A 2-hour kayaking experience on the Li River in Guilin is a lightweight water activity that lets you immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of the Li River. The whole journey focuses on the core and most exquisite sections of the river, with a relaxed pace and a rich experience. No professional skills are required, making it easy for beginners to join. Professional instructors accompany the entire trip to provide guidance, taking full charge of basic operation teaching and water safety control. The well-paced itinerary is compact yet enjoyable, allowing participants to experience the unique artistic conception of “rowing on the blue waves, wandering in a landscape painting” on the Li River up close in a short time.
The activity is usually held on the calm water stretches from Chaobanshan Wharf in Xingping to the surrounding areas of Huangbu Reflection and Nine-Horse Fresco Hill. This section features an open river surface and steady currents, away from the crowded waterways of tourist boats, offering exceptionally clear views. After gathering, instructors first give a 15 to 30-minute basic training session, explaining simple skills such as paddle gripping, rowing, steering and emergency mooring, while emphasizing water safety rules. Professional life jackets are provided throughout the trip, ensuring that even those with no experience can master the basics quickly.
Once the training is over, the official rowing experience begins. Instructors lead the group on a leisurely paddle along the Li River, with close-up views of the iconic Li River landscapes including the real scene of the 20-yuan RMB note, Huangbu Reflection and Nine-Horse Fresco Hill. Karst peaks stand in scattered formation on both banks, and the river shimmers with blue ripples. Occasionally, you can see bamboo forests and fishing villages by the river, as well as water birds skimming the water surface. This immersive view of the mountains and water is unmatched by tourist boats. During the trip, instructors will stop at the right moment to guide everyone to admire the scenery from the best vantage points, and also set aside time for free rowing, allowing participants to experience the slow water time at their will. There’s no need to rush through the itinerary, and you can fully immerse yourself in the natural tranquility of the Li River.
The whole journey proceeds at a gentle pace with no high-intensity physical exertion. If you feel tired, you can stop the kayak to float with the current or pull in to the shallow banks for a short rest at any time. Instructors stay nearby throughout the trip to offer timely assistance. The 2-hour duration is perfect: it allows you to fully enjoy the fun of kayaking on the water without feeling exhausted from prolonged rowing, and you can return directly to the wharf after the experience without disrupting your subsequent travel plans.