The Yangdi Scenic Area (杨堤景区), located in the northern part of Yangshuo County, is the first scenic spot encountered when traveling downstream along the Li River from Guilin. It begins at Guanyan Village and is named after Yangdi Village, originally called Yangti Village due to a nearby mountain resembling a goat’s hoof. Over time, the name evolved to Yangdi, symbolizing the graceful imagery of willow trees brushing against the embankment.
Yangdi Scenic Area spans approximately 18 kilometers of the river, connecting to the Xingping Scenic Area. It is renowned as the “Golden Waterway” of the Li River, featuring magnificent peaks flanking the riverbanks and lush bamboo forests. This section is a favorite for tourists seeking to experience the natural beauty of the region.
Yangdi is conveniently accessible by both land and water. By road, it is only 12 kilometers from the Guiyang Highway, making it an easy destination from both Yangshuo and Guilin. The water route places Yangdi 46 kilometers south of Guilin and 47 kilometers north of Yangshuo. During the dry season, when the water levels are too low for boats to navigate from Guilin to Yangdi, Yangdi becomes the starting point for Li River tours. The area buzzes with activity as tourists embark on their river journeys, merging the tranquility of nature with the vibrant energy of visitors, creating a unique and harmonious atmosphere.
The main attraction in Yangdi Scenic Area is the bamboo raft tours on the Li River. These tours offer a leisurely and immersive experience, drifting from Yangdi to Xingping. Along the way, visitors can marvel at various natural wonders and iconic landmarks, including Carp Wall, Boy Worshiping Guanyin, Magic Pen Peak, Langshi Scenery, Lion Climbing Five Fingers Mountain, Old Man Guarding the Apple, Eight Immortals Crossing the River, and Nine Horse Fresco Hill. The tour culminates at the famous spot depicted on the 20 RMB banknote, providing a perfect photo opportunity and a memorable conclusion to the scenic journey.
Yangdi – Xingping Rafting
The Yangdi-Xingping section of the Li River offers one of the most picturesque bamboo rafting experiences in China. Tickets are required for the rafting journey, with the full route from Yangdi to Xingping priced at 216 RMB. For those who prefer a shorter trip, the half-route from Yangdi to Nine Horse Fresco Hill costs 118 RMB. Upon arrival at the dock, ticket holders can enjoy a complimentary shuttle bus ride to Xingping Ancient Town.
For adventurers who prefer to hike from the Yangdi Scenic Area entrance to Xingping, the entry fee is 80 RMB, excluding ferry costs.
Yangdi is open all day, but rafting is available during specific hours to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. The typical rafting times are from 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM and from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. To avoid the larger cruise ships that navigate the river, bamboo rafts are not in operation from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM.
How to get to Yangdi
From Guilin to Yangdi:
- Direct Shuttle Bus: There are direct shuttle buses from Guilin to Yangdi, departing daily at 7:20 AM, 8:20 AM, 10:30 AM, and 11:30 AM from the Guilin Bus Terminal on Zhongshan South Road, Xiangshan District.
- Regular Bus: From Guilin Train Station or Bus Station, take a bus heading to Yangshuo and get off at the Yangdi intersection (ticket price: 19 RMB, approximately 1 hour). After getting off, cross the street to catch a bus from Yangshuo to Yangdi Wharf (ticket price: 5 RMB, approximately 30 minutes).
From Yangshuo to Yangdi:
- Direct Bus: From Yangshuo Bus Station, take a direct bus to Yangdi (ticket price: 10 RMB, approximately 1 hour).
- Via Xingping: Take a bus to Xingping, then take a boat upstream to Yangdi and hike back to Xingping.
