The Lijiang River, located in the northeast of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, stretches for about 164 kilometers. Originating from Mao’er Mountain in Xing’an County, it flows through Guilin and Yangshuo before merging into the Gui River. Known as “a hundred-mile gallery,” the Lijiang River Scenic Area is one of China’s most famous tourist destinations, celebrated worldwide for its stunning karst mountains, crystal-clear waters, lush bamboo groves, caves, and idyllic countryside.
A Natural Gallery of Mountains and Waters
The beauty of the Lijiang River lies in the perfect harmony between mountains and water. The peaks along the riverbanks are of every imaginable shape—towering, steep, and uniquely sculpted by millions of years of water erosion and wind. The most enchanting stretch runs from Guilin to Yangshuo, a distance of around 83 kilometers, often hailed as “one of the most beautiful rivers in the world.”
A cruise along the river from Mopanshan Pier to Yangshuo is the quintessential experience. The water mirrors the sky and mountains, and mist lingers among the peaks, creating a dreamlike scene. Notable sights along the way include Elephant Trunk Hill, Cockfighting Hills, Nine Horses Fresco Hill, Yellow Cloth Reflection, and Xingping Scenery. Among them, Nine Horses Fresco Hill is particularly famous—the natural patterns on its cliffs resemble galloping horses, vivid and full of mystery.
The river’s water is crystal clear, reflecting the blue sky, white clouds, and green peaks like a mirror. After the rain, mists rise among the mountains and float over the river, turning the landscape into a living Chinese ink painting.
Harmony Between Humanity and Nature
The charm of the Lijiang River also comes from the way human life blends seamlessly with the natural landscape. Villages along the riverbanks are tranquil and picturesque. White-walled, grey-tiled houses nestle among bamboo groves and rice paddies. In the early morning, fishing boats dot the water, and elderly fishermen with their trained cormorants paddle along the misty river—a scene that has remained unchanged for centuries.
Xingping Ancient Town is one of the most representative villages along the Lijiang. It is surrounded by mountains and water, with winding stone alleys and traditional Ming and Qing-style houses. Strolling along the river, one hears the murmuring water and feels the gentle breeze—simple and peaceful, yet deeply poetic.
Further downstream, the Yulong River—often called the “jade ribbon” of the Lijiang—offers an even quieter beauty. Compared with the grandeur of the Lijiang, the Yulong River is serene and tender. Floating on a bamboo raft, one sees water buffalo wading in the shallows and distant peaks reflected in the still water, a picture of rustic tranquility.
A Cultural and Poetic Symbol
For centuries, the Lijiang River has inspired countless poets and scholars. In the Tang Dynasty, Han Yu praised Guilin as “the river flows like a green silk belt, the mountains resemble jade hairpins.” In the Song Dynasty, Wang Zhenggong declared, “The landscape of Guilin is the best under heaven.” Ming Dynasty traveler Xu Xiake wrote with admiration, “Green waters wind around emerald hills; mountains float on water—everywhere is a scene of wonder.”
The Lijiang River is not just a natural wonder but a symbol of Chinese aesthetics. The traditional composition of Chinese landscape painting—with distant peaks, misty waters, and layered perspectives—originates from scenery like this. Its gentle curves and flowing spirit embody the Taoist philosophy of harmony between humanity and nature.
Today, the Lijiang continues to inspire artists and photographers. Its image even graces the back of China’s 20-yuan banknote, a national symbol of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Ecological Protection and Sustainable Tourism
As tourism flourished, environmental protection became crucial to preserving the river’s purity. In recent years, the Guilin government has implemented strict ecological conservation policies under the principle of “Protect the Lijiang, Protect Our Mountains and Waters.” Polluting boats have been phased out, electric vessels promoted, and waste discharge strictly controlled to keep the river pristine. Reforestation projects along the riverbanks also help preserve the fragile karst ecosystem.
Moreover, Guilin has embraced a model of eco-tourism that integrates culture, art, and leisure. Activities such as night cruises, hiking along ancient river trails, and staying in countryside homestays offer visitors new ways to experience the Lijiang’s natural charm while supporting local communities.
A Treasure of the World
The Lijiang River belongs not only to China but also to the world. Its unique karst formations and deep cultural significance have earned it global recognition. In 2014, the Karst landscapes of Guilin were included in UNESCO’s World Natural Heritage list, marking the Lijiang as an international symbol of natural beauty.
The river represents the wisdom of coexistence between humans and nature. It has no towering snow peaks or roaring waterfalls, yet its gentle grace and quiet power evoke a deep sense of peace. The Lijiang’s beauty lies not in grandeur, but in subtlety—not in noise, but in serenity.
The Lijiang River is a living poem, a flowing painting. With its mountains as bones and waters as spirit, it expresses the purest form of natural art. Drifting along the river on a bamboo raft, one feels time slow down—the world reflected in still waters, white egrets soaring through the mist, and the soul cleansed by tranquility.
As one poet beautifully said, “Every drop of the Lijiang’s water mirrors a mountain’s shadow; every breeze carries the breath of poetry.” That is the charm of the Lijiang—moving, timeless, and eternally serene.
