The Yulong River is the longest tributary of the Li River within the boundaries of Yangshuo, stretching 43.5 kilometers with a drainage area of 158.47 square kilometers. It flows through five towns and more than 20 villages in Yangshuo County including Jinbao, Putao, Basha, Yangshuo, and Gaotian. The Yulong River is often referred to as the "Little Li River."
The Eight Immortals Cave: Hidden among the peaks in front of Yulong Village on the banks of the Yulong River, someone from the Ming Dynasty inscribed "Huai'an Jing" on the stone wall. There is a cave inside that is as flat as a room, about ten meters wide, with layered rocks overlapping like a building. Inside the cave, there is a flat stone door shaped like a full moon; below it are seven small caves, their depths unknown. It can be said that there are caves within caves, and skies beyond skies.
On both sides of the Yulong River, the scenery is a feast for the eyes. Tourists can enjoy the most beautiful landscapes and experience the thousand-year-old history and culture of the region. Major attractions include Guangxi's three most famous ancient bridges - Yulong Bridge, Xian Gui Bridge, and Fu Li Bridge; the Old County Village by the Yulong River, known as the "General's Mansion" and "Imperial Scholar's Pavilion"; the Tang Dynasty site of Guiyi County, Panzhuang Ruins, Xu Beihong Studio, and ancient residential houses left over from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, all evoking feelings of nostalgia and historical reflection.
The entire Yulong River scenic area is the largest pure natural mountain-water garden in the Guilin region. From Yulong Bridge to Gongnong Bridge, the 15.36-kilometer water journey features 28 dams and over a hundred scenic spots. All the attractions remain untouched by artificial embellishments or urban noise, preserving their primitive, natural, ancient, and pure qualities. Experts at home and abroad unanimously confirm that "the Yulong River is a world-class natural heritage shared by humanity."
Guangxi's three most famous ancient bridges - Yulong Bridge, Xian Gui Bridge, and Fu Li Bridge - are all located in the Yulong River scenic area. The Old County Village, known as the "General's Mansion" and "Imperial Scholar's Pavilion," is also by the Yulong River. The Tang Dynasty site of Guiyi County, Panzhuang Ruins, Xu Beihong Studio, and ancient residential houses from the Ming and Qing Dynasties evoke feelings of nostalgia and historical reflection. However, the most thrilling, romantic, and stylish experience is still drifting down the Yulong River. Navigating the bamboo rafts over dams is exciting and stimulating; cruising on the tranquil lake is relaxing and enjoyable. People consider it an irresistible attraction, an extremely fashionable trend. On days with good weather, drifting during the early morning or twilight hours offers even more enchanting views while avoiding the crowds, making it worth considering spending a night in the countryside.
The Yulong River is the longest tributary of the Li River within Yangshuo, spanning 43.5 kilometers with a drainage area of 158.47 square kilometers. It flows through five towns and more than 20 villages in Yangshuo County, including Jinbao, Putao, Basha, Yangshuo, and Gaotian. Known as the "Little Li River," it rivals the beauty of the Li River. Especially from Yulong Bridge to Gongnong Bridge, the 15.36-kilometer water journey features 28 dams and over a hundred scenic spots. Throughout the entire Yulong River scenic area, there are no so-called modern buildings, no traces of artificial embellishment, and no urban noise. Everything remains so primitive, natural, ancient, and pure, truly making it the largest pure natural mountain-water garden in the Guilin region. If the Li River is likened to a "great lady," then the Yulong River is the heart-throbbing "young maiden." Experts at home and abroad unanimously confirm that "the Yulong River is a world-class natural heritage shared by humanity." Both sides of the Yulong River present a picturesque landscape, pleasing to the eye. Scenic spots such as the Tianping Green Island, Lovers' Embrace, Lake Reflections, Xiaotang Scenic Area, Ancient Ferry of Two Streams, Dreamlike Valley, etc., make people feel as if they have entered a poetic realm of harmony between heaven and man. The Yulong River is a free-spirited and simple land that returns to its roots.
Fu Li Bridge: Located upstream on the Yulong River, this stone single-arch bridge is 30 meters long, 5 meters wide, and 10 meters high, built during the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty, with a history of about 500 years. Its design is aesthetically pleasing, and its reflection in the water resembles a full moon. There is an ancient tree at each end of the bridge. Standing on the bridgehead to view the fields, one sees green mountains encircling the area, clear water winding around the village, dam waves rolling, streams flowing gently, neatly arranged fields, and crisscrossing paths, creating a scene that makes one linger and get lost in thought. This is the best place to admire the rural scenery.
Ancient City Ruins: About 100 meters upstream from the Xian Gui Bridge on the banks of the Yulong River, there are remnants of a quadrangular mud-built city wall, which was once the site of Guiyi Ancient City. Historical records indicate that in the fourth year of Wu De (AD 621) during the Tang Dynasty, Guiyi County was established here alongside Yangshuo County but was abolished in the first year of Zhenguan (AD 627). The ruins cover more than 39 acres, with some sections of the city wall still standing. Across from the ruins lies Chuan Yan, where climbing to the top provides a view of a vast expanse of blue water extending over 10 kilometers. The climate inside the rock is warm in winter and cool in summer, neither dry nor humid, making it a natural place for reading and meditation. During the Qing Dynasty's Xianfeng period, scholar Tang Mo Xiang of Guilin once lectured here. To the east of the ruins lies Dong Hui Rock, where a stream flows out, its water crystal clear and never drying up even in winter.
The Li River is the "great lady," while the Yulong River is the "young maiden." Here it is quieter and more comfortable. The Li River, with its wide river and towering mountains, inspires awe, whereas here, the smaller river and mountains surrounded by fields and tree shadows offer a softer, gentler charm.
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