Yangshuo(阳朔) is a county located 65 km south of Guilin City. It is characterized by breathtaking karst landscape scenery, a holiday atmosphere, and its rustic culture. The section of the Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo is the most attractive stretch, offering vibrant activities to immerse yourself fully.
Content Preview
- Top Things to Do
- How Many Days to Spend
- Best Times to Visit
- How to Get to and Get Around Guilin
- Where to Stay
- What to Eat
Top Things to Do in Yangshuo
1. Bamboo Rafting on the Yulong River
What could be more authentic in Yangshuo than immersing in karst landscapes on a traditional bamboo raft?
Picture yourself casually in your seat as your raftman poles you across the Yulong River's emerald-clear waters. Flanking both banks, Yangshuo's most iconic scenery unfolds: vibrant rice paddies, water buffalo wading in tranquility, and the dramatic karst peaks perfectly mirrored in the glassy surface.
This journey shows the river's most breathtaking beauty and includes thrilling "dam-surfing" moments, letting you float through a living Chinese landscape painting. It's pure harmony between humanity and nature.
The motorized bamboo raft is fast but noisy.Not interested in the Li River cruise? Opt for the motorized bamboo rafts on the Li River departing from Xingping Ancient Town.
While less serene than the Yulong experience due to the motor noise, you could efficiently visit the Li River's crown jewels: the Nine Horses Fresco Hill and the landscape immortalized on China's 20-yuan banknote, which are perfect for time-conscious travelers seeking iconic sights.
Golden Dragon Bamboo Parade Cruise on Yulong River in Yangshuo, Guilin.Prefer staying dry?
As dusk falls, head to Yulong Bridge for the "Golden Dragon Parade". Witness a mesmerizing spectacle as illuminated bamboo rafts connect like a glowing Chinese dragon gliding on the river, creating a truly spectacular alternative.
You may be interested in: Bamboo Rafting in Guilin
2. Cycling through the Yangshuo Countryside
Cycling offers the most flexible, authentic way to immerse yourself in Yangshuo's idyllic rural landscapes. Rent a bike, leave traffic jams behind, and pedal freely along the picturesque 7km Shili Gallery route, a mostly flat path that is perfect for leisurely exploration.
The Shili Gallery unfolds like a living landscape scroll, showing karst peaks that loom beside the road, while patchwork fields stretch within arm's reach. Stop whenever inspiration strikes you, and feel free to explore ancient stone bridges and pavilions, exchange smiles with farmers tending rice paddies, or pause at a roadside farmhouse for tea and a breeze.
Beyond the Shili Gallery? We offer advanced routes revealing Yangshuo's hidden corners, complete with maps, timing advice, and even expert cycling guides.
For a deeper adventure, consider our curated tour: Ride With Us: 5-Day Guilin Biking Adventure
3. Watching Impression Sanjie Liu
Seeking an unforgettable Yangshuo night? Witness an epic open-air performance on the Li River's natural stage called Impression Sanjie Liu, which is conceived by acclaimed director Zhang Yimou (mastermind behind the 2008 Beijing Olympics opening ceremony).
Hundreds of local fishermen and performers bring to life the legend of Zhuang song goddess Sanjie Liu against the backdrop of Guilin's karst peaks. Through dazzling lightscapes, haunting folk vocals, and synchronized dances on water, they weave together ethnic traditions of Guangxi Province.
This is where light, sound, and human artistry merge with nature, showing a breathtaking celebration of Chinese cultural heritage.
- For the best value, we suggest choosing B1 section seats offering unobstructed sightlines, and please remember to book at least 3 days ahead to secure your spot.
- For families traveling with children, the show's abstract, artistic narrative demands some cultural familiarity and a sense of art, making it less engaging for young children.
- For kid-friendly entertainment, consider the interactive indoor performances and flash-mob dances at Guilin Eternal Love.
→ Explore Details: Yangshuo Impression Sanjie Liu
4. Witnessing Cormorant Fishing at Xingping Ancient Town
*Caution: Not recommended for people with ornithophobia (fear of birds).
For photographers and culture seekers, Xingping's ancient dock offers a rare glimpse into a centuries-old fishing tradition.
You can get a chance to board the bamboo raft with a seasoned fisherman and watch as his trained cormorants, sleek black waterbirds, dive beneath the surface quickly, them emerging with fish gripped in their beaks.
The fisherman guides them with special rope knots, rewarding each bird with a small fish after the catch.
