Yulong River 2026: Bamboo Rafting, Routes & How to Book
The Yulong River is a quiet tributary near Yangshuo where you drift on bamboo rafts between karst peaks. Learn the raft sections, prices and the best way for foreign visitors to ride.
The Yulong River (遇龙河) is a gentle tributary of the Li River near Yangshuo, famous for bamboo-raft drifts between the same karst peaks but without the big cruise boats. It is the most relaxing ride in the whole Guilin area.
Intro: why go
Where the Li River cruise is grand, the Yulong is intimate. You sit low on a bamboo raft, the water is clear enough to see the bottom, and the only sound is the pole and the birds. Old stone bridges arch overhead and water buffalo graze the banks. For many, this slow float beats the four-hour cruise.
Tickets & booking
Rafts run by section and are priced roughly $25–35 for a two-person raft on the classic stretches; verify the fare at the dock, since sections and operators vary. Life jackets are issued and required. Buy your ticket at the section’s wharf or through your guesthouse; in peak season the popular sections sell out, so go early.
How to get there & in-site route
From Yangshuo town, cycle or take an e-bike to a wharf such as Jinlong Bridge or Shui’e Di, about 15–30 minutes out. The raft drifts downstream and a shuttle or your bike retrieval returns you. Budget two to three hours including the transfer and the wait. Some sections are motor-free, which keeps the silence.
Facilities
Wharves have basic toilets and a few drink stalls. Bring water, sun protection and a dry bag for the phone. The raft has little shade, so a hat helps. Card payment is rare at small docks, so carry cash.
Best season & seasonal pros and cons
Spring and autumn are ideal, with warm water and green banks. Summer is hot but the spray cools you; winter is cold and some sections close. The river runs clearest after the spring rains, though high water can pause rafting.
Tips & scams
Use only the official wharf ticket, not roadside touts offering “private rafts.” Keep valuables in a dry bag, and stand only when told. The raft is low, so expect to get a little wet from the pole splash.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a Yulong River bamboo raft cost?
- A raft for two on the classic sections costs roughly $25–35, but confirm the current fare on site, since sections and operators differ. Life jackets are provided.
- Which Yulong section is best?
- The Jinlong Bridge to Jiuxian and the Shui'e Di to Lilong stretches are the favourites, with open karst and old bridges. Avoid the busy stretch near the town if you want calm.
- Can children ride the rafts?
- Usually only children above a certain height are allowed on the motor-free rafts. Check the rule at the dock, as it changes by section and season.
Page last reviewed: 2026-10-18. Ticket seasons and crowd seasons are different things — this page states both where they differ.