Generally speaking, the Li River Cruise duration is approximately 4 x hours. However, if the water levels are higher and the waterflow faster, the duration can be shorter – between 3 to 3.5 x hours. Moreover, when the Li River water levels are lower, it can take 4 or more hours to travel by boat from Guilin to Yangshuo.
During the monsoonal months of April, May and June – the Li River Cruise can take between 3 – 3.5 x hours as the water levels are generally higher with lots of rain in Guilin. However, during the winter months of December, January and February it can take up to 4.5 – 5 x hours as during this time of year the Li River water levels are usually lower.
For the Yangshuo to Guilin Li River Cruise, the cruise also takes on average 4 x hours. The 4 Star Li River Cruise departs from Xingping Pier and arrives into Guilin Zhujiang Pier whilst the 3 Star Li River Cruise departs from Yangshuo Pier and arrives into Yangdi Pier. Please note, Yangdi Pier is located approximately half-way between Guilin and Yangshuo so we generally recommend to book the 4 Star Yangshuo to Guilin Li River Cruise instead.
