Navigate on the Li River, China

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In 2008 I traveled through China with a friend with my backpack (my first big trip outside of Europe!) And I really wanted to see as much as possible from the country.

When we arrived in Guilin after a long flight, we decided against the bus trip to Yangshuo and instead decided to go to a boat trip (actually only a motorized raft) along the 83-kilometer section of the Lijiang or Li River, as it is also called.

It turned out to be one of the best decisions of the trip. Although it took four times as long as the 80-minute bus ride and more cost (as in three or four pounds), gliding along the Li was a good way to travel. Our pilot was, so to speak, an older man who did not speak English, and we also did not speak a mandarin apart from the basic knowledge.

The scenery was breathtaking and could easily be confused with the CGI landscapes by James Camerons Avatar. The Guangxi region, where the Li flow flows, competes with the region of Yangtsekiang or the yellow mountains and probably has the most picturesque landscape of China-so much that its beauty is recognized and shown on the current series of the Chinese 20-Yuan banknote.

They drive past tiny fishing villages, houseboats, tributaries, river traffic, jungle, caves - there is a lot to do. We arrived refreshed and relaxed in Yangshuo in the late evening.

We dared to the river many times during our trip. Kayaks are available for daily adventures along the river so that you can stop in floating restaurants and bars on the way.

Flow tours and taxis take you to the surrounding villages, sights and landscapes. We spent an afternoon climbing over a tributary of the river, and another that cycled along his banks, and only took a break to dive in the many pools and bathing spots along the way and cool down.

Yangshuo is a paradise for backpackers, and while I was there, I met a lot of people who, like me, were on an extensive journey through China and also had a limited budget. It is not the most culturally demanding city in the world and it is not what you would call "real China" because it is very strongly geared towards tourism.

Nevertheless, it is surrounded by a breathtaking landscape in the middle of green hills and lush jungle vegetation. There are many outdoor activities such as climbing, cave research and water sports. And the small but pulsating city on the river has a relaxed charm and a lively social scene. Many travelers often stay longer than planned.

The Li River and its surroundings are the best in the province of Guangxi and possibly even in China-especially if you are like us and enjoy going away from the beaten path and participating in activities.

Despite Yangshuo's attraction as a backpacker in China's initiation rite, you can spend hours in or along the river without seeing someone, except for one or the other fisherman on the river or farmers in the fields. It is also a good place to pause and observe; Relax, escape and absorb everything. I can only recommend it.

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Travel time: We were there in August and it was hot and humid and therefore not ideal for the more active days. At this time of year, the landscape is also susceptible to torrential downpours that make the streets in the region impassable and less inviting the river. Most travel guide recommends to visit China in September or October to have warm, dry, sunny days and a clear blue sky without the oppressive moisture that prevails in other seasons.

How: There are trains and buses to Guilin from many cities in relative proximity (China is a large place) and night trains from Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen. There are also many domestic flights to Guilin Airport (KWL) from further away (current prizes can be found on skyscanner.net).

Take a taxi to the Mo Pan Shan Pier from the train station or from the airport and organize your means of transport from there. There are many different boats as well as larger cruises and faster quick boats. I personally was satisfied with our little motorized raft. The better offers can be found further away from the pier on the smaller boats. However, the boats and their owners may not necessarily adhere to the same standards as the more commercial ones at the pier themselves.

Mission statement: Atlas & Boots
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