جويرين ليجيانغ (جوهر يانغشو)

I. Status and Overview of the Scenic Area

The Li River, located in the northeastern part of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, is an important component of the World Natural Heritage site "China Southern Karst" and a national 5A-level tourist attraction. Since ancient times, it has been praised as "Guilin's landscapes are the best under heaven, and Yangshuo can be considered the best of Guilin." The essence section of the Li River—the 83-kilometer stretch from Guilin to Yangshuo—is even hailed as "a hundred miles of Li River, a hundred miles of gallery," representing the pinnacle of China's mountain and water scenery. The interplay of mountains and water creates a poetic and picturesque scene, resembling a flowing ink wash painting.

II. Geology, Landform, and Characteristics

The scenery of Lijiang River exemplifies typical karst topography. Through hundreds of millions of years of water erosion and weathering, limestone mountains have been sculpted into unique formations featuring towering peaks, bizarre rock formations, and deep caves. The river water, crystal clear and emerald-green, meanders through the mountains, where majestic peaks blend seamlessly with the landscape, creating a breathtaking panorama of "lush mountains, sparkling waters, mysterious caves, and exquisite rocks." The great Tang Dynasty poet Han Yu once described Lijiang's beauty as "the river like a green silk ribbon, the mountains resembling jade hairpins," perfectly capturing its delicate charm and picturesque allure.

III. Core Signature Landscapes

The Li River's most scenic stretch features dense landscapes with breathtaking views at every turn, offering countless iconic attractions along the way.

Elephant Trunk Hill: The emblematic symbol of Guilin, the mountain's silhouette resembles a giant elephant stretching its trunk to dip into the river for water, presenting a vivid and lifelike image that serves as a symbol of Guilin's landscape.

Jiuma Painted Mountain: A massive stone wall along the riverbank features intricate interlaced textures that naturally form the pattern of nine horses, each with distinct postures galloping across the landscape. Since ancient times, there has been a saying that "seeing seven horses indicates the second-place winner in the imperial examinations, while observing nine horses signifies the top scholar," adding a whimsical charm to the scene.

The Yellow Cloth Reflection: The river water is crystal clear, revealing a yellow stone slab at the bottom resembling a flat yellow cloth. Mountain peaks are reflected in the water with striking clarity, creating the breathtaking scene of "a boat sailing atop emerald peaks." This location served as the real-world filming site for the 20-yuan RMB banknote's design and has become a must-visit classic attraction for tourists.

Xingping Ancient Town: The oldest and most beautiful ancient town along the Li River, nestled between mountains and water with its rustic tranquility. The landscape beyond the town is exceptionally picturesque, representing the quintessence of the Li River's natural wonders. Its spectacular mountain formations and meandering river create boundless scenic beauty.

Along the route, visitors can explore scenic spots including Luosi Mountain, Shutong Mountain, and the picturesque Langshi landscape. The mountains showcase diverse geological formations, while the river flows with emerald-green waters, creating breathtaking views at every turn.

IV. Yangshuo's Supporting Scenic Attractions

The beauty of the Li River is most evident in Guilin, but even more so in Yangshuo. Yangshuo boasts picturesque landscapes, abundant supporting attractions, and diverse recreational experiences.

West Street: This millennium-old street in the heart of Yangshuo County features bluestone-paved roads and Ming-Qing dynasty architecture, blending Eastern and Western cultures. It is lined with bars, cafes, and specialty shops, attracting numerous foreigners and earning the nickname 'Global Village.' At night, it buzzes with vibrant energy and creates an immersive atmosphere.

Yulong River: A tributary of the Lijiang River, it is hailed as the "Little Lijiang" with even clearer water quality than the main river. The banks are adorned with delicate mountain peaks and lush pastoral landscapes. The entire journey involves drifting on artificial bamboo rafts without powered machinery, with rafters propelling the raft along the waterways. The gentle motion creates a serene and therapeutic experience, making it the most delightful activity in Yangshuo.

The Ten-Li Scenic Corridor: A scenic highway stretching approximately ten li (about 5 kilometers), featuring towering peaks and picturesque farmlands along its route. Attractions such as Moon Mountain, giant banyan trees, and Butterfly Spring are scattered throughout, making it ideal for cycling tours. Visitors can stop along the way at their leisure, enjoying a carefree and spontaneous experience.

Impression Liu Sanjie: Directed by Zhang Yimou, this is the world's largest live landscape performance set against the backdrop of the Li River, with ethnic culture as its core. The integration of lighting, music, and dance creates a grand and awe-inspiring spectacle, making it an excellent choice for night tours in Yangshuo.

V. Characteristics of Folk Culture

The banks of the Li River are home to ethnic minorities including the Zhuang and Yao peoples, boasting rich folk traditions. This region is the birthplace of Liu Sanjie, the legendary Zhuang folk singer, and has a long-standing mountain song culture. The traditional fishing method here involves fishermen using cormorants to catch fish. Classic photographs often capture elderly fishermen wearing bamboo hats rowing bamboo rafts while cormorants dive into the water for fishing, creating scenes that exude rustic charm and authentic local culture.

VI. Practical Travel Tips

1. There are two ways to explore the Li River's most scenic section: First, take a panoramic cruise ship from Guilin's Mopan Mountain Pier to Yangshuo Pier, a 4.5-hour journey that offers comfortable sightseeing with access to all attractions. Second, ride an artificial bamboo raft from Yangdi to Xingping, allowing close-up immersion in the natural landscape and flexible exploration of key scenic spots.

2. It is recommended to stay in Yangshuo for 1-2 nights. During the day, explore the Yulong River and Ten-Mile Gallery, while in the evening, stroll through West Street and enjoy live performances to fully immerse yourself in Yangshuo's unique charm.

3. From April to October is the flood season with abundant water volume, suitable for boat tours; from November to March of the following year is the dry season when water levels are low, restricting some bamboo raft routes, but with fewer tourists, the mountains and waters appear more serene and tranquil.

4. During summer months, intense ultraviolet radiation necessitates strict sun protection measures, including the use of sun hats and sunscreen. When traveling by boat, prioritize safety by avoiding standing in open areas and securely storing personal belongings.

5. The Li River is abundant in fish and shrimp, with Yangshuo Beer Fish being a local signature delicacy featuring tender texture that is highly recommended for tasting. The Yulong River bamboo rafting experience involves manually paddled rafts, allowing passengers to engage in gentle conversations with raft operators and savor the tranquility of slow-paced time.