Two Rivers and Four Lakes Guilin
Guilin's Two Rivers and Four Lakes: a captivating urban water system famed for its illuminated pagodas, bridges, and nightly spectacles.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light shows and ambiance
Two Rivers and Four Lakes Guilin
Best Time
Magical light shows and ambiance
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Guilin's Two Rivers and Four Lakes: a captivating urban water system famed for its illuminated pagodas, bridges, and nightly spectacles.
"The night tour scenery will blow you away! Such a lovely place!"
🌙 Night Cruise Essential
Book your night cruise tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
Wander the park's paths to discover hidden gems and enjoy the scenery.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Illuminated Pagodas
Stunning pagodas light up the night sky, reflecting beautifully on the water. A truly magical sight.
Night River Cruise
Glide along the water after dark for a mesmerizing experience of lights, music, and performances.
Elephant Trunk Hill
A unique rock formation resembling an elephant drinking from the river. Iconic Guilin landmark.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Nighttime Spectacle
Navigating Crowds and Tickets
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌙 Night Cruise Essential
Book your night cruise tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
Wander the park's paths to discover hidden gems and enjoy the scenery.
🎶 Enjoy the Performances
Look out for traditional music and dance shows around the lakes.
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Capture the illuminated pagodas and reflections for stunning night shots.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌙 Night Cruise Essential
Book your night cruise tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
Wander the park's paths to discover hidden gems and enjoy the scenery.
🎶 Enjoy the Performances
Look out for traditional music and dance shows around the lakes.
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Capture the illuminated pagodas and reflections for stunning night shots.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the magical nighttime illumination of the Two Rivers and Four Lakes, with the night cruise being a highlight for its stunning views and cultural performances. While generally clean and beautiful, some find it quite crowded, and the Cormorant show has raised questions for some. +1
"I think it is interconnected with Elephant Trunk Hill because it is nearby to one another. The place is nice, the view is beautiful and it is quite crowded with so many tourists. The entrance is free and there are so many booths and stalls that sell food, drinks and souvenirs. The place is also clean. You can see an elephant shape on the hill and there are also activities like river Cruise and so on here."
Hafizun Mushtafa
"A wonderfully relaxing river cruise with picturesque surroundings lit wonderfully to highlight the best of the area. The dancing and music in the various pagodas and buildings really added an extra element of beauty and wonder. We even had a lady playing a traditional instrument on the boat on the way back down the river which such a delight.
The cormorant show itself was interesting but we couldn’t quite tell if some of the birds were stuck to the poles or not as they flapped but didn’t really move too much :-("
Jamie Higgs-Dey
"Fantastic experience and must do activity when you are in Guilin.
We were there during raining season unfortunately, hence the river has a little of current. Fortunately, cruising still operating. Heard that some days cruise ceased operation when rain causing high tide.
Make sure you prebook the ticket and be on time. It requires exact same name, tally with your ID; pretty strict."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area is centrally located in Guilin city. You can easily reach it by taxi, bus, or even a pleasant walk from many downtown hotels. Many visitors combine a visit here with Elephant Trunk Hill, as they are quite close.
Yes, Guilin has a good public transportation system with buses and a readily available taxi service. Ride-sharing apps are also popular and convenient for getting around the city and to nearby attractions like Yangshuo.
Absolutely! Elephant Trunk Hill is very close to the Two Rivers and Four Lakes area, making it easy to explore both on foot. It's a great way to soak in the city's atmosphere.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The park itself is generally free to enter and explore during the day. However, specific activities like the night river cruise or visiting certain attractions within the area may require separate tickets.
Ticket prices for the night cruise can vary, but it's a popular activity. It's best to check current pricing and book in advance to secure your spot, as they can sell out.
Yes, pre-booking your night cruise tickets is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid disappointment and guarantee your spot.
The park is generally accessible during daylight hours. The main attraction, the illuminated scenery and night cruise, typically begins after sunset and continues into the evening.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy a relaxing night cruise, admire illuminated pagodas and bridges, see water shows, and explore the park's walking paths. Elephant Trunk Hill is also nearby.
Absolutely! The nighttime illumination transforms the area into a magical spectacle, with vibrant lights reflecting on the water, making it a must-see.
Yes, you can often enjoy traditional music, dancing, and other performances around the lakes, especially during the evening.
The 'Golden Dragon' cruise refers to a special night event where numerous bamboo rafts are illuminated and arranged to form a 'dragon' on the Yulong River, creating a unique visual spectacle. +1
Yes, Elephant Trunk Hill is a prominent landmark in the vicinity and is often visible from various points around the Two Rivers and Four Lakes area, especially from the water.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are during the evening when the pagodas and bridges are illuminated. The reflections on the water create stunning shots.
A tripod is highly recommended for stable shots in low light. A camera with good low-light performance and a wide-angle lens can capture the expansive illuminated scenery effectively.
Generally, photography is allowed. However, be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash directly at performers or during sensitive moments.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a family-friendly cruise that might have shorter durations or more engaging elements for younger ones. During the day, exploring the park on foot allows kids to burn off energy. While the Cormorant show has received mixed reviews regarding animal welfare, it might still be of interest to some families.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring a tripod to ensure sharp images in low light conditions and experiment with long exposures to capture the movement of the water and the vibrant lights. Beyond the night, the area offers opportunities for daytime shots of the karst landscape and traditional bridges. Consider visiting during the golden hour before sunset for warm, soft light. The nearby Elephant Trunk Hill also provides unique photographic angles.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of the Nighttime
Taking a night cruise is the quintessential experience here. Gliding along the water offers unparalleled views of the illuminated cityscape and the surrounding karst peaks. Many cruises also feature live performances, including traditional music and dancing, adding an extra layer of cultural immersion to the visual feast. This is when the area truly lives up to its reputation as a living painting.
For photographers, the nighttime offers a unique challenge and reward. Capturing the interplay of light, water, and architecture requires careful planning, but the results can be breathtaking. The vibrant colors and reflections create opportunities for truly memorable shots, making it a highlight for many visitors.
Connecting with Nature: Rivers and Lakes
While the Two Rivers and Four Lakes are within the city, they are intrinsically linked to the broader Li River system, famous for its dramatic karst mountains. Many visitors extend their trip to Yangshuo to experience the Li River and Yulong River more intimately, often through bamboo rafting. These experiences offer a chance to get up close with the 'finest scenery under heaven.'
The Yulong River, in particular, is celebrated for its serene beauty and is a popular spot for bamboo raft tours. The 'Golden Dragon' event on the Yulong River, where numerous rafts are illuminated at night, showcases a unique blend of natural scenery and creative spectacle.
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