RAFTING THE RIVER LI
Rafting the River Li from Yangshuo produced visions of landscapes painted on Chinese scrolls. The shallow river meanders between sheer-sided Karst peaks. These peaks reach 300 metres. Villages, homes, bamboo groves, birds and animals are to be glimpsed by us as we slide along the river. Cruise ships and elaborate tourist craft speed along the River Li. However we boarded the primitive bamboo raft just as the local Chinese navigate the River Li. Ours, for this cruise, is a 9 log bamboo craft with two double chairs and a delightful wonky roof that wiggles as we trundle along the river. The roof is a blessing as it does provide shelter from the many persistent showers that occur during our travels. Propulsion of the craft is not by pole as on the Yulong River, but by a sophisticated outboard motor. Our experiences on this journey are indelibly etched in our memories.
Some bamboo rafts ready to transport us on an adventure.
Rafting the River Li from Yangshuo produced visions of landscapes painted on Chinese scrolls. The shallow river meanders between sheer-sided Karst peaks. These peaks reach 300 metres. Villages, homes, bamboo groves, birds and animals are to be glimpsed by us as we slide along the river. Cruise ships and elaborate tourist craft speed along the River Li. However we boarded the primitive bamboo raft just as the local Chinese navigate the River Li. Ours, for this cruise, is a 9 log bamboo craft with two double chairs and a delightful wonky roof that wiggles as we trundle along the river. The roof is a blessing as it does provide shelter from the many persistent showers that occur during our travels. Propulsion of the craft is not by pole as on the Yulong River, but by a sophisticated outboard motor. Our experiences on this journey are indelibly etched in our memories.
Some bamboo rafts ready to transport us on an adventure.
Tourists leaving the Yangshuo dock.
A passing motorized bamboo raft.
A large tourist cruiser at the Yangshuo dock.
A cruiser sailing towards a bridge over the River Li.
An elaborate bamboo raft sailing under a Li bridge.
A bamboo raft powered by a sophisticated motor.
A very ornate bridge beside the River.
A river station monitoring water heights, river flow and weather.
Chinese River Police ensuring navigation adheres to the rules.
Two happy Aussie sailors navigating the Li.
Fishermen's living quarters on the River Li.
A docking station beside the river.
One of our docking stations beside the River Li.
Just finished washing the veggies for market.
Locals headed for the village market.
Crossing the stream for the village market.
Water buffalo demonstrating why it is labelled Water Buffalo.
Using a pole our raft Captain propels us away from the village dock.
A view of the outboard motor that operates a tiny propeller
attached to a long rod, much like a whipper-snipper.
River House Rafts.
Amongst fishermen's huts"Surf Boards" awaiting for the surf!!!
Riverside cafe and "supermarket".
A fisherman's house boat with all amenities.
Trudging home with the washing.
Clothes washing beside the River Li.
time to dry-off after having a convenient bath!
The local lads realize it is time for a dip in the River Li.
Tourists enjoy canoeing and kayaking on the River Li.
The locals poling the River Li.
In contrast a tourist cruiser hurries to port.
Chinese Water Police on an urgent mission
to apprehend some transgressors.
A "Whipper-Snipper" bamboo raft surges passed.
The very luxurious Dragon raft zips along.
Ducks are a-dabbling.
Its time to follow the leader into the River Li.
Us ducks here, do not associate with that uncouth lot.
Please choose your PEKING duck!
We trust this buffalo is domesticated and not wild!
Water buffalo in a family group.
Yangshuo's "recycling" centre beside the River Li!
Yangshuo's industrial factory beside the Li.
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