From Yangshuo: Yulong River bamboo raft Ruyi Peak Day Tour

Exploring Yangshuo’s breathtaking scenery is a highlight for any visitor to Southern China, and this tour offers a well-rounded taste of the region’s natural beauty and local charm. From tranquil bamboo rafting to panoramic mountain views, it delivers a thoughtful mix of adventure and relaxation.

What makes this experience particularly appealing is its private setup — meaning you’re not part of a giant tour group, but instead enjoy a personalized itinerary. You’ll also get to savor authentic Yangshuo dishes in a rustic farm setting, adding a genuine flavor to your day.

One potential consideration is the timing for bamboo raft tickets, which are only available online at 8 pm the night before and can fill up quickly. If you’re an early planner or flexible with your schedule, that shouldn’t be a problem, but it’s worth keeping in mind.

This tour suits travelers seeking a peaceful, scenic day that combines gentle adventure with culture — perfect for couples, small groups, or those who simply want an authentic experience away from crowded attractions.

Key Points

• Private Experience: Enjoy a comfortable, tailored itinerary without sharing with large groups.
• Stunning Scenery: The bamboo raft on Yulong River offers views as poetic as a classic Chinese painting.
• Panoramic Views: Ruyi Peak’s cable car ride provides a bird’s eye perspective of Yangshuo’s dramatic karst landscape.
• Authentic Cuisine: Farm-to-table lunch in a rural setting adds a genuine taste of local life.
• Flexible & Convenient: Hotel pickup and drop-off within 5 km of Yangshuo make logistics smooth.
• Limited Ticket Availability: Bamboo raft tickets need to be purchased online the night before, so plan ahead.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Bamboo Raft on Yulong River

The day begins with your private pickup around 9 am, setting the tone for a relaxed, personal journey. The highlight here is the bamboo raft ride, which lasts about an hour. The river’s clarity is a standout feature — you can see the stones and aquatic plants beneath the surface, adding to the peaceful, almost meditative atmosphere.

Reviewers mention the experience as “poetry in motion,” with the gentle push of the oars guiding you past swaying bamboos and distant villages shrouded in mist. The scenery is as close to a living Chinese painting as you can get, with some describing it as “intoxicating.”

A practical note: bamboo raft tickets are only available online at 8 pm the previous evening. The tour provider arranges the docks daily, with options including Shui’erdi, Jinlong Bridge, and Jiuxian. This flexibility means you’ll likely be taken from a dock best suited to current water levels.

Some travelers noted the weight limit for each raft (160 kg for two people), and if you’re traveling with a partner over that, an extra ticket may be necessary. Children under 1 meter or over 70 years old are restricted at certain docks for safety reasons, but the staff makes adjustments accordingly.

Light Hike & Visit to Jiuxian Village

After the raft, the tour continues with a relaxed hiking route along the river, passing through the ancient village of Jiuxian. This part of the trip offers a chance to appreciate the rural tranquility and traditional architecture, which are often missed by larger tour groups.

Walking through Jiuxian, you’ll notice the contrast between the modern tourist spots and the untouched, authentic life still thriving in these villages. It’s a peaceful, authentic experience that allows for plenty of photo opportunities and quiet reflection.

Farm Lunch in the Countryside

At around midday, the group heads to a rural rice field restaurant for a farm-to-table meal. This is often highlighted as a favorite part of the day, with reviewers praising the rustic dishes and the setting’s tranquility. Many mention that the home-cooked food captures the essence of regional flavors, making it more than just a meal — it’s an immersion into local life.

You might find simple but delicious dishes, freshly picked vegetables, and perhaps some local specialties. After lunch, there’s time to relax and enjoy the farm’s peaceful atmosphere, a welcome break from more hectic sightseeing.

More Great Tours Nearby

Ruyi Peak & Panoramic Views

The afternoon is dedicated to a cable car ride up Ruyi Peak, which takes approximately 1.5 hours including the ascent and descent. The ride itself offers spectacular views, and stepping onto the red suspension bridge at the top gets your pulse racing — quite literally, with its thrilling height and panoramic vistas.

The glass plank road is a highlight, providing a unique perspective of the surrounding peaks and valleys beneath your feet. Many reviewers describe the feeling as “walking on the clouds,” with some noting the mountain scenery unfolding in a “thousand-mile view.”

