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Li River

The Li River (Lijiang) is a scenic river in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of southern China, celebrated for its stunning karst topography, verdant hills, and tranquil waters that have inspired poets and artists for centuries. Originating from the southern slopes of Yuechengling Mountain in the Mao'er Mountains at an elevation of about 1,732 meters, near the junction of Xing'an and Ziyuan counties, it flows southward for approximately 164 kilometers as the upper reaches of the Gui River, a tributary of the Pearl River system.^[1]^[2] The river passes through the city of Guilin and the town of Yangshuo, where its most iconic 83-kilometer stretch features dramatic limestone peaks, caves, and bamboo groves, before merging with the Lipu and Gongcheng rivers near Pingle County to form the broader Gui River.^[1]^[3] Renowned as one of China's most picturesque waterways, the Li River's landscape exemplifies classic karst landforms shaped by millions of years of erosion, including towering peaks, deep ravines, and underground caves such as the Reed Flute Cave and Seven-Star Park.^[3] This unique geology, combined with the river's clear waters and surrounding subtropical vegetation, has earned it designations as a national key scenic spot since 1982 and one of 13 rivers under national protection in 1996, with the Guilin-Yangshuo section rated as an AAAAA-level tourist attraction.^[1] The landscape forms part of the South China Karst, a UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed in 2007 due to its outstanding natural beauty and biodiversity, hosting diverse flora and fauna amid the karst ecosystem.^[3] Historically, the Li River—known in ancient times as Guishui or Dongjiang—has been a vital artery for transportation, trade, and cultural exchange since the Qin Dynasty, when the nearby Lingqu Canal was constructed to link it with the Yangtze River basin.^[3] Its fame dates back to the Southern Song Dynasty, immortalized in the proverb "Guilin's mountains and waters are the finest under heaven," and it continues to draw millions of visitors annually for bamboo raft rides, luxury cruises, and hikes, boosting the local economy while emphasizing sustainable tourism practices.^[1] Ecologically, ongoing conservation efforts focus on pollution control and habitat restoration to preserve its pristine environment amid growing tourism pressures.^[4]

Geography

Course and Source

The Li River originates in the Mao'er Mountains of Xing'an County, in northeastern Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, where the peak elevation reaches 2,141.5 meters above sea level. The river's source lies on the southern slopes of the Yuechengling ridge at the junction of Xing'an and Ziyuan counties, emerging at an altitude of approximately 1,732 meters within the mountain range bounded by coordinates 25°48' to 25°58'N and 110°20' to 110°35'E. This highland origin marks the beginning of the river's southward flow through karst-dominated terrain in the region. Stretching 164 kilometers in total, the Li River traverses from its headwaters in Xing'an County southward, meandering through Lingchuan and Guilin cities before reaching Yangshuo County and ultimately converging with the Gui River at Pingle County. Along this course, it passes notable urban and scenic areas, including the city of Guilin and the town of Yangshuo, shaping the cultural and economic landscape of northeastern Guangxi. The river exhibits a modest descent profile over its length, dropping from around 150 meters above sea level near Guilin to approximately 110 meters at Yangshuo, contributing to its gentle gradient and navigability in the lower reaches. As the upper course of the Gui River, the Li River forms an integral part of the broader Xijiang system within the Pearl River basin.

Hydrology and Basin

The Li River, originating in the Mao'er Mountains of northeastern Guangxi, drains a basin of approximately 12,285 km² before integrating into the larger Xijiang River system of the Pearl River basin.^[5] This karst-dominated catchment captures subtropical monsoon precipitation, contributing to the river's role as a key hydrological feature in southern China. The basin's integration occurs as the Li River converges with the Lipu River and Gongcheng River at Pingle County, forming the Gui River, which ultimately feeds into the Pearl River network.^[6] Hydrological measurements at the Guilin gauging station indicate an average discharge of 128 m³/s, with significant seasonal variations driven by the East Asian monsoon. During the wet season (April to July), flows can surge due to intense rainfall, often leading to 2–3 major floods annually, particularly in May and June, with peak discharges exceeding 3,000 m³/s in extreme events. In contrast, dry season flows drop below 60 m³/s, reflecting reduced precipitation and higher evaporation rates in the karst terrain.^[6]^[7] Major tributaries, such as the Taohua River (joining near Guilin), Liangfeng River, and Chaotian River (confluencing upstream of Guilin), augment the main stem's flow, while the Lipu River (from the southwest) and Gongcheng River (from the east) meet at Pingle to expand the downstream channel. Upstream reservoirs, including the Qingyuntan Reservoir, regulate these inflows by storing water during wet periods and releasing it to mitigate floods, thereby stabilizing flow patterns and reducing peak discharges by up to 20% in controlled scenarios.^[6]^[6] Water quality in the basin is generally high, classified under China's Class II standards for surface water, but exhibits spatial and seasonal variations influenced by urban runoff, agricultural non-point sources, and reservoir operations. Key metrics from 2012–2018 monitoring at sites like Dahe, Mopanshan, and Yangshuo show permanganate index (CODMn) averaging below 2 mg/L with a declining trend; total nitrogen (TN) and phosphorus (TP) levels increasing downstream due to tributary inputs; dissolved oxygen (DO) exceeding 6.8 mg/L for 75% of the time, though dipping in urban reaches; and pH ranging from 7.0 to 8.5, indicating weakly alkaline conditions that intensify toward Yangshuo. Wet season dilution improves overall quality, while dry periods concentrate pollutants, underscoring the need for ongoing basin management. As of 2024, ongoing ecological protection efforts have further improved water quality compared to previous years.^[8]^[9]

