Yulong River Bamboo Raft Ticket Yangshuo

The Yulong River and its bamboo rafts

The Yulong River is a tributary of the Li River that flows through the countryside west and south of Yangshuo town. It is narrower, shallower and calmer than the Li River, with water so clear you can see the pebbles on the bottom, and it runs between rice paddies, orange groves, small villages and the green limestone peaks that make Guilin's karst world famous. Motorboats are not allowed, so the only sounds are birds, water and the pole of the raftsman.

Each bamboo raft has two simple seats, often with a sunshade, and a raftsman standing at the back who steers and pushes with a long bamboo pole. Life jackets are provided. Along the way the raft passes over low weirs built to hold water for the fields: at each one it tilts and slides down a short drop, and your feet may get wet. It is gentle enough for most travellers and great fun for children.

Jinlong Bridge to Jiuxian Ancient Village

The default ticket covers the upper-river route from Jinlong Bridge to Jiuxian, the most complete section for a longer ride of about 60 to 70 minutes. Jinlong Bridge is an old single-arch stone bridge from the Ming period near Baisha, and the river below it is quiet, with open countryside and fewer rafts than on the lower stretches.

From the bridge you float through clear water past farmland, bamboo groves and villages, crossing about nine traditional weirs, before finishing near Jiuxian Ancient Village, a settlement of old grey-brick houses and narrow lanes at the foot of the karst hills. Is Yulong River bamboo rafting worth it? On this route especially, yes: it is the calmest way to see the countryside of Yangshuo, and having the raft to yourself makes it feel like a private trip.

Other Yulong River routes

If your time is shorter or the upper route is full, the booking panel offers other sections. Jima Wharf to Gongnong Bridge takes about 60 minutes through farmland and bamboo forest towards the Ten-Mile Gallery area, ending at a wharf that is easy to reach from Yangshuo town. Shui'edi Wharf to Gongnong Bridge is a short, photogenic ride of about 30 minutes through bamboo and calm green water, and its tickets sell out quickly.

Xiatang Wharf to Jima Wharf is a quieter middle-river ride of about 30 minutes past farmland and riverside villages, a good choice on busy days. Two round-trip routes, from Lansheng Bridge to the rock known as Camel Crossing the River, and from Xinglong Pier via Dashizhai Dam, return to the same pier and take up to three guests on one raft. All one-way routes end at a different wharf from the start.

How to get to the Yulong River and when to go

How to get to Yulong River wharves: Jinlong Bridge is about half an hour by road north-west of Yangshuo town, and the lower wharves are closer. Transport is not included in this ticket; you can take a taxi or ride-hailing car, or ask us to arrange a private transfer. Allow time for queuing at weekends, on public holidays and in summer, and for the ride back from the finishing wharf to your hotel.

The best time to visit the Yulong River is from April to October, when the banks are green and the water is pleasant; September and October are often the most comfortable. After heavy rain the rafts may stop for safety, and in winter the river is low and calm. Morning rides are usually quieter and cooler than the afternoon.