I. Pre - trip Preparations

1. Best Time

◦ Season

◦ Summer (June - August) is the prime time for the Yulong River rafting. The river water is cool, and the rice fields on both banks are lush and green.

◦ Spring and autumn (March - May, September - October) offer pleasant weather with fewer tourists.

◦ Time Arrangement

◦ For rafting, it is recommended to choose the morning time (8:00 - 12:00) to avoid the high temperature in the afternoon and the peak of tour groups.

2. Essential Items

◦ Sunscreen, sun hats, and sunglasses (as the sun is intense during rafting).

◦ Waterproof bags (to protect mobile phones and cameras, as clothes may get splashed during rafting).

◦ Light - weight slippers or sandals (suitable for hiking or playing in the water).

II. Transportation Methods

1. How to Reach Yangshuo

◦ By High - speed Rail

◦ After getting off at Guilin Station or Yangshuo Station, transfer to a bus or take a taxi to Yangshuo County (about 1 hour).

◦ By Self - driving

◦ It takes about 30 minutes to drive from Yangshuo County to the Yulong River Scenic Area. Navigate to “Jinlongqiao Wharf” or “Shuie Di Wharf”.

2. Transportation within the Scenic Area

◦ Renting and Cycling

◦ Electric scooters are recommended (30 - 50 yuan per day), which can move freely along the Ten - Mile Gallery and the Yulong River Trail.

◦ Shuttle Bus

◦ The scenic area provides shuttle buses (10 - 20 yuan per trip), connecting each wharf and the county town.

III. Must - visit Attractions

1. Yulong River Bamboo Rafting

◦ Recommended Sections

◦ Jinlongqiao - Jiuxian (90 minutes, 255 yuan for a double raft): There are 9 dams along the way, passing by ancient bridges and idyllic scenery, presenting the most local - life - filled experience.

◦ Shuie Di - Wanjing (50 minutes, 160 yuan for a double raft): The reflections of mountains and waters are picturesque, suitable for tourists with tight schedules.

◦ Precautions

◦ Children under 1 meter and the elderly over 70 are not allowed to participate in the rafting.

◦ The boatman may ask for tips (such as taking photos without wearing a life jacket). It is recommended to communicate in advance or refuse additional consumption.

2. Cycling and Hiking along the Yulong River

◦ Cycling Routes

◦ Small Loop (23 kilometers, about 3 hours): West Street → Gongnong Bridge → Shuie Di Wharf → Jimma Wharf → Shuangliu Yidu Pavilion → Village Spring Cafe → West Street. It passes through internet - famous trails and rice - field scenery.

◦ Hiking Route

◦ Gongnong Bridge → Shuie Di Wharf → Jimma Wharf → Xiandu Pavilion. Walk along the riverside trail to experience the tranquility of the countryside.

◦ Photo - worthy Spots

◦ Sunset at Gongnong Bridge, the ancient charm of Fuli Bridge, and the Village Spring Cafe.

3. Cultural Exploration

◦ Jiuxian Village

◦ An ancient village dating back to the Tang Dynasty, preserving ancient houses from the Ming and Qing dynasties and the “General's Mansion”. It is an ideal place to feel the historical atmosphere.

◦ Yulong Bridge and Fuli Bridge

◦ One of the three major ancient bridges in Guangxi, they are highly photogenic.

IV. Accommodation Recommendations

1. Yangshuo West Street
- It has convenient transportation and a rich nightlife (150 - 400 yuan per night).

2. Homestays along the Yulong River
- Such as “Guangyue Huayang Shuò Riverside Resort Hotel”, where rooms offer a direct view of the mountain - water landscape.

V. Culinary Experiences

1. Beer Fish
- The beer fish in the farmhouses in Jiuxian has an excellent reputation and is more affordable than that in West Street.

2. Guilin Rice Noodles
- The “Old - fashioned Rice Noodle Shop” in Yangshuo West Street is not to be missed.

3. Wampee and Honey
- Local specialties that can be purchased at the end of the rafting or at rural stalls.

VI. Practical Tips

1. Pit - avoiding Guide

◦ Avoid being sold over - priced rafting tickets by scalpers. It is recommended to buy tickets through the official WeChat account of “Yulong River Scenic Area”.

◦ For the “20 - yuan - note - background” in Xingping Ancient Town, there is no need to take a boat. You can reach the photo - taking point on foot.

2. Eco - friendly Travel
- The Yulong River has a fragile ecosystem. Please do not litter and protect the natural landscape.

VII. Itinerary Reference (2 days and 1 night)

• Day 1: Check into Yangshuo West Street → Yulong River rafting (Jinlongqiao - Jiuxian) → Lunch in Jiuxian Village → Cycle along the Ten - Mile Gallery → Watch the sunset at Gongnong Bridge.

• Day 2: Hike at Fuli Bridge → Take a break at a riverside cafe → Return journey.

Yangshuo Yulong River combines the essence of mountains and waters with rich cultural heritage. Whether it is the leisurely feeling on the bamboo raft or the idyllic poetry during cycling, it can make people forget the hustle and bustle and return to nature.

Before departure, it is recommended to pay attention to the weather and scenic area announcements, and adjust the itinerary flexibly to enjoy a healing journey “travelling in a landscape painting”!