Electric rafts power up tourism along Lijiang River

Sightseeing rafts glide along the water with only a low hum, replacing the roar and exhaust fumes that once accompanied gasoline-powered vessels along the Xingping section of the Lijiang River in Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.

For raft operator Mo Jianbin, who has worked at Chaobanshan Wharf for 14 years, the change is felt every day on the river.

In the past, gasoline engines produced loud noise and sometimes emitted black smoke, while fuel leaks could pose a threat to the river, he said. Since the rafts were electrified, noise levels have fallen from about 120 decibels to around 60 decibels.

The shift has also made the rafts easier and safer to operate. Unlike the old gasoline-powered vessels, the electric rafts have a reverse gear, making docking and navigation in complex waters more convenient, Mo said.

The transition from gasoline-powered sightseeing rafts to electric ones is part of Guilin’s broader efforts to protect the Lijiang River basin and promote greener tourism in one of China’s best-known scenic areas.

In recent years, the city has invested about 15 billion yuan ($2.2 billion) in ecological protection and restoration projects in the basin.

The Lijiang River’s ecological environment has remained good for four consecutive years, with its surface water quality ranking among the best in the country. Guilin has also been selected as one of the first pilot cities for realizing the value of ecological products.

For Mo, the environmental gains have come with economic benefits.

Gasoline-powered rafts used to cost up to 1.5 yuan per kilometer to operate, while electricity is now covered by the scenic area, he said. With a better visitor experience drawing more tourists, his annual income has increased from more than 30,000 yuan to over 60,000 yuan.

He Shanwei, Xingping raft manager at Guilin Lijiang River Scenic Area, said the company began converting gasoline-powered rafts to electric ones in 2023 and completed the work in 2024.

At present, 500 electric rafts are operating at two wharves in Xingping, he said.

Each sightseeing route is about eight kilometers. Each electric raft carries two batteries, and each battery can support nearly three trips. Charging facilities have been set up opposite Chaobanshan Wharf, and a full charge takes two to three hours.