Three-star ships and four-star ships on the Li River usually visit the same or similar essential river section from Guilin to Yangshuo. The main differences are the embarkation pier, cabin space, seat configuration, deck, meals and fares.Four-star ships do not guarantee a window seat, Samsung ships also have fixed seats, so you can’t just stand and enjoy the scenery. Meals, pick-up and disembarkation arrangements may be adjusted based on different dates, operating ships and sales packages. When booking tickets, the items stated in the order shall prevail.The price, terminal, transportation, voyage and ticket purchase information of this article are checked on the date:August 6, 2026. Cruise ship schedules, docking stations, meals and preferential policies may be adjusted. Before departure, you should check the official notice of Guilin Lijiang Scenic Area and the “Lijiang Ticket Office” ticket purchase page again.
How to choose between three-star and four-star ships
When I judge whether I need to choose a four-star ship, it mainly depends on whether my companions care about the cabin space, seats, meals and deck activity areas, rather than which ship passes more scenic spots. Guilin Li River Essence Tour usually departs from Mopanshan Passenger Port or Zhujiang Passenger Port and goes to Yangshuo one way, with a voyage of about 60 kilometers and a tour time of about 4 hours.[1]
| Compare items | Lijiang Three Star Ship | Lijiang four-star ship | Practical impact on itinerary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common embarkation piers | Mopanshan Passenger Port Terminal | Zhujiang Passenger Port Terminal | The two piers are about 6.5 kilometers apart. If you go wrong, you need to take the bus again. They cannot be regarded as the same entrance. |
| Disembarkation location | Usually disembark at Yangshuo Pier, often docking at Longtoushan Pier | Usually disembark at Yangshuo Pier. The actual docking location is subject to ticket issuance and scheduling on the day. | When picking up a car or booking a hotel, don’t just judge by star rating. You should check the specific disembarkation terminal on the order. |
| Navigation route | The best section of Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo | The best section of Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo | The main scenery is the same or highly overlapping. The four-star ship does not add an additional viewing route. |
| Reference boat trip | Usually about 4 hours | Usually about 4 hours | Water level, weather, speed, berthing sequence and temporary controls will affect the actual arrival time |
| Seating form | There are fixed seats, and it is common for seats to be equipped with dining tables. | With fixed seats, cabin and seat configurations are usually higher | The main value of a four-star ship is the long-term riding experience, not the right to freely choose your seat |
| Whether the window seat is guaranteed? | Usually not automatically guaranteed | Usually not automatically guaranteed | “Priority for window seats”, “Try to arrange as much as possible” and “Guaranteed window seats” are three different terms |
| Cabin space | It can satisfy normal resting, viewing and dining. The specific layout changes with the ship. | The official introduction emphasizes that the cabin is more spacious and there is usually more space for activities and dining. | People who tire easily, are sensitive to crowding, or need to sit for long periods of time are more likely to feel the difference. |
| deck | Usually with an open viewing deck | Official introduction usually equipped with double-layer walking deck | Three-star ships can also go to the deck to enjoy the scenery. The main difference between four-star ships is the deck configuration and activity space. |
| Boat meals | Commonly provided with meals, some ticket types need to be purchased separately | Common Chinese and Western buffets or specialty catering | There is catering service on board, but it does not mean that the fare you purchase must include meals. |
| Bathroom | There are toilets on board, the location varies with the type of ship. | There are bathrooms on board, and the internal configuration varies with the ship type. | Elderly people should pay more attention to whether the seats and bathrooms are on the same floor, rather than just comparing star ratings. |
| Luggage | Usually can be carried and placed by on-site arrangement | Usually can be carried and placed by on-site arrangement | The Li River cruise is a one-way trip. The pier usually does not provide luggage storage. Large boxes should be taken with the boat to Yangshuo. |
| Guilin city pick-up | Official basic ticket does not include | Official basic ticket does not include | Hotel pick-up and drop-off are mostly services added by platforms or travel agencies. You need to check the pick-up and drop-off range. |
| Yangshuo return trip | Official basic ticket does not include | Official basic ticket does not include | Those who return to Guilin on the same day must purchase additional transportation; those who live in Yangshuo do not need to pay for the return package |
| Adult public price | 215 yuan | 360 yuan | As of August 6, 2026, the difference between the two is 145 yuan. Price changes are subject to the official ticket purchase page. |
| Suitable for the crowd | People with limited budget, mainly looking for scenery, and not having high requirements for seats and meals | Those who have high requirements for cabin space, seats, dining and deck configurations | Elderly people, children and young tourists should all judge based on actual needs and cannot choose based on age alone. |
| Main limitations | Different ships have different internal layouts, and meals and transfers must be confirmed separately. | More expensive, but still doesn’t automatically guarantee a window, separate table, or exclusive deck spot | The upgrade mainly improves the riding process and will not change the arrangement that the cruise is a one-way trip. |
As of August 6, 2026, the officially announced adult prices for the Lijiang Essence Tour are: three-star ship tickets are 54 yuan, cruise tickets are 161 yuan, a total of 215 yuan; four-star ship tickets are 54 yuan, and cruise tickets are 306 yuan, a total of 360 yuan.The adult price difference between the two types of boats is 145 yuan, the price difference mainly corresponds to the cruise ship level and service configuration, not the price difference for scenic spot tickets.[2]
Where to get on the boat?