Geology and Landscape

Geological Formation

The geological foundation of the Li River valley was established during the Devonian period, approximately 419 to 358 million years ago, when the region formed part of a shallow marine environment within ancient seas of the South China Block. Thick limestone deposits, reaching up to 3,000 meters in succession from the Upper Devonian to Lower Carboniferous, accumulated as cyclic peritidal strata in these tropical shelf settings, comprising the primary carbonate bedrock that underlies the area. Evidence of early dissolution features, such as palaeokarst surfaces with dissolution pits and pipes filled by marine sediments, indicates initial karstic processes linked to sea-level fluctuations at the Frasnian-Famennian boundary.^[10]^[11] Tectonic activity profoundly shaped these deposits through the Phanerozoic eon, as the South China Block underwent multiple deformation phases, including Paleozoic collisions with adjacent cratons that caused folding of the massive Devonian limestones. Differential tectonic movements during the Mesozoic and Cenozoic further fractured the bedrock, with intermittent uplift since the early Cenozoic—driven by far-field stresses from the India-Eurasia collision—elevating the region and creating contrasting hydrogeological conditions that facilitated localized fracturing and structural variability. Neo-tectonic uplift in the Quaternary period dissected the karst terrains, promoting the evolution of the river valley's topography.^[12]^[13]^[14] Dissolution processes, initiated in the late Paleozoic and accelerating over millions of years, have been central to the valley's geological development, as slightly acidic rainwater and allogenic river waters selectively eroded the soluble limestone in a humid subtropical climate. This chemical weathering, enhanced by tropical vegetation and abundant precipitation since the Permian, progressively hollowed and sculpted the fractured bedrock, transitioning from initial subterranean karstification to surface landform maturation. The overall timeline reflects a progression through geological epochs: deposition in the Devonian, folding and early karst in the Permian-Triassic, Mesozoic stability with minor tectonics, and dominant Cenozoic-Quaternary uplift and dissolution that defined the modern valley configuration.^[12]^[15]

Karst Features

The karst landscape of the Li River, particularly along its course through Guilin and Yangshuo in Guangxi Province, China, exemplifies the classic fengcong and fenglin formations typical of tropical karst systems. Fengcong karst consists of clustered conical hills rising 100–300 meters above the surrounding terrain, often interconnected and separated by deep dolines, while fenglin karst features isolated tower-like peaks emerging abruptly from alluvial plains, with heights ranging from 30–80 meters and occasionally up to 300 meters near transitional zones. These formations dominate the river's scenic corridor, where fengcong prevails upstream near Guilin and fenglin becomes more prominent downstream in the Yangshuo area, covering approximately equal proportions of the karst terrain.^[16]^[17] Key geological elements shaping this topography include soluble limestone hills derived primarily from Devonian and Carboniferous strata, which are highly susceptible to dissolution under humid conditions. Sinkholes, or dolines, are abundant in fengcong areas, forming enclosed depressions that collect surface water and facilitate underground drainage through extensive cave networks, such as the 14-kilometer Guanyan cave system along the river basin. This subterranean hydrology diverts much of the river's flow, with cave streams exhibiting discharge rates of 0.3–8.0 cubic meters per second, underscoring the integrated surface-subsurface karst dynamics. In the Yangshuo region, the fenglin towers exhibit a notable density, with representative clusters illustrating up to hundreds of peaks across limited alluvial flats, enhancing the river's dramatic vertical relief averaging 180 meters.^[16]^[17] The ongoing evolution of these features is profoundly influenced by the region's tropical-subtropical monsoon climate, characterized by annual precipitation of 1,500–2,000 millimeters and mean temperatures of 18–19°C, which accelerate chemical dissolution and mechanical erosion. Erosion rates in the Li River karst average 50–120 millimeters per thousand years, driven by high rainfall intensity during the May-to-October wet season and compounded by historical tectonic uplift. This climatic regime sustains active landscape sculpting, transitioning fengcong clusters into mature fenglin towers over geological timescales.^[16]^[17]

