Sailing on the River Li - Joyful Journeys

      30.11.2025

      24 °C

      As our visit to China comes to a close, we decided it was time for a trip on the river that has brought fame to this region. The stunning karst mountain landscape along the Li River in Yangshuo is well-known to every Chinese person, as this view is featured on the 20 yuan banknote. Although we found that cash is rarely used here anymore, a fellow passenger kindly brought a 20 yuan note, which everyone wanted to photograph. At this time of year, the river is shallow, meandering through deep valleys carved into ancient limestone, showcasing breathtaking beauty. However, we are not alone; dozens of luxury cruise boats carry hundreds of tourists daily from the lively city of Guilin to the popular destination of Yangshuo, located four hours downstream. Meanwhile, swarms of electrically powered bamboo rafts either forge ahead or follow us like ducklings behind their mother. Despite the warm sunshine and very low prices, this happens to be the quietest season. During the summer and Chinese holidays, hundreds of cruise boats transport thousands of visitors daily on this route. Water buffalo and goats graze along the banks, while ducks, geese, and egrets fish in the shallow waters. In some areas, the mountainsides are covered in plastic, as kumquat farmers protect their crops from rain and fruit flies as they ripen for the Christmas market. No matter where we look, our eyes are captivated by a tapestry of mountains, each one merging into the next in serene, breathtaking beauty. After ten days filled with stunning views, thrilling experiences, clear blue skies, warm sun, comfortable beds, and, most importantly, the warmth of some of the kindest and loveliest people we have ever met, our time with our Chinese family is coming to an end for now. We must bid farewell to Curry and Rose as we enjoy Aberdeen Angus steaks and fine wines under the stars on our last evening. In the morning, we will express our gratitude by saying 谢谢你 (xièxie nǐ) and 见 (zàijiàn) to Suzy, Amy, Richard, Hanna, and the rest of our wonderful family and friends at our ‘home in the Tea Cozy,’ hoping they will one day visit us. Farewell, Xiatanangzhai. We have friends waiting for us in Tokyo, but we promise to return to our Chinese home soon.

      Posted by Hawkson

      00:15

      Archived in China