ruyi Peak Cable Car
At number 2, the Yangshuo Yulong Bamboo Boat and Ruyi Peak Cable Car provides a full day of adventure combining scenic river rides with mountain views. This private tour, with a perfect 5.0/5 rating from one reviewer, begins with a bamboo boat ride through Yangshuo’s tranquil waterways, allowing you to see the rural landscape and lush greenery up close. Afterward, you’ll take the Ruyi Peak cable car, which offers panoramic views of the karst peaks and scenic surroundings. The cable car ride features a glass-bottom skywalk, love-ring bridge, and cliff dwellings, giving you plenty to see during the ascent.
Your guide will also take you to Moon Hill, a well-known landmark, and other local sites, ensuring you experience both nature and culture. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it convenient. With just over five hours, it strikes a balance between sightseeing and relaxation.
Key highlights: Bamboo boat & cable car rides, spectacular mountain views, and visits to Moon Hill and other scenic spots. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a personalized, active day with plenty of photo opportunities.
Bottom line: For those wanting a comprehensive yet flexible day tour, this private experience is hard to beat, especially with its stellar reviews and immersive activities.
$148.74 per person
3. Yangshuo Full Day Tour: Cooking Class, River Boat, Light Show
Ranked number 3, the Yangshuo Full Day Tour is a fantastic option for travelers who want a multifaceted experience. Starting at 9 am, the day includes a Chinese cooking class in a local kitchen, where you pick two dishes from the menu and visit the bustling market to select ingredients. The tour then moves on to a Li River boat ride in Xingping, famous for its immaculate scenery that inspired traditional Chinese paintings. After the boat trip, you’ll ascend Xianggong Mountain via cable car for breathtaking views of the river winding through the peaks.
In the evening, you’ll enjoy the Impression Sanjie Liu Light Show, set outdoors and performed against the backdrop of illuminated hills. This tour is rated 5/5, with visitors praising the friendly guide and the comprehensive experience. The day is packed with culinary, scenic, and cultural highlights, making it ideal for travelers wanting an immersive, full-day adventure.
Bottom line: This tour is perfect for those looking for an active, engaging day with a good mix of food, scenery, and entertainment.
$259.00 per person
4. Guilin: 3-Day Private Tour with Longsheng & Cruise to Yangshuo
Coming in at number 4, the Guilin: 3-Day Private Tour offers a customizable exploration of Guangxi’s highlights. It includes a Leisurely cruise on the Li River to Yangshuo, which is a quieter but equally stunning experience compared to the day trip. The tour covers Longsheng rice terraces, Dazhai/Jinkeng cable cars, and Ping’an hiking, providing a mix of scenic natural beauty and cultural insight. The personalized itinerary ensures you can focus on your interests, whether it’s photography, hiking, or local villages.
Rated 4.5/5 based on two reviews, travelers praise the organization, flexibility, and expert guiding. The tour’s value lies in its ability to combine multiple highlights—cruise, mountain views, and rice terraces—into a single package, making it suitable for travelers wanting a comprehensive Guangxi experience.
Potential drawback: The cost ($328 per person) reflects the private and flexible nature, which may be more than some budget travelers want. Nonetheless, if you value personalized attention and a broad itinerary, this tour fits the bill.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who want a luxury, tailored experience that covers city sights, scenic cruises, and rural landscapes over three days.
5. Enchanting Li River & Beyond: Cruise, Peaks & Panorama
At number 5, the Enchanting Li River & Beyond promises a beautiful cruise combined with mountain ascents and walkways. While details are limited, the highlight appears to be a 4-hour cruise passing iconic landmarks, followed by a cable car ascent to Ruyi Peak for sweeping panoramic views. Guests also walk on glass pathways, adding an element of excitement and a different perspective on the landscape.
This tour is perfect for travelers wanting a combination of boat and mountain experiences, with the added bonus of geological and legend insights from a guide. Because reviews are not listed, it’s best suited for those who enjoy scenic cruises with a side of adventure.
Bottom line: This option caters to those wanting a multi-layered experience with river and mountain highlights, especially if they enjoy walking on glass walkways and learning about local lore.
$293 per person
6. From Guilin: 6-Day Yangtze River Cruise with Excursions
For a more extensive journey, the 6-Day Yangtze River Cruise from Guilin is a luxurious way to see China’s interior. The cruise includes scenic sections on the Li River as part of the broader Yangtze experience, with excursions to Yulong River, Fengdu Ghost City, and War Fires show. Highlights include cruising through the Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge, with bike rides in rice paddies and visits to mountain viewpoints.
Rated 4.8/5, travelers value the comprehensive itinerary and the opportunity to explore multiple regions from a cruise ship. While this is a longer, more expensive option at $1,299 per person, it offers luxury, convenience, and a broad view of China’s river landscapes.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers wanting a luxurious, multi-day river adventure with plenty of sightseeing and cultural stops.
$1,299 per person
7. Guilin: 3-Day Private Tour with Li River Cruise
Finally, the Guilin: 3-Day Private Tour combines relaxing private guides with top-tier experiences like a Li River cruise, Reed Flute Cave exploration, and panoramic hill views. It’s tailored to your interests for three days, with flexibility and personal attention.
Rated 4.8/5, travelers appreciate the organized, personalized approach and the opportunity to see major sights comfortably. This tour is especially good for first-time visitors or those who want to customize their itinerary.
Bottom line: For a comprehensive private experience, this tour offers a great balance of comfort, flexibility, and highlights.
$399 per person
How to Choose Your Boat Tour in Yangshuo
When selecting a boat tour, consider your budget, time constraints, and what experience appeals most. The Li River cruise (like the one detailed in tour #1) is perfect if you want iconic scenery without fuss. If you prefer a more personal and active day, the private Yulong bamboo boat and cable car (#2) is a good choice. For travelers wanting a full-day immersion with food, mountain views, and entertainment, the Yangshuo full-day tour (#3) covers it all.
For a luxury, multi-day experience, the Guilin private tour (#4) or the Yangtze River cruise (#6) offers extensive explorations. Budget travelers may find the 3-day private tour (#7) offers excellent value with its personalized approach.
Best times to book are during the dry season from April to October, and booking early ensures availability, especially for private and high-demand tours.
Final Thoughts
Yangshuo’s boat tours offer a range of ways to enjoy its striking karst landscapes and rural charm. The Guilin Li River cruise (#1) remains a classic, while private options like the Yangshuo Yulong bamboo boat (#2) provide intimacy and flexibility. For those wanting a full-day adventure that mixes sightseeing, food, and entertainment, the Yangshuo full-day tour (#3) delivers a memorable experience. For a longer, all-encompassing journey, the 6-day Yangtze River cruise (#6) offers an extraordinary way to see China’s interior.
Whatever your style, booking early and choosing the right tour for your interests will help you enjoy Yangshuo’s stunning waterways to the fullest. Consider your budget, how much time you want to spend, and whether you prefer cultural, scenic, or active experiences when making your choice. And don’t forget—it’s better to reserve in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot on these popular adventures.