Three-star ships usually ship fromMopanshan Passenger Port TerminalDeparts fromZhujiang Passenger Port TerminalShip. Official transportation instructions show that the two terminals are about 6.5 kilometers apart and about 28 kilometers from downtown Guilin. The reference time for traveling in the urban area is about 40-50 minutes. The time will increase when encountering morning rush hour, holiday traffic or shuttle vehicles picking up passengers along the way.[3]
Although Mopanshan and Zhujiang are in the same direction, they are not two adjacent ticket gates. If you make a mistake, you have to exit the port area, navigate, take the bus and go through the port entry procedures again. Cruise ships depart according to flights. Just because the two piers are not far apart, you cannot think that you can still catch up easily even if you go wrong.
Officials recommend that tourists consider urban traffic jams, ticket collection and security checks, and depart from the city about 1.5 hours in advance. 1.5 hours here isThe overall reserved time from departure from the city to completion of boarding preparations, it does not mean that the vehicle must travel for 1.5 hours on the road.
The normal sailing time of the terminal may be divided into multiple morning flights, but it will be adjusted according to passenger flow, water level and operational arrangements. The collection time on the order is usually earlier than the sailing time, and the pick-up and drop-off time of the travel agency may be earlier than the collection time. People who take the bus by themselves should work backwards by the “gathering time” instead of just looking at the “departure time”.
Hotel transfers are generally third-party packages and are not automatically obtained after purchasing a three-star or four-star ship. The so-called “urban pick-up” may be to pick up people at the hotel door, or may require tourists to gather at designated locations such as Guilin Station, Xicheng Intersection, Cross Street, Sanlitian Square, etc. People who live in pedestrian streets, old streets, or areas inaccessible to vehicles must also calculate the time it takes to drag their luggage to the pick-up point.
If you don’t buy hotel transfers, you don’t necessarily have to take a taxi. The official transportation page currently lists customized passenger transportation to Zhujiang and Mopanshan. Some routes pass through Guilin Station, Xicheng Intersection, Cross Street and Sanlitian Square; Zhujiang Passenger Transport Port also lists morning buses.Ships and reservation methods are easy to adjust, it is not suitable to just rely on the old guide to arrive at the station and wait for the bus. You should check the official transportation page or contact the line operator the day before departure.
- The complete terminal name on the order, whether it is Mopanshan Passenger Port or Zhujiang Passenger Port
- Hotel pick-up time, dock gathering time and cruise ship sailing time
- Valid documents required for adults, children and the elderly to board the ship
- Are you buying a three-star ship, a four-star ship, or other short-term or return products?
- Is the pick-up at the hotel, at a designated area, or at a fixed stop?
- How to store suitcases, pushchairs and other large items on board
- Telephone number of customer service, pick-up driver or on-site staff that can be contacted after ticket issuance
Do the two boats have the same scenery?
The main views of three-star ships and four-star ships on the Li River are usually the same or highly overlapped. Both boats enter the essential section of the Li River from the direction of Guilin, passing through Cao Cao, Yangdi, Jiuma Painting Mountain, Yellow Cloth Reflection, Xingping Scenic Area and the 20-yuan background viewing area, before disembarking in Yangshuo.[4]
There is a difference in the starting positions of Mopan Mountain and Zhujiang, but it will not form a difference that “one can see the Nine Horse Painting Mountain and the other cannot see the Nine Horse Painting Mountain”. The increased budget for a four-star ship is mainly used for cabins, seats, decks and meals, not for purchasing more scenic spots on the Li River.
