Li River is the soul of Guilin scenery. It is the river of poems and paintings. There is a popular Chinese saying that the mountains and waters of Guilin are the best under heaven. Hanyu vividly described the enchanting beauty of the Lijiang River in his poem: The River looks like a blue silk ribbon, and the mountains resemble emerald hairpins.
The Li River is famous for its beauty of four unique: verdant mountains, fragrant waters, mysterious grottoes, and exquisite rocks. Along the river, there are deep pools, dangerous shoals, murmuring springs, and roaring waterfalls. Going downstream in a tourist boat, one can enjoy spectacular views of crowded towering peaks along the riverbanks, waterfalls suspending over forests of rocks, and their crashing sprays upon jutting rocks. The region covers 83-km karst area with clear, exotic, ingenious and changing characteristics. Cruising down the Li River, people can enjoy the fabulous sceneries, such as "Fascinating Views of Three Hills", "Nine Horses in Picture Hill", "Places of Interest in Xingping" and "Green-Lotus World" etc. It is indeed a wonderful experience, enjoyment and exploration. What one marvels at most is the "Nine Horses in Picture Hill". It's endowed by nature's uncanny workmanship, with a smooth flat surface. Seen from a distant boat, due to the interplay of various shades of brilliant colors upon it, the surface looked as if painted with a picture of faintly discernible 9 houses. On the crest of the peak, poised a colossal "steed", rearing its head and neighing, while by its side two "Colts" were grazing. One can see "The Avant-garde Horse" on the summit of Yuwei Peak and "The Horse Falling Behind" on Mahuang Mountain.
The Lijiang River brimming with crystal-clear waters twists and turns between magnificent and beautiful mountains. Its banks are covered with lush bamboo and luxuriantly green woods. Luohan Mountain, Chaoban Mountain, Wuzhi Mountain and Luosi Mountain rise up from under the waters.