Yulong River (遇龙河)** in Yangshuo, China – a serene paradise of karst landscapes, bamboo rafting, and

#chinatravel

### **Why Visit Yulong River?**
1. **"Little Li River" Charm**: A quieter, more intimate alternative to the Li River, with crystal-clear waters winding through postcard-perfect karst peaks and rice paddies .
2. **Ancient Bridges**: Discover 600-year-old stone bridges like **Yulong Bridge** (Ming Dynasty) and **Xiangui Bridge** (Song Dynasty), each steeped in legends .
3. **Bamboo Rafting**: Glide on hand-poled rafts past water buffalo, wildflowers, and villages—thrilling yet peaceful with small dam drops .
4. **Cycling & Hiking**: Explore riverside trails through fields and villages, ranked among China’s top biking routes .

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### **Top Experiences**
#### **1. Bamboo Rafting**
- **Best Routes**:
- **Jinlong Bridge → Jiuxian Village** (6 km, 90 mins, ¥320/raft): Most scenic with 9 dam drops .
- **Shuiedi Dock → Gongnong Bridge** (3 km, 50 mins, ¥200/raft): Popular for shorter trips .
- **Tips**:
- Book online via WeChat (*Yulong River Official Mini Program*) – slots open at 8 PM the day before .
- Arrive early (8 AM) to avoid crowds; wear waterproof shoes for dam splashes .

#### **2. Cycling Adventures**
- **Classic Route**: Yangshuo West Street → Gongnong Bridge → Yulong Bridge (30 km, 4–5 hours) .
- **E-bike Rentals**: ~¥30/day; stop at **Fuli Bridge** for moon-shaped reflections .

#### **3. Hidden Gems**
- **Jiuxian Village**: Qing Dynasty stone houses and waterwheels .
- **Fairyland Viewpoint**: Near Gongnong Bridge for sunrise/sunset photos .

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### **Practical Tips**
- **Best Time**: April–October (avoid June–July heavy rains) .
- **Getting There**:
- From **Yangshuo**: Rent a bike (¥15/day) or taxi (¥50) to docks .
- From **Guilin**: 1.5-hour drive (90 km) .
- **Packing List**: Sunscreen, hat, waterproof bag, and cash (some vendors don’t accept cards) .

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### **Sample Itinerary**
- **Morning**: Bamboo rafting from **Jinlong Bridge**, explore **Jiuxian Village**.
- **Afternoon**: Cycle to **Fuli Bridge**, picnic by the river.
- **Evening**: Sunset at **Gongnong Bridge**, dinner in Yangshuo’s West Street.

**#yulongriver #yangshuoadventure #guilintravel #bamboorafting**