Liriver Sunrise Guilin

Liriver Sunrise Guilin Pano, Connan 5D IV, 24-105mm F4

Liriver Sunrise with Cormorants  PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE

The early bird catches the worm

To capture the most stunning sunrise over the Li River, you need extra dedication.

Liriver Sunrise, Connan 5D IV, 24-105mm F4

We set off at 03:30 AM in the dark, driving for 45 minutes to a secret, hidden photography spot.

No crowds, no noise, not even many local photographers have discovered this place.

After parking, we hiked for 15 minutes in the dim light,

crossing a quiet stream, passing through a sleeping village and an orchard covered in dew.

Before dawn arrived, we finally reached this hidden  photography viewpoint by the Li River.

Li River Blue Hour, Connan 5D IV, 24-105mm F4

Li River Blue Hour, Connan 5D IV, 24-105mm F4

Before dawn, the Li River is quiet and peaceful. Mist shrouds the distant karst mountains, and the calm water reflects the silent night. 

Faint fishing lights glow gently on the river, lighting up a bamboo raft, an old fisherman, and several cormorants. This is the peaceful night of the Li River.

Fishman Li River, Connan 5D IV, 24-105mm F4

As the first ray of sunlight breaks through the dawn, the world wakes up. The sky turns from pale white to warm gold, shining over the green peaks. 

The mist floats away slowly, and the river glimmers like sparkling gold.

Li River with Cormorant Fishing, Connan 5D IV, 24-105mm F4

The fishing lights fade, and the raft glides across the water. Mountains and rivers form a living ink painting. 

Day and night, light and shadow, together they create the most beautiful scenery of Guilin.

Xianggong Hill Blue Hour, Connan 5D IV, 24-105mm F4

All the late nights and early mornings were worth it —for a sunrise that few people ever get to witness.

This is the Li River — a timeless dream of Chinese landscape for Photographer.