The actual route on the day will still be affected by water levels, weather and water traffic management. The Lijiang River is a river that is significantly affected by rainfall. Low water levels, heavy rainfall, strong winds, channel maintenance or temporary closures may cause changes in sailing time, speed and docking arrangements. Before traveling, you should check the official notice of the scenic spot and do not use other tourists’ voyages the previous day to calculate your arrival time.
Guilin to Yangshuo cruise is usually a one-way trip. After tourists disembark in Yangshuo, the cruise ship will not return to Guilin on the same route. Those who plan to stay in Yangshuo can take their luggage directly on board; those who want to return to Guilin on the same day need to arrange a car, customized passenger transportation or chartered car in advance.
The official transportation page lists the customized return routes from Yangshuo Longtoushan Pier to Mopanshan and Zhujiang Pier. This type of vehicle is mainly suitable for self-driving tourists to return to the ferry terminal to pick up the car. Its end point is not Guilin city center. When ordinary tourists purchase return services, they must see clearly whether the order states whether it is Guilin city, Guilin Station, hotel, or Mopanshan or Zhujiang pier.
The itinerary is shorter and can be combinedGuilin 3 days 2 nights Li River and Yangshuo itineraryDetermine whether to return on the same day. When you only stay for one night, frequent trips to and from Guilin will take up more time; people who have decided to stay in Yangshuo usually do not need to purchase a return package to Guilin.
What is the difference between seats?
Li River three-star ships and four-star ships have fixed seats. Samsung ships do not offer standing tickets. Passengers are usually assigned seats according to tickets, orders or on-site. Different cruise ships may use double tables, four-person tables or multi-person tables, and individual guests may also share tables with other tourists.
The official introduction of the three-star ship shows that the cabin is equipped with panoramic windows, unified catering and explanation services; the official introduction of the four-star ship emphasizes that the cabin is more spacious, the decoration and seating configuration are higher, and it has a double-layer walking deck. Officials also reminded thatThe internal layout and decoration of different star cruise ships are not exactly the same, promotional pictures cannot represent the specific ship on the day of travel.[5][6]
Seating arrangements may also differ for groups and individual guests. When multiple people are traveling together, consecutive tickets do not necessarily mean that they all sit at the same table; a family of three may be arranged at a table of four, and a traveling group of six may be divided into two tables. People who are very concerned about adjacent seats should ask the merchant if they can write an order before paying.
The advantage of a four-star ship is more easily reflected in the approximately 4-hour ride. For people who need to sit and rest for a long time, have high requirements for seat support and desktop space, or who do not like the cabin to be too compact, it is more practical to increase the budget. For those who plan to spend most of their time on the deck enjoying the scenery and don’t have high requirements for dining tables and seats, a three-star ship can usually satisfy their needs.
When an elderly person chooses a seat, I pay more attention to the bathroom and stairs, rather than just asking whether it is by the window. If you sit by the window, you may need to go around your seatmate to get up, but if you sit by the aisle, it will be more convenient to go to the bathroom. People with knee discomfort should also check whether they need to go up and down frequently between the floor where the seat is located and the deck.
Children may need to eat, nap and use the bathroom multiple times during the approximately 4-hour flight. It is not suitable for preschool children to run repeatedly between cabin and deck. Parents should give priority to adjacent seats or aisle seats to avoid their children having to step over other passengers every time they get up.
Is it guaranteed to sit by the window?
Neither three-star ships nor four-star ships automatically guarantee window seats based on their star rating.. The star rating on the ticket mainly indicates the cruise ship and service configuration, but does not mean that the passenger has obtained a designated window seat. Actual seats are affected by ship type, number of passengers, ticket issuance order, group arrangements and temporary ship changes.
The platform says “Priority to the window”, which usually means that the merchant will try to arrange it, but may not be able to honor it if there is no space. “Guarantee a window seat” also requires a clear understanding of the scope: whether at least one person in an order must sit by the window, or whether every visitor sits by the window; whether the seat is close to the window, or whether the entire dining table is adjacent to the window.
When merchants are willing to commit to a location, they should be required to include the content in the order, confirmation or fee description. Just saying “it should be possible” and “try to arrange it” in chat cannot be understood to the same standard as a written guarantee.
If you find that the seat is not suitable after boarding the ship, you can ask the staff, but you cannot occupy other seats by yourself. Whether you can change seats depends on the seat availability, other passengers and on-site management. Boat slots are usually full on popular dates, and there is usually limited room for adjustment after the boat sails.
Case:The two tourists originally planned to buy a three-star cruise ship, but later upgraded to a four-star cruise ship in order to have a window seat, but the order only said “four-star cruise ship, seats are randomly assigned.” What they actually purchased was a higher-class cabin, seating and dining configuration, but not a designated window seat. What really needs to be checked is the seat terms in the package, not the words “four-star ship”.
The absence of a window seat does not mean that the Li River cannot be seen during the entire flight. When the crew allows movement, passengers can go to the open deck and enjoy the scenery. When eating, berthing, when the weather is bad or the staff requires you to return to the cabin, you should return to your seat according to on-site arrangements.
What is the difference in deck viewing?
Three-star ships usually also have open viewing decks, and passengers on four-star ships are not allowed to go outside. The official introduction of the four-star ship clearly mentions that the double-layered promenade deck has more ample activity areas and viewing positions, but the specific open floors, sunshade areas and railing positions are still subject to the actual ship type.
Cabin seats and deck viewing are two different things. Fixed seats are used for resting, dining and placing belongings; the deck is a public activity area and passengers can only go there during opening hours. Buying a window seat does not mean you have a fixed photo spot on the deck; if you don’t have a window seat, you can also go to the deck to enjoy the scenery.
When Jiumahuashan, Huangbu Reflection and Xingping River Section are approaching, the flow of people on the deck will increase significantly. If you want to take pictures, you can get up a few minutes in advance, but there is no need to occupy the railing long in advance. After taking the photo, leave the main location so fellow tourists can take turns watching.
The deck may be slippery on rainy days, and umbrellas, hats and light items may be blown away by strong winds. Staying in an unshaded location for too long at noon in summer can also lead to sunburn. People who plan to stay on the deck can bring sun hats and light raincoats. Umbrellas can easily block the passage when there are many people.
When bringing children, adults should accompany them at all times and do not allow children to climb railings, chase up stairs or go to the deck alone. If the elderly are not suitable for going up and down stairs frequently, they can only choose one or two sections of the river they want to see the most and go to the deck, and stay in the cabin to rest the rest of the time.
When your seat is not by the window, you can first observe the flow of people on the deck. Travelers can go up first to check whether it is crowded and whether the ground is slippery, and then accompany the elderly or children there. This is easier than waiting at the stairs for the whole family at the same time.
What is the difference between boat meals?
Whether meals can be provided on board and whether meals are included in the order are two different issues. The official introduction of a three-star ship mentions central kitchen catering and cold chain distribution, while the official introduction of a four-star ship mentions Chinese and Western buffet or customized special catering. At the same time, the official reminder still lists instructions for purchasing Chinese food on Samsung Boats independently. There are differences between different pages and products, so the “fee included” in the travel date order should prevail.
| How to write a set meal | usually contains | usually does not contain | Confirm before payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| The ticket price only includes the ferry ticket | corresponds to star-rated cruise seats and scenic spot tour items specified in the order | Meals, transfers from Guilin to the pier, return trip to Yangshuo | Is it possible to purchase additional meals, meal times and payment methods on board? |
| Ferry ticket plus meal | Ferry tickets and designated simple meals, unified catering, table meals or buffets | Usually does not include Guilin transfer and Yangshuo return trip | Meal format, whether children are charged separately, and whether special diets can be arranged |
| Ferry ticket plus city transfer | Ferry tickets and one-way vehicle from designated areas in Guilin to the pier | Return from Yangshuo to Guilin is usually extra | Whether to go to the hotel entrance, the location of the meeting point, what time to pick up people, and how to deal with late arrivals |
| Ferry ticket plus return trip to Yangshuo | Ferry ticket and vehicle from the designated location in Yangshuo to the end of the order | Short-distance transportation from the disembarkation pier to the return meeting point may not be included | Whether the end point is Guilin city, Guilin Station, hotel, Mopanshan or Zhujiang Wharf |
| Ferry ticket plus transfer and return trip | Guilin to the pier, Li River cruise and return to Yangshuo, some packages include meals | Inner city transportation and personal consumption during free activities in Yangshuo | How long to stay after disembarkation, return meeting point and final disembarkation location |
Meals on three-star ships may be uniform meals, simple meals, or need to be purchased separately. Buffets or special catering are common on four-star ships, but the dishes displayed on a certain channel cannot be regarded as the fixed daily supply of all cruise ships. Ships, dates, passenger flows and packages all affect actual arrangements.
