How Many Routes Are There?

The official Yulong River website currently lists nine main rafting routes:

1. Miaoling Cave
2. Fuli Bridge
3. Jinlong Bridge
4. Yulong Bridge
5. Xinglong
6. Xiatang
7. Jima
8. Shui’edi
9. Longcun

Some travel platforms count short sections, return routes, and special products separately, which is why you may see more than nine routes online.

For a first visit, Jinlong Bridge, Jima, and Shui’edi are good choices for classic scenery. Fuli Bridge, Yulong Bridge, Xinglong, and Longcun are better suited for shorter, more relaxed experiences.

Route and Price Overview

 

Some tickets are priced per raft rather than per person. Confirm the passenger limit, return transport, and any shuttle fees before paying.

What Is the Difference from a Li River Cruise?

A Yulong River raft is smaller, quieter, and closer to the riverbank. The route usually passes through villages, rice fields, old bridges, small dams, and narrow sections of water.

A Li River cruise uses a larger sightseeing boat and offers wider views of the famous karst mountains. It is better for travellers seeking a longer, more panoramic river journey.

If you have enough time, I recommend doing both.

Choosing the Best Route

Miaoling Cave

This is a one-way route approximately 3.6 kilometres long. It passes several natural dams and is suitable for visitors who want a quieter upper-river experience.

Because it is one-way, arrange your return transport in advance.

Fuli Bridge

Fuli Bridge is a historic stone arch bridge with attractive reflections in the water. The route is relaxed and suitable for families, older travellers, and visitors who want a shorter trip.

Jinlong Bridge

This is one of the classic longer routes. Expect karst peaks, reflections, fields, villages, old bridges, and small dams.

If you want one complete Yulong River rafting experience, this is one of the routes I would consider first.

Yulong Bridge

This is a return route, so you do not need to arrange transport from a different final pier. It is also convenient if you plan to watch the Golden Dragon Parade in the evening.

Xinglong

This return route is relaxed and suitable for visitors who prefer a shorter activity. The landscape includes fields, greenery, villages, and calm water.

Xiatang

This one-way route connects Xiatang and Jima. It offers a quieter countryside atmosphere, but you must arrange transport once you reach Jima.

Jima

This is a popular route toward the Gongnong Bridge area. It works well with a visit to the Ten-Mile Gallery, Moon Hill, or nearby countryside.

Shui’edi

This route ends near Gongnong Bridge and is convenient for combining rafting with other Yangshuo attractions. It can be busy during weekends and Chinese holidays.

Longcun

Longcun is located along the Jinbao River and offers a more rural and less crowded atmosphere. It is a good option for repeat visitors or travellers staying in Yangshuo for several days.

The Main Scenery

Karst reflections

When the wind is calm, the mountains appear clearly on the surface of the river. Morning and late afternoon are usually good times for photography.

Old bridges and small dams

The raft passes traditional bridges and small dams. The water speeds up briefly as the raft crosses a dam, then returns to a calm flow.

Villages and fields

The river is bordered by rice fields, orchards, village paths, and rural homes. This is one of the main differences between the Yulong River and a large sightseeing cruise.

Quiet, human-powered travel

The raft is traditionally moved by a boatman using a long pole. The slower pace and lack of large engines make the experience peaceful, though popular piers can get crowded.

The Evening Golden Dragon Parade

Where Is It Held?

The Golden Dragon Parade is held near Yulong Bridge Pier in Baisha Town, Yangshuo. The start and finish are both near Yulong Bridge.

Do not confuse it with other night cruises near Gongnong Bridge. They are separate activities.

What Is It?

Many illuminated bamboo rafts are connected to form a long golden dragon on the river. After dark, the dragon moves slowly through the water near Yulong Bridge and returns to the nearby area.

Some performances may also include:

• Fireworks;
• Dragon-and-phoenix performances;
• Liu Sanjie folk songs
• Cormorant fishing demonstrations;
• A blessing ceremony.

