Two Rivers and Four Lakes

The Two Rivers and Four Lakes water system encircles Guilin's old town, turning a simple evening into a slow cruise past illuminated bridges, pagodas and karst silhouettes. It's the city's signature night experience, best seen from the water. With our private guide handling tickets and timing, you skip the queues and simply enjoy the ride.

Aerial view of Guilin's interconnected lakes and rivers with bridges and cityscape

What it is

The Two Rivers and Four Lakes (Liangjiang Sihu) is a 7.3-kilometre waterway that links the Li River and Taohua River with four inner lakes — Rong, Shan, Gui and Mulong — forming a continuous loop around central Guilin. Completed in 2002, the project restored ancient moats and connected them to the city's natural rivers, creating a scenic belt that doubles as flood control and a living stage for Guilin's nightscape. Along the banks you'll pass reconstructed Song-dynasty gates, the Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas, and dozens of bridges, each with its own design and story.

Historically, these waters were the city's defensive moats and transport arteries during the Tang and Song dynasties. Today the system is a 5A-rated scenic area and the most popular evening activity in Guilin. Cruises typically run from dusk until around 21:30, with boats departing from several docks. The route is entirely flat and can also be walked or cycled, but the night cruise offers the most dramatic views, especially when the pagodas and bridges are lit. Our guides know which dock has the shortest wait and which side of the boat gives the best photos.

Highlights

Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas — These golden and silver pagodas rise from Shan Lake, connected by a small bridge; they're the most photographed sight on the route after dark.
Illuminated Bridges — Over 20 bridges span the waterway, each with distinct architecture, from traditional stone arches to modern glass structures, all lit for the evening cruise.
Karst Skyline — Even in the city centre, limestone peaks frame the lakes, offering a taste of Guilin's famous landscape without leaving town.
Song Dynasty City Gates — Replicas of ancient gates and walls line parts of the route, giving a sense of the city's medieval past.
Li River Connection — The system links to the Li River, so you can combine a lake cruise with a daytime Li River trip for a full water-based experience.

Visitors boarding a tour boat at a lantern-lit pier on Guilin's lakes

How to get there

The Two Rivers and Four Lakes are in central Guilin, easily reached by taxi or Didi from most hotels (¥10–20). The main cruise docks are at Wenchang Bridge and Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas; your guide will direct you to the least crowded one. Many travellers visit in the evening after a day trip to the Li River or Longji Rice Terraces. We can arrange a private transfer and pre-booked tickets so you simply walk on board.

Tickets & practical info

Night cruise tickets cost around ¥210–¥260 per person for a standard boat, depending on the dock and seat class. Some premium boats offer better views and cost up to ¥350. Opening hours are roughly 8:30–21:30, with cruises departing every 20–30 minutes from 19:00. Book at least a day ahead in peak season (May–October). Foreign credit cards are often not accepted at the dock; use WeChat Pay or Alipay, or let us purchase tickets for you in advance.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit is at night, ideally between 19:30 and 21:00 when the lights are fully on and the sky is dark. Summer evenings (June–September) are warm and lively, but expect crowds; spring (April–May) and autumn (October–November) offer comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists. Avoid major Chinese holidays if you prefer a quieter experience.

Tips from our guides

Book the night cruise in advance, especially for weekend evenings, as popular time slots sell out quickly.
Sit on the right side of the boat (facing forward) for the best views of the Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas and most bridges.
Bring a camera with good low-light capability; tripods are not allowed on boats, so a steady hand or high ISO is key.
Arrive at the dock 20 minutes early to get a good seat and avoid last-minute rushes.
Combine the cruise with a walk around Shan Lake before boarding; the pagodas are stunning at sunset from the shore.

Detailed stone bridge arch with carvings over calm water in Guilin

FAQ

How long does the Two Rivers and Four Lakes cruise last?

The full night cruise takes about 60–90 minutes, depending on the route and boat speed. It covers the four lakes and two rivers, with commentary in Chinese and some English.

Can I walk around the lakes instead of taking a boat?

Yes, the entire loop is pedestrian-friendly and takes about 2–3 hours on foot. It's free, but you'll miss the on-water perspective and some lit areas are best seen from the boat.

Are there English explanations on the cruise?

Most boats have basic English announcements, but they can be hard to hear. Our private guide can provide full context and translation throughout the trip.

Is the cruise suitable for children and elderly travellers?

Yes, the boats are stable and boarding is assisted. It's a relaxed activity with seating, suitable for all ages. Wheelchair access is limited, so contact us in advance if needed.