Vegetarians, food allergies, halal diets and children’s meals should be confirmed before ticketing. What can be arranged is best written into the order form. If special requests are made temporarily after boarding the ship, substitute food may not be available on the ship.
Those who have higher requirements for meals can carry a small amount of sealed, easy-to-eat food that complies with the regulations on board the ship. Do not bring food that requires heating, is easily spilled, or has a strong smell. People who need to control sugar, salt or fat should also not assume that buffets must meet their daily dietary requirements.
Eating on an empty stomach is not suitable for people who are prone to seasickness, and it is not recommended to eat too much before sailing. It’s usually safer to eat smaller amounts of familiar, bland foods. The meals on four-star ships are more complete, but if you are not interested in buffets, adding a simple lunch on three-star ships may be more in line with your budget.
Where is the price difference?
The official adult price is 215 yuan for a three-star boat and 360 yuan for a four-star boat. The scenic spot tickets for both types of boats are 54 yuan, and the price difference mainly occurs in the cruise tickets: 161 yuan for the three-star boat and 306 yuan for the four-star boat.
| Expense items | Samsung ship | Four-star ship | Comparison method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scenic spot tickets | Official announcement 54 yuan | Official announcement 54 yuan | Discounts for senior citizens, students and children may mainly affect this part |
| Cruise ticket | Official announcement 161 yuan | Official announcement 306 yuan | The price difference corresponds to the cruise class, cabin, seat, deck and service configuration |
| Meals | May be included or purchased separately | Common buffets or specialty meals, you should still check the order | Check “whether meals are included” and “meal format” respectively |
| Guilin to Pier | Official basic ticket does not include | Official basic ticket does not include | Compare pick-up areas, meeting points and whether you need to pick up passengers along the way |
| Yangshuo return trip | Official basic ticket does not include | Official basic ticket does not include | Check the return destination, don’t just look at the words “return included” |
| Children’s fees | Calculated based on ID and ticket purchase system | Calculated based on ID and ticket purchase system | Scenic spot ticket discounts and cruise seat fees may be calculated separately |
| Platform services | Potentially add transfers, tour guides and cancellation and change services | Potentially add transfers, tour guides and cancellation and change services | The prices for the same star rating are different, usually due to different included items or different refund and exchange rules. |
When I compare the total prices, I will first list the “boat tickets, meals, outbound transfers, return trips to Yangshuo, child fees and cancellation and change rules” separately. The most eye-catching low prices on the page may be children’s prices, single boat tickets or products with limited refunds and changes. Don’t just look at the first number.
If two adults choose a three-star ship, the price is 430 yuan based on the official adult published price; if they choose a four-star ship, the price is 720 yuan, a total difference of 290 yuan. If two people stay in Yangshuo on the same day and do not need to return to Guilin, they should not directly compare the three-star package “including return trip to Yangshuo” with the four-star package “includes ferry tickets only”.
The official page currently guides tourists to purchase cruise tickets for the highlight section of the Li River through the WeChat service account “Lijiang Ticket Office”. Third-party platforms and travel agencies usually sell ferry tickets plus meals, transfers, tour guides or return services. Check the official ticket price first, and then determine what services are added to the package to know whether the price difference is reasonable.
Cruise ships will adopt pre-sale arrangements in peak seasons. In some holidays in 2026, online pre-sales will be opened 10 days in advance. The number of days available for purchase and ticket release time on ordinary dates may be different. It is not suitable to wait until the day before to make temporary comparisons during summer vacation, National Day and Spring Festival travel.
How to calculate children’s tickets?
