Bamboo Rafting

The villagers and fisherman alone the Li River use bamboo rafts on a daily basis up and down the river between houses, markets, and rice paddies. Some villagers made bigger rafts to woo the tourists and soon it became a travel highlight around Yangshuo.

In Yangshuo Town, taking a bamboo raft ride is an excellent, relaxing way to take in the amazing views of the Li River and Yulong River, and watch the countryside just drift on by. Sitting on the reclining bamboo chair on the raft, you can enjoy an all around view of the natural, rural life down the river. Although you can rent bamboo rafts in many places along the Li River. The best place for bamboo rafting is on the Yulong River in Yangshuo. The Yulong River, also called Meeting Dragon River, is a peaceful and scenic tributary of the Li River. The starting points are at different locations along the rivers and the rides range from half an hour to 5 hours.

The water rides are very slow as a man steers you gently down the course of the rivers and across a few weirs. Both rivers have their advantages; if you're after a little tranquility and a lazy afternoon then we recommend the Yulong River as the bamboo rafts are pushed along. For dramatic scenery with huge karsts peaks soaring hundreds of meters up from the river take a motorized bamboo raft along the Li River.

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Editor: Liu Fang