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Recommendation for Li River cruise

Hi

We are looking for a 4 or 4.5 star Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo in end March. Trip.com does not have the dates yet. I found that there is a web site called Lirivercruises.com. Have anyone used it and are they good? Please advise. Thank you.

The Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is a popular attraction, and for end of March, most cruises are operating normally as this is outside the typical low-water winter period. The higher-rated cruises, such as 4 or 4.5 star options, usually include better seating, meals, and more comfortable facilities compared to standard tourist boats.

Regarding booking, Trip.com is often used, but it may not have all dates available for end of March yet. The website Lirivercruises.com is another option. While it provides direct booking options and schedules, user reviews are mixed. Some travelers report smooth experiences, while others mention that customer service is slower than expected and that language barriers can occasionally cause confusion.

Key points to consider when booking a higher-rated Li River cruise:

  • Check the ship category – higher stars generally mean more spacious seating, better food options, and more scenic viewing areas.
  • Confirm the departure time – morning cruises are preferred for better light and calmer waters; afternoon cruises are available but sometimes shorter or less scenic.
  • Verify cancellation or change policies – especially if booking online from abroad, as schedules can shift due to water levels or weather.

Other tips from travelers:

  • Book early to secure premium seats, especially if traveling on weekends or Chinese holidays.
  • Consider booking through a reputable hotel or travel agency in Guilin as they often have partnerships with the cruise operators and can provide extra assistance if there are issues.
  • Read reviews for the specific ship you are considering, not just the booking platform, to ensure the experience meets expectations.

In summary, a 4 or 4.5 star Li River cruise in end March is feasible and should be enjoyable. Lirivercruises.com can be used, but cross-check reviews and consider alternatives like Trip.com or local travel agencies for security and service quality.

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The attractions mentioned in this question

Guilin
Yangshuo
Li River

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