Li River cruises implement real-name ticket purchase and boarding verification, and children also need to enter their real identity information. The official regulations on scenic spot ticket discounts and cruise ship seat arrangements are not the same item. They cannot be simply understood as “children’s tickets are free, so the boat ride is completely free.”
| Children’s situation | Possible rules involved | Parents need to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| 6 years old and below or 1.2 meters and below in height | Tickets to scenic spots may be free according to regulations, and there are other requirements for cruise ship seats and the number of people that can be carried. | Whether it is necessary to purchase tickets, whether to occupy seats, and how many free children each adult can bring |
| Above 6 years old to 18 years old | Scenic spot tickets may enjoy discounts, but cruise tickets may not be discounted at the same rate. | The final tickets, cruise tickets and meal costs generated by the system |
| No resident ID card | You still need to use valid identity information recognized by the ticket purchase system | Can I use the household registration book, medical birth certificate or other valid documents? |
| Need separate seats | Even if the scenic spot tickets are discounted, boat seat fees may still be involved | Whether children have fixed seats and can they be arranged consecutively with their parents? |
| Need children’s meals | Children’s ferry tickets and children’s meals are usually judged separately | Meal fees, meal formats and allergies or special dietary arrangements |
Official reminder: There are currently special instructions on free tickets for young children and the number of children that each adult can bring, but the specific implementation should still be based on the order generated based on the ID on the ticket purchase page. When two or more young children are traveling together, and children need separate seats or separate meals, they should contact the official ticket sales channel for confirmation before payment.
If a child does not have the original ID, or the name or ID number is entered incorrectly, the on-site verification may be affected. Parents should not just save the screenshot of the order, but also prepare the valid ID used when purchasing tickets.
How do the elderly choose?
Elderly people who have normal mobility, can go up and down stairs independently, and have low requirements for meals and seating space can usually complete a 4-hour tour of the Li River on a Samsung ship. The actual effect may be more obvious if you use the price difference for hotel-to-pier transfers, Yangshuo pier pick-up, or reducing luggage dragging.
People who have knee discomfort and are not suitable for frequently going up and down stairs should not just ask whether it is a three-star or a four-star product. What’s more important is to confirm the seat floor, the location of the bathroom, how many flights of stairs are needed to get to the deck, and whether it is easy to get up from the seat.
When you are prone to fatigue, are sensitive to cabin crowding, or need to sit and rest for a long time, the more spacious cabin and seat configuration of four-star ships are more practical. When booking tickets, you can ask if you can try to arrange a seat near the aisle and close to the bathroom, but the written order should still prevail.
Elderly people who need to eat on time or have more dietary restrictions should check the ship meals in advance. Buffets are common on four-star ships, but this does not necessarily mean that they are suitable for low-salt, low-sugar, soft food or other special diets. If necessary, prepare a small amount of food that conforms to daily eating habits.
For seniors who only want to see the main scenery, don’t care about meals and decorations, and are not prepared to go to the deck frequently, Samsung ships will not miss the main river sections.Whether an elderly person needs to upgrade mainly depends on seats, stairs, meals and transportation, rather than age itself.
How to choose when raising children
Preschool children take a boat ride for about 4 hours continuously. They may be unable to sit still, take a nap, want to go to the bathroom temporarily, or are not used to boat meals. At this time, whether the seats are adjacent, whether the passage is convenient, the location of the bathroom and the lunch arrangement are more important than the cabin decoration.
Strollers usually need to be folded and placed in a location designated by the staff, and cannot always be parked in the cabin aisle. For large strollers, twin strollers, or families carrying multiple suitcases at the same time, the number should be stated before issuing a ticket to confirm whether they need to be carried by themselves.
If your child has a nap habit, you can prepare a light coat, a small blanket and familiar comfort items, but do not assume that four-star ships have children’s sleeping facilities. A wider seat does not mean that it can lie flat, nor does it mean that a child safety seat will be provided.
Deck stairs, slippery floors, and heavy photo-taking traffic all require adult supervision. Children should not go on deck alone, nor should they chase around railings. On rainy days, you can reduce the time you spend on the deck and enjoy the scenery through the cabin viewing window.
Case:A family of three with a 4-year-old child stayed in Guilin city the night before and stayed one night in Yangshuo after taking the boat. There is no need to return to Guilin on the same day. This family should prioritize the hotel to pier transfer, whether three people can sit next to each other, how to calculate child tickets, whether lunch is suitable for children, whether a stroller can accompany the ship, and how to pick up the car from Yangshuo pier to the hotel. Packages that include a return vehicle to Guilin have no practical effect on them.
