Follow the twists and turns of the Li River through a landscape of towering, rocky karsts on this journey beyond the urban center of Guilin. The mountainous terrain is covered with lush bamboo and forest, and the river itself is a highway of small boats from the villages that dot the shores.

The adventure begins with a ride from your hotel to the banks of the river, which runs through the urban center of Guilin. For the next 4 hours, the cruise takes you downstream; relax in the cushioned comfort of the main cabin or enjoy the open-air viewing platform. Make sure there's plenty of space on your camera, as the journey takes you through dramatic landscapes that artists have been painting for centuries.

After an onboard lunch with local favorites and fresh catches from the river, step ashore in the village of Yangshuo for a stroll through the colorful, bustling marketplace of local street vendors. Stretch your legs and see the sights around town. Find some real bargains in pearl, jade, or fine Chinese paintings before a bus trip back through the farms and countryside returns you to your hotel.