Two Rivers and Four Lakes 2026: Night Cruise, Walk & How to See It
The Two Rivers and Four Lakes is Guilin's linked water system circled by lit bridges, best seen on a night cruise. Learn the cruise price, the walking route and how to board.
Night cruise around Guilin's historic city-water system (Li River, Peach Blossom River, and the four lakes): luxury boat $29.60/person, about 90 minutes, departing Wenchangqiao or Fisherman's Wharf piers; a Four-Lakes-only route runs $24.60 Sailings every 10-30 minutes, 18:00-23:00 in peak season and 19:00-21:30 off-season. Same-day booking is possible; tickets are real-name registered and you should reach the pier 20 minutes early to exchange for a numbered seat.
The Two Rivers and Four Lakes (两江四湖) is Guilin’s necklace of water: the Li River, the Peach Blossom River and four linked lakes circled by lit bridges, pavilions and the glowing Sun and Moon Pagodas.
Intro: why go
By day it is a pleasant city walk; after dark the system becomes the city’s best free light show, with coloured bridges and reflections on the water. The classic way to see it is a night cruise that threads the lakes and back onto the river, passing the pagodas and the ancient city wall from the water.
Tickets & booking
Walking the lakeside is free at any hour. The night cruise is priced around $25–30 per person for a 50–60 minute loop; verify the current fare, as it shifts by season and boat class. Some boats include the luxury class near $30 with commentary. Book through your hotel or the dock, and carry your passport for the real-name check.
How to get there & in-site route
The lakes wrap the city centre, walkable from Guilin Station and the main hotels. Cruise docks sit along the Li River waterfront; your hotel can point you to the nearest. Board 15–20 minutes before departure, after sunset, for the full lights. The loop returns to the same dock.
Facilities
Docks have seating and ticket counters; boats have basic toilets and open decks. The lakeside paths have benches, cafes and public toilets. The whole circuit is flat and well lit, good for all ages.
Best season & seasonal pros and cons
Spring and autumn evenings are mild and clear, ideal for the cruise. Summer is warm but the breeze helps. Winter nights are cold, so bring a jacket on the open deck. Avoid rainy nights, which dull the reflections.
Tips & scams
The free lakeside walk gives most of the same views without the boat fare. If you cruise, book at the official dock, not through street agents. Agree the class and price before you pay.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a ticket to enjoy the Two Rivers and Four Lakes?
- No. Walking the lakeside path is free at any hour. Only the night cruise is paid, at about $25–30 per person for a 50–60 minute loop.
- When should I take the night cruise?
- Board after sunset so the bridges and pagodas are fully lit. Summer departures are later; winter cruises leave earlier, around 18:00.
- Is the cruise suitable for families?
- Yes. Boats have open decks and basic toilets, and the route is calm water within the city. Bring a jacket, as the evening breeze on the deck can be cool.
Page last reviewed: 2026-10-18. Ticket seasons and crowd seasons are different things — this page states both where they differ.