At dawn or dusk, when mist shrouds the Li River, this scene transforms into a living Chinese ink painting: the fisherman, his cooperative cormorants, and the bamboo raft against karst mountains and still water.
It's both an extraordinary photographic moment and an immersion into China's intangible heritage.
5. Exploring Pristine Moon Water Cave
*Caution: Not suitable for people with nyctophobia (fear of darkness) or claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces).
Have you ever gazed at Guilin's karst peaks and wondered what mysteries lie within their core? At Moon Water Cave, you'll be equipped with exploration gear and follow expert guides through waterways in near-total darkness.
With only your headlamp cutting through the shadows, discover nature's subterranean gallery to see millennia-sculpted stalactites and stalagmites. The cool, mineral-scented air and echoing drips create an otherworldly classroom where adventurous families witness 300 million years of geological artistry, like attending a thrilling hands-on lesson in Earth's hidden wonders.
If the pristine caving is too stimulating, consider Silver Cave for an illuminated exploration.
This is a fully developed alternative that is family-friendly, with paved walkways, handrails, and colorful lighting that transforms chambers into dreamscapes, offering geological wonder without physical challenges.
You can feel free to marvel at calcite structures gleaming with crystalline purity, inspiring the local proverb, "Visit Silver Cave, never lack coins."
Read on for detailed information: Best Caves to Visit in Guilin
6. Try Rock Climbing & Via Ferrata
Beyond admiring Yangshuo's legendary landscapes, why not scale its very bones?
As a world-renowned rock climbing destination, Yangshuo's limestones offer routes for every adventurer, whether you're a seasoned climber testing your limits on professionally graded faces, or a first-timer seeking adrenaline with expert-certified guides.
For those preferring thrilling heights without technical demands, the Via Ferrata ("Iron Pathway") transforms vertical challenges into accessible achievements.
Picture yourself ascending sheer cliffs along secured iron rungs and safety cables, while across rock walls requiring no prior skill.
With every step up these engineered pathways, feel the exhilaration of conquering hundred-meter heights until the entire karst kingdom unfolds beneath you: patchwork rice fields, the jade-green Li River, and villages nestled among peaks. It's perspective earned, not just seen.
7. Enjoying Vibrant West Street Nightlife
As night falls, Yangshuo's ancient heart awakens. West Street transforms into a lively scene worlds away from its daytime charm.
This ancient cobblestone street comes alive under glowing neon lights, buzzing with energy. You can wander past sizzling Chinese street food stalls, lively bars (from rowdy live-music spots to cozy lounge bars), and quirky shops selling ethnic handicrafts and souvenirs.
Or you can just sip a local craft beer if you are feeling tired, soak in the music, and strike up conversations with fellow travelers from across the globe. Here, East and West don't just coexist. They effortlessly mingle, creating a uniquely electric atmosphere you won't find anywhere else.
Curious where to begin? With so many bars and shops to explore, we've handpicked a few favorites to help you make the most of your night: What to Do in Yangshuo West Street
8. Painting Fans in Fuli Ancient Town
For travelers drawn to traditional Chinese culture, a visit to serene Fuli Ancient Town, celebrated as the "Kingdom of Chinese Painted Fans", is a must. Here, you'll craft your own unique souvenir, infused with the region's spirit.
We'll guide you into a heritage workshop where masters unveil centuries-old techniques. Using ink brushes on blank rice-paper fans, you'll learn to sketch simple scenes of Guilin's misty mountains, delicate flowers, or birds. Then inscribe blessings in elegant calligraphy, perhaps 福 (fú, prosperity) or 和 (hé, harmony), capturing Yangshuo's poetic beauty to carry home.
If you wish to deepen your cultural journey, join us at Yangshuo's Seven Fairy Peaks Tea Plantation. Wander through terraced fields of fragrant tea bushes, breathing in their fresh aroma. In harvest season, you may get a chance to pick your own leaves and craft a batch of tea to share with loved ones, which could be a truly unforgettable taste of China.
How Many Days to Spend in Yangshuo?
Although Yangshuo can be explored in a single day, we sincerely recommend staying in Yangshuo for at least one night so that you can arrange your itinerary over two days for a more flexible and relaxing experience.
2 Days in Yangshuo
- Day 1: Arrive in Yangshuo, then discover Yangshuo's countryside by bike or car. Watch Impression of Sanjie Liu at night.
- Day 2: Take a bamboo raft on the Yulong River, then climb Xianggong Mountain for "Li River's First Bend", before departure at Yangshuo Railway Station.
Taking a bamboo raft to view from the river is a must for first-timers in Yangshuo. As for exploring the Yangshuo countryside, cycling is the most flexible way through the narrow footpaths and to avoid traffic jams.
For three or more days to spend in Yangshuo, consider caving in a pristine karst cave like Moon Water Cave, try stand-up paddle-boarding on the jade emerald river, and climbing up one of the karst cliffs guided by professionals. Spending days leisurely staying in your hotel to unwind is also appreciated.
Which is Better, Guilin or Yangshuo?
Choose Yangshuo if you're short on time (around 2 days) and only want to experience Guilin's most stunning karst landscapes distilled into one place.
But if you are planning three or more days, we recommend you spend at least one day exploring Guilin's iconic city sights, such as Elephant Trunk Hill, Sun and Moon Pagodas, and Reed Flute Cave, to witness how karst mountains and city life blend seamlessly.
Taking a day trip to Longji Rice Terraces is also a popular choice, especially for nature lovers and shutterbugs.
4 Days in Guilin and Yangshuo This following itinerary packs Guilin's greatest hits into minimal time, includes hiking rice terraces, cruising the Li River's painted scenery, and cycling through Yangshuo's dreamy backroads.
Every detail of this trip is handcrafted to your pace and passions. Ready to make it yours? Let's start designing your dream journey.
Best Times to Visit Yangshuo
Spring(March-May) and autumn(September-November) are the best times to visit Yangshuo, with pleasant weather and the most stunning scenery. Throw yourself into the sea of rapeseed flowers in spring, and applaud for the harvest of golden rice fields in autumn.
Yangshuo in summer(June-August) is great for outdoor activities and water fun, including hiking, kayaking, and stand-up paddling. But this period also overlaps with summer vacation, marking a peak season, and you could expect a summer surge with higher costs and longer queues.
Winter(December-February) could be the least recommended time to travel to Yangshuo, with chill weather and brown vegetation. However, it is also the mild season that awards you lower costs and fewer crowds, and it feels like you own the whole attraction.
How to Get to and Around Yangshuo
Yangshuo has no airport, but it does have a high-speed railway station and a coach station, which both connect to nearby major cities, such as Guilin, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong.
You can take a bullet train to Yangshuo Railway Station directly from Guilin, if you are not into the Li River Cruise which would cost 4 hours. However, taking a private transfer with a local tour guide could save you the hassle of getting from the high-speed rail station to your hotel, being the most efficient way.
As for getting around Yangshuo, biking and riding a scooter are the most popular ways to leave behind the traffic jams and freely exploration of its countryside.
For detailed timetables of transportation, read on: How to Get to and Around Yangshuo
Where to Stay in Yangshuo
Typically, we suggest staying in the Shili Gallery Area for the most stunning karst landscape and tranquil environment. Near the famous Yulong River, you could easily embark on a cycling exploration, or simply stroll around the rustic countryside.
However, if you're really into bustling streets and vibrant nightlife, staying in the West Street Area would suit you more. As for shutterbugs and nature lovers, staying in Xingping Ancient Town Area to get closer to Xianggong Mountain and Damian Hill for shooting remarkable sunrise or sunset scenes.
To compare hotels between different regions, you may find your answer in: Where to Stay in Yangshuo
What to Eat in Yangshuo
Being spicy and sour, Yangshuo dishes have typical flavors of South China. Located beside the Li River, fish is a must-try dish on your Yangshuo menu. The most famous Yangshuo specialty is beer fish (opt for beer duck if you are not into fish).
Just as its name implies, the fish is deep-fried and then brewed with beer, tomato, and ginger. The alcohol evaporates and takes away the fishy smell, so non-drinkers can also enjoy the dish.
As a highly commercial and prosperous area, you could have more choices of what to eat on West Street. Besides Chinese restaurants, it is possible to find restaurants serving Western food and catering to specific needs, including vegetarian, Indian, gluten-free, and halal.
It could be hard to find decent restaurants that serve delicious specialties, since they are sometimes hidden in the back streets. Ask your guide if you want to discover local flavors at a guaranteed recommendation, and remember to let your guide assist you when ordering the food to suit your tastes.
Plan a Trip to Yangshuo with China Highlights
Still having no clue about how to plan a time smart itinerary in Yangshuo?
Follow our experienced local experts to deeply explore Yangshuo's landscapes, discover hidden scenery you've never experienced, and savor authentic farm-to-table meals. Why wait? Contact us now to book your unforgettable Yangshuo journey!
(10,000+ reviews)