History

Ancient Development

The Lingqu Canal, a monumental engineering feat of ancient China, was constructed in 214 BC under the orders of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty, to connect the upper reaches of the Xiang River in the Yangtze River basin with the Li River in the Pearl River basin.^[18] Designed by the engineer Shi Lu, who mobilized approximately 100,000 soldiers for the project, the canal facilitated the Qin Empire's military campaigns against the Baiyue peoples in the Lingnan region by providing a vital waterway for troop and supply transport.^[19] This cross-basin linkage marked one of the earliest large-scale hydraulic projects in Chinese history, demonstrating advanced contour canal techniques that followed the natural terrain to minimize excavation.^[20] Spanning approximately 36 kilometers, the Lingqu Canal incorporated sophisticated features, including a main channel divided into northern and southern sections, with the southern portion measuring about 33 kilometers and featuring four distinct segments to navigate the hilly landscape.^[21] Key engineering elements included 36 lock gates—recognized as precursors to modern ship locks—and a series of spillways and sluices to regulate water flow and prevent flooding, enabling safe navigation for boats across varying elevations.^[22] By integrating with overland routes, the canal supported a comprehensive 2,000-kilometer waterway system that extended from central China to the Pearl River Delta, revolutionizing logistics.^[23] The canal played a pivotal role in ancient trade and military logistics, allowing the efficient movement of grain, troops, and goods between the Yangtze and Pearl River systems, which bolstered the Qin conquest of southern territories and later sustained economic exchanges during subsequent dynasties.^[18] This infrastructure not only secured imperial control over Lingnan but also promoted regional integration by facilitating the transport of resources like timber and metals southward.^[20]

Modern Infrastructure

Following the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949, numerous small hydropower stations were constructed across Guangxi Province, including in the Li River basin, to harness the region's abundant water resources for electricity generation and initial flow regulation. By the late 1970s, the number of small hydropower stations nationwide had surged to nearly 90,000, with many in southern basins like the Li River contributing to local power needs and modest seasonal flow stabilization through storage and release operations.^[24] In the Li River basin specifically, the Qingshitan Reservoir, built on an upper tributary, has served as a key facility for regulating downstream flows, mitigating dry-season shortages, and supporting water supply since its operational start in the mid-20th century, with optimized operations reducing flood peaks by up to 20% during high-water events.^[25] Cruise infrastructure along the Li River began developing in the 1980s as part of China's opening to tourism, with organized boat services from Guilin to Yangshuo established to navigate the 83-kilometer scenic route through karst landscapes. Initial fleets consisted of basic wooden and steel-hulled vessels accommodating 50-100 passengers each, evolving by the 1990s into standardized 3- and 4-star cruises departing from Mopanshan or Zhujiang piers in Guilin, with voyages lasting about 4 hours and capacities reaching 120 seats on larger boats to handle growing visitor volumes.^[26] These routes, now operating daily, incorporate docking facilities at Yangshuo's ports for seamless transfers, enhancing river accessibility while adhering to capacity limits to preserve navigational safety.^[27] Road and bridge networks expanded significantly in the early 2000s to improve land access parallel to the river, exemplified by the 67-kilometer Guilin-Yangshuo Expressway, a build-operate-transfer project completed in 2008 that connects Guilin Municipality to Yangshuo County via elevated sections and tunnels through karst terrain. This expressway, featuring multiple bridges over tributaries and the main channel, reduced travel time from over 2 hours to under 1 hour, facilitating efficient transport of goods and visitors without direct river interference.^[28] Post-2010 flood control measures have focused on resilient infrastructure to counter increasing rainfall intensity, with the Guangxi Li River Comprehensive Ecological Management and Demonstration Project—initiated in 2020 and supported by the Asian Development Bank—constructing 68 kilometers of embankments along the Li River and tributaries like the Chaoyang and Liangfeng Rivers, designed for 100-year return period floods and incorporating 17-42% buffers for projected climate-induced flow increases. Additional enhancements include sponge city features, such as 170,000 square meters of permeable surfaces and green retention fields covering 165 hectares in areas like Yangshuo and Lingui District, which absorb excess runoff and regulate peak discharges by up to 18%.^[6] While no major new water diversion projects specific to the Li River have been implemented post-2010, upstream reservoir operations continue to support indirect diversion for regional supply, building on the enduring connectivity provided by the ancient Lingqu Canal system.^[29]

