One of China’s most dramatic areas of natural beauty, it’s no surprise that the winding Li River attracts thousands of visitors to its tranquil shores every year. The panoramic views from the water are a photographer’s dream, encompassing hills, caves and lush green fields as well as the quaint farming villages that litter the shoreline. There’s no better way see the fascinating sights that run from Guilin to Yangshuo than from the water, and river cruises are a great way to discover for yourself whether what you’ve seen in the guidebooks is indeed true.

See our beautiful Li River photos below, and hit the road on your next trip to Hong Kong to discover these stunning natural sights for yourself.

Located on the western bank of the Li River, the shape of this rocky outcrop is said to resemble a gigantic elephant drinking water from the river with its trunk

Located on the western bank of the Li River, the shape of this rocky outcrop is said to resemble a gigantic elephant drinking water from the river with its trunk.

Watch the domesticated cormorant birds, first used over 400 years ago by local fishermen because of their excellent natural fishing abilities.

Watch the domesticated cormorant birds, first used over 400 years ago by local fishermen because of their excellent natural fishing abilities.

Soak up the scenery and sleepy pace of life on the river at waterside settlements and farming villages.

Soak up the scenery and sleepy pace of life on the river at waterside settlements and farming villages.

View the jagged hills that jut out from the shoreline and frame the river – a spectacular and dramatic sight at sunrise or sunset.

View the jagged hills that jut out from the shoreline and frame the river – a spectacular and dramatic sight at sunrise or sunset.

Take a junk boat tour along the river for some stunning views, old style

Take a junk boat tour along the river for some stunning views, old style.

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