Location & How to Get There

Sickle Bay is tucked along the Li River in Yangshuo, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It’s part of the Jiuma Painting Mountain Gorge drifting route, about an hour’s drive from Yangshuo县城. If you’re coming from Guilin, take a bus or taxi to Yangshuo first, then hop in a local taxi or rent a bike to reach the Sickle Bay dock. Trust me—the winding roads through karst peaks make the journey feel like a mini-adventure!

Natural Beauty: A Blade-Shaped Wonder

The name Sickle Bay comes from its crescent shape, which looks like a giant, curved blade when viewed from a boat. Imagine gliding through crystal-clear water, with towering limestone mountains rising around you. At sunrise or sunset, the light dances off the “blade” of the bay, creating shadows that look straight out of a painting. Locals say the bay’s shape is nature’s own artwork, and I couldn’t agree more!

Cultural Splashes Along the River

Beyond its shape, Sickle Bay is wrapped in rural charm. Nearby villages cling to the riverbanks, where fishermen still cast nets using time-old methods. You might spot bamboo rafts floating by, or farmers tending fields carved into the hills. Though Sickle Bay itself isn’t a historic site, the area buzzes with the laid-back energy of Yangshuo—a place where tradition meets tourism.

Practical Stuff: What to Expect

At Sickle Bay, expect basic but comfy amenities. The dock has a small ticket booth, rest areas with benches, and a few snack stands selling noodles or rice balls. Wear your life jacket (they’re provided) and bring cash for tips or souvenirs. The best part? No loud crowds—just you, the river, and those jaw-dropping mountains.

The Ditch Experience: Why You’ll Love It

Drift past Sickle Bay on a bamboo raft or motorboat. The highlight? Ask the driver to pause at the bay’s tip so you can snap photos of the iconic crescent shape. Morning trips catch the mist rising over the river, while evening ones bathe the cliffs in golden light. Pair this stop with a full-day gorge drift, and you’ll see why Sickle Bay is one of Yangshuo’s hidden gems.

Trust me, even if you’ve seen other karst landscapes, Sickle Bay’s unique vibe will stick with you. Pack light, bring a good camera, and get ready to shout, “Look at that bay!” a million times. 😉