How to make the most of your trip

Li River Day Trip Guide: How to make the most of your trip As the essence of Guilin's landscape, a Li River day trip is definitely a must-see when visiting Guilin. Today, I'm sharing my super practical guide to help you avoid all the pitfalls and have a fun and affordable trip! [Best time to visit] April–October is the best season to visit. It is recommended to go on a sunny day, although the misty Li River is beautiful, the visibility is low. Arrive at the pier before 8am to avoid the peak of people. [Transportation] It is recommended to take a taxi from Guilin city to Mopanshan Pier (about 40 minutes), or take a tourist bus (CNY 20/person). If you drive yourself, there is a parking lot at the pier, but parking spaces are limited during the peak season. [Cruise selection] It is recommended to choose a 3-star cruise ship (about CNY 215/person), which has the best price/performance ratio. The 4-star ship is CNY 100 more expensive, but the experience is not much different. Be sure to book your tickets online 1 day in advance, as tickets may not be available on site! [Highlights] 1. Nine Horses Painting Mountain: The iconic landscape of the Li River. Count nine horses for good luck this year. 2. Yellow Cloth Shoal: The pattern on the back of the CNY 20 note 3. Xingping Ancient Town: You can stroll around for 1 hour after getting off the boat, retaining the original ecological fishing village style. [Useful tips] - The cruise takes about 4 hours. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. - The food and beverage on board is expensive, so it is recommended to bring your own snacks and water. - The second-floor viewing platform costs extra (CNY 50). In fact, you can take good photos from the windows on the first floor. - You can take an electric car to Xingping Bus Station (CNY 15) for the return trip, and then transfer to a bus back to Guilin. [Pitfalls guide] - Don't trust the "special tickets" sold by touts on the roadside. - The photo service promoted on board is not cost-effective. - Be sure to go to the toilet in advance during the peak season, as there will be a queue for the toilets on board. Finally, a reminder: The most beautiful thing about the Li River is actually the constantly changing landscape paintings on both sides of the river during the cruise. Remember to put down your phone and use your eyes to record this beautiful experience of "a boat traveling on blue waves, and people traveling in a painting"! With this arrangement, the per capita cost is about CNY 300, which allows you to enjoy the essence of the Li River without being too tired. Save this guide, and your Li River trip will be even more perfect～