MY TRAVEL INFO: LIPU RIVER IN GUILIN, CHINA

During my visit in 2017, the Lipu River (a tributary that joins the Li River at Pingle) remained a serene and culturally rich part of the Guilin landscape. While most travelers flock to the main Li River cruise between Guilin and Yangshuo, the Lipu area is famous for its "pastoral" karst scenery and the spectacular Silver Cave.

Based on my photos from that trip, here is a breakdown of what makes the Lipu River area special:

1. Traditional Cormorant Fishing

One of the most iconic sights in the Lipu and Yangshuo region is the cormorant fisherman.

• The Method: Fishermen use trained cormorants to catch fish. A small ring or tie is placed around the bird's throat to prevent it from swallowing larger fish, which the bird then brings back to the bamboo raft.
• A Living Tradition: By 2017, this had transitioned from a primary livelihood to a cultural performance. At night, you would see fishermen with gas lamps or torches, which attract fish and create the stunning reflections typical of the "Guilin landscape" aesthetic.

2. Local Markets and "White Bags"

The markets along the Lipu and Li Rivers are famous for several local specialties that are often sold in large quantities:

• Water Chestnut Flour: A fine white powder used to make the local Ma Ti Gao (water chestnut cake).
• Luo Han Guo (Monk Fruit): Often sold dried; while the fruit is brown, the inner fibers can appear pale.
• Osmanthus Products: Guilin means "Forest of Sweet Osmanthus," and white bags of dried osmanthus flowers or osmanthus-infused sugar are staples of the region.

OSMANTHUS

3. Silver Cave (Yinziyan)

Located in Lipu County, this is arguably the most impressive cave in the Guilin area.

• Why it's unique: It gets its name because the stalactites and stalagmites contain crystals that sparkle like silver and diamonds under the lights.
• Local Lore: There is a famous local saying: "Once you've been to Silver Cave, you'll never be short of money."

4. MOON HILL

Moon Hill (Chinese: 月亮山; pinyin: Yuèliàng Shān) is one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the Guilin and Yangshuo region of China. It is a massive karst limestone hill featuring a natural arch that passes completely through its summit, creating a silhouette that resembles a moon.

The hill is famous for the "Appreciating Moon Path" at its base. As you walk or cycle along this path, the perspective of the arch changes, making the "moon" appear to go through its phases—from a thin crescent to a half-moon, and finally a full moon when viewed from directly in front.

While the "Li Pu River" is part of the larger Li River system, the Lipu County area offers other notable attractions like the spectacular 

Silver Cave

 (a massive karst cave) and the 

Ruyi Peak Cableway Scenic Area

 with its glass walkway and suspension bridges.

21/12/2025: 3.56 P.M