A seriously underrated treasure! The autumn of Yulong River is the true earthly paradise

People often say, "Guilin's landscape is the best under heaven, and Yangshuo's landscape is the best in Guilin," but I say, the landscape of Yulong River is the best in Yangshuo! Especially in autumn, when the Li River may appear a bit desolate due to low water levels, Yulong River, with its shallower waters, denser karst peaks, and tranquil rural atmosphere, reveals unparalleled beauty. Here, there is no noise from motorized boats, only the peaceful moments propelled by a boatman’s bamboo pole. 【“Exquisite Slow Travel” 1-Day Guide】 Yulong River is not for rushing, but for wasting time. My way is a "half rafting + half cycling" perfect combination. Morning (9:00-12:00): Depart from Jinlong Bridge Pier and take a man-made bamboo raft drifting to Jiuxian Pier. This is the essence of the upper section of Yulong River, with gentle currents and picturesque scenery on both sides. You will pass several ancient bridges and a few small dams, and the little "dam rush" experience is quite fun. This rafting takes about 1.5 hours, peaceful and enjoyable. Noon (12:00-13:30): After getting off at Jiuxian Pier, you can find a farmhouse restaurant in the nearby Jiuxian Village to have a meal and try authentic beer fish and stuffed snails. Afternoon (13:30-17:00): Rent a bicycle or electric bike in Jiuxian and start cycling back to Yangshuo along the rural paths by the Yulong River. This route is stunning! Golden rice fields, water buffalo leisurely grazing, and layers of karst peaks in the distance make you feel like you are traveling through a painting. 【Autumn Limited Highlights】 ✅ Man-made bamboo raft drifting: This is the soul of Yulong River! Unlike the motorized large boats on the Li River, the tranquility here is ultimate. You can clearly hear the bamboo pole slicing through the water and see the swaying underwater plants. ✅ Rural cycling scenery: In autumn, the rice is ripe and golden, and the air is filled with the fragrance of rice as you cycle through. This is the best way to experience the pastoral life of Yangshuo. ✅ Jiuxian ancient village: Compared to the bustling West Street, Jiuxian is more rustic and quiet, with several old houses worth visiting, where you can feel the taste of time. 【In-depth Experience: An Autumn Prose Poem on Yulong River】 Lying on the bamboo raft’s lounge chair, shoes off to the side, your feet gently brushing the cool river water. The boatman poles steadily, and the bamboo raft quietly glides on the jade-like river surface. The bamboo on both banks remains green, but the Chinese tallow trees scattered among them have already turned red and yellow with autumn colors. The sky is high and blue, with clouds like cotton. Time seems stretched here; you can think of nothing, just watch the mountain reflections ripple, break, and reform on the water. Occasionally passing a small dam, the bamboo raft flows down with the current, splashing cool water droplets, bringing a small cheer. This full immersion and relaxation in nature is the most precious gift Yulong River offers autumn travelers. 【Practical Information TIPS】 ✍🏻 Yulong River rafting charges by section; the Jinlong Bridge to Jiuxian section offers great value and scenery. ✍🏻 Bamboo rafts seat up to two people; life jackets are required when boarding. It’s appropriate to tip the boatman a little; they will be more willing to explain and even help take photos. ✍🏻 Sun protection is still important in autumn, especially on the water where UV rays are strong. ✍🏻 The cycling route has many forks; you can use your phone’s map navigation anytime to avoid getting lost. ✍🏻 To experience the popular dam rush, choose a rafting section that includes the dam. This fairyland, just a stone’s throw from Yangshuo, is truly not to be missed. Its beauty requires you to slow down to savor it carefully.