Guilin Four lakes night cruise with the English speaking driver from Guilin hotel

If you’re visiting Guilin and want to see the city’s illuminated beauty from a unique water perspective, the Four Lakes night cruise might just be your ideal evening activity. This tour offers a chance to glide through the heart of Guilin’s scenic water system, enjoying stunning views, local performances, and the convenience of hotel pickup—all for a reasonable price.

What makes this experience stand out is the combination of spectacular night vistas, lively local performances, and effortless logistics. We love how it captures the city’s charm without requiring too much effort or research from your side. It’s perfect for travelers who want a relaxed but visually captivating introduction to Guilin’s cityscape.

However, a potential downside is the crowd density—reviews mention that the boat can get quite busy, which might detract from the atmosphere if you prefer intimate settings. Still, for the price and the views, it’s a solid choice for most visitors.

This tour mainly suits those seeking a stress-free, scenic night experience with a touch of local culture, especially if you’re short on time or want to skip extensive walking or sightseeing.

Key Points

• Stunning night views of Guilin illuminated by lights and music fountains.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off included, simplifying logistics.
• Live performances of local opera, minority songs, and traditional Chinese music onboard.
• Multiple departure times offer flexibility for your evening plans.
• Comfortable boats with 360-degree views, making sure you won’t miss a single scene.
• Crowded but lively atmosphere — great for social travelers but less intimate for quiet reflection.

An In-Depth Look at the Guilin Four Lakes Night Cruise

What Is the Guilin Four Lakes Scenic Area?

The Guilin Two Rivers and Four Lakes area is the city’s most iconic waterway system, blending nature, history, and modern city life. During the day, it’s a peaceful retreat for picnics and walking, but at night, it transforms into a glowing spectacle. Lanterns light up the water, and fountains perform choreographed shows, creating a magical scene that’s hard to match.

Why Choose a Night Cruise?

The main draw here is the nighttime illumination. When darkness falls, the lakes sparkle with colorful lights, and the fountains dance to music, giving the scenery an almost fairy-tale quality. The night cruise lasts about an hour, during which you’ll pass several key sites, including the Sun and Moon Pagodas, and enjoy performances by local artists.

What’s the Itinerary Like?

Starting Point: You begin at Riyue Shangta Cultural Park, near Shan Lake, where you’re picked up from your hotel. From there, the boat departs across the lakes, passing Rong Lake, Gui Lake, and Molong Lake, before looping back. The cruise lasts approximately one hour, covering over 5 kilometers.

Stops & Highlights:

• Guilin Two Rivers and Four Lakes Resort: This is the main attraction, especially stunning at night with beautifully lit trees, pavilions, and the glow of city lights reflecting on the water. As one reviewer noted, “taking a sightseeing boat to cruise this inner city water loop, you will get the most beautiful scenes of the night Guilin.” The cruise also features local performances that add cultural flavor, including traditional Chinese music and opera, which some travelers found a delightful surprise.

• Sun and Moon Pagodas: The boat passes by these iconic pagodas, which are best viewed lit up at night. The boat drops off near these sites, making it easy for you to view them from the water and appreciate their design and illumination. One reviewer remarked, “the Sun and Moon Pagodas are beautiful to see from the water, especially when lit up in the evening.”

What Is the Experience Like?

Expect lively, colorful surroundings. The boats are equipped with 360-degree views, so you can enjoy panoramic scenes of Guilin’s lit skyline and water reflections. Most boats are air-conditioned, ensuring comfort during the cruise, even on warmer evenings.

Music and performances add an authentic touch, with local groups performing minority songs and traditional Chinese music. One traveler described the experience as “very beautiful,” noting that the performances and scenery combined made for an unforgettable night.

Logistics & Practical Details

Pickup and Drop-off are included, which is a considerable advantage for travelers unfamiliar with the city or those wanting to avoid the hassle of finding a meeting point. The tour is a private activity for your group, meaning you won’t share the boat with strangers, though it can get crowded—some reviews mention it being “overcrowded, loud, and a bit chaotic,” but this adds to the lively atmosphere.

Timing: You can choose from several departure times, allowing for flexibility depending on your evening plans. The exact departure times are confirmed after booking, so it’s best to plan accordingly.

Duration: The entire experience lasts about 2 hours with pickup, transit, and the cruise itself. The boat ride itself is about an hour, making it a manageable activity, even for those with tight schedules.

Cost and Value

At $47.13 per person, this cruise offers a good balance of price and experience. For that fee, you get hotel pickup, a scenic boat ride, cultural performances, and the opportunity to see Guilin’s night scenery without extra research or walking. Considering the included convenience and the beautiful views, most travelers find it offers solid value, especially if you’re seeking a relaxing, visually stunning activity.

What Do the Reviews Say?

Multiple reviewers praised the professional guides and the breathtaking scenery. One mentioned that the guide spoke good English and was very friendly, making the experience more comfortable. Another highlighted the cormorant fishing as a bonus, which adds a traditional local touch to the scene.

However, some pointed out the crowd levels, describing the boat as “noisy,” “loud,” and “chaotic.” Yet, many still appreciated the lively, festive atmosphere. A reviewer said, “this is an hour cruise through Guilin’s four lakes. It is pleasant to navigate and enjoy the purposefully lit riverside, with little performances along the way.”

Things to Consider

• The boat doesn’t have an English-speaking guide onboard, so the performances and scenery are best enjoyed visually.
• The crowding might be an issue if you prefer quiet, intimate settings.
• The timing is subject to change, so confirm the exact schedule after booking.
• The experience is suitable for most travelers, but children should be accompanied by adults.

The Sum Up

This Guilin Four Lakes night cruise offers a relaxed, scenic way to experience the city’s luminous beauty after dark. With hotel pickup, lively performances, and panoramic views, it’s perfect for travelers wanting an uncomplicated yet memorable evening activity. While it can be busy, the vibrant energy and stunning scenery create a lively atmosphere that many will enjoy.

If you’re short on time but want to see Guilin’s skyline in a magical setting, this cruise is a strong choice. It delivers cultural insights through music and a chance to unwind while taking in some of China’s most beautiful nightscapes.

For travelers seeking a low-stress, scenic experience with cultural flair, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy lively environments and stunning water-based views.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making transportation convenient and hassle-free.

How long does the cruise last?
The boat ride itself lasts about one hour, with the overall experience around 2 hours including transfers.

Are there different departure times?
Yes, multiple departure times are available, and they will be confirmed after booking.

Is the boat crowded?
Some reviews mention the boat can get overcrowded and noisy, but most find the lively atmosphere enjoyable.

Are there performances onboard?
Yes, you can expect local performances such as Chinese opera, minority songs, and traditional music during the cruise.

Can I see the Sun and Moon Pagodas from the boat?
Absolutely, the boat passes by the pagodas, which are illuminated at night, making for great photo opportunities.

The Guilin Four Lakes night cruise offers a mix of beautiful scenery, cultural entertainment, and convenient logistics at a fair price. It’s a fun, lively way to experience Guilin’s famous night views — ideal for those wanting to relax and take in the city’s charm without fuss.