Ecology and Biodiversity

Flora and Fauna

The Li River's subtropical environment fosters a rich array of vegetation dominated by lush bamboo forests that line the riverbanks and karst hills, providing essential habitat and contributing to soil stabilization in the region's humid climate.^[30] Ferns thrive in the shaded understory and epiphytic niches of the karst landscape, with species adapted to the high humidity and limestone soils, enhancing the area's biodiversity through their role in nutrient cycling.^[31] Endemic karst flora, such as specialized orchids and mosses, further diversify the ecosystem, uniquely suited to the rocky microhabitats formed by the river's surrounding geology.^[32] The riverine and karst habitats of the Li River support a diverse fauna, including 185 fish species that inhabit its clear waters and connected cave systems, many of which exhibit adaptations like reduced pigmentation for subterranean life.^[33] Notable among these are endemic cave-dwelling fish of the genus Sinocyclocheilus, such as S. guilinensis, which have evolved eyeless forms and heightened sensory capabilities to navigate the dark, oxygen-poor underground rivers linked to the Li basin.^[34] Avian life is prominent, with waterbirds such as great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) and little egrets (Egretta garzetta) commonly observed diving and wading in the river's flow, utilizing the karst pinnacles for nesting.^[35] These species engage in seasonal migrations, with egrets moving along the river corridor during wet seasons to exploit abundant prey, while the karst caves harbor endemic invertebrates like troglobitic millipedes and pseudoscorpions, isolated in their subterranean refugia.^[36] Recent restoration efforts as of April 2025 have led to the return of rare species such as the glossy ibis, indicating improved habitat conditions.^[37] This assemblage underscores the Li River's role as a vital corridor for both resident and transient wildlife adapted to its dynamic aquatic and terrestrial interfaces.

Conservation Status

The Li River Scenic Area, designated a national key scenic spot in 1982, is integrated into the Guilin Lijiang National Park as part of China's national park pilot program in the late 2010s. The region gained international recognition as part of the South China Karst, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2007, with the Guilin Karst component—including the Li River—added in 2014 for its outstanding examples of tower and cone karst formations. Additionally, the Huixian Karst Wetlands, located along the Liangfeng River (a key tributary of the Li River), was designated a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance on 28 October 2022, highlighting the area's role in supporting karst hydrology and biodiversity conservation. Key threats to the river's ecological health include water pollution from tourism and agricultural activities, which introduce nutrients, organic waste, and heavy metals into the waterway. Tourism contributes through boat traffic, sewage discharge, and litter, while agriculture adds runoff from fertilizers and pesticides, leading to eutrophication and sediment loading. Studies have detected elevated levels of heavy metals such as manganese (Mn, average 0.12 mg/L), zinc (Zn, average 0.05 mg/L), and arsenic (As, average 0.003 mg/L) in surface waters, often exceeding natural background values and posing risks to aquatic life, though concentrations remain below national Class II surface water standards in most monitored sections. These pollutants have degraded water quality, particularly in upstream and midstream areas near Guilin, affecting the habitat for endemic species like cave fish that rely on clear, stable river conditions. Restoration efforts have intensified since the mid-2010s to mitigate these threats and enhance ecological resilience. The Guangxi Li River Comprehensive Ecological Management Project, initiated in 2019 with support from the Asian Development Bank, focuses on riverbank stabilization, wastewater treatment, and habitat rehabilitation across 10 subprojects along the basin. Reforestation initiatives under China's national ecological programs, including expansions of the Grain-for-Green Project since 2015, have contributed to overall ecological improvements in the Li River Basin, with remote sensing data showing enhanced vegetation health and reduced vulnerability to pollution in over 60% of the basin as of 2020. These measures have led to measurable improvements in remote sensing-based ecological indices.

Human Interactions

Tourism and Economy

The Li River serves as a cornerstone of tourism in Guilin, attracting millions of visitors annually who seek its serene waterways and dramatic landscapes. Since recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, annual visitor numbers to the Guilin area, where the Li River is the primary draw, have exceeded 100 million, with domestic tourists alone reaching approximately 139 million in 2023. This surge underscores the river's enduring appeal as a premier destination in China.^[38] In 2024, domestic tourism in China grew by nearly 15% year-on-year, continuing the recovery trend in Guilin.^[39] Key tourist activities along the Li River include the iconic 83-kilometer cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, which originated in the 1970s and has since become a signature experience, ferrying passengers through picturesque valleys over four to five hours. Complementing the larger vessels, bamboo rafting offers a more intimate adventure, allowing visitors to glide quietly on motorized or traditional-style rafts past rural scenes and limestone formations, particularly popular in sections like Yangdi to Xingping. These cruises and rafting trips, upgraded with modern amenities while preserving traditional elements, generate substantial revenues, with Guilin's overall tourism income surpassing 170 billion RMB in 2023, of which river-based activities form a critical portion.^[40]^[41]^[42]^[43] Tourism centered on the Li River drives significant economic multipliers in the region, particularly through job creation in hospitality and related sectors. The industry supports thousands of positions in hotels, guiding services, and local eateries, fostering employment growth amid Guilin's push for sustainable development. Overall, tourism makes a significant contribution to Guilin's local GDP, bolstering infrastructure and community livelihoods while leveraging the river's scenic karst backdrops to enhance visitor experiences.^[44]^[45] In recent years, post-COVID recovery efforts have emphasized eco-tourism promotions along the Li River, with initiatives in 2023 focusing on ecological protection and green infrastructure to ensure long-term viability. These developments include enhanced river basin management and low-carbon facilities, aligning tourism growth with environmental conservation to attract responsible travelers.^[46]

Cultural Significance

The Li River holds profound symbolic importance in Chinese culture, most notably depicted on the reverse side of the 20 yuan banknote introduced by the People's Bank of China in 1999, featuring the iconic landscape near Xingping that captures the river's karst peaks and serene waters as a representation of the nation's natural splendor. This imagery underscores the river's status as an emblem of harmonious beauty between humanity and nature, evoking timeless ideals of aesthetic perfection in Chinese philosophy.^[47] The river has long inspired Chinese literature, appearing in Tang Dynasty poetry that celebrates its ethereal scenery. For instance, the poet Han Yu (768–824) famously described it as "a green gauze belt" winding through "jade hairpin" mountains, encapsulating the awe-inspiring fusion of water and stone that defines classical Chinese verse.^[15] In modern literature, the Li River continues to serve as a muse for writers and artists, symbolizing introspection and the sublime, as seen in contemporary works that draw on its landscapes to explore themes of transience and environmental harmony.^[48] Traditional practices along the Li River further highlight its cultural depth, particularly cormorant fishing, an ancient technique dating back over a thousand years where trained birds dive for fish under lantern light at night, reflecting a symbiotic bond between humans and nature that is now recognized as a key element of southern China's intangible cultural heritage.^[49] This ritualistic method, once essential for local livelihoods, embodies folklore and ingenuity, though it faces decline in the modern era.^[50] Festivals centered on the river banks amplify its role in communal traditions, such as the Guilin Lantern Festival, held during the Mid-Autumn Festival, where thousands of glowing lanterns are released onto the waters, symbolizing wishes for prosperity and unity while illuminating the karst silhouettes in a spectacle of light and reflection.^[51] These events foster cultural continuity, with tourism efforts aiding in the preservation of such practices amid evolving lifestyles.^[52]

Notable Sites

Natural Landmarks

The Li River in Guangxi Province, China, is renowned for its dramatic karst landscapes, where soluble limestone has been eroded over millions of years to form towering peaks, caves, and cliffs that create a surreal, otherworldly scenery.^[10] These natural landmarks, shaped by geological processes spanning hundreds of millions of years, draw visitors for their unique formations visible along the river's 83-kilometer stretch from Guilin to Yangshuo. One of the most iconic features is Elephant Trunk Hill, a karst pinnacle located at the confluence of the Li River and the Taohua (Peach Blossom) River in Guilin city. Rising 55 meters above the water, this 108-meter-long and 100-meter-wide formation resembles a massive elephant extending its trunk to drink from the river, earning it the status as Guilin's official symbol.^[53] The hill, dating back approximately 360 million years to the Devonian period, features the Water Moon Cave arching through its base like an elephant's eye, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and waters.^[54] Further enhancing the river's subterranean wonders is the Reed Flute Cave, a natural limestone cavern situated about 5 kilometers northwest of Guilin in the Guangming Mountains. Stretching approximately 240 meters long, with a tour route of about 500 meters and a maximum ceiling height of 18 meters, the cave is adorned with an array of stalactites, stalagmites, stone pillars, and curtains formed over millennia through mineral-rich water dripping and evaporation.^[55] Multicolored lighting illuminates these formations, highlighting shapes that evoke mythical scenes such as crystal palaces and forest mazes, making it a prime example of the region's karst cave systems.^[56] Along the river's midsection near Xingping, the Nine-Horse Fresco Cliff stands as a striking natural artwork on the western bank. This 400-meter-high and 200-meter-wide cliff face bears mineral-stained rock patterns that, from certain angles, vividly resemble nine galloping horses in a dynamic fresco, a phenomenon created by natural weathering and erosion of the limestone.^[57] Visible during river cruises, the formation has inspired legends of imperial examinations where only the wise could discern all nine horses, underscoring its cultural allure rooted in geological artistry.^[58] The scenic bend near Xingping Ancient Town exemplifies the Li River's photogenic karst vistas, where the river curves gracefully between jagged peaks and lush valleys, a view immortalized on the reverse of China's 20-yuan banknote since 1999.^[59] This S-shaped meander, framed by symmetrical tower karsts rising sharply from the water, captures the essence of the area's fenglin (tower) karst topography, providing one of the most photographed panoramas along the waterway.

Historical Attractions

The Lingqu Canal, constructed in 214 B.C. under Emperor Qin Shi Huang of the Qin Dynasty, represents one of ancient China's most remarkable engineering feats, linking the Xiang River basin to the Li River system through a 36-kilometer channel that facilitated military campaigns and irrigation in southern regions.^[60] This cross-basin waterway features innovative sluices and dikes from the Qin era, designed to regulate water flow between the Yangtze and Pearl River systems, and remains functional today for irrigation and navigation, underscoring its enduring hydraulic ingenuity.^[20] As a UNESCO World Heritage tentative site within the Lijiang River Scenic Zone, the canal highlights the Qin period's advanced engineering context, which transformed the Li River area into a vital corridor for trade and settlement.^[60] Seven Star Park in Guilin, established as a scenic and cultural site during the Sui (581–618 C.E.) and Tang (618–907 C.E.) dynasties, encompasses ancient structures that reflect the region's early Buddhist and architectural heritage along the Li River.^[61] Key features include the Flower Bridge, an arched stone structure originally built in the Song Dynasty (960–1279) and renovated in later periods, symbolizing the area's poetic landscape traditions.^[62] The park's Seven Star Cave contains stone carvings and inscriptions dating to the Tang Dynasty, with over 250 etchings that illustrate historical pilgrimages and artistic expressions tied to the nearby Li River.^[63] These elements, integrated into the urban fabric of Guilin, have drawn visitors since the Tang era, preserving a blend of natural karst formations and human-crafted relics.^[61] Folded Brocade Hill, located on the western bank of the Li River in northern Guilin, features restored pavilions that offer elevated vantage points and embody centuries of imperial landscaping.^[64] The Wind Cave within the hill houses nearly 100 Buddha images and over 200 stone carvings from the Tang (618–907) and Song (960–1279) dynasties, evidencing its role as a spiritual site during these periods.^[64] Prominent structures include the Folded Brocade Pavilion on Bright Moon Peak and the Cloud-Catching Pavilion, which provide panoramic views of the Li River and surrounding cityscape, with some pavilions tracing origins to the Tang era through associated inscriptions and rebuilds.^[64] These pavilions, enhanced by Song-era artistic contributions in the caves, highlight the hill's historical function as a contemplative overlook integrated with the river's flow.^[65] Yangshuo's West Street, with origins dating back over 1,400 years to the Sui Dynasty (581–618 C.E.), began as a vital trading post along ancient routes, facilitating commerce in goods like lychee, tea, and silk near the Li River.^[66] Positioned at the confluence of river trade paths, the 500-meter pedestrian street evolved from a local market hub in imperial times to a culturally diverse center by the 1980s, incorporating bilingual signage and international influences while retaining its cobblestone layout and vernacular architecture.^[66] This transformation preserved its role as a nexus for regional exchange, directly linked to the Li River's navigational importance for transporting commodities upstream from Yangshuo.^[67]

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[27]
Li River Cruise Guilin to Yangshuo
There is only one 4.5 star cruise boat on the Li River. It only offers 70 seats in total with 4 types of seating, the lower deck seating, the upper deck seating ...
[28]
[PDF] Valuation Report - Singapore Exchange
management of the Guilin – Yangshuo Expressway, a Build-Operate-Transfer. (“BOT”) project. The Guilin – Yangshuo Expressway ran the trial operation and was open ...
[29]
53079-001: Guangxi Li River Comprehensive Ecological ...
The proposed project aims to improve livelihood of poor villages in Guilin and ecological protection of the Li River through restoration of Li River and old ...Missing: highway | Show results with:highway
[30]
[PDF] Guangxi Li River Comprehensive Ecological Management and ...
May 5, 2022 · Wujin River near the project site meets the Class III standard of the PRC's Surface Water. Ambient Quality Standards (GB3838-2002, there are ...
[31]
China's flora tour: A little fern forest on a tree - CGTN
Aug 30, 2019 · Wood ferns (Dryopteridaceae), lady ferns (Athyrium), and forked ferns (Gleicheniaceae) are commonly seen in the forest. The life cycle of a fern ...
[32]
Study on Application of Native Plants in Park Greening in Guilin
Aug 6, 2025 · ... Bamboo. forests and other colored leaf species form the main. landscape along the Minjiang River. The grass in Guilin is basically composed of ...
[33]
Diversity, Distribution, and Biogeography of Freshwater Fishes in ...
Jun 24, 2022 · The updated list of freshwater fishes in Guangxi contains 380 fish species, accounting for 23.53% of the number of freshwater fish species in ...
[34]
(PDF) Sinocyclocheilus guilinensis , a new species from an endemic ...
Aug 9, 2025 · The endemic Chinese cavefish genus Sinocyclocheilus possesses very rich species diversity. Specimens of this genus collected from Guilin, ...
[35]
Conservation status of otters in China and a discussion on restoring ...
Jan 19, 2020 · 我国分布有3种水獭——欧亚水獭,亚洲小爪水獭和江獭,曾经遍布我国中东部和东北地区,包括珠江口地区.但在20世纪,3种水獭均经历了大规模的种群下降,甚至区域性 ...
[36]
漓江桂林至阳朔段(Guilin-Yangshuo Ferry on Li River) - eBird
Native and Naturalized (90) · Mallard Anas platyrhynchos · Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo · Little Egret Egretta garzetta · Gray Heron Ardea cinerea.
[37]
Ganxiao Dong: A Hotspot of Cave Biodiversity in Northern Guangxi ...
... Guangxi, the limestone cave Ganxiao Dong harbours the richest cave fauna currently known in China. In total, 26 species of cave invertebrates have been ...
[38]
Domestic Tourist: Guangxi: Guilin | Economic Indicators | CEIC
The data reached an all-time high of 138,986.400 Person-Time th in 2023 and a record low of 8,097.000 Person-Time th in 2003. Domestic Tourist: Guangxi: Guilin ...
[39]
Li River Trip
As the Li River runs from Guilin to Yangshuo for 83 kilometers, the Li River cruise trip is a good choice to admire the karst scenery along the river on the big ...
[40]
History - Li River Cruises
Learn about the Li River history featuring photos, a timeline and detailed historical information relating to the Li River. We also explore life along the ...Missing: development 1980s
[41]
Bamboo Rafting in Guilin: Your Complete Guide - China Highlights
Sep 3, 2025 · Bamboo rafting is a great way to experience the essence of Guilin's karst landscape, especially popular in summer to escape the heat.
[42]
Tourism Revenue: Domestic: Guangxi: Guilin | Economic Indicators
Tourism Revenue: Domestic: Guangxi: Guilin data was reported at 171,344.000 RMB mn in 2023. This records an increase from the previous number of 127,739.000 ...
[43]
Analysis of factors and strategies for the implementation of ...
Jan 1, 2024 · Every year, Guilin receives millions of tourists. With its financial strength of tourism resources, the local authorities have invested $64.5 ...
[44]
Guilin – A Fairyland of Chinese Painting Landscape - TravelBizNews
May 21, 2013 · The city government aims to have the tourism industry account for 20 percent of its GDP by 2015. According to Wei Xiang, Director of Guilin ...
[45]
Guilin achieves remarkable results in Lijiang River protection
Oct 19, 2023 · Moving forward, Guilin will further strengthen ecological environmental advantages, promote green development, and make the Lijiang River a ...
[46]
YangShuo 20 Note Background - China Tours @WestChinaGo
The 20 Yuan view is near Xingping Town, a tranquil Li River stretch with limestone peaks, a symbol of China's beauty, and a must-visit in Yangshuo.
[47]
Watch: Take a Trip Down China's Stunning Li River, Muse for Poets ...
Jun 10, 2015 · A breathtaking 52-mile stretch of river between the southwestern cities of Guilin and Yangshuo. The landscape here inspired countless artists and writers.Missing: archaeological | Show results with:archaeological
[48]
Cormorant Fishing: The Mysterious Past of a Dying Tradition
Jul 14, 2021 · Upon the river, fishermen lure their prey with lights or by agitating the surface of the water. This encourages the birds to dive. The cormorant ...
[49]
Catch of the Day - Travelogues from Remote Lands
May 22, 2025 · An ancient tradition still practiced on the Li River in Yangshuo County, cormorant fishing offers a glimpse into South China's vanishing cultural heritage.
[50]
Li River Lantern Festival Guilin: Your Guide
Jun 2, 2025 · The Li River Lantern Festival in Guilin typically takes place during the Mid-Autumn Festival, which falls on the 15th day of the 8th month in ...
[51]
2025 Guilin Night · New Year Intangible Cultural Heritage Lantern ...
2025 Guilin Night · New Year Intangible Cultural Heritage Lantern Festival ... | Guilin Autumn Viewing: A Landscape Painting Along the Li River | Put the ...
[52]
Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin: Facts & Legend, Map - Travel China Guide
Elephant Trunk Hill, a 200m landmark in Guilin, looks like a giant elephant drinking water. It's said to be a God Elephant and has the Water Moon Cave.
[53]
Elephant Trunk Hill in Guilin: How to Visit - China Highlights
Elephant Trunk Hill gets its name from its elephant-shaped rock formation dipping into the Li River. Legend says it was a heavenly elephant who fell in love ...
[54]
Reed Flute Cave Guilin - Facts, Formation, Location, Entrance Fee
It is about 240 meters (787ft) deep and 500 meters (1640ft) long. The cave has a great number of various exquisite stalagmites, stalactites, stone pillars and ...
[55]
Guilin Reed Flute Cave, Lu Di Yan, Guangxi - Travel China Guide
This is a brilliant hall and the height decreases to all sides. The stalactites are hanging up in four directions, and they are like series lanterns decorating ...
[56]
Mural Hill, Nine Horses Fresco Hill, Li River, Yangshuo, Guilin
Located on the west bank of Li River in Xingping, Guilin Mural Hill is embellished with images of nine different horses and is given legendary stories.Missing: formation | Show results with:formation
[57]
Mural Hill, Fresco Hill, Hua Shan, Nine Horse Painted Hill
Mural Hill, or Fresco Hill, is one of the most famous attractions along Li River and a wonder of nature. The Hill is 400 m high 200 m wide facing the Li River.
[58]
Li River: Guilin to Yangshuo Cruise, Scenic & Travel Guide
Oct 3, 2025 · The Li River in Guangxi Province is one of China's most spectacular natural wonders. Flowing 83 kilometers between Guilin and Yangshuo, ...Missing: origin course
[59]
Guide to Seven Star Park | Guilin, China | Chinese Language Institute
Oct 28, 2024 · Seven Star Park first became a destination for travelers to Guilin during the Sui (581-618 CE) and Tang (618-907 CE) dynasties. Inscriptions ...
[60]
Seven Star Park - Visit Our China
Famous for being Guilin city's oldest bridge, the Flower Bridge is an elegant arched structure built during the Song Dynasty (960-1276) and renovated in 1965.<|separator|>
[61]
Seven Star Park of the Immortals - Global Shananigans
Jul 11, 2025 · Historically, this cave has been a site of Buddhist devotion. Stone carvings and inscriptions, many dating back to the Tang and Song dynasties, ...
[62]
Folded Brocade Hill, Diecai Hill, Guilin, Guangxi - Travel China Guide
Aug 7, 2025 · Situated in the northeast of Guilin by the Li River, Folded Brocade Hill, aka Diecai Hill, is famous for its amazing scenery and stone ...
[63]
Folded Brocade Hill, Diecai Hill, Guilin Tour Guide
The main attractions in Folded Brocade hill include the Folded Brocade Pavilion, the Yuyue Pavilion, the Chengren Tablet of Masters Qu and Zhang, the Yangzhi ...
[64]
West Street (Xi Jie), Yangshuo, Guangxi - Travel China Guide
Aug 7, 2025 · West Street with a history of over 1400 years is the oldest street in Yangshuo. Also known as foreign street, it has eastern and western ...
[65]
Yangshuo West Street - Guilin - Travel Into China
First established during the Sui Dynasty (581–618 CE), West Street thrived as a trading post on the ancient tea Horse Road, linking Yunnan to Southeast Asia.