The program may vary depending on the date, season, weather, and local arrangements.

Reference Ticket Prices

The bridge ticket usually offers the best overall view because you can see more of the dragon at once. Joining the parade by raft is more immersive but much more expensive.

When Does It Take Place?

The parade does not necessarily take place every day of the year.

It is more commonly scheduled:

• On weekends;
• During public holidays;
• During high-season periods;
• After sunset.

A typical performance lasts 40 to 60 minutes, but the start time can vary by season. Check the “iYou Yangshuo” mini program for the exact date and time.

How Early Should You Arrive?

Arrive at least one hour early. During holidays, allow even more time for:

• Parking;
• Ticket collection;
• Security checks;
• Finding a viewing place;
• Traffic and crowds.

If you are travelling from West Street, do not rely only on the short distance shown on a map. Evening traffic can be slower.

Should You Watch from the Bridge or Join by Raft?

Choose the bridge if you want:

• The clearest overall view;
• Better photos of the entire dragon;
• A lower-cost experience;
• A more comfortable option for children or older travellers.

Choose the raft if you want:

• To become part of the parade;
• A more immersive experience;
• A special evening activity;
• A higher-budget trip.

For most first-time visitors, I recommend watching from the bridge and doing a regular daytime Yulong River rafting route.

Suggested One-Day Schedule

• 9:00: Travel to Fuli Bridge, Jinlong Bridge, or Yulong Bridge
• 10:00–13:00: Bamboo rafting
• 13:30: Lunch in Baisha or Yangshuo
• 14:30: Rest at your hotel
• 16:30: Travel to the Yulong Bridge area
• 17:30: Collect tickets and find a viewing position
• 18:30–19:30: Watch the Golden Dragon Parade
• After 20:00: Return to Yangshuo

Do not combine a long rafting route, Longji Rice Terraces, and the evening parade in one day. The transport connections would be tiring.

Booking and Safety Tips

• Confirm whether the price is per person or per raft.
• Check whether the route is one-way or return.
• Ask whether shuttle and return transport are included.
• Confirm the final pier before departure.
• Expect temporary closures during heavy rain or flooding.
• Bring a waterproof phone pouch, sun protection, and non-slip shoes.
• Keep your passport and electronics in a waterproof bag.
• Check the official schedule before travelling to the parade.

FAQ

Which route is best for first-time visitors?

Jinlong Bridge, Jima, and Shui’edi are good choices for classic scenery. Yulong Bridge, Fuli Bridge, and Xinglong are better for shorter experiences.

Do I need to book in advance?

Book ahead during weekends, public holidays, and peak travel periods. On quieter weekdays, availability depends on the pier and weather.

How many people can sit on one raft?

It varies by route. Some official listings specify two-person or three-person rafts. Confirm the exact rule when booking.

Is the Golden Dragon Parade held every day?

No. The schedule varies. Weekends and holidays are more likely, but you should check the official mini program for the exact date.

Where is the best place to watch?

Yulong Bridge usually provides the best overall view. Riverbank positions may be free but offer a lower and more limited angle.

Is the parade the same as ordinary daytime rafting?

No. Daytime rafting follows regular river routes. The Golden Dragon Parade is a separate evening cultural and light event.

Can I catch a train after the parade?

Leave plenty of time. Yulong Bridge is not next to Yangshuo Railway Station, and evening traffic can be slow. Avoid booking a train too soon after the event.

Final Advice

A bamboo raft trip in Yangshuo is more than a quick photo stop. The best part is the quiet water, mountain reflections, old bridges, village scenery, and slow rhythm of the boatman’s pole.

For a balanced trip, choose a classic daytime route,e such as Jinlong Bridge, Jima, or Shui’edi, then visit Yulong Bridge in the evening to see the Golden Dragon Parade.

Always check the latest route prices and event schedule through the official Yulong River website and the “I Love You Yangshuo” platform.