The connection after disembarking in Yangshuo will also affect the child’s condition. If you live in the county town, outside West Street or along the Yulong River, the pick-up distance and whether the vehicle can reach the hotel entrance vary greatly. Families with children can refer toGuilin parent-child 4-day itineraryReduce queuing and transferring after disembarking.
How to arrange for seasickness easily
The Lijiang River is an inland river, and navigation is usually smoother than sea navigation under normal weather, but there is no guarantee that everyone will not faint. Wind, rainfall, water surface changes, lack of sleep, fasting, oversaturation, and looking down at the phone for a long time will all affect the physical sensation.
People who are prone to seasickness can try to choose a location in the middle of the cabin, near the aisle, and with a stable line of sight. During the voyage, look less at mobile phones and books and more at fixed scenery in the distance. There’s also no need to keep your head down to organize your camera or phone when you’re getting ready to hit the deck.
Before sailing, you can eat a small amount of familiar and light food. It is not recommended to go on an empty stomach or eat too full in a short period of time. Alcohol, overly greasy foods, and lack of sleep may make discomfort more pronounced.
When you need to use commonly used motion sickness drugs, you should use them according to the product instructions. Children, pregnant women, the elderly and people taking other medications can consult a doctor or pharmacist in advance and do not try unfamiliar medications temporarily on board.
Four-star ships do not mean that you will not get seasick.. More space and seating may make some people feel more at ease, but personal condition, weather and location will still affect the experience. Getting more sleep, traveling less, and controlling your diet are often more helpful.
What to confirm before booking a ticket
- Is the order written about three-star shipping, four-star shipping, or other short-term or round-trip products?
- Complete name of the embarkation terminal, whether it is Mopanshan Passenger Port or Zhujiang Passenger Port
- Hotel pick-up time, dock gathering time, ticket exchange deadline and sailing time
- Whether the order includes ship meals, and whether the meals are uniform catering, simple meals, table meals or buffets
- Whether pick-up and drop-off is included in Guilin city, and whether the hotel you are staying in is within the pick-up and drop-off range
- Whether the return trip to Yangshuo is included, and whether the destination is Guilin city, station, hotel or ferry terminal
- Whether seats are arranged randomly, window seats are given priority, or window seats are guaranteed in writing
- Can multiple people traveling together be adjacent to each other, and whether children have independent seats?
- What are the rules for pricing children and what valid documents are required?
- Do adults, children and the elderly need to bring original documents when boarding the ship?
- Can suitcases, foldable strollers and other large items be placed on board the ship?
- Cancellation, rescheduling, ship delay and temporary ship change rules
- How to notify, reschedule or refund when adjustments are caused by weather, water levels or water traffic management
FAQ
Are the routes for three-star ships and four-star ships the same?
Usually the same or highly coincident. Three-star ships depart from Mopan Mountain, and four-star ships depart from Zhujiang River. They mainly take the essential section of the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo, passing through areas such as Jiuma Painting Mountain, Huangbu Reflection, and Xingping. Water levels, weather and temporary arrangements may change the day’s sailing speed or docking arrangements.
Does a four-star ship always sit by the window?
Not necessarily. Four stars represent the ship and service configuration and do not automatically mean you get a window seat. When the order only says “random arrangement”, visitors may still be seated on the aisle side. If you need to sit by the window, you should ask the merchant to clearly indicate whether it is guaranteed, how many people are guaranteed, and the specific arrangements.
Does Samsung ship have fixed seats?
Yes. Three-star ships do not offer standing tickets. Passengers usually use fixed seats and dining tables according to ship tickets or on-site arrangements. Different cruise ships may use double tables, four-person tables or multi-person tables. Traveling with multiple people should confirm in advance whether the seats are adjacent to each other.
Can I move around freely on the ship?
Access to restrooms and open decks is available during staff-allowed hours. Passengers may be asked to return to their seats during sailing, berthing, dining, rainy days or when the deck is crowded. Do not enter the work area without permission, and do not occupy other seats by yourself.
What kind of boat is suitable for the elderly?
With normal movement and low requirements for meals and space, a three-star ship is usually sufficient. If you have knee discomfort, fatigue easily, or are sensitive to crowding, a four-star ship may be more suitable, but you still need to confirm the location of the bathroom, seating floor, and stairs to and from the deck.
