Yulong River

What it is

The Yulong River rises in northern Yangshuo County near Litang and runs more than 35 kilometres through the Yulong River valley — past Putao, Litang, Chaolong, Yima and Gaotian — before joining the Li near Pingle. It is shallow, five metres at its deepest and about twenty-five metres across on average, and there is no industry along it, so it is clean enough to swim in.

Why people prefer it to the Li

The Li is grand and the Li has the big boats. The Yulong is small enough for bamboo rafts, which sit at water level, move slowly, and go under low stone bridges you would never fit under on a cruise boat. If the Li River cruise is the postcard, this is the afternoon you actually remember.

How to do it

Bamboo rafts run in sections, most commonly from Jinlong Bridge down to Gongnong Bridge, about two hours on the water. A driver drops you at the top and collects you at the bottom, which is the practical reason to have a car rather than a bicycle for this one.

What to look for

• Jinlong Bridge, the usual put-in point
• The low stone bridges you pass under — some are centuries old
• Water buffalo in the river, especially in the late afternoon
• The Dragon Bridge area, where the river doubles back

Getting there

The rafting sections are 10–20 km southwest of Yangshuo town. A driver drops you at the upper bridge and meets you at the lower one — the two are not connected by road.

Best time to go

April to October. May and June are greenest; July and August are busiest and hottest. Early morning gives still water and reflections; late afternoon gives the best light.

Practical notes

• Bring a dry bag or a waterproof phone case — you will get splashed.
• The rafts are open and have no shade: hat and sunscreen, or go early.
• Agree the price and the section with the raft operator before boarding.

Questions about Yulong River