Roaming the Hundred-Mile Ink Painting Gallery | Unlock the fairyland journey of "Boating on the green waves, people traveling in the painting"
Lijiang Scenic Area Travel Guide: Roaming the Hundred-Mile Ink Painting Gallery
Lijiang, the "green silk ribbon" connecting Guilin and Yangshuo, has won the world natural heritage crown with an 83-kilometer long scroll of mountains and rivers. The artistic conception of "The river is like a green silk ribbon, the mountains like jade hairpins" described by Han Yu is vividly presented here. This guide covers core activities, transportation, accommodation, and tips to help you unlock the fairyland journey of "Boating on the green waves, people traveling in the painting."
1. Best Travel Time
- Spring (March-May): Misty rain, green peaks, full ink painting atmosphere, the best season for photography.
- Summer and Autumn (June-October): Abundant water, best bamboo raft drifting experience, perfect for summer cooling and water fun (peak season requires advance booking).
- Winter (November-February): Fewer people and serene scenery, morning mist on Yulong River looks like a fairyland, Xingping Ancient Town is more tranquil, very cost-effective.
2. Core Attractions and Activities
1. Lijiang Essence Section (Must Experience)
- Yangdi to Xingping section: Condenses the essence of Lijiang’s landscape, along the way check in at Nine Horses Painting Hill (natural "Nine Horses Picture" on the stone wall, counting the nine horses brings good luck), Huangbu Reflection (background of the 20 RMB note, clearest reflection in the early windless morning).
- Activity options:
- Bamboo Raft Drifting: Yangdi to Nine Horses Painting Hill, Xingping to Nine Horses Painting Hill, electric bamboo rafts take 1-2 hours, with clear views.
- Hiking Adventure: Yangdi to Xingping essence section (about 20 km, 6 hours), take a ferry across the river, passing Langshi Village and Quanjiazhou, beginner-friendly with no climbs.
- Cruise Tour: Guilin Mopanshan/Bamboo River Pier → Yangshuo, 4 hours in total, suitable for family trips.
2. Yangshuo Surrounding Connections
- Yulong River: Artificial bamboo raft drifting (classic Jinlong Bridge to Jiuxian section), thrilling dam rushing experience, healing pastoral scenery on both sides.
- Ten-Mile Gallery: Rent an electric bike to ride, passing Moon Hill, Big Banyan Tree, Butterfly Spring, chasing the wind and enjoying the scenery all the way.
- Xingping Ancient Town: Thousand-year-old fishing village, climb Old Zhai Mountain to overlook the big bend of Lijiang River (stunning at sunset), stroll through Ming and Qing dynasty old streets and try local snacks.
- West Street, Yangshuo: A night market blending Chinese and Western styles, bars, craft beer, osmanthus cake aroma, experience the nightlife atmosphere.
3. Photography Enthusiast Route
Xingping Ancient Town → Huangbu Reflection Sunrise → Scythe Bay Morning Mist → Wulong Spring Sunset → Xianggong Mountain Sea of Clouds (requires climbing at 4 a.m. to overlook the first bend of Lijiang River).
3. Transportation Guide
- Major Transportation:
- Airplane: Guilin Liangjiang International Airport → Airport shuttle bus to downtown.
- High-speed Rail: Guilin Station/Guilin North Station → Yangshuo Station (15 minutes by car to Xingping Ancient Town), take a bus from the station directly to Xingping Bus Station.
- Scenic Area Transportation:
- Bamboo Raft Pier: Self-driving navigation to Chaobanshan Junior High School, high-speed rail tourists take a bus from Yangshuo Station to Xingping Ancient Town, then walk 3 minutes to the ticket hall for ticket exchange.
- Intercity Transportation: Guilin → Yangshuo can take a tourist shuttle bus (2 hours) or carpool.
4. Food and Accommodation Recommendations
1. Must-Try Foods
- Specialty dishes: Guilin rice noodles (5 yuan for two servings, add braised pork and sour long beans), beer fish (sword bone fish stewed with Liquan beer), stuffed snails (snail meat mixed with pork, juicy), mugwort leaf cakes (limited glutinous rice cakes).
- Restaurant recommendations: Xie Sanjie Beer Fish (popular with locals, cost-effective), Chongshan Rice Noodles (open 24 hours, self-service toppings).
2. Accommodation Choices
- Yangshuo: Homestays by Yulong River (Liangsu, Yimutian, live in a landscape painting); budget hotels around West Street (convenient nightlife).
- Xingping Ancient Town: Huashan Yun She (on top of Xianggong Mountain, watch sea of clouds and sunrise); Old Squad Leader Hostel (backpacker gathering place).
- Guilin City: Hotels near Two Rivers and Four Lakes (close to Zhengyang Pedestrian Street, convenient for night tours).
6. Classic Route Recommendations
1. One-Day Express Version
Depart from Guilin → Lijiang River Cruise (4h) → Disembark at Yangshuo → Electric bike ride through Ten-Mile Gallery → Evening show "Impression Liu Sanjie."
2. Two-Day Deep Version
- Day 1: Guilin → Bamboo raft drifting at Yangdi → Xingping Ancient Town → Old Zhai Mountain sunset → Stay at West Street, Yangshuo.
- Day 2: Yulong River drifting → Ride through Ten-Mile Gallery → Moon Hill → Return trip.