Do children need to buy tickets?
It is calculated based on the child’s age, height, valid ID and ticket purchase system. Scenic area ticket discounts and cruise ship seats may be processed separately and cannot be directly used to reduce the total adult price by half. If there are a large number of young children or they need separate seats, they should first confirm with the official ticket sales channel.
Is the boat meal worth upgrading?
If you are traveling with the elderly and children, do not want to prepare your own lunch, or have higher requirements for the dining environment, four-star ship dining is more convenient. For those who just want to see the scenery and have little interest in buffets, you can compare the total price of a three-star ship plus meals instead of upgrading just for meals.
How long does it take to get from Guilin city to the pier?
The official reference distance is about 28 kilometers, and the ride takes about 40-50 minutes. Morning rush hour, holidays, hotel location and pick-ups along the way can all add time. Scenic spots are recommended to consider ticket collection and security check, and depart from the city about 1.5 hours in advance.
How to get back to Guilin after arriving in Yangshuo?
Official base tickets usually do not include return journeys. You can purchase passenger transportation services to Guilin city or station, or you can charter a car, hire a car online, or stay in Yangshuo. Please confirm the destination before purchasing. Vehicles returning to Mopanshan or Zhujiang Pier are mainly suitable for self-driving pickup.
Will the cruise be suspended if it rains?
Ordinary rainfall may not necessarily suspend sailing. Operation depends on water levels, wind and water traffic management. In the event of heavy rainfall, strong winds, floods or temporary restrictions, the scenic spot may delay, adjust or suspend flights. Please check official notices and order information.
Can strollers be brought on board?
Folding strollers can usually be carried, but most of them need to be folded and placed in a designated location, and they cannot block the cabin passage. Large or double strollers should be confirmed in advance whether they can board the ship and whether parents need to carry them on and off the ship.
Can Samsung ships go to the deck?
Usually yes. Samsung ships also have open viewing areas, and you don’t just have to sit in the cabin. Deck area, open floors and opening hours vary with ship type and weather. Popular river sections are crowded, so please follow the staff’s arrangements.
Data verification:Guilin Lijiang Scenic Area official ticket information, transportation instructions, Lijiang essence tour tips, three-star cruise introduction, four-star cruise introduction, scenic area carrying capacity and reservation announcement. Fares, flights, transfers, docking stations, children’s tickets and meals are subject to adjustment. This article does not replace official rules with travel agency promotions.
With a limited budget, normal movement, and mainly wanting to see the scenery of the Li River, a three-star ship is usually enough; if you are prone to fatigue and have higher requirements for cabin space and dining, a four-star ship will be more practical if you increase your budget. When taking the elderly and children, proximity to transfers, stairs, toilets and seats is often more important than star rating. Before payment, double-check the pier, time, window seating conditions, boat meals, child tickets and return destination in Yangshuo.
Guilin Li River Cruise — — Practical Data
Transport & Schedules
- Guilin city → Mopanshan pier / Zhujiang pier | Taxi/dedicated line: A taxi about CNY 70–80, or take the dedicated line; setting off 1.5 h ahead is recommended[src]
- Guilin station/Guilin North station/Guilin West station → Yangshuo station | High-speed rail/EMU: Fastest about 22–30 min, fare about CNY 22–30, frequent departures[src]
Where to Stay · Room Type · Nearby
- Guilin city (Two Rivers and Four Lakes/Elephant Trunk Hill area) | Room tip: Convenient for leaving early the next day to board at the pier; the city sights are concentrated | Nearby add-ons: Elephant Trunk Hill, Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas, East-West Lane, Prince Jing’s Palace·Solitary Beauty Peak[src]
Typical Climate & Packing (Past Years)
- January: 5.2–11.9 °C, Guilin climate normals (China Meteorological Administration, publish
- February: 6.5–12.5 °C, Guilin climate normals (China Meteorological Administration, publish
- March: 10.5–16.8 °C, Guilin climate normals (China Meteorological Administration, publish
- April: 15.6–22.4 °C, Guilin climate normals (China Meteorological Administration, publish
- May: 20.2–27.4 °C, Guilin climate normals (China Meteorological Administration, publish
- June: 23.2–30.4 °C, Guilin climate normals (China Meteorological Administration, publish
