Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Consider booking your Li River cruise tickets through Trip.com for significant cost savings compared to booking directly with Li River Cruises. Travelshorts saved almost 50% using this method. (5:33)
- Tip 2If you're on the Li River cruise and want to take a picture with the 20 RMB note scenery, remember to look backward, not forward from the boat, for the best view. (26:37)
- Tip 3During the buffet lunch on the Li River cruise, try to get to the buffet line early. Food items may not be replenished, and popular choices can run out quickly. (28:01)
- Tip 4When disembarking the Li River cruise at Yangshuo, walk down the street as far as possible, turn right, and then order a taxi from there to avoid restricted taxi zones. (39:30)
- Tip 5The Yangshuo Mountain Retreat is a reasonably priced boutique hotel with a stunning river view. Consider booking through Booking.com. (44:51)
- Tip 6Download Travelshorts' free PDF guide to China for helpful travel tips, hotel recommendations, and attractions. It includes information updated after China's recent reopening. (50:49)
- Tip 7Use Alipay or WeChat Pay for easy and convenient transactions throughout China. These mobile payment apps are widely accepted. (51:37)
Embark on a captivating journey with Travelshorts as they navigate China's breathtaking Li River on a luxurious 4-star cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo. This isn't your average river cruise; Travelshorts shares insider tips on booking, cost savings, and unique experiences, from encountering the iconic 20 RMB note scenery to savoring a delightful (though slightly chaotic) buffet lunch. Prepare to be mesmerized by the stunning karst landscape and the tranquil atmosphere, a perfect escape after weeks of exploring China's bustling cities.
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This video documents Travelshorts' Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, China. The journey begins early with a taxi ride to the cruise terminal, showcasing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of pre-booking tickets through Trip.com. Travelshorts highlights the advantages of a 4-star cruise over a 3-star option, emphasizing the reduced passenger count, comfortable seating, and a buffet lunch.
The cruise itself is a visual feast, offering spectacular views of Guilin's karst landscape, including the iconic scenery depicted on the 20 RMB note. Despite some initial confusion finding their designated berth, Travelshorts' family boards the boat and enjoys the upper deck's superior views, even braving some rain to capture the best photos.
The video provides a detailed tour of the boat, including the upper and lower decks, the buffet area, and even the bathrooms. Travelshorts shares their experience with the buffet lunch, offering a humorous account of the challenges of being at the back of the queue and the resulting scarcity of certain food items.
The cruise continues with more breathtaking scenery, including a surprising discovery of what appears to be mining activity in the distance. The family makes sure to capture the famous 20 RMB note view, offering viewers tips on the best vantage point.
Upon arrival in Yangshuo, the video follows Travelshorts' journey to their hotel, the Yangshuo Mountain Retreat, sharing their experience of navigating the bustling docks and finding a taxi. The video concludes with a tour of their hotel room and its stunning river view, emphasizing the peace and tranquility of the location after weeks of busy sightseeing. Travelshorts offers valuable tips on booking, transportation, and accommodation, making the video a comprehensive guide for anyone planning a similar trip.
Throughout the video, Travelshorts' personal insights and emotional moments shine through, creating an engaging narrative. The unexpected challenges, such as the rain and the buffet lunch scramble, add to the authenticity of the experience, making it relatable and memorable. The video's conversational tone and vivid descriptions immerse the viewer in the journey, creating a sense of being right there with the family.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: How much did the Li River cruise cost?
- A: I got a great deal on Trip.com, paying around £41 for myself and £22 each for Matthew and Holly. It was much cheaper than booking directly!
- Q: What was the buffet lunch like?
- A: It was pretty good, but get there early! They don't replenish the food, so if you're at the back of the line, you might miss out on some items. The chicken and onion stir-fry was my favourite, but the oranges went quickly!
- Q: What's the Yangshuo Mountain Retreat like?
- A: It's absolutely fabulous! The location is beautiful, peaceful, and the views are stunning. It's a bit of a journey from Yangshuo town, but totally worth it for the peace and quiet.
- Q: What's the best way to get to the hotel from the cruise terminal?
- A: It's tricky. The taxi zone near the terminal is restricted. You need to walk down the street a bit, turn right, and then order a Didi from there.
- Q: What are some things to do in Yangshuo?
- A: We're planning on relaxing at the hotel, maybe walking around town, and seeing the Impressions Sanjie Liu show tomorrow night.