Walking around the summit, you can enjoy a leisurely exploration of the peaks, often feeling as though you’re walking through a landscape painting. The entire Ruyi Peak experience is a perfect way to see Yangshuo’s famous karst scenery from above.

Return & Relaxation

By late afternoon, around 5 pm, the group starts heading back to Yangshuo, with the entire trip lasting about 8 hours. The convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off within a 5 km radius ensures a hassle-free experience, especially after a long day of sightseeing.

Practical Aspects & Value

Cost & What You Get

At $212 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive day out with several key highlights. The price covers private transportation, all activities, and a farm lunch, making it a good value given the personalized experience and multiple attractions.

The private nature of the tour means you’ll have flexibility and comfort, avoiding the crowded feeling of larger group tours. Plus, the curated itinerary ensures you experience the best of Yangshuo’s scenery without the need to plan each stop yourself.

Transportation & Timing

The schedule runs smoothly, with pickups at 9 am and return around 6 pm. This timing allows for a relaxed pace, with enough time to appreciate each element without feeling rushed.

Transportation is private, so you’ll avoid the chaos of public buses or shared tours. The driver is Chinese, and while the tour is conducted in Chinese, the experience is largely visual and physical, making language less of a barrier.

Best suited for

This experience is ideal for travelers who value scenery and cultural authenticity, but prefer a private, flexible schedule. It caters well to couples, small families, or friends looking for a peaceful yet engaging day.

Those with an interest in photography will appreciate the stunning vistas from Ruyi Peak and the calm beauty of the bamboo raft ride. Also, nature lovers will find the river and mountain scenery inspiring and rejuvenating.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

Bamboo raft tickets sell out early online, so planning ahead is crucial. Children under 1 meter and seniors over 70 are restricted at certain docks, but the staff is accommodating with alternatives.

While the tour is quite comprehensive, it’s worth noting that water safety regulations might limit some options, and the maximum load capacity on rafts requires some planning if traveling in pairs.

The Sum Up

This tour strikes a fine balance between scenic beauty, culture, and relaxed comfort. The bamboo raft on Yulong River offers peaceful, picture-perfect moments, while the Ruyi Peak cable car provides breathtaking panoramic views that can’t be missed. The farm lunch adds a warm, local touch that makes the experience feel authentic rather than touristy.

Its private arrangement means you can enjoy the day at your own pace, making it especially suited for those who prefer personalized experiences over large group tours. It’s an excellent choice for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone looking to see the best of Yangshuo’s stunning landscape without the crowds.

If you’re after a day that combines gentle adventure, cultural flavor, and spectacular scenery, this tour delivers on all fronts—at a price that reflects the quality and intimacy of the experience.

FAQ

• How do I purchase bamboo raft tickets? Tickets are only available online at 8 pm the day before the tour. It’s best to book early since they often sell out quickly.
• What are the pick-up and drop-off arrangements? You can be picked up from a hotel within 5 km of Yangshuo, and after the tour, you’ll be dropped off at a hotel within the same radius.
• Is this tour suitable for children or seniors? Children under 1 meter or over 70 years old may face restrictions at certain docks for bamboo rafting, but staff will accommodate with alternative options.
• What’s included in the price? The price covers private transportation, the bamboo raft experience, cable car ride, farm lunch, and some scheduled stops.
• How long does the entire tour last? About 8 hours, starting around 9 am and returning by 6 pm, giving enough time to enjoy each activity.
• Is the tour private? Yes, it’s designed for private groups, which offers flexibility and a more personalized experience.
• What is the main highlight of this tour? The bamboo raft on Yulong River and the panoramic views from Ruyi Peak are the standout moments.
• What should I wear or bring? Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a camera are recommended. The tour involves some walking and outdoor activities.
• Can I customize the itinerary? Since it’s a private tour, there’s some flexibility, but the core activities are fixed.
• What if I have dietary restrictions? The farm lunch is a set menu; if you have specific needs, it’s best to communicate with the provider beforehand.

This day trip blending gentle adventure, authentic scenery, and cultural touches offers a memorable way to experience Yangshuo’s captivating landscape. Whether you’re after stunning views, a taste of rural life, or a peaceful escape into nature, it’s a solid choice that balances all those elements beautifully.

You can check availability for your dates here: