The Lijiang River is a pearl of China's magnificent rivers and mountains, the essence of Guilin's scenery, and has long been famous worldwide. The Lijiang is located in the eastern part of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in South China, belonging to the Pearl River water system. The Lijiang originates from the Mao'er Mountain in the northern part of Guangxi, known as the "first peak of South China," which is a place with lush forests, fresh air, and excellent ecological environment. The mainstream of the upper reaches of the Lijiang is called Liutong River; it flows southward to the vicinity of Simenqian in Xing'an County, where it merges with the Huangbai River in the east and the Chuan River in the west, forming the Rongjiang River; at the Rongjiang Town, it converges with the Lingqu Canal water, flowing through Lingchuan, Guilin, Yangshuo, and reaching Ping乐 before joining the Xijiang River, with a total length of 437 kilometers. The approximately 83-kilometer waterway from Guilin to Yangshuo is called the Lijiang.
The peaks on both sides of the Lijiang are towering, with myriad forms. Many stone peaks are covered with lush shrubs and flowers, resembling beautiful clothes on women when viewed from afar. On the embankments along the riverbank, the emerald phoenix-tail bamboo remains green all year round, like the skirts of young maidens swaying gracefully in the wind, elegant and charming. The most adorable feature is the reflection of the mountain peaks, partly hazy and partly clear. There are a few fishing boats and red sails floating on the river surface, passing by the reflections of the mountain peaks, creating the poetic imagery of "clearly seeing the top of the green mountains, the boat sailing on top of the green mountains." Every scenic spot along the hundred-mile-long Lijiang is like a typical Chinese ink painting.
The 83-kilometer waterway of the Lijiang from Guilin to Yangshuo resembles a green silk ribbon winding among countless strange peaks. The scenery along the river is picturesque, with winding blue waters, the reflection of peculiar peaks, deep pools, fountains, and waterfalls scattered around, forming a colorful and splendid scroll painting, known as "a hundred miles of Lijiang, a hundred miles of paintings." This area is the most typical segment of the karst terrain development in northeastern Guangxi.
Near Guilin City, the river valley is wide and gentle. Fubo Hill, Diecai Hill, Xiang Hill, Chuanshan Hill, and Ta Hill all rise abruptly from the flat ground, with steep walls like cut glass, featuring an array of strange peaks and majestic momentum. In the karst trough valley plain, beautiful mountains and clear waters complement each other, presenting serene scenery. Between Guilin and Yangshuo, it is a karst peak forest cluster morphology, where the river winds around the mountains, forming canyons, and the scenery is particularly enchanting, especially at Cao坪, Yang堤, and Xing坪, offering beautiful sights such as Lang石's strange scenery, Jiuma Painted Hills, Huang布 Reflections, and Half Ferry. Reflections are one of the great wonders of the Lijiang. The river water endows the heavy mountains with dynamics, spirit, and life, while also leading people into a mythical world. The Lijiang combines the four wonders of "green mountains, clear water, strange caves, and beautiful stones" and the beauty of "green islands, dangerous shoals, deep pools, and flying waterfalls." There are many islands in the river and beaches on the shore, with rocks obstructing the flow, waves surging back and forth, surrounded by lush trees and competing green bamboos. The landscape of the Lijiang changes depending on the time, location (angle), and weather. On sunny days, the sky and water merge into one vast expanse of green, with thousands of peaks and hills visible to the eye. On misty rainy days, clouds swirl around, partially hidden and revealed, creating an ethereal atmosphere. On moonlit nights, the peaks are refreshed, and the river waves resemble silken ribbons, as if entering a spiritual realm, boundless and serene. The grand and magnificent hundred-mile-long river scroll delights the eyes, cultivates emotions, purifies the soul, and frees one from worldly concerns. It can be said that "the divine beauty of the Lijiang is unparalleled in the world."
Throughout history, countless poets and writers have written unforgettable and beautiful poems and essays praising the charming scenery of the Lijiang. The great Tang Dynasty poet Han Yu once praised this poetic and picturesque Lijiang with the lines "the river as a green silk ribbon, the mountains like jade hairpins."
We welcome you to wander along the Lijiang. You will fully enjoy the beautiful scenery on both sides of the Lijiang, appreciate this mythical beauty, feast on the natural splendor, and leave behind the most unforgettable and wonderful memories of your life.