The Li River, Guilin
漓江 · Guilin, Guangxi, China
'The river is a blue silk ribbon, the hills are jade hairpins': fishing lights are the last memory of fishing life on the Li River.
Know before you go
- Don't throw rubbish into the river
- at fishing-light shows, don't fire strong flashes at the fishermen and cormorants.
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
The 83-km Li River runs from Guilin to Yangshuo, its karst peaks mirrored in clear water — 'Guilin's scenery is the finest under heaven' has been quoted since a Song-dynasty poem. The reflections at Huangbu appear on the back of the 20-yuan note of the fifth series, and Yangdi to Xingping is the finest stretch. Cormorant fishing by lamplight was once the livelihood of Li River fishermen and is now mostly a performance, a living specimen of fishing culture.
Local customs
- Guilin people love rice noodles, and 'lucai fen' with braised toppings is the breakfast favourite
- the song-fair tradition of Liu Sanjie lives on, and Yangshuo's West Street has a lively nightlife. Dragon-boat racing at Duanwu and the third day of the third lunar month are important festivals.
Religion & beliefs
- The banks of the Li River have many folk shrines to Mazu and the earth god
- fishermen make offerings before going out, so watch quietly and respectfully.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
China: don't get physical in a dispute
- Walk away from an argument and call the police if needed
- Pushing, shoving or fighting
Whoever starts it, taking part in a fight can bring a fine or detention, and the injured party usually demands compensation.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: China travel advice
China: carry your original passport
- Foreign visitors should carry their original passport
- Carrying only a copy or photo of your passport
Police make random ID checks and do not accept printouts; if you cannot show your passport, you may be fined or detained.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: China travel advice
Don’t DON'T
- Don't throw rubbish into the river
- at fishing-light shows, don't fire strong flashes at the fishermen and cormorants.
Locals appreciate DO
- Guilin people love chilli — no meal without it
- old Li River fishermen light their lamps at dusk, and bamboo rafts drifting along are part of daily life.
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- March–May, the misty rainy season, is the most atmospheric
- the high-water season (April–October) is best for boat trips. Book bamboo rafting from Yangdi to Xingping in advance
- fishing-light displays today are mostly performances, so enjoy them for what they are
- combine with Yangshuo's West Street and the Yulong River.
Eat nearby
What to eat nearby
Must-try
- Guilin rice noodles
- Beer fish
- Stuffed river snails
Guilin rice noodles (with braised toppings and crispy pork), beer fish (Li River fish cooked in beer, Yangshuo's signature dish), stuffed river snails, Lipu taro with pork belly, oil tea (Gongcheng oil tea)
| Where to eat | Old rice-noodle shops in Guilin city (around Chongshan Road / Xicheng Road), West Street in Yangshuo, Zhengyang pedestrian street |
|---|---|
| Typical price per person | Rice noodles CNY 10–20, main meals CNY 50–90 |
| Tips | For beer fish, ask the type of fish and market price first (to avoid overpriced fish); the local way to eat rice noodles is two liang with braised toppings and sauce — toss dry first, then add broth. |
Prices are typical rates as of October 2026, not exact quotes; CNY equivalents are approximate where exchange rates fluctuate.
Popo le Chien · CC0
Photos
Photos
chensiyuan · CC BY-SA 4.0
Flickr user: ToastyKen https://www.flickr.com/photos/toasty/ · CC BY 2.0
swithland · CC BY 3.0